The Bull

Porter finally had his arteriovenous fistula fixed on January 10, 2012.  During one of his three heart catheterizations about a year ago, a small hole was created between his artery and vein in his left groin.  Luckily, the fistula did not slow him down, especially in regards to walking, so the docs held off the corrective surgery until he was bigger.  And the day finally arrived!

Back in December the surgery was postponed due to a fever, but this time we went in to pre-op knowing that he was as fit as a fiddle.  But, of course, the thermometer read 100, and our hearts dropped.  Thankfully, because it was a mild fever, we continued with the pre-op procedure, and were told to keep a close eye on his temp.  The rest of pre-op was a breeze, thanks to the sweet nursing staff in the PICU at PCMH, especially Catherine and Tara!  We left the hospital at lunchtime on Monday, and enjoyed the rest of the day with a trip to the bookstore, Target, and supper at Cheddar's, all the while checking Porter's temp with our new optical thermometer.  If you're new to the parenting scene, and your kid is a wiggle worm, get one.  They're worth it.  His temp was normal all day.  (Upon further analysis, I really think he has the uncanny ability to increase his body temp at will.  A study is currently underway to test this hypothesis).

Following a restful sleep at the Ronald McDonald House, we arrived at PCMH at 6am on Tuesday.  We were taken directly to the pre-op room, where the anesthesiologist went over how the little man was to be put to sleep.  Luckily, all IV's would be inserted after he was down.  And to ease his transition even more, he was given a sedative before he was taken away.  What a sight!  If you've never seen a drunk baby (I mean, who has, right??), try to imagine a drooling, smiling, laughing baby, who can't sit up straight.  Wait a minute, that's sounds like...well...a baby.  I guess you had to be there.

He was taken into the operating room at 7:30am, and the procedure began at around 8:20am.  Dr. Koutlas was the surgeon, so we knew Porter was in good hands.  We hunkered down in the PICU family waiting room, and waited.  Catherine kept us informed with what was happening, including letting us know that instead of just one incision, two were made, because the fistula was farther down the leg than first thought.  At around 11am, we got the call that he was in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), awake, and pretty groggy, but we were allowed to go see him.  When I first saw him, I knew by the look on his face that he was HUNGRY.  He had last ate a full meal at Cheddar's the night before, and his belly was growling, audibly.  He tried to breastfeed, but with the nurses poking and prodding, it just turned into a let's-bite-mama-as-hard-as-we-can session.  Ouch.  Juice was the next option, and he slurped it down (Note: that was his first juice...ever).  A wheelchair was provided to cart us to the PICU, where he gulped down a small carton of whole milk.  After a good screaming session  (due to the affects of anesthesia, we were told, but I still think he was just hungry), he took a nap.  Here's what happened after his nap:

 Just give me some FOOD

(Note: He finished that entire bowl of Cheerios and bowl of Jello in about 3 minutes)

The first words out of Dr. Koutlas' mouth when we spoke after the surgery were "It was difficult."  Yikes!  Evidently, in addition to the two incisions, the fistula was larger than expected.  But, as we all know, Koutlas was more than capable, and he fixed our boy...again.  Before the surgery Porter's leg and foot were a shade of purple, but after the surgery, they were a nice shade of pink.  His circulation had returned to normal, and the swelling should go down with time. 

For the first night, an adult bed was swapped with the crib, and we were able to co-sleep.  Again, for other parents out there - if your baby/child has to stay overnight at the hospital, please try to arrange for an adult bed.  I understand in some circumstances it would be impossible, but, if it's just a couple night stay, and your child is not intubated, demand an adult bed.  Porter's little face lit up when it was wheeled in, and he cuddled up into my arms like a little koala bear.  We both slept like babies.  Co-sleeping: definitely NOT the same as sending a baby to bed with a butcher knife.  Get a grip, Milwaukee.  Instead of ridiculous ads of babies with knives, why not educate the Milwaukee populace on how to co-sleep SAFELY?  (i.e. without fluffy blankets and too soft pillows... and knives.... as depicted in your ads).  But I digress...

 Looka that red toe! (prior to adult bed arrival)

Enjoying some coloring time with Dada and monkey

Rockin' out on some bongo drums

The next day we were transferred to the regular ped's ward, and this time around Porter was old enough to enjoy the playroom.  What a treat!  Dada stayed with Porter on Wednesday night, and we were discharged at noon on Thursday. Talk about a quick recovery!  Porter was jumping on his bed the day after surgery! The nursing staff nicknamed him 'The Bull', because of his strength and resilience.  Grandma Bebe came to visit for the weekend, and he was back in daycare the following Tuesday.

 Shooting some hoops

Funny paint faces with Grandma Bebe

Catching up on the news

And, most importantly, a visit from the Girl Scouts.  Get 3 boxes of Thin Mints, Mama!

---Jacqui