NCDR: DD is going to need surgery

BellaBleu23

I'm freaking out here. Took DD to the pedi yesterday for what I thought was a swollen gland in her groin. Turns out they think it's an inguinal hernia. We meet with the surgeon on Monday. Apparently it's a fairly common usually outpatient procedure but still...she's barely 8lbs! General anesthesia?! Intubated?!

Anyone have any experience with this? Calm me down.

pixy_stix

I don't have any experience, just wanted to give you a ((hug)).

MrsDink

::hugs::

we don't have surgery experience, but we spent 7 weeks int he NICU and have seen my fair share of medical procedures on teeny, tiny babies at their bedside.  G was 3.5 lbs when he was born, and lost weight (like all babies do) and was then 3lbs 1oz when they had to put a  PIC line in, this was after having an IV through his umbilical stump.

pediatric surgeons and neonatologists  are incredible at what they do and specialize on newborns.  It doesn't make it less scary, but try and find peace that these individuals love what they do, and do it because they love helping those who can't help themselves. keep us posted on your LO!

PearlPink

Though I can't relate to the hernia, I can relate to your fear of surgery for your LO. We are anticipating our LO will be born with a cleft lip and will need surgery when she is young (usually around 3 months). Just know you are going to do and give her the best possible care you can! I'll say some prayers for you!

veruca5839

I don't have any experience, but wanted to send hugs your way.

jteneback

I'm so sorry to hear that.  I hope it's a quick fix for her.

LadybugPicnic2011

My brother had a hernia and had to have surgery as an infant as well.  He is now a thriving 28 year old... It really is a comon surgery and baring complications should be an easy fix.  Your family will be in my prayers.

bethandjoe09

My niece had this surgery about a month ago (don't know how much she weighed, but she was a month old at the time and was under 6 lbs at birth).  I'm sure it was stressful for my brother and SIL, but the surgery went really smoothly and she's doing great.  I think inguinal hernias are a little more common in baby boys, but they're still not uncommon in girls.  It definitely is a procedure that's performed frequently, which means the surgeon will have lots of practice doing it.

I think my niece wound up staying the night, partly because she was a preemie so I think they were extra-careful.  My SIL stayed with her.  They took her home the next day (and were able to put her straight back in cloth).  A month later and she's totally fine.  I know this is stressful, but the odds are excellent that she will be A-OK.

amberry

I don't have any experience with this either, but T&Ps coming your way!

emsrdh03

pixy_stix:

I don't have any experience, just wanted to give you a ((hug)).

Ditto!

laceysmom82

Lots of thoughts for your DD!!  No experience here but like pp said the doctors specialize in that sort of thing - try to let that reassure you.  Let us know how it goes!

WaitingforGrace

One of my DD's had emergency surgery at 4 days old and at just over 3 lbs. She was away from us for over 5 hours and in surgery for 4. The fact that it's outpatient is fantastic and indicates that it's routine enough that they aren't worried about even observing her!

It sucks and it's scary. Remember that it's harder for you than her at this age. She'll bounce back and never remember!

AshleyPT

I'd be freaking out too. No experience so that's not so helpful. I'm so sorry

BellaBleu23

Thanks for the T&Ps and reassurance ladies.  I'm in awe of the strength of you premie moms.  It's going to be a rough weekend...I'm all paranoid to let her fuss or cry at all...or to burp her...but it helps knowing that its a common procedure.  I just need to stop thinking about my baby on an operating table.

oct72006bride

My DD had surgery twice in the NICU (done bedside) and twice out of the NICU. I will say, it totally helped me mentally, to carry her back to the operating room and hold her hand while she went under so she wasn't scared (she was just over 1yr for the last two). See if you can walk her back and see the operating room, makes it less scary in your mind   I agree with everyone, it was way harder on me emotionally than it was on her!

AggieBeth06

(((hugs))))

I'm sorry to hear about this.

Your DD will be in very capable hands. Please keep us updated!