Incision Issues

Well, we had a slight bump in the road (which is expected, I guess). The last of Caed's steri strips came off on Friday. We had quite the celebration! It meant that he could FINALLY swim again. Been a long *HOT* summer not being able to do that. He was absolutely giddy on Monday when we told him 'today was the day' he had been waiting for!

One more item on Caed's summer to-do list was of course go to JoyLand. (Lubbock's amusement park) We had canceled several weeks prior because we knew the rides that Caed would want to go on....might be too rough. I felt it would be cruel and unusual punishment taking him there, and him having to watch everyone else ride the rides he loved so much. And making him settle for the carousel and train! So, we canceled only a few hours prior. This week, more cousins were in town, so we thought JoyLand would be perfect timing (since all steri strips were gone).

However, looking at his incision, we could see one section that just didn't look right. We began putting Neosporin on it a couple of times daily and watching it carefully. Yesterday he came to me lifting up his shirt. He knew something wasn't right. Sure enough....that troubled section had opened up a little bit. We tried to reassure Caed all was fine, but secretly talked about the need to get it checked out. Simply heading BACK to a doctor (any doctor) would sky rocket his blood pressure. Even more so, we knew his heart would be broken having to cancel JoyLand again!!

We wanted to avoid the ER simply because we didn't want to pay $100 for a couple of steri strips. The plan was to head to a clinic instead. My sweet neighbor did some leg work for me calling around and they told her they wouldn't see him (due to it being a recent surgery and an open wound.) I wanted to cry at that point. Going to a clinic is one thing. Going to a hospital is entirely another. I secretly packed a small bag full of things we might need if they decided to keep him overnight. Just something you always prepare for when you take 'these kids' to a hospital. You never ever know! Even though deep down...I knew it just had to be an easy fix.

When we pulled up at the ER, Caed looked around...saw the sign and began crying. It took me forever to pry him out of the car. He was absolutely scared to death. He kept saying over and over...."I don't want to have surgery again!!!.....I don't want them to hurt me!" I tried to talk to him. Told him they were simply going to put another "band aid" on his incision. (and prayed like crazy for that to PLEASE be the case). Finally, Caed got out of the car, but then he wanted to wait for his eyes to "dry up." He did NOT want anyone knowing he had been crying. The entire 2 hours we were there, enormous goose bumps covered his arms and his eyes were full of tears (ready to fall at any time). Once again, he put on his brave face (even though I knew he was dying inside).

The ER doc was one we had seen many times before which was very comforting. He said that particular section was where Caed had been cut on 3x prior. It made sense. The top section was new. It healed beautifully! They weren't able to push it back together before putting on new steri strips. The skin has simply lost all elasticity. So, our prayer is that it will heal up on its own and for zero infection! ER doc was insistent that we come back immediately if we saw more 'oozing or redness.' Our plan is to go see his Lubbock surgeon next week for a follow-up. I feel good having not only a surgeon look at the site, but one that has had experience with Caed. Hopefully, it will be closed up and healing nicely. Telling Caed about this appointment with Dr. G will be another story...... Pray for that!!!

I sat Caed down this morning and together we brainstormed things he probably should avoid for 7 days, and then a list of things he was free to do. I told him breathing and walking were probably fine. ANYTHING else is not allowed!! (haha just kidding....kinda) He has asked me many many times today "What if...." questions. At one point he even asked "If my incision doesn't close up, will I die....?" I just wanted to cry for him. He has been through so much (unexpected) this summer. And now this. Even though this is simple. We are home. Nothing life-threatening. But, sometimes the emotional issues are just as tough (or tougher) as the physical ones.

We have 3 weeks left of summer. Our swimming days are out....again. At least for a week. JoyLand days are out...again. At least for a week. Praying this new bump in the road is resolved quickly and Caed can salvage what little of summer fun is left. His baseball team is having a swim party soon, and Caed was also wanting to swim for his birthday (also coming up). As my cousin said today...."HEAL BABY HEAL!!!!!!!!!!"

That is our prayer....