Second Surgery done!

Phew. We are home from our overnight at the hospital. Peter is doing well now, and napping comfortably after some baby Tylenol.

This surgery took longer than the first. The surgeon had mentioned that it might be a bit slower because they can't use the electric cauterizing device because of the existing implant. I was prepared for a little slower, but when it stretched to a couple hours I was starting to get worried. Finally the Dr. came out to explain that they had to use a different shaped electrode in this ear, because after two (gentle) attempts with the same shape that is in his left ear she decided there was too much resistance and went with the "J" shaped one instead of the helix electrode. Then they had to re-do the X-ray 3 times to verify position, because the picture wasn't clear enough the first times.  But it was finally done, and I could go to Peter, who was feisty and cranky like last time.

 This go round it seemed like he had more pain overnight, and I was pretty willing to ask for the morphine every two hours. The nurses seemed like they were trying to stretch it out a bit, so even if I asked at the 2-hr mark, it was usually a little longer than that. Peter seemed content as long as I was there, but WAS NOT happy if I needed to get up for any reason. When it came time for discharge we couldn't do any more intravenous pain meds, and Peter did not like the LorTab (baby Vicodin) and tried to spit it out. Blood came out of his mouth when he spit, and I realized there was some blood on his nose, too. That didn't happen last time, though I knew it could happen. I managed to stay calm.

The Dr. was very insistent we keep the pressure bandage on at least 48 hours this time, since Peter yanked it off after less than 24 last time, and he had swelling still at the 1-week post-op as a result. I will do my best!  They did the pressure bandage in a way that I only had to fold down one little part, and I can put Peter's left CI on, so he can still hear when he's awake (which might be less than normal for the next couple days).

I am so thankful to my friends who took such good care of my girls Wednesday and Thursday. Knowing that they were in good hands and having fun removed a lot of stress!  I am grateful to my husband, who stayed with stressball me until Peter was in his hospital room after surgery. I am glad my husband's work is flexible enough that he's been able to be there for both surgeries, and any meetings we had to attend as part of the CI process. And most of all, I am so happy both ears are DONE!!

Here is my project that I worked on in the waiting room, since I don't know how to knit or crochet, and I was too nervous to read for long: