As excited as we are for Lucas to get a 2nd cochlear implant, we haven't begun to think about it much yet. Why? Because he has another surgery scheduled for this Monday. When we met with his CI surgeon about the 2nd implant, we also inquired about his "ear pits" that discharge and sometimes get infected. He decided he wants to remove them prior to CI surgery.
For surgical purposes, they are classifying these ear pits as branchial cleft cysts. I would love to take a picture of them, but they're almost too small to photograph. It looks mildly similar to this, although Lucas's placement is slightly lower and more to the left.
this is not Lucas's ear...
They're really quite unnoticeable. In fact, when we took Lucas to see the geneticist for testing, the doc missed them during his examination. I had to point them out to him as being "abnormal." The pits are a congenital birth defect, and were at first thought to be just divots. But, the holes are actually canals that lead to sacs, and they drain, and sometimes even get infected. The infection part is worrisome, as he needs no extra risk of infection in his head. That's why they're being removed.
Surgery is on Monday. I got our arrival time this afternoon... 8:15 AM. I am thankful for the early time. I'm actually pretty nervous about this surgery. After his last surgery in June, I have concerns about how he will react to the anesthesia again after surgery. As he ages and develops more language, he becomes more aware too. 4 months ago he didn't ask too many questions, but I don't know how he'll act this time. I've gotten out doctor bear and the doctor kit, and we're going to role play. That's the best I can do to prepare him.
Your prayers for an easy procedure and a quick recovery are appreciated. I'll blog about how it goes.
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6 comments:
Many prayers are being said for a quick procedure and an easy recovery! We don't do too much to prepare Nolan, other than tell him the day before the procedure and play with doctor kits, etc. It is hard to find the balance of informing them without producing too much anxiety!
I hope he comes out of the anesthesia easily- we found that a popsicle in the recovery room worked wonders with Nolan, once the initial "anesthesia rage" wore off.
Thinking of you guys, and here's to a fast recovery!
Saying prayers that everything goes smoothly and Lucas has a quick recovery. Aiden has the same thing, but on his neck. It used to drain when he was first born, but hasn't since except sometimes when he gets sick. Our neighbor's little girl just had one removed too, but AFTER it had gotten infected. It's a good thing they're removing Lucas' before the fact, because they said the procedure to clear it out was more difficult on their little girl than the surgery itself. As much as I don't want Aiden to go through another surgery, I'm in the process of pushing to get his removed soon too.
We'll be thinking of you all!
Good luck, I will be thinking of the little guy! My older son Eric is actually going in for surgery for the same thing in mid-November; he has one on the lower pinna, which is less common but seems to be extra prone to infection.
Pray that all goes all well.Thoughts are with him.
<3 thoughts and prayers to you all in the coming weeks. wishing Lucas a fast and easy recovery!!!
Just wondering how Lucas is doing. Checking for an update. Hope all is well. By the way, Calleigh has ear pits on her right ear. They don't get infected or ooze anything so they are not worried about them. I did learn there is a connection of children with ear pits and sometimes kidney issues. Calleigh had kidney reflux but luckily outgrew it. I think Lucas is the first kid we have met with ear pits!
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