Iris went in for her surgery this morning with her and Melissa leaving the house around 8:00am. This surgery was at Children's Mercy South so it is only a few minutes from the house. Melissa texted me about 9:40 and said they took her back. I responded by asking if she did ok or if she was scared. At this hospital they only let the parents go back so far and then they take the child on back so you basically get separated from the child while they are awake..... seems like there would be a better way? The hospital indicates they apply the "go to sleep stuff" very quickly and the children do not even remember the separation. I hope not. Melissa texted me back and Iris seemed scared but did a great job. A few photos before leaving for the hospital.
They arrived home around noon and Iris was not feeling well. She was crying and had a cold cloth across her eyes. They had given her some Tylenol but she was in obvious discomfort. Her little tears we bloody and her eyes we swollen. She cried most of the afternoon and Melissa spent the afternoon holding her. My job was to keep the other kids out of the house. Tonight the swelling had gone down some but they are still puffy.
The doctor told Melissa that Iris will have discomfort and will feel like she has sand in her eyes for a few days. He also indicated her eyes will be very blood shot for several days. Iris will go back for a check up next week.
We let her lay on my lap and watch (listen) to American Idol with Ansely and Elliot. Owen tried to make it but could not hang on and went to bed. Iris did go right to bed and went to sleep without crying so we are hoping she has a good night and feels better tomorrow.
After the kids went to bed Melissa and I discussed the day and she filled me in on the surgery. The doctor told Melissa that everything went well and he was able to do everything he had planned. So hopefully her eyes crossing will be much improved. They also worked on the bounce in one of her eyes.
Now the sad part. Melissa told me she thought Iris was very scared when they took her back. When it was over they typically call the parents back to the recovery room. But today they came and got Melissa sooner and told her that Iris needs her. When Melissa was approaching she could hear Iris screaming and crying like she has not heard before. Typically Iris will cry but it is more of a "hey, I need some attention or I am only slightly scared" cry. Today was a "I am terrified and need my mom" cry. Melissa said Iris was also screaming for her which really let her know that Iris was truly scared. Melissa had a hard time even telling me about this tonight. She said when she first saw her Iris' eyes were extremely swollen and there was no way she could see anything. We think Iris thought was was blind again. We both hope this was not the case but Melissa described Iris in a way that is just not typical for Iris.
I know I have mentioned this before but Iris is so well adjusted and is absolutely thriving. Looking back her vision has far exceed what we thought it would be when we first met met her two years ago (next month). She is so full of energy, curiosity, and love. I can not imagine not having her as part of this family.
A few photos and little note on the other kids...... Owen is eating more solid foods and seems to be doing ok. Hopefully the eating of more solids will help keep the esophagus open. We are going to keep on feeding him as long as he handles it..... Elliot has a birthday in four days and he can not stand the waiting. This is all he talks about..... Ansley turned 10 yesterday! Wow time goes quickly! Her grandmother got her the IPod Touch and she can not put it down. We got her a new bicycle and went to pick it up on Monday night and there was a mix up at the store. She will not get her bike until tomorrow (they did give us a discount for their mistake). Ansley is also going with her cousins to the lake this weekend. She is on cloud 9 about this. We are nervous as parents but she is so excited. Pray she is safe!
