Monday, March 2, 2009

Update On An Invalid


So Daphne got her tonsils and adenoids out on Friday. She had terrible sleep apnea and wasn't ever getting a full, sound night's sleep. Her tonsils were so big that they touched in the middle when she was sick and nearly touched the rest of the time. It was affecting her eating, and she began snoring even while she was awake. The lack of sleep was even affecting her behavior and learning. So despite how scary it was for me to let her get put under general anesthesia at such a young age, we took the plunge. And.....

It went great! She came home from the hospital and ran in from the car. Then she asked for a bowl of ice cream. which she ate ALL of. Then she aske for some macaronicheese. Which she ate ALL of. It was a bowl the size that I usually split between her and Beck. Then an hour later, she ate another bowl of ice cream. so in about an hour's time, she'd already eaten more food than she usually eats in a whole day. Or several days. So that part seems to be improving already.

Daphne also slept silently the last 2 nights. Usually when I go in to check on her, she's sawing logs. But last night I had to get right up close to her face to hear her breathe. And she slept in until 8:00 this morning (usually it's about 7:15 or so) and took naps the last three days in a row (she hadn't napped more than once a week for a month now). So, Yeah!!! Lots of improvement in that area too.

She hasn't complained of any pain (we're keeping her pain meds steady) and has only showed signs of irritability once or twice. So overall, I'd say it was a good move. Really the only downside to this is that she sounds like she's been sucking helium. It's pretty funny.

Now to pay the bills...UGH. They say you can't put a price on your child's health, but I'd say the price for Daphne's health will about $1200. Stupid deductible.

15 comments:

Shawn said...

What a great thing for Daphne! To finally sleep---wow---can't imagine it!

I know all about the extra surgery cost---Bret had surgery last year on his carpal tunnel wrist---supposed to be almost all paid for---yeah, right! $2000.00 dollars later---hate that!

tiburon said...

So glad she is doing well! Sucks about the deductible!

Thanks for adding my button :)

Koreena said...

Glad it went so well!! Sounds like she's doing great!

Kristine said...

Wow I'm so glad things went well! Hopefully they continue! :)

veronica said...

That same surgery was THE best thing we ever did for son #2. No regrets!
It was weird, because after the surgery his voice even sounded different. Poor kid had been SO sick!
Glad Daphne is doing so well. Kids are amazing!

Financial Aid for College said...

I thrill and rejoice! It was worth every penny for her to have relief. It's amazing that she has been so uniformly cheerful!

Now I am investigating further surgery for my own sleep apnea. The CPAP mask hurts too much to let me sleep, and sleeping on my side doesn't work any more. It could involve a tongue-tuck, or even a tracheotomy, YUCK!!

Or, as my dentist has for the last 7 years, I could learn to sleep upright on the couch or a comfy recliner -- UN-reclined. The only time my tongue doesn't fall back into my throat is when I am 98% upright. Bummer!

kami @ nobiggie.net said...

oh good, I'm glad she is doing well. That is major surgery!

Hildie said...

Mom doesn't quite understand that a reply shouldn't be an autobiography. With chapters.

Tiffany said...

Great news! I'm sure your relief can't be measured. My sweet little niece had the same surgery a few months ago and it has made all the difference.

Anonymous said...

That's great news, we had to do the same thing for Jake at 2 years old and it was the scariest thing I have ever done but thankfully, it turned out with wonderful results too!

mCat said...

Oh but so worth it! She will feel so much better all the time now. Just alone, getting the sleep she needs. Splenda needs his nose fixed so he can stop snoring too..... Maybe Daphne will inspire him!

Kenny and Kelli Ray said...

My niece and nephew have both had their tonsils out and young age too...their voices both got HIGH. I thought that emmett's went low, but kenny reminded me...not the case. Having my tonsils out was the best thing for me too... although I had them out when I was in the 8th grade and a week before the NKOTB concert. Glad Daphne is doing well. Let me know if you need anything!

Mia said...

Good to hear that Daphne is doing so well. My friend had that surgery done on her son and he really is a different kid. Makes a difference when they can get enough sleep.

Marin said...

I am so sorry. I didn't know she was getting her tonsils out. Poor little thing. I am glad it went well and she is doing well in all aspects. She is getting so big. It's weird.

Anonymous said...

Except for paying more $$$, that's great! I'm sure she will thank you later for loving her more than money.