post-op update and ? about nightmares

addslove · August 2009

We had Lillian's post-op appointment on Thursday and everything is fine. Her incisions are healing nicely and the cast is holding up well...no skin irritation, etc. She will have a cast change on September 29th (no overnight stay this time thank goodness.) The best news is that we have a cast off date so the countdown can begin...November 3rd!

I realize that DD has been through a lot over the past couple weeks which may be the cause of her sleep issues. She used to go to bed at night no problem but ever since the surgery, it has been a struggle. She used to be in bed by 9 at the latest. Well the earliest she has gone down lately was 9:30 and usually it's closer to 10, 11 or even midnight. She is clearly tired and we have the same bedtime routine and she will even fall asleep. But then she wakes up screaming. At first I thought she may still be having muscle spasms and the Doctor confirmed that they can happen for about two weeks after surgery (it's been two and a half weeks) but then he brought up the possibility of nightmares. I didn't even realize babies this young could have nightmares. Of course I'm feeling guilty because this all happened after the surgery and now I'm wondering if she's been traumatized in some way. Ugh...the guilt never ends. Any thoughts? What, if anything, can we do about it? We usually end up going in her room, comforting her, rocking her, walking with her, and sometimes even bring her into bed with us until she finally falls to sleep for good. All habits I don't want to start but maybe they are necessary due to the circumstances. She is in a rather large, confining cast after all! I'm just not sure what to do for her.

hav2run · August 2009

I wanted to answer your post from an anesthetist's point of view. Based on my experience, the chances of her remembering the period before, during, or after her surgery are extremely low. The drugs that are given block out all recollection of the surgery. She will not remember anything.

That said, it is possible that she is having muscle spasms (there are meds available for that, so if it continues, call your MD) or is uncomfortable from her cast. I would just go with the flow for now and comfort her whenever needed. You are so right that the guilt never ends. You did what is perfect and right for your baby, but you cannot help but think about the what ifs if you chose to delay the surgery. In a few months, you will be so happy and thankful that you went ahead with the surgery. Mommy guilt is going to be overwhelming in the meantime. My hugs and thoughts go out to you.

You are super brave for enduring what you are going through, and my wildest thoughts cannot comprehend how it feels. I would not give habits a second guess right now. Once that cast is off, life will be so different for you and your precious DD. She will revert to her normal developmental pattern after things go back to normal. Now is the time to do whatever you need to do to give her comfort, and the other things will fall into place later. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you learn to deal with this new place you are in at the moment. It is temporary, and her development will catch up so quickly after the cast is off. Hang in there. It will be OK eventually. Many many T&P.

alisonada · August 2009

I just wanted to say that Kady has seemed to have nightmares a few times lately too...she goes to sleep fine, then wakes up hysterical, but goes right back to sleep once we comfort and rock her. Piper never had this so it's new to me. I don't know for sure what's going on, but thought I'd mention this because maybe it doesn't have anything to do with Lillian's surgery at all..

I hope things get better for you & your little sweetie!

little-peanut · August 2009

Griffin started having nightmares when he was around 5 months. Its horrible! He doesn't have them often, but when he does it breaks my heart. He wakes up screaming, and its not a typical scream, its hysterical screaming and crying. Sometimes he doesn't even wake up. We just go in and rock him and calm him down. Don't worry about starting bad habits. Whatever it takes to soothe her and comfort her is probably the best thing.

linzpinz14 · August 2009

I agree with everyone else about not worrying about starting bad habits! You guys have been through so much! I think you should just do what works now and gives you both the most comfort and if, if there are problems with sleep after the casts come off deal with them then. GL!

JLPT830 · August 2009

What if you put something in her crib to comfort her....some kind of lovey? Would it be too unsafe given that it's hard for her to move around? Or something with soothing sounds that you can have on for her? We have sound machine that also has a ceiling projection. Not sure if that would freak her out. Hang in there!

MrsMoher · August 2009

Eli had them for several months, but he was a little older and could sit up on his own. Right about that time we bought one of the FP Rainforest crib toys that you can push the leaf and it makes noise and has songs and light. He would get scared, push the button, and then would be fine. So I would also recommend something in the crib (or on it) that your DD could use.

Good luck!

Want a personalized experience?

post-op update and ? about nightmares

Re: post-op update and ? about nightmares

Choose Another Board

Search Boards