Eva had her oral surgery this morning. We had to be there at 7:30, so fortunately I could just get her up, change her diaper, and hop in the car -- so glad I didn't have to endure her asking for breakfast and having to deny her.
We watched the fish in the aquarium until they took us back. Then I changed her into a hospital gown (so tiny!) and she got to play with toys until the dentist arrived. The nurse carried her into the operating room. Eva looked at me over her shoulder all the way down the hall, it definitely hurt my heart.
I don't enjoy having my children undergo general anesthesia. But it truly stresses Marc out -- he confessed to me this afternoon that he couldn't sleep last night because he was so worried.
The surgery lasted an hour and a half. (Good thing I packed a bag with my book, magazines, and snacks.) When the dentist started drilling, he immediately discovered that the decay was too pervasive for mere fillings. She actually had to have a baby root canal!!! And two crowns. When he came out to tell me, I literally could not believe it. I thought I was young for a root canal when I had to have one at age 30.
She really did not like waking up from the anesthesia. She still had her i.v. in and I know from experience how annoying that can be. They wanted her to eat or drink something, but she just was not having it. She cried for about an hour and didn't even open her eyes all that time. After we came home and I gave her some Motrin, she fell asleep in my arms for about an hour.
I had been awake since 5:45 and was really tired. I was hoping she would take a good long nap in her crib and I could nap as well. But I have to say -- maybe it was because I knew this would be a stressful event for her and didn't make any other plans for today -- I was happy to be the one who could comfort her. In the hospital when she was miserable and inconsolable, I had this feeling that it was my privilege to be there with her, to be the person she wanted in the midst of her misery. I guess there is some payoff in being the nurturer, the comforter for these little ones we are entrusted with. It was a great experience, and one I needed because I so often just feel sucked dry.
She seems to be back to her normal self now, although her new teeth look so funny to me! They are definitely whiter and significantly larger than her old front teeth -- it's going to take some getting used to. I hope they will serve her well.
In other news, I went to a new doctor yesterday. I finally had to admit that my right knee and foot are just kicking my butt. They have been hurting so much I haven't been able to exercise for about a week and a half.
The good news is, I really like this new doctor, and I have been looking for one for a long time. The bad news is, she said that I am much too young to have a knee like this, and that it sounds like it has pretty bad arthritis in it. She referred me to a podiatrist for my foot pain and thinks I will probably need orthotics (I have long suspected as much). She wants me to get an MRI on my knee to see what is causing the trouble and a CT-scan of my abdomen and pelvis to get a better idea of what may have caused my kidney stones and to see how my kidneys are faring now. I have to get all this done, plus some lab work, and go back to see her before we leave for Paris (just over 6 weeks away!). Wow. I applaud her thoroughness, but there's nothing like a visit like that to make me feel like I'm aging, and fast.
21 comments:
I'm glad your computer is working, I feared you might be on a long hiatus.
Wow, a baby root canal, that's really something. I'm glad she made it through it all so well. An hour of crying without opening her eyes is very sad, but what a great experience for you today. I love the picture of your "Eva's Mom" sticker and the sweet feeling you had as you were there to comfort her today.
Michelle... I went to the dentist today (a new one, not th devil one) and got diagnosed with my first cavity EVER. I wanted to cry. They want to fix it for $1200 (yes, you read right) and my insurance will only cover a third of that. I might have to go home and take a day off just to be able to afford it. That means traveling, dental expenses, and a day off work might not equal that amount. WHAT?!
I feel so bad for your bebe. I can't believe she had a root canal.
It's crazy to think she needed a root canal. At least you know she will eventually loose them and get brand new teeth. Love that about the little ones. I'm glad to hear that she is doing good and that you found comfort today in being her nurturer/mother. So important to feel like you make a difference.
I can't believe yo leave in 6 weeks. That is coming quickly. I hope you get everything figured out with your knee by then.
Poor Eva. I have never heard of a baby root canal. Poor thing to be crying for an hour. I am glad she is feeling better. What a hard time. It always amazes me how we can help our kids feel better and soothe their troubles.
Good luck with your knee and foot.
I can't believe the root canal! Your pictures are all so cute- love that you thought to take one of your sticker. I have had some of the same feelings this week with being the one that Mya wants to make her feel better. It is a rather full feeling.
I hope they figure out your knee and don't have to scope it or anything. Knee and foot troubles are so hard for me. I have a really good podiatrist if you are ever interested. Good luck!
I LOVE the Eva's Mom sticker. It breaks your heart you even need one.
Sorry to hear about your knees and feet. I feel your pain. Why do our bodies give out so early?
6 weeks- 6 weeks. Wow- I wasn't processing it would happen so soon. You WILL have access to internet- No?
Oh my goodness! Poor Eva! I'm glad you both made it through fine. Hopefully she won't need anymore surgeries like that.
Good luck with your knee and foot, and getting it all done before Paris! 6 weeks is not far away at all!!
I never heard of a baby root canal!! Hope this is not a preview of things to come... Glad you both made it OK. So nice for Eva to have a comforting mom in time of need!
I never went to the dentist until I was about 10 (in Mexico)...I had 3-4 cavities.
Michelle, ths brought me back to Seth's ordeal in January...the i.v. the tiny gown, the crying, the food refusal...it is torture to watch such little bodies go through such big discomfort. So glad you were there, so glad everything went relatively smoothly. And that is one mega doctor's visit! Keep pluggin' girl.
Oh, I wondered how your day was going. I've never had a child under general anesthesia, but just the thought seriously freaks me out. Your feelings about being the one to comfort her were really touching to me. A baby root canal? Poor tiny girl!
I hope your knee and foot issues get solved quickly and painlessly! It's so nice to have found a doctor you like!
first of all i can't believe what a lot miss coca lots had to go through with her teeth. watching her look at you over her shoulder would have pained my heart as well. hopefully this will do the trick!
so glad you got in to see a doc. that does sound like quite a lot, but hopefully it will give you the answers you need. i know what you mean about feeling as though you are aging fast...i have been a joke with this pregnancy and foot and back problems. at times i am able to laugh at myself, but sometimes i just feel downright old.
Little Eva looks adorable in her nightgown. Nathan had a surgery at 3 and when he was in his gown I got all teary eyed. I hope that she is on the mend and not too clingy.
Busy weeks ahead before Paris right? Good luck with all the testing and appts. I can't believe Paris is so close!
i could have done without the visual of eva watching you over the nurse's shoulder. my heartstrings are sprung!!
i'm glad the procedure is over. also glad you found a new MD, 'though i hate hearing contemporaries talking about aging!!!
Photos of the new teeth, please! That little hand and the cute cute picture of Eva's back! It made me sad feeling....Hope all is getting back to normal and you have all been in my prayers. Yikes! Alot to do in just six weeks before leaving for Paris. Prayers will continue!
Oh my goodness, you have had a time of it, haven't you? I'm so sorry that Eva had to have a root canal done, it is bad enough with just plain old dentist stuff! I hate it when I start to feel old. It is bad enough when kids I used to babysit move into my ward with a ton of kids, but do I have to feel that old? I hope you aren't!
What an ordeal for your babe! It always is so scary to have your littles put "under" for any surgery. So happy to hear that she is doing well.
LOVED that you thought to take a photo of your EVA'S MOM sticker and your thoughts behind that. Sweet! - Hope your birthday week is GREAT!
I am so sorry I have been so out of it. I had no idea this was on the agenda for the day. I hope she is all better. I have no internet at home as my home is in complete chaos with all the painting and such. Good luck with the new doctor and all the tests. Can't wait to see you on Saturday!
It's hard to believe that little Eva would need a root canal. I feel so bad for her. I am so happy that you found comfort and joy in being her comforter. I remember when Josh woke up from his anestetic, and He cried and cried it was so hard to handle. They told me it's because it makes them dizzy and disoriented.
poor sweet Eva. That is so sad she had to get that work done on her teeth. Thank goodness for insurance is right. I hope your knee pains get fixed soon. There is nothing worse than having feet and knee pain. You have to get better before Paris. Good luck and sending wishes your way!
I'm glad to hear that you have suvived your day and that Eva did so well.
Gadzooks! Now all the testing that you get to do, good luck with that too.
wow, what a few days you have had...hope eva is feeling better. i hope you are hanging in there. it must be draining but i love that you were able to feel "appreciated" and loved in the middle of it all. wonderful that you were able to take time to enjoy the feeling a bit.
i hope things are improving at your house...
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