Thursday, September 10, 2009

Why did God invent tonsils?

This was a question that Jack asked me yesterday and I had no answer. We don't know why God invented them but we do know they need to go. Yesterday John had surgery to remove his tonsils, uvula, part of his palate and straighten his nasal septum. Ouch. He will be down and out for at least ten days. Jack is scheduled to get his tonsils and adenoids out at the end of September and if I had my way, we would take Abe's out right now too.

Here is a picture of my patient right after surgery. He was on Demerol, Morphine and Lortab so he was pretty out of it. Now he is healing up but in a lot of pain. His parents took Abe for the day and Jack is at school so I am doting on him with my undivided attention. Its going to be a long recovery but it will be so worth it if he can sleep without his breathing stopping or go through flu season without getting strep throat.

This surgery has been long overdue. He has sleep apnea and he has chronic tonsillitis. The surgeon said that his tonsils were deeply rooted with infection and obviously had been for probably the past 30 years. In addition to the giant chronically infected tonsils, he had an anatomically low palate and a crooked septum. Any one of these things in likely to cause major sleep and breathing problems. I don't want to get my hopes up too much but this surgery could be a magic bullet to solve a lot of problems. The recovery is hellish but with the help of otter pops and narcotics he will get through it.

5 comments:

Brianne said...

I know EXACTLY how your husband feels! I was in this same boat little over 2 years ago! Just so you know he will for sure need lots of love because these are VERY painful surgeries. Especially all at one time! :)

Brittney said...

omg, scotts dad is scheduled for that SAME surgery on monday!! he has bad sleep apnea, and all the stuff you mentioned, its the same thing! well, i wish him a speedy recovery, I know its not going to be an easy one. where did he have the surgery done?

Stephanie said...

Congratulations John! That may sound strange to congratulate you but I want this same surgery done on me and I think it takes a lot of faith to go through with it. Scary and painful! Oh but you will feel oh so much better! I hope you the best and quickest recovery possible..

Caroline C. Bingham said...

Oh, this will be SO WORTH the pain. He's probably feeling/sleeping better already!

Ellyse said...

Hi Guys! We miss you :( I remember when Christopher went through that surgery. Milan was a newborn and I don't remember who was more work...the helpless newborn or Christopher! It was a tough ordeal for him. I hope you are back up on your feet again soon! Please let us know if you need anything at all!
Lots of love,
Cheryl, Christopher, Lauren, Ellyse, Milan, and Lani

Kramer Boys

Kramer Boys