Aug 15, 2008

Cholesteatoma Ear Surgery...

Cholestea...whatta??! I know, I said the same thing the first time the doctor said it to me. I don't want to go into what it is too much on this post...if you're curious what it is, its easy to google and find lots about it. So August 11th we checked into surgery at 6 AM, Christian was scheduled to start surgery at 8AM. By 10AM they had finally begun. He took the anesthesia like a champ(and had to be intubated). He was in surgery for about 3.5 hours. We are glad they released Christian and did not require an overnight stay in the hospital. Christian did relatively well. There was a rough patch in recovery...but once they controlled his pain, he felt much more at ease. The cholestoetoma was very large and had caused pretty extensive damage. The Dr. had to remove all but half of one bone in the middle ear. He feels he got most/all of the growth...but will go back in 6 mo- 1year to make sure. It is unclear if the hearing will be about the same or slightly worse...its a wait and see type deal. It is also unclear if he will be able to reconstruct anything...mostly because he had to remove much of everything that he would have used to connect a reconstruct to. Anyhow...we are hopeful this is the beginning of a healthier ear....and can only pray that it will not come back to cause further damage. For now, we are just laying low and allowing the ear to heal. Luckily he still has one more full week before school starts. He should be pretty much up to normal by then (as long as no one touches his incision).
Do my sleepy eyes give the 6AM away??
He played lots of GBA before surgery as a distraction! He was also hilarious...dancing on the gurney and cracking jokes
In recovery...in a lot of pain and confusion.
Not a very clear picture...but you can vaguely see the incision post surgery.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Chad says maybe that new long hairdo will be the perfect cover-up for the ear surgery - although I happen to like my men with freshly cut short hair!!!

Kristi Moody said...

Poor guy!! Hope is feeling better...and mom too! Just wanted to say thanks for the kind words. I love your sis and I'm so lucky to have her as a friend. She has told me so many great things about you and I can't wait to meet you soon!!! You'll have to make a special trip:-) You have the cutest fam. Thanks for being a blogging buddy..you didn't have much choice. lol

Taryn said...

I am glad he is doing well, we have been thinking about you guys all week. He is so brave, it always amazes me what children can handle and how I always underestimate their abilities. I got a little teary eyed with the picture of Gavin looking at him in bed, it is always so sweet to see father and son together.

p.s. I like the new look:)

Jen I said...

Ok, but it still makes me want to cry! Looking at that picture of Gavin looking over his little boy.... So sweet.

Tynel Jarnagin said...

I'm glad that they were able to clean it out pretty well and hope that no further surgery will be required. I was very impressed to see him at church today! Children are so amazing at bouncing back! You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Jake & Rachel said...

Christian is so brave! I hope his recovery is going well, I had no idea it would be so invasive! You're in our thoughts and prayers, we miss you guys!

Family said...

I am glad the surgery went well... I hope his recovery is quick and painless. Let us know if you need anything..

Jocie

-Ang said...

What a tender time. Deep sigh of relief that the worst is over and we'll pray for good. You guys (especially Christian) handled it all like champs!
I know what book it is you have on your lap in the picture Shawna. I loved the "Twilight" saga! Good choice to pass the time.
Love you guys!