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Monday, October 21, 2013

10.21.13

What can I say about tonsils? To start- thank goodness a person is only born with one set to ever need to be removed!

Last Wednesday, Hannah had her tonsils removed and botox injections into her two main salivary glands. This turned out to be the worst day in the hospital we've ever had. The tonsillectomy was fine, but when they were injecting the botox, a minimal amount leaked into the surrounding area. Unfortunately, we had to wait four days to find out whether or not there would be damage to the nerve that controls the lower lip on her right side. Thankfully, we've haven't seen any damage, and that means that the tissue immediately surrounding the leak absorbed enough that the botox did not touch the nerve.

After the surgery, Hannah's mouth started to swell. It was so swollen that steroid breathing treatments and steroid injections wouldn't work. Doctors discussed needing to put a breathing tube in, but with having just performed surgery on her throat, the team decided to place a tube down her nose that would curve forward and push down her tongue down to allow air flow. This helped, but wasn't quite enough. So, Hannah was also placed in an oxygen tent in her crib. Overnight was rough as well, with Hannah's oxygen levels dipping into the seventies and eighties, and little sleep for her with trying to regulate pain management. 

Our last obstacle was constipation. Between a mixed up food schedule, surgery meds, and pain meds, Hannah's plumbing was just not moving. I've never been happier to clean up an up-the-back, all-over-the-crib blow out. Who knew the joy poop could bring in parenting.

Finally though, after LOTS of prayers (many from our prayer warriors- THANKS!) and a good poop, we are getting back on track. We have the best daycare lady, shout out to Betty, who always takes our Han even when her life would be much more peaceful without her some days. 

Our next month will consist of- knock on wood- NO TRIPS TO THE HOSPITAL! We will spend the entire month of November in preparation to Thanksgiving, remembering how grateful we are for our family and friends who support us each step of this crazy life.  We are especially excited for Justin to come home safe and sound! Can't come soon enough...