Tonsillectomy for Ceithlinn

Ceithlinn has had very generous sized healthy tonsils for a couple of years that we have monitoring. We hoped that she would grow into them so no surgery would be needed. Then in February she started snoring, not waking rested, and coughed for the first hour she was in bed. So, we took her in and discovered that her tonsils were almost touching her uvula. Surgery was scheduled for March 8th, much her her chagrin.

The day that surgery was scheduled lab work was requested. Ceithlinn really, really, really HATES shots (much like I did at her age... for those that may remember this usually included crying and/or screaming if I even thought there might be a shot... Mother's curses are real). I knew drawing blood would be a bit of a production. She started out brave and logical, and the the needle came out. It took about 15 minutes, Mom and 2 phlebotomists to get the blood that was needed. Afterwards she was able to return to school and show her battle wound so, it was worth it.

I forgot to bring my camera to Mary Bridge Hospital the day of the surgery. Kind of bummed about that because she really did look cute in that little hospital gown. (Note: pictures would have been taken pre-operation) Ceithlinn really was brave while the nurses asked questions and took vitals and did everything to prepare for surgery. At one point she did start to really cry. So, I held her and rocked her and reminded her that their were angels to watch over her, Heavenly Father and Jesus loved her, we loved her and I would be right there when she woke up.... we say something similar each night before the kids go to sleep. They call it "angels."... That seemed to help a little, but what really helped was the new black stuffed puppy that was given to her. She named it Pizza Planet, after our dead Black Moor fish.

Surgery went well. Recover at first was a bit rough. She got a little sick from the medicine and blood. I felt so helpless as she cried and was sick. I just held the spit bowl in one hand and her hair back with the other. (I know that's gross, but it's what happened). Within an hour she was doing better. She absolutely refused to sleep. She said she didn't want to miss anything. (We had the same issue when she was a baby, too.) She asked the nurses questions and enjoyed the Popsicles.
She was really excited to be able to ride in the wheelchair when it was time to go home. She had a smile on her face.

Once home we kept her pretty well pain drugged alternating Tylenol and Motrin with Codeine at night. The first three days were pretty rough, we spent lots of time reading, cuddling and watching movies.  After the three day things got better as far as pain and her desire to be sitting up and doing.

Ceithlinn was given some daffodils from Sister Shari Duffin in the ward. This past August we were able to go to her flower garden and pick flowers to arrange. Shari remembered that Ceithlinn liked flowers and brought some over. This made Ceithlinn feel so special. The bright yellow was a nice touch of sunshine for the house, too.

When all was said and done Ceithlinn missed about a week and a half of school. She is doing great, though. No more snoring, coughing and waking up very tired.