I realize I haven’t posted for nearly a month! A lot is going on in our lives and dealing with viral illness around the house doesn’t make matters better. Seems that no matter how much Lysol or Clorox is used, we still pass it back and forth. Now the kids and I have an upper respiratory situation going on and it isn’t pretty. You know the sounds going on–snotting, blowing, coughing, sneezing, snot bubbles, and let’s not forget the colors of everything. Gross!!
What I came on here to discuss is something that I’ve posted about before: our daughter’s VUR. She had a routine 3 month ultrasound and Dr. visit at Riley Children’s Hospital last Friday. I told my husband to just stay home with our son because it was routine and it wouldn’t be that long of an appointment. She hasn’t had any issues for about a month and a half and I wasn’t concerned about anything.
The ultrasound experience went smoother than normal. She didn’t cry the whole time this time :-). We went and waited for what seemed like forever to see the doctor. She comes in to tell us there is a new growth in her bladder and her kidneys seem to be holding more urine than before. She scheduled us for a nuclear renal scan for the following Tuesday and we were to meet with a surgeon afterward.
We struggled with insurance (still an issue and STRUGGLE isn’t the best terminology to use here). I was so worried about insurance, I began to internalize everything. I physically got sick, tired, and probably lowered my immune system by doing such. I allowed insurance to dictate my attitudes this past weekend.
Tuesday rolls around and I take Dietrich to preschool then come home and pack up the car with snacks and entertainment. Daylan and I pick him two and a half hours later, run through McDonald’s for a quick lunch, and then we head to the hospital. Of course the radiology department was backed up and behind schedule. The procedure didn’t start until 1:45 and our appointment was at 1. We were supposed to be there between 12:30 and 12:45. There are toys and things to play with in the radiology area, but the room was so packed and there was another kid puking in the corner that I just grabbed my kids and ran to the opposite corner as far away from everyone as I could. I know it isn’t right, but I have an issue with other people’s sick kids. It’s like a phobia and I run far away because, let’s face it, children show sickness in the grossest, most indecent ways! It’s unbecoming!
I still remember the solace I found in the smile of lady at the front desk. She was so sweet. Maybe she shared my fear of being around sick kids? Maybe she just had pity on me because I can’t seem to hide disgust that for some reason plasters like a big red truck on my face.
We get back to the nuclear radiology area and a student took Dietrich to pick out a DVD and watch a movie while sister was having her procedure done.
The procedure consisted of taping Daylan to the bed, cathing her to empty her bladder and keep it empty for the duration of the scan, then taping her legs to the bed, insertion of an IV to administer the radioactive material, bracing that IV so her vein didn’t blow from her flailing her arms, watching her fall asleep at pure exhaustion from crying and discomfort, and then later she received a diuretic via IV to flush the radioactive material out of her. During this time, I was so nervy that my fingers were shaking as I was trying to text and take pictures. Yes I’m THAT mom that takes pictures of vulnerable situations, ha. Once the scan was over (about a 46 minute scan), we went to the Urology department.
Daylan was exhausted, Dietrich was on his second wind and wanted no longer to sit still–mind you he sat still for the whole scan and everything that went on back in radiology. This mama was just annoyed with sitting and waiting.
We get back to the room finally and of course Dietrich has to pee. I run him to the nearest restroom, let him pee, wash his hands, and run back to the exam room where we are to meet the surgeon. The Nurse Practitioner comes in and brings the kids water and some toys. We wait longer. A medical assistant comes in and brings more toys for the kids. More waiting. Finally I Skype in Dustin as he’s at work once the surgeon walks in. (Again this is my fault because I thought this was going to be an easy day and I just told him to go to work and not worry about it. It wasn’t going to be a big deal. I must really re-evaluate what I think is easy and not…).
Long story short–Daylan is having surgery in two weeks to get rid of the issue inside her bladder. It is a simple, 30 minute procedure that will be done as an outpatient. She will be under general anesthesia, but not for very long. We get to be with her every moment, except in the OR. Ultimately she will end up with at least one more surgery to fix her reflux and kidney function hopefully in a couple of years.
I started to think about it, and of course the enemy always wants his say, and I got nervous. I’m not a good nervous person because I’m usually so put together and take things as they come and trust in Jesus. As I got to praying, I realized Dietrich had surgery less than an hour after birth. His surgery was even more invasive than what Daylan is having done. I should not be worried. God entrusted these children in our care. We prayed for these children for a long time. He handed us exactly these children because they were meant to be raised by us. We don’t freak out over things. So why should I start now?
Instead, I’m turning a grateful eye for our children. Turning a grateful eye for modern medicine. Making a change of perspective.
Have you been through scary medical conditions with your children? How did you react? How do you wish you reacted/acted?
