Carter's Surgery

Carter had surgery on June 12 to repair an inguinal hernia.  Everything went really smoothly and we could not have asked for better care.  We chose a pediatric surgeon that I have known for a long time, who also happens to be a mom.  Dr Kay is wonderful and I knew she would take good care of our son.  I was probably most impressed with the anesthesiologist, Dr Fox, and the circulating nurse, Bruce.
I was allowed in the OR while they put Carter under general anesthesia.  They don't start the IV until the child is under, so they just had him walk into the OR (his cute little back side was hanging out of the hospital gown), hop up on the OR table and get started with the anesthesia mask.  They let Carter pick a "flavor" for the gas and told him to imagine he was flying in a rocket ship.  I was amazed with how low-key everything was and how wonderfully kid-focused the entire staff was.  It put me at ease to see that Carter was made to feel so comfortable.  Even though I have been in the OR a zillion times as a nurse, it is completely different when your child is the patient.

 We checked in at 7:00

Waiting to be admitted.  Carter loved this little chair. 

 Playing Angry Birds sure helps calm the nerves...

 Carter and Mommy getting ready to go into the OR.  Pretty sweet outfit, right?

 Sean and Carter in the recovery room.  He was pretty out of it/grumpy for the first 15 minutes, then he was ready for jello and more Angry Birds.  That's when we knew he was feeling better. 

 We took it easy at home for the first couple of days and even got to have snacks in mommy and daddy's bed.  Within a few days, he was feeling 100% again! We are thankful that this was such a positive experience AND that it is behind us.  :-)