Life outside of PCH

I read that kids have trust issues after surgeries, especially so young but I didnt really understand the extent of it until last night.

Keegan went down for bed but eventually woke up and sounded very scared. I then brought him in the bed with me and he dozed right off. However, every time our bodies would stop touching he would wake up and cry again. Then, he would put his foot on me or have any sort of contact and fall back asleep. I was nervous because he didnt have all the monitors hooked up and night and I knew nurses would not be checking in every so often. He tossed and turned all night and couldnt seem to get comfortable.

We were a little worried last night about possible herniation in Keegan so we called the on call neurosurgeon. Based on the symptoms the surgeon was concerned about either a hydrocoele or hernia. He then passed the word on to Dr. Shafron. Dr. Shafron called at about 10am this morning and told us to go to the ER and that he would call a doctor to check on Keegan when we got there. We got back to PCH around 11am after thinking we would not be returning =( The ER got us right in and 2 doctors looked at Keegan. They then ordered an ultrasound to check and make sure everything was alright. Keegan did NOT like being back in the hospital and seemed very scared and unsure. I actually had to lay on the hospital bed with him to calm him down and he soon fell asleep on me before they wheeled us on over to the ultrasound location. They did the ultrasound and gave Keegan his third beanie baby.

We then waited in the room for the doctors to go over the results. Fortunately, they came back with good news and told us that he had fluid built up from all the fluids he was given throughout his stay in the hospital. It should go away on its own.

They also addressed the diarrhea issue that kept us changing diapers every 30 minutes for the past 24+ hours. They told us to keep him on a strictly clear liquid diet for 24 hours and then give him light foods. Kids often times have upset stomaches due to antibiotics and we would just have to wait it out. In the meantime, we were to make sure he drank fluids. So far so good. I am sure he will wake up starving tomorrow.

It is not going to be an easy road to get Keegan comfortable around people again. He is on guard non-stop due to everything he has gone through. We are trying to let him know that we are here for him and not going to harm him. He needs constant comfort and to be around recognizable things and people. I think he just needs some quiet time without people touching him , although its hard to do because he is just too cute.

Now if only kids could talk! I wish he could tell me if he hurt or where he hurt. I wish he could say he is scared or that he doesnt want people around (although body language is good at telling me some of these things).It is so hard seeing our baby boy whine so much when he is normally laughing, smiling and talking but I know it is just a matter of time.

♥ Love ♥ ,

Tara