Today’s CT scan got off to a slightly bumpy start. When we discussed with the sedation doctor what specific concerns we were trying to rule out —one of them being chronic mastoiditis— he told us the test that had been ordered wouldn’t show us that. It seems our pediatrician was under the misapprehension that a regular head CT scan would show the mastoid process and surrounding area. The radiology team told us it is a common error made by many general pediatricians; we eventually got it straightened out and got both scans done.
Nik was a total champ and handled things really well. When he started to go into panic mode in the sedation room, we managed to find ways to occupy him. Who knew that velcro falls into the same broad category as doors?? Yep —they both open and close. Nik was endlessly fascinated with a small blood pressure cuff to the point that he held on to it right up until the time he went “lights out!”
They let us stay with Nik during the scan (we had to wear our lead aprons) and it was all done pretty quickly. The hardest part for me —honestly— was trying not to cry as I watched my little guy lying so still on the bed of the scanner. I couldn’t understand why it was so emotional for me. Then it hit me; in spite of all the surgeries and other sedated procedures Nik has been through, every other time we have simply watched him get pleasantly loopy and then handed him over to the care of strangers. I never saw him laid out like he was today. I must confess that it was a little unnerving.
Nik came through recovery like a champ, too. One minute he was out cold then —WHAM! —he was sitting straight up and wide awake. Not exactly coordinated but awake. Again, velcro came to our rescue when Nik got restless but wasn’t quite ready to leave. We were on our way home shortly after 1:30 this afternoon.
On the way home we had to make some stops at places like Trader Joe’s (it’s the nearest one and we live an hour south of the hospital). Nik did well and was his usual charming, chattering self. I think our check out person wanted to take him home with her!
Once home, Nik was pretty much back to normal. Doctors do not believe us when we say that Nik metabolizes things incredibly quickly. Nik’s balance and coordination —and personality— were back to his normal baseline within just a couple of hours after he woke up.
So we took him swimming!
Hey, why not?? It’s not like he can swim unassisted and it was hot as blazes today. My sister and her kids were out so we had the pool all to ourselves! Almost like a mini vacation —except not nearly long enough!
So now, as before, we wait.
You must be so drained. I’ll be anxious to hear the results.
well, what else is there to do at the end of another “fun” day—–you may not know this, but TJ’s is one of Charlie’s favorite places.
Yep, sounds familiar. Awake when they should be asleep, asleep when they should be awake. As always, keep us posted.
What a day!
I can totally relate to your feeling seeing Nik under sedation. When Jason had his MRI I had the same “moment”.
What amazes me is that you all had the fortitude to go swimming afterwards. Stuff like that results in me being like a wet noodle the rest of the day.
Glad you’re all the other side of that day!
Like Steve, I can totally relate to seeing your child under sedation. It is not pleasant.
Wow–sounds like you all came through just fine. Fingers crossed over here, and as always, hugs from California.
When I saw G. under sedation, I had a similar reaction. For me, I think it was a flashback to the early NICU days, when all you could do was sit there and watch them and watch the monitor.
Good for you for going swimming! A good way to end a stressful day.
Yes, it is very bizarre to watch your child…hold your child as they are put under. I never get used to it. M has had about six of those tests and I don’t cry anymore but I always feel uneasy with it. It is just something you don’t want to see. You know?
Swimming is the best after a long day. I bet it felt great.