So, last Wednesday, Clark had surgery to install a gastrostomy feeding tube--from here forward called the g-button. The surgery was a success and took around 45 minutes. Admittedly, we had been so focused on the "button decision" that we forgot all about recovery from surgery and what a beast it can be. This time--it definitely was.
Clark's pain was hard to control, he also came out of recovery still on supplemental oxygen (a first in all of his 6 surgeries). Finally, after versed, morphine, toradol & a tylenol suppository--pain was under control. All-in-all, that took about 6 hours. During all of this, there was a lot of flailing around and tensing up. Those movements led to his stitches being ripped out. The surgeon said this was a 1st in all of his 12 years of doing the surgery. I said to him "Yes...I'd like you to meet Clark Kelley, the .01%."
Clark stayed on oxygen for 12 hours after surgery to keep his sats up. This was particularly troubling to me, as he hasn't been on oxygen for almost 2 years, since he was about 37 weeks gestational age (2+ months actual). As you can imagine, we didn't sleep at all the 1st night after surgery. Pulling an all-nighter really made me realize my age...ugh.
On to the pictures:
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| Mama, Clark & Aunt Jan |
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| Playing with toys in pre-op |
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| Lauren, the awesome Child Life specialist who came to play with Clark |
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| Wearing his non-slip duck feet with his "fall precaution" bracelet |
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| Mama makes everything better |
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| Going off to the OR with Lauren & dog |
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| He was really unhappy about having to leave Daddy behind |
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| Button + stitches halfway out |
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| Puppy love |
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| Finally found a comfortable position |
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| Thank you Apple for keeping the guys entertained |
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| Tape-job, post suture removal. Ugh. |
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| Finally, after 36 hours, able to drink something while having his vitals taken. |
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| Happy boy, despite the circumstances. |
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| Apple wins again. |
