Aaron Needs Surgery

robynlesley

I don't know if you remember how Aaron was born with a Hydrocele and at his 6 month well baby visit, the pedi I saw said it had fully resolved.  But at his 9 month pedi visit another doctor (the one who diagnosed his Torticollis and Brachycephaly) told me it had not.  She wanted him to go back to the pediatric urologist. I took Aaron today.

Basically, yes he still has it and surgery is the only way to resolve this. It would be laparoscopic and outpatient. However, he needs to go under general anesthesia.  

I know in the grand scheme of things, this is minor surgery?but it sucks. The doctor we saw is one of the best in the area but I'm thinking a 2nd opinion is something to consider. His urologist wants to do the surgery next month. 

Not what I wanted to hear on my anniversary. Blah.

Will keep you posted.

jarbatz

Aww...I'm so sorry to hear that, Robyn!   But from reading the link you provided, it sounds relatively simple and like Aaron will be back to his usual self the next day!  Although I totally understand how you feel - I would feel the same way.  It never hurts to get a 2nd opinion and you should do whatever it takes to ease your worries!

Keep us posted....and try not to let this spoil this momentous day!

KD288

Oh man...sorry Robyn. I would go for a 2nd opinion just to ease my mind.

 

 

ShannonLK

Robyn, I'm so sorry to hear this.

If a 2nd opinion is what you need to know for sure that surgery is the right thing then I wouldn't think twice about getting one.

I hope you can enjoy your anniversary!!

Hugs to you!

 

snwfields

Big hugs

stever

Oh no! Poor little sweetie pie!

I definitely agree that getting a second opinion is in order, but would love to point out(what you already know) that it's a common procedure and it sounds like Aaron couldn't be in better hands.

 

Peppernut

Awww, I am sorry, Robyn!  I'm sure it will all be okay, but it so sucks to hear that on your anniversary.

*hug* 

pahokie

I would definitely get asecond opinion.  If he does have the surgery, it sounds like it should be a relatively simple procedure.  I'm sure Aaron will do great - he has already proven to be a champ dealing with his helmet and physical therapy!

leffe1

I am sorry Robyn! I would get another opinion. Keepn us posted sweetie!

carladillon

None of us wants to see our LO have to undergo surgery - no matter how minor....I'm sorry you have to deal with this.  Aaron is so lucky to have such a strong mama who takes such good care of him!

chiromommyMichelle

I agree with everybody else about the second opinion...good luck.  My DD had to go under general for surgery at 7 months old...it's stressful, but I'm sure everything will be ok.  Hugs.

M.Amy

Robyn I am so sorry to hear Aaron needs surgery. As you said you are sure he will be fine but it is still scary.  I do agree that a second opinion is a good idea.

rsd12

I am sorry.  I know that surgery at any age can be hard... fortunately at this age it will be harder on you & not your little guy!  He won't remember a thing ; )

I have been there a few times (my oldest had 3 surgeries before he turned 1) - most recently with my 2nd son and a recirc & upcoming in the fall with my oldest for a lip/nose cleft revision (my nerves are shot already). 

 

busybea

awww, Robyn, I'm so sorry you all have to go through this .... like the PP said, yes definitely get a 2nd opinion and a 3rd if necessary...and like you said, it's minor, but it still sucks. {{{HUGS}}}

mama.bear

Is this something that urgently needs to be corrected?

Robby was born with hydrospadeous (sp?). Because of which, he was unable to get circumcized. We consulted with a pediatric urologist who said he could perform the procedure but, didn't think it should be done unless was Robby was undergoing another surgery....i.e. tubes, tonsils etc.

We consult with another pediatric urologist in Dallas on Thurs. We will have this procedure done along with is cranial vault surgery in the fall. Hopefully this will be his first and last time under general anestesia.

Pesky

Sorry to hear that!!  FWIW, 2 of the local nesties on the CO board had sons who had that and had surgery -- all was well.  And DD had general anesthesia already too.  Coming out is not fun but you know, it ends up okay. 

BrideBuddies

Awww.... poor Aaron and his little peeper!  I wanna reach thru the computer and give him a noogie.

Definitely get another opinion, but it sounds like this doc knows what he/she is talking about...  The good thing is that he'll never remember any of this and it sounds like there will be no further issues with it.

fiazo

Any surgery is scary. That sucks. Poor Aaron has been through enough. Poor Robyn has been through even more. But you are better off doing it when he is so young & he is a trooper.

livvielo

Oh no, poor Aaron! (and poor momma Robyn!) I would definitely suggest getting a 2nd opinion if you are at all considering it--if nothing else, it will give you another perspective and some peace of mind.

vanverth

All I can say is

Daisiesinmygarden

Oh, I am sorry. If the 2nd opinion comes back the same, then good thing you saw the other pedi. Did they say why she thought it was when the 1st doc didn't?

I agree it sounds like you are in good hands.

superaunt

first, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

second, I'm SO sorry to hear about this. thankfully it's a minor surgery but I can totally and completely and wholeheartedly understand any fears you may have but he's gonna be OK!

Temp159135562506975

griffin had hydrocele and our pedi said not to worry about it until after 12 mos - by then it was gone... i'd get a 2nd opinion or wait a few more months.

robynlesley

My main issue re: a 2nd opinion?there is only ONE other pediatric urologist in NJ in our insurance network. While I have no problem paying out of pocket (ie. the helmet), I'm not sure it's worth it since the doctor we've seen is considered to be one of the best in the area.

As for waiting until he's 12 months, I may do that but I don't think it will make a difference.  While it has gotten smaller, the opinion of both my pedi and the urologist is that it will not close on its own. At this point the hydrocele will fluctuate in size. And I was told that the recovery is easier on a non-walker. But I'm not rushing into anything.

Thanks for all your good thoughts. I appreciate it.

 

fauxshelley

I'm sorry Aaron has to have surgery, but I'll bet he'll be his smiley self the next day.  I agree though, you should get a second opinion.

iluvtom

First of all happy anniversary and I am so sorry..Even if it is minor I would definately get another opinion. My poor little guy I hope that he is ok, he has been so brave with everything he has already gone through!!

BarefootContess

My DS had a different issue but the ped. gastro. I saw wanted to biopsy his small intestine at 15 months or so.  Went for second opinion, didn't do it, and issue resolved within a month of alternative treatment.  Most surgeons always recommend surgery, I have found. 

My best to you and your sweet boy.  

robynlesley

I'll get a 2nd opinion... just need to find another pediatric urologist!

And I didn't get the impression from the doctor that he jumps to surgery. I actually first saw him in December when Aaron was 4 months old and his recommendation was to wait as, in most cases, communicating hydroceles will correct themselves. Apparently surgery is rare: in only 1% of cases.

I can wait until Aaron is 12 months but the doctor said it was unlikely at this point (since he's over 10 months) as he usually sees them correct by 9 months.

Also, I'm not sure why Dr. P. (one of 5 peds in the practice and the co-owner) said it had resolved. She's a very good doctor and she was very helpful to me just after I had Aaron. But perhaps Dr. G (who also diagnosed the tort/brachy at 2 months) is just a better diagnostician? I'm just glad it was caught.

Dragonflyer

I'm so sorry, that sucks. If it would make you feel better, I would get a second opinion but it would be good to get it done sooner than later. I probably would get the second opinion and stay with the doctor I felt the best about. Good luck.

JenniferTCU

fauxshelley:

I'm sorry Aaron has to have surgery, but I'll bet he'll be his smiley self the next day.  I agree though, you should get a second opinion.

Totally agree with Shelley. Nothing is going to get that smiling baby down! Prayers for you, DH and sweet Aaron!

Piranha54

Yikes!  I'm sure that is the last thing you want to hear - know it would be for me!  Good luck to the little man!  Having worked at a Children's Hospital, there is a HUGE shortage of pedi urologists nationally, so that's why there aren't many out there.  Also, for the wee beasties, it's pretty much standard of care for simple procedures to have general anesthesia.  But unlike adult procedures where one anesthesiologist may be overseeing 3-4 surgeries at a time, in peds, the anesthesiologist should be the person Aaron has the most contact with at the hospital, never leaves the room, etc.  GL!