Ian's surgery story/update. (Long) PIPs

S-Tuna · November 2011

Ian's surgery went well. It took just about 2 hours from the time we said goodbye to the time he went to recovery. The neurosurgeon made an "S" shaped incision over the bump, drained the fluid, and amputated dead brain tissue. He found a bony defect that we were unaware of prior to surgery which was used to cover the hole in his skull. Because of the bony defect, the neurosurgeon had to remove some skin and stretch what was left over the area. There is now a "ridge" of skin on his head where the Encephalocele was. It looks like a mountainous region on a topography map. Ian spent an hour in recovery before we were able to see him. He was groggy and hungry, but he did give us a tiny smile. The first afternoon went better than expected. Ian ate and slept all day. He STTN. DH and I had a rough time sleeping, but Ian was perfect.

Day 2 was alright. Ian had a hard time falling asleep but took a long nap once he was out. The nurses were extremely busy with other patients. We made sure to stay on top of his Tylenol timing. That afternoon the nurses started mentioning discharge. We were just waiting on the neurosurgeon to come check Ian out. He finally came around 4:30 and said we could go home. We left around 6 to go home! Ian went to bed around 10 and STTN again.

Yesterday, Day 3, was rough. Ian was fussy and not feeling well. He couldn't sleep. He woke up every 15-30 minutes crying. He wasn't eating much. He had a fever of 100.5. DH and I were getting worried. We called my boss (Ian's pediatrician) who spoke with the neurosurgeon. The neurosurgeon said we could bring Ian in this morning just to make sure he's okay. By the end of the day, Ian seem to be feeling better. He STTN last night, and this morning we are heading in to double check that he's okay. I'd rather take him in for the peace of mind than have something be wrong and miss it.

I can never thank you guys enough for the love, support, encouragement, thoughts and prayers.

Before:

After:

mandyhall2882 · November 2011

What a precious baby. T&P that he will continue to recover well. Hang in there mama

tourqeyes · November 2011

Get better soon little man!

lob · November 2011

Hugs for Ian and hugs for S-tuna

buckyfan30 · November 2011

I hope Ian feels better soon!

Karma01 · November 2011

Happy it went well. Lots of hugs for you guys. You are one strong momma!

etoyama · November 2011

Sweet little man. Many continued T&Ps for all of you! (((HUGS)))

KD+BC · November 2011

I'm so glad Ian seems to be doing better. You are one strong woman! T&Ps that Ian is feeling completely better soon!

Out of curiosity, will he need to have any other surgeries or do they think this should take care of it?

Mish2g · November 2011

How stressful!! I'm really very happy to read that he did well with the surgery and that he's doing well at home. I know I don't post so much, but honestly, I'm very relieved for you and your family!!

navybride06 · November 2011

What a strong little dude!! T&Ps still for our lil man:)

chillyupnorth · November 2011

Go, Ian, go! I hope every day gets a little better for him, and for you!!

tandb2010 · November 2011

Awesome! So happy for Ian! I was reading this to DH and Michael was smiling and giggling. I take that as she's happy that Ian is ok too:)

S-Tuna · November 2011

KD+BC:
I'm so glad Ian seems to be doing better. You are one strong woman! T&Ps that Ian is feeling completely better soon!
Out of curiosity, will he need to have any other surgeries or do they think this should take care of it?

He might have to have plastic surgery in a year or so if the ridge doesn't flatten out on its own (it's pretty pronounced). But this should be it as far as the Encephalocele goes.

KD+BC · November 2011

S-Tuna:
KD+BC:
I'm so glad Ian seems to be doing better. You are one strong woman! T&Ps that Ian is feeling completely better soon!
Out of curiosity, will he need to have any other surgeries or do they think this should take care of it?
He might have to have plastic surgery in a year or so if the ridge doesn't flatten out on its own (it's pretty pronounced). But this should be it as far as the Encephalocele goes.

Yay!

Monsieur_et_Madame_Ha · November 2011

Tuna, I can't even begin to imagine how stressful the past few days must have been for you. The grace with which you are handling it all amazes me. Ian sure has one terrific Mama

I am glad to hear the procedure went well - ad I hope that fever he had turns out to be nothing

MandiNewMommy · November 2011

Glad to hear lil man is doing well. I am sure each day will bring new things but I hope they are all good. Hugs Mama hang in there!

legaleagles · November 2011

Sending lots of thoughts for a speedy, easy recovery.

betsy538 · November 2011

I'm so happy to hear Ian is doing well, I've been thinking about you and your family all week! I hope to keep hearing good news and that Ian is back to his normal self soon!