G-Tube

Bryce finally got his G-tube! Jus and I are SO RELIEVED it finally happened, especially since we didn’t think it would. The problem was that he had to be healthy for six weeks prior to the surgery in order to get one placed. For children with a compromised immune system six weeks is a LONG TIME to go without getting sick, especially during cold and flu season. We had to reschedule the surgery a few times since July and we really didn’t want to again. Jus and I both felt that if Bryce got sick before his surgery, then it most likely wouldn’t happen until next spring. With that in mind, we did everything we could to keep him healthy.

Unfortunately, FIVE DAYS before the surgery Bryce came down with a fever. We were so disappointed, but decided to work with his pediatrician to hopefully make him healthy in time for his surgery. We had lab work done to make sure everything looked good (thank heavens it did). I called the surgeon's office to let them know Bryce was sick and to ask if he could still have the operation. The receptionist didn’t know, but it would be decided when a nurse called the day before his surgery.

Taking a nap before the surgery

The day before Bryce’s surgery finally arrived and with it came a call from the nurse. I let her know Bryce had been feverish a few days before and asked if the surgery could still happen. She didn’t know, but she gave us two options. We could either reschedule just to be safe, or we could go in the next morning to be examined by the Nurse Practitioner, Surgeon and Anesthesiologist. We were already up in Salt Lake by the time I received the call (Bryce had an appointment with his Neurologist that day) so we decided to take him in. The nurse then gave us instructions to prepare us for the surgery, just in case it happened.

We had to check in to Primary’s the next morning at 9 am. Once Bryce was registered, they took us back to a little room where we waited until it was time for the surgery. We were given a hospital gown to put Bryce in and some of the coolest wipes I’ve ever seen to clean him with (they were thick, soft and very warm). Then the Nurse Practitioner came in and examined him. SHE CLEARED BRYCE FOR THE SURGERY! We honestly didn’t think she would, but were so excited she did! Now all we had to do was wait for Bryce to be taken back, which wasn’t until noon.

Finally, at 11:50 am the Anesthesiologist came to talk to us for a bit, then take Bryce back for the operation. I was able to carry my sweet boy down the hall a little way, then it was time to part. I handed Bryce to the doctor and watched as he walked away with my child. I’m not going to lie, it took everything I had to not break down and cry (good thing Jus was there to make me smile).

Hanging out with Daddy before the surgery

The surgery only took an hour, but we still had to wait for Bryce to come out of the anesthesia before we could see him. Before Bryce was taken back, the Surgeon let us know that it would probably take him a little longer to come out of it because he has low muscle tone. He was right. After thirty more minutes of waiting, we were allowed to go to him. He wasn’t awake yet, but he was out of the danger zone. I was so excited to hold my boy again (if you haven’t noticed, I have a really hard time being away from my son).

When Bryce did wake up he was not a happy camper. In fact, for the next two days all he did was cry and sleep. Jus and I made sure his nurses stayed on top of his pain management and we all tried everything we could think of to help him relax, but nothing was working. It was very exhausting! Then a few amazing things happened. First, we received a bunch of new ideas to try (thanks to all who helped!) and each one helped him relax a little. It was absolutely wonderful! Then, during our second evening there we passed a volunteer playing his guitar (sadly, I can’t remember his name). Jus had the brilliant idea to ask him if he’d come to our room and play for Bryce.

He was NOT happy

The volunteer played two songs for us. The first was a love song (I can’t remember the name of it). It was absolutely beautiful! At one point during the song he pulled out a harmonica. As soon as Bryce heard it, his eyes got big and he settled down so he could listen. By the time the song was over Jus and I had watery eyes, but then he started the second song. This time he played “Here Comes the Sun” and he personalized it for us. Instead of singing “little darling”, he sang “little Bryce”. It was such a sweet, special moment that touched our hearts. Jus and I were in tears! Bryce’s heart rate went from 180 to 130, the lowest it had been since we arrived for surgery. Later we found out that while the volunteer was singing, all the nurses working in our section stood outside our room and cried with us.

Our third morning at the hospital arrived and Bryce woke up happy! I was so excited that he was finally in a good mood. He even wanted to be held (the previous two days he became extra grumpy when I tried to hold him). It was a wonderful day! We were released that afternoon. All three of us were ready to be home. Bryce even slept most of the way home, we only had to stop twice the whole drive (a miracle)!

Bryce got so excited the next morning when he woke up and realized where he was. There really is no place like home!