Last Surgery Complete - Success!

Lincoln's Hypospadias Repair -stage 2 surgery was this past Wednesday.  Everything went really well.  Linc's Urologist was able to get everything fixed up so we are not planning for another surgery!  We didn't know for sure going into this surgery if it would be Linc's last, but we are so happy that it was.

Even though we have been to Same Day Surgery twice before, this visit was different in several ways.  Mostly because Linc is older and he was more aware of what was happening.  I am glad that he was offered versed before being taken back to help him relax and not be anxious.  Linc was not too happy to be measured by the nurse or looked over by the docs during check-in.  He was definitely more relaxed after being given the med.

This time we were asked to walk Lincoln back to the entrance to the OR and give kisses there.  (Previous Day surgeries, Linc was just carried out of the patient prep room by Anesthesia.). I explained to Linc as we walked back that he was going to go to sleep for a while and Mommy and Daddy would come get him when he woke up. Now that he's older I actually need to verbalize what's happening.  I'm still getting used to remembering that Linc understands a lot now.

As we approached the OR entrance, I realized that the last, and only, time we were in that location was when we walked with Linc from the NICU to Surgery for his CDH repair.  Even though I really felt very good about this surgery and really had no worries for Lincoln this time, I started to feel those anxious feelings as we got closer to the doors.

My stomach got a little knotty as we said good by, kissed Linc and handed him off to the nurse.  A little bit because Linc is older now and you can see the fear in his eyes when he is unsure, but some of it was just from the memory of being in that spot over a year ago.  It really was strange how those old feelings returned after so long and were triggered by just the sight of the OR.  Thankfully, Linc went in without much of a fuss at all.

During the day, we received update calls from the nurse in the OR.  Even though Linc's surgery ran over the allotted time, everything went great.  During one of the update calls, we learned that the Urologist was able to perform everything she needed to and wouldn't need to do a 3rd surgery on Linc!  We were so happy to hear this!

Once surgery was complete, the Urologist came out to talk to us. She was also so happy to have been able to get everything completed in one surgery.  She informed us, though, that she wanted to keep Linc overnight for observation purposes.  She felt this was the safer option based on Linc's history of having trouble waking up after anesthesia, and the doc wanted to be sure Linc's pain was managed well after such a big surgery.  This way Linc would have access to IV meds if he needed them.

So, once Linc was awake and in recovery, we headed back for a few minutes to see him, and then we were moved upstairs to an inpatient room for the night.  Linc was really in good shape, I mist say.  Linc didn't need any supplemental oxygen after waking up to keep his saturation over 90 and he didn't need any additional albuterol.  He was a little agitated right as he woke up, but I think that was more just being scared.  Just to be sure, I requested a small shot of morphine in Linc's IV, and he fell right asleep. Linc did just fine the rest of the night with his pain being managed with just Tylenol and Ibuprofen.

Linc was pretty sleepy after surgery.  He really didn't wake up to eat or drink for about 5 hours after he was out of the OR, which is about the same as the last two Day surgeries.  Once he was up though, around 7pm, he was just happy as a clam and played in his bed and ate a little.

I cannot say that any of us really got a good nights sleep between the nurses coming in to give meds, and Linc's pulse ox alarming because he moved around too much.  I'll tell you what.  I do not miss that monitor at home one bit!

We made it through though, and Linc was discharged Thursday morning with a few prescriptions and a stint/catheter.  Linc has a follow-up appointment with the Urologist on the 26th, where she will remove the catheter and give Lincoln an overall check.

The Urologist has told us that with Linc's case, he has a somewhat high chance of some complications in the future, such as springing a leak, and that we will need to be on the look out for symptoms in the next few years.  In that case, another surgery will be required to fix the defect.  Hopefully, Linc heals up properly and no more surgeries are needed.

(Warning, mushy content below!)
At least for now, we can look forward to normal potty training and feel relief.  All of Lincoln's defects are now corrected.  It feels so good to be on the other side of all of this.  This long journey that has been 18 months long.  I'm so proud of my boy.  He's gone through so much and I just know he's going to be okay.  Better than okay.  He's going to be something magnificent, because he already is.  He is my warrior, champion, fighter, my everything.  The love of my life.

So far at home we have only had one instance where Linc was too tired and didn't take his meds well.  Otherwise, he has been doing just great, playing and eating like normal.  He seems to be healing well too, and is looking better "downstairs" than he did last time around.  Things are looking good.

And now, more pictures of Linc in the cutest little hospital gown!

waiting to go back to the OR 8:30ish Weds

Very sleepy still, around 6pm Weds

Up and playing strong 8pm Weds

Ready to go home as you can see from the blurred picture as Linc runs. 10am Thurs

Stay tuned...Tomorrow morning Linc and his family are attending a very special event benefitting St. Louis Children's Hospital that honors special patients.  Lincoln will be present with his own Christmas tree over breakfast!  The event is part of The St. Louis Children's Holiday Festival.  I'll fill you all in on the details tomorrow!