THIRD SURGERY

This post isn't going to be lengthy in words. The pre-surgery, surgery, and post-surgery appointments were pretty much the same as the other two.

The last surgery was performed on May 20. Unfortunately, my husband was unable to attend my youngest son's kindergarten graduation, due to the surgery. I was sorry he missed it, but sometimes, a family must handle two big events at the same time.

The surgery was a one-day ordeal. He went in the late morning and was home around 6:30 that evening.

Basically, some cartilage was taken from his *good* ear and placed on his new ear. This was used to create a *bowl* to make it look like DS #3 has an ear canal.

The most common question we get is, "Can he hear?"

The answer is, "Yes." However, it is muffled. If you were to put your finger in your ear, that is how he hears. We do not know the level (how many decibels), but we do know there is hearing.

The way this *one-sided* hearing affects him is that he cannot hear in-stereo. An easier way to say it is that if one were to walk in behind him and speak, he would hear the voice, but would have to look for the voice. I will always have to tell his teachers that they have to be sure he is watching them when they speak directly to him. He is learning to, but doesn't always hone in on the teacher.

We could, if we find it necessary, get a cochlear implant. We are not sure, as yet. We will need to get his hearing tested. Right now, his hearing in his *good* ear is perfect. His speech and language are developing nicely. His grades are quite good and he excels in reading. In fact, we just found out that his reading and comprehension level are at end of 5th grade. As long as his education, and speech, do not suffer, there shouldn't be a need.

This next year will be the first year that people will not be able to tell that there is some sort of hearing deficit. I will always have to contact the teachers with this information so that proper steps can be taken to ensure his academic success.

A week after the surgery, we took DS #3 back to the doctor to get the bandages removed.

That's it.

He goes back in 6 months for a check and then a year after that.

Seven years of his little ear...... done.

Well, without further ado.... let me get some pictures up here.

Every visit has a cupcake, cookie, or ice cream!

One week after surgery.

For anyone thinking about using Dr. Fearon. He is a wonderful doctor. He has changed my son's life! I truly believe that God led us to him.

Bandages have been removed. DS #s 4, 2, 3, and 1 striking a pose.

Of course..... ice cream!

This is one happy kid!

Thank you for following us through this journey. Please, if there are any questions you may have, leave a comment. I can either answer through comments or contact you personally. I will not release personal information through the blog. You may leave a comment with your email address. I will respond, but will not post your address.

God bless you all!

NERVOUS

Today, I am nervous. Really. Nervous.

I'm not normally a paranoid parent. In fact, I take most catastrophes in stride. Blood does not bother me.

But, this ear thing..... I feel quite disconcerted.

When we had the bandage removed, I was told that if it "weeps" we would have to start dressing it.

"Sure, doc. No problem."

Well, yesterday morning, my son woke to a "dry" ear. It is hard to clean because there is "baby skin." (Ha.... I had to clarify to my son that it wasn't skin from a baby, but brand new skin.) I don't want any of the dried blood to pull the new skin, so I'm being quite gentle.... in fact, "avoid" is probably a better word.

BUT, I do assess everyday. I look at it SO closely each morning and night so that I may note any changes.

Well, last night, I noticed it was a bit.... gummy. You know when you have "rug burn?" That kind of gooey, almost gelatinous-like, blood-tinged fluid? Well, it's that...... is that "weepy?" Does it need to be dressed? Does he do that? Do I do that? Does he need to be assessed? Can you hear my voice getting higher as I start to reach panic-mode?

Not being used to seeing my boy head-on and seeing a 2nd ear.... quite frankly, I'm all freaked out that it's gonna just fall off his head. What if he bumps it at school today? Does "fresh" skin peel off easily? Will it split? I JUST DON'T KNOW..... and I'm freaked.

When talking to my hubby last night, I was trying to talk myself out of calling because I didn't want to be the "paranoid mom." Embarrassing. However, this ear is costing a lot of money..... A LOT. OF MONEY! They can take my phone call. They can take 10 phone calls!

The nurse is in surgery. She will call back, hopefully, within the hour.

Another concern is the area of son's rump where the skin was taken. It has been covered with what appears to be Saran Wrap. Very expensive Saran Wrap. Anyway, it has been keeping the patch covered..... prevents air from reaching it, thus, no pain. That is all well and good. The covering can be removed tomorrow.

Except.....

I looked at it yesterday and was nothing short of horrified.

The "blister" (the part of plastic that was filled with fluid [expected]) started to ooze. It didn't pop, but seeped out the side. That is no surprise. It's on his rump. He walks, sits, lies down.... all that movement.... the liquid is going somewhere.... like out the side of the plastic.

OK. That is not alarming. Last night, when inspecting the tush, I noticed some of the plastic had kind of wrinkled up ACROSS the patch of removed skin. That CAN'T be comfy. On top of that, where the liquid has been escaping.... well, he looks like he has a rash. :-(

I feel like a terrible mom since I didn't notice this happening. It has been itching, so I have been leaving it alone.... don't want to draw attention to it. I guess that was a mistake. He hasn't been able to be bathed with all this "stuff" going on.... I've been ragging/sponging him down. :-(

I can remove the plastic tomorrow, but I might do it tonight so I can get him all cleaned up.

BUT, THEN.... the question is.... will it be OK to not be covered anymore? Do I treat it with an ointment? Should I cover it with a pad?

Oh, what I wouldn't give to be able to just keep him home another week to get him more healed up. :-/

So, here I sit. Waiting for the phone to ring. Not willing to even leave the phone, lest I miss the call somehow. I NEED to hear from the nurse... NOW. I need to know if I should go bursting into the school and remove him from school. Does he need a protective bubble? Anyone know where I can get one?

You know, this wouldn't be happening if my hubby were home. He is the one that helps me talk out things. He can see what I'm talking about and help me to make decisions.

I blame him.

Ha..... not really, Honey.

I love you!

ETA:

Phone call returned. We "soaked" off the saran wrap.... that is truly what it was. LOL! AND it was not wet..... meaning new skin is now formed.... THAT is great. So, he runs around in only boxers, but will double up on undies at school.... 1 to keep it from rubbing and 2nd to soak up any possible oozage.

The ear.... it was/is weeping and I had to get the crusty stuff off... which scared me because I didn't know how it would react to the new skin. I was able to bathe him as normal, so I washed his hair and let the kid shampoo sit on the ear for a bit to soften and loosen the "scabs." I then used q-tips to gently clean away the area.

Finally, I am to dress it with a bit of gauze that has a bit of saline on it for a few days (changing every few hours) and then assess Monday..... so basically go several days, and look again.

The ear will stop "weeping" as the swelling goes down. As the swelling goes down, the ear will start to lay back on his head.

And, I was assured by my fabulous pediatrician that the ear will not, in fact, fall off.

STAGE 1 COMPLETE!

This past week was a big week for us. DS #3 got to go trick-or-treating and then return to school on Wednesday.

He was very excited. He has so loved the attention.

We have had no problems to speak of.... very little pain meds.

This past Tuesday, we went to the doctor to have the tubes removed... here are a few pictures.

These two were taken Monday night.

Our doctor removing some of the tape and tubes.

Our son pulling the tape and medicine tube off his belly.

Giving a final glance.

The scar one week after the surgery. There is still tape, but we are letting it gradually wash/rub off. He is still a little sore, but nothing that really needs medication.

His ear, one week later. It was actually looking a bit better, but today in school, he was bent under his table getting something. He bumped his ear on the way up.... I think that explains the bruising on the top. Scared the teacher, I think, as she came out to tell us what happened.

He looks symmetrical.

So, stage 1 is done. We don't have to do anything until the end of January to the beginning of February for stage 2. I will post on that, when it happens.

We still have not heard from insurance on what they will cover. So far, we have *only* paid $500.

I hope this blog is a blessing to someone. To anyone who is going through this, I would love to communicate with you.

Thank you for the prayers and support from the readers.

THE DAY BEFORE

This post will have several pictures. If you have me as a friend on facebook, I will put most of the pictures up.

First, I want to thank everyone for their prayers. They mean so much to us.

This morning, DS #3 went to school as normal. But, shortly after attendance was taken, we picked him up to head to the hospital for pre-op stuff.

On the way, we stopped at Chipotle for lunch. That was great. :)

Then, on to the hospital. First, we went to the doctor, himself. He traced #3's good ear on plastic and cut it out.... the plastic reminded me of Shrinky Dink material. He will use that like a template to form the ear.

After we saw the plastic surgeon, we went to register. We were in the kids' section. It was totally cool. DS #3 had a great time while Daddy took care of the grown-up stuff.

Once registered, we went to have his vitals taken. I loved how the people talked TO my son, instead of over him. They made sure that he didn't have questions and that he knew exactly what was going on.

Finally, we went for some pictures. I'm not sure if this is for media or for the plastic surgeon to refer to (pictures of both ears were taken) or what.

Once we finished, we decided a treat was called for. Downstairs, was a fabulous bakery. DH got a Boston Creme cupcake. I got a strawberry cupcake and DS #3 got a cup of mint chocolate chip ice cream. We brought a giant M&M cookie for later.

We checked into the hotel and rested a bit. We will go eat in awhile. DS #3 can have solid food until midnight and clear liquids until about 5.

Surgery is set to begin at 8:15 a.m.

Thank you for your continued prayers. I will try to be back tomorrow..... by the weekend, for sure.