The Button

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:

Mama, Clark & Aunt Jan

Playing with toys in pre-op

Lauren, the awesome Child Life specialist who came to play with Clark

Wearing his non-slip duck feet with his "fall precaution" bracelet

Mama makes everything better

Going off to the OR with Lauren & dog

He was really unhappy about having to leave Daddy behind

Button + stitches halfway out

Puppy love

Finally found a comfortable position

Thank you Apple for keeping the guys entertained

Tape-job, post suture removal.  Ugh.

Finally, after 36 hours, able to drink something while having his vitals taken.

Happy boy, despite the circumstances.

Apple wins again.