My Little Kiki had surgery!

This past Tuesday Kiana had the fun experience of getting her Adenoid and Tonsils removed! She was really excited to get them taken out!! All she would talk about is how she is going to eat so many Popsicles and she can have all the ice cream she wants. I was really happy that she was looking forward to the experience rather then dreading it. The morning of the surgery you could tell Kiana was become more and more worried about her upcoming procedure. Jeremy gave her a blessing right before we left and carried her out to the car. She wouuldn't let go of Jeremy this was my first clue that things might not go as smoothly this morning as I had originally planned.

We got to Utah Valley Regional Hospital Outpatient and Kiana was quickly checked in and given her Hospital attire. Kiana started to freak out. She didn't want to change, she didn't want anyone to touch her, she just kept crying and repeating I want to go home. Kiana would not for the life of her sit on the Hospital bed provided for her she would rotate from my lap to my mom's lap. She was so nervous!! I was worried! All I could think about is how she is going to start screaming when they try to take her back into surgery. I don't think I could emotionally handle that.

Kiana asked me to wrap her up in her blanket. To protect her from the blood pressure cuff and from getting her temperature checked. My Mom and I kept trying to distract her (My Mom was a lot better at it then I was.) The nurses kept telling Kiana that it would be super fast and she would sleep the entire time. Kiana informed us all including the nurses that she would NOT be falling asleep. Okay at this point I was just as nervous as Kiana how was this all going to go down???

My Dad ran over from the Hospital to come wish Kiana good luck! At this point the nurses had called the anaesthesiologist and asked for permission to give Kiana some medication (Versed) to help relax her. They asked if I was okay with this (I couldn't have been happier) anything to help her not be scared! The nurse came in and I gave her the medication (Kiana was not going to let the nurse touch her) I was praying that this medication would work. Karston had taken this same medication and it had a really adverse affect on him. He became hyper paranoid and it made the situation worse! I could only hope that Kiana would just calm down and fall asleep. Well my Dad was called back into the Hospital for work and Kiana came back down with me and it was so crazy!

Within 5 minutes Kiana went from crying because she was scared to crying because she couldn't stop laughing! She was like a drunken sailor she couldn't sit up at all she was all over the place. She kept talking about Disney World and then she would just start laughing!

The nurse came in and asked Kiana her name. Kiana just started laughing and then she started spelling it out. She couldn't even talk she started slurring all of her letters together. She was totally out of it.

It was time for Kiana to go back into surgery. By this point you could have told Kiana just about anything and she would have agreed with you. I laid her down on the Hospital bed and the nurses told her they were going to take her on a ride. She was so Happy still laughing and off she went into surgery. That was so much easier then watching a screaming child get whisked away into surgery. I was so thankful that the small amount of medication they gave Kiki seemed to calm her nerves.

Kiana did GREAT in surgery. The procedure only lasts about 20 minutes Kiana woke up Happy (I think the drugs still had a pretty big hold on her) She kept talking about how much fun she had at the hospital! The nurse brought her out a slushie because they don't like you to go home until you drink something. Kiana downed it! Kiana was so excited to ride in a wheelchair out to the car and to put on the new Pajama's her Grandma had brought her. I think she would have eaten a piece of steak if that is what they asked her to do.

We arrived Home and very true to Kiana's character the first thing she asked is if she could play with her friends. I told her that she needed to take it easy. Jeremy had rented a bunch of movies for her and was ready with Popsicles when we arrived home. Kiana was super hungry! She ate a yogurt, a jello cup, 2 Popsicles, and she had some apple juice. After she had eaten all of that she looked at me and said "Mom, all I really want is a turkey sandwich" a turkey sandwich?? Are you kidding me your throat should be hurting and you want a turkey sandwich. I didn't know what to do. The Dr. said she can eat anything she wants! If she wants to eat it let her. It helps the healing process. He said. Still, I called the Dr. just to make sure because maybe kids don't ask for things like turkey sandwiches maybe most little kids think a pudding is daring.

So I called the Dr. and the nurse started to laugh. A turkey sandwich she repeated over and over again. Is she a big eater? she asked. Yes! I replied my kids LOVE food! The nurse laughed again. Well, if that is what she wants there is no reason she cannot eat it.

Well, I guess if they say it is alright there is no harm in letting her try it. So I made Kiana a turkey sandwich and she ate the entire thing at the speed of light. Wow! my kids really do love food they will eat even if it is painful. (Actually I think the medication hadn't worn off yet and she was still in la la land)

Kiana did really well that first day! It was really nice! Romney and Kirstin stopped by and brought Ki some yummy push-up's. They also brought Karston and Desmond some ice cream (that was really nice because the boys are really jealous of Kiana right now.) Then Kiana's Primary teacher (and a amazing friend) brought us over dinner! It was so yummy and very thoughtful. Kiana's preschool class made her get well cards and some paper flowers. We are so blessed to live by such amazing people!

Yesterday was a little bit rougher. Kiana is still on pain medication but, it doesn't take away everything. Its getting tougher and tougher to get her to eat! One of Kiana's friends yesterday came over and brought her a frozen go-gurt and watched a movie (Island Princess) with Kiana. That was so thoughtful and nice. It distracted Kiana for a little while and she really needed that!! A little bit later that night another one of Kiana's friends brought her and her brothers over a frosty from Wendy's another very thoughtful act! Thank You!!!!

Last night was completely insane!!! Kiana (this is normal) but, has developed a fever and last night it got really high! She was so tired and sore and she couldn't stop crying which made everything worse! She was scared to close her eyes she told me spiders were crawling up her. I didn't know if she was reacting to the medication or if this was the fever talking but, she was completely out of it!! I slept on the floor in her room as much as I could so I would be there when she suddenly would wake up in a panic. Desmond must of heard Kiana and also wanted to join in on all the fun. So between the 2 of them I had my work cut out for me last night! (Thank you Karston for staying asleep!)

Today Kiana hasn't wanted to eat again. I can still get her to take small sips of juice but, that's about it! I'm thankful that the first day home she ate so well! It gives me some piece of mind that she will not starve. She has finally fallen asleep she has been fighting it all morning long!! The Dr said this would be normal and that tomorrow should be the same or worse then today. Then things should start to get better.

Its always nerve racking as a parent to have your kids not feeling well. Its hard not being able to take away their pain. I'm really grateful that even though I can't take away Kiana's pain I am able to be here and comfort her emotionally. As overwhelming as it is having her constantly want me at her side. I'm so glad that she does want me there and she feels a measure of comfort by my presence. I love being a Mom and I am so thankful for the sweet experiences we have the opportunity to experience each day.

I'm grateful for Kiana's Dr and the amazing job he did on her. I know that this procedure will benefit Kiana's life in so many ways. (She will be able to sleep at night!, Kiana had sleep apnea) I'm so grateful for the thoughtfulness of our families and friends! Thank you so much for keeping little Kiana in your thoughts and prayers! We truly are blessed!!!!