Saturday, July 7, 2012

My Summer Blog Series - "My Child's Need of Repair"


"SUMMERTIME SERIES"

My Child's Need of Repair

It's not as if our summer wasn't busy enough, but nothing can slow you down more than having a child with a medical need! My 3 year old, Chloe, was born with an umbilical hernia. Not too uncommon as I too was born with one. I have read that about 10% of children are born with umbilical hernias and about 90% of them heal on their own by the time the child reaches the age of 3 or 4 (as did mine). Chloe's pediatrician had advised us early on that if Chloe's hernia didn't heal itself by the time she reached 3 years old, he would recommend a surgical consult for an Umbilical Hernia Repair.

Well Chloe turned 3 years old this year and as predicted, her pediatrician advised us to get a surgical consult because her hernia had not repaired itself. Although I was a little apprehensive about consulting with a surgeon (and the thought of my young child having to undergo surgery), we already knew it was something we had to do, especially for the long term benefits if nothing else.

Chloe's outpatient surgery was yesterday and I am happy to report that she came through it like a champ! She is still in recovery mode, but she is resting fine at home. Thanks to those good ole meds that were prescribed, she slept most of the day yesterday. She is doing a lot better today than yesterday. I asked her if she remembered some aspects of the ordeal, but she doesn't remember any of it. I am thankful to Dr. Bloss, her surgeon, and the rest of the medical staff for doing a great job on her surgery and making Chloe feel at ease with the whole process. And of course, I am forever thankful to our Lord and Savior for giving me peace to know that everything would turn out fine. Thank you Lord!

Here are some pics...
Chloe and her daddy in the "play' area of the waiting room at the surgical center.

Chloe with one of her nurses before her procedure.

Chloe with her surgeon, Dr. Bloss.

The toy squirrel the surgical center staff gave Chloe before her procedure.
She still opted for "Puppy" that she had brought, lol.

Chloe moments before they walked her back to prep her for surgery.  :-(

Resting at home, Chloe and "Puppy" after the surgery.
She was still in a zombie-like state...

She slept most of the day with her puppy by her side.

Today Chloe was well enough to venture outside in the backyard and eat leftover watermelon from our 4th of July party. What a trooper!

What a difference a day makes...and meds! :-)

Smiling again! :-)

There is nothing more precious and heartwarming than seeing your child smile, especially after undergoing a medical procedure. Chloe's smile had disappeared for awhile after the surgery and I missed seeing it. Now it's back and mommy is happy again...and smiling! :-)

God Bless!
T Denise Clary


My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever.
Psalm 73:26 (NLT)