OK Guys,
It is scheduled and I am still not sure about this but I know if anyone was going to do it I would want this surgeon. My husband called them yesterday after deciding I was going to justify putting it off forever if it was left to me. It is for February 11th at UCLA. Please pray for me and keep me in your thoughts because I keep second guessing the decision of course and I just need to give him over to the LORD and quit trying to take him back. And, I just need encouragement on this.
You all know it isnt like a surgery where they just say this is wrong and we can fix it. If it was that easy I would be anticipating getting my son "fixed". But, with this we all know it is not that simple. And, neither was the decision for us to do this. If anyone wants a number or anything let me know because when we go we will be there for @ 2 weeks.

(((HUGS))) Erin!!!! We will definitely be praying for you both and are 100% behind you. Is there any way you will be able to access the internet while you are there? We will all be very anxiously waiting to hear how he does.

Think positive, maybe he will come out of this a changed kid, good as new!!

Wow - two weeks! And if I remember correctly, your home is some distance from UCLA. I'm glad you were able to schedule this for relatively soon so you don't have months and months to be anxious about it. I hope this makes a huge difference for Eli.

Thanks for the support guys. I really dont know how to handle this, I am just going to have to live in denial till then so I dont lose it. I know that sounds bad but I cant help it. I am glad it isnt scheduled for months and months away because that would drive me crazy. But, noing its just around the corner is driving me crazy too! I guess there is no easy way. I am just going to trust and have faith when I feeling like losing it. Or, at least try to. I am glad I have your support. And, I appreciate the thoughts and prayers.

"knowing" I mean... hehe, I am a homeschooling mom so I was shocked to see I typed "noing" lol.... I cant even type straight right now.

Sorry I missed this thread. Good luck with the surgery on the 11th! Please let us know how it goes.

Its getting closer and you can sure feel it around here. Especially after his little night terror episode. Does anyone have advice on what to take for him at the hospital? Do you think they allow laptops for movies? Will he even be able to watch movies or do you think he will be dopey? If he isnt dopey how do they keep in bed after a few days? What will they be feeding him? What can I buy in advance that he can eat when he gets home? What kind of things could he do in bed like sticker books, color books, any other ideas? Just looking for help with my brainstorming, If I start buying stuff at least I will feel like I have some control of making it easier on him. Sorry I probably just overwelmed you with Qs.
-I am anxious Mom

You must be stressed like mad! (((HUGS))) For now check out the page on what to expect after surgery (http://www.infantrefluxdisease.com/surgery2.htm) and I'll try to reply more to this post when I have more time.[/url]

Children's wards are usually well stocked with movies, toys and books for the kids. I can't answer the food part for you though.

Its sunday night and we leave thursday.... :shock: Hubby and I arent sleeping. Grandma has sewed him 3 new boyish nighties so he wont have elastic irritating him, a new robe, and pillowcases for the hospital. We have new puzzles and new movies to take to play on the laptop...... Wednesday a trip to toys r us to pick out a new friend to take a long. Ugh, I think I need some sleeping pills!!!! Please continue to keep us in your prayers :angel5:

I was laying in bed last night thinking, I have to ask Erin how she is doing with the surgery so close... 8) I bet part of you wishes it was even closer just to get it over with huh...sometimes the waiting is the worst part!

Just a tip...if you are prone to stress headaches, take lots of excedrin, advil, tylenol, etc. When Shae had her jejunostomy I ended with a migraine and in the bathroom of her room puking all night.

Does he know anything about it?

I hope you were able to get some sleep, Erin. The waiting must be so hard. Does Eli understand that he's going to have an operation and sleep at the hospital?

You're in my thoughts and prayers. Please let us know how it goes.

BTW, I love your new avatar of Eli. How old is he now, and how are your other kids dealing with the upcoming surgery?

Hi Guys,
Eli is 2 1/2 now. No, Eli is totally unsuspecting. He just doesnt get it. We have tried to talk to him about it but it I think he just hears blah blah blah. Abram and I are both having really bad headaches already. Roni, thats a good idea. I think I will go pick up some excedrin. I could totally see myself with a major migraine going on.

My other boys, Sabin 7, and Andrew 5, are both having a hard time with it. We are all normally really healthy but the boys havent been feeling well and I think it is due to this. And, we have to leave them with a friend to go and they have never been left with anyone but Grandma but Grandma is going with us so they cant stay with her.

We are feeling more confident about the surgery though. Eli spent yesterday throwing up and he was ucomfortable all day. We hadnt had a day like that in a while so we werent feeling to great about doing this. But, yesterday sent us back into reality.

Yeah, sometimes you need a bad day to remind yourself why you're going to do this.

I hope you and your family do get a chance to relax and have some fun together before the big day. You need to take care of yourself, too!

Let us know how it goes. I'll be thinking of you!

Hello,
I'm new around here but, not to GERD/Reflux & defiantly not the Nissen Fundoplication Surgery. My son had is 1st one done over @ UCI Irvine when he was your little boys age. I'm sure your little one will do wonderful!!! UCLA is a wonderful hospital with awesome surgeons & staff. I say your question above about what to bring. The one thing I forgot was a change of clean clothes for myself. I had full intentions of taking breaks & going home but, changed my mind. So bring a couple pairs of clean clothes for yourself & Lots of pairs of socks for your little boy. When he's well enough to get up and walk around you'll want to protect his feet and change them when they get dirty. We always ended up @ the nearest store for more clean socks :)

Here are a few that saved us big time after Noah's surgery;

Drinkable Yogurt - To avoid major spills buy some straws and just pop it through the foil on top. It won't spill as easy.

Saltines - I know this one sounds strange but, they melt in the mouth very quickly & satisfy the taste buds.

Lot's of juice -

Jelly if he likes it is also very satisfying

Avoid popsicles & ice cream. We learned that the hard way :( It will take a while for things to speed up in the esophagus and brain freeze in the throat really hurts !!!!!!

Noah lived on drinkable yougart for weeks.

WOW, I dont know who you are but thanks.... I really really needed to hear that right now :D

:D Nice to see you here raising angels!! Glad you joined us....those are some great tips!!!

How far will you all be traveling to UCLA ?
They are so great there :)
Oh, I know how you feel right now. Almost a panic right ?
Where you have to stop to make sure your still breathing ???
If there's anything else you needed to know I'd be more than happy to help you out. You can email me @ raisingmy4angels@hotmail.com and I could send you my number if you had any more last minute questions.
Good Luck !

I just PMd you back raisinmy4angels and just saw here that your son is 5 and his name is Noah :D I have a 5 year old named Andrew. Thanks for the encouragement!

Erin,

I didn't realize that our boys are the same age. Mine are 5 1/2 and nearly 3. How close are their birthdays though? You can compare our kids birthdays by looking at my sig. line.

I've been sitting here worried about Shae going for her appt in Halifax tomorrow and I started reading the messages. I guess surgery is never an easy decision, but sometimes there just is no other answer. You are in my prayers also.
Take Care
Best wishes
Jean

I didn't see it on the calendar, but good luck with your appointment tomorrow, Roni and Shae!!!

Eli (8/23/02, Andrew (3/13/99), and Sabin... my big boy (4/18/97) I put pics of them in the photo gallery. I had the stomach flu yesterday. Now, I am a nervous wreck the boys will come down with it while I am gone with Eli! :shock:

I hope you all stay healthy! By the way, I love the photo of Eli in your avatar. He has the greatest cheeks!

HaHa, thanks... We are pretty crazy about the cheeks too, very kissable :smt055

Hi Erin,
I just want to let you know that Eli and you (your whole family) are in my prayers. As well as my thoughts. Just a thought for yourwhat to take list ...maybe change for the phones so you can call your boys or whatever. Maybe some books for yourselves for when Eli is sleeping.

Shannon

Now that I am packing the mini van reality is setting in. I am either crying or queezy as I am carrying stuff out. :sad3: And, Eli is soo unsuspecting. :roll:

Eli (8/23/02, Andrew (3/13/99), and Sabin... my big boy (4/18/97) I put pics of them in the photo gallery. I had the stomach flu yesterday. Now, I am a nervous wreck the boys will come down with it while I am gone with Eli! :shock:
I hope you're feeling better today, Erin, and that everyone else stays healthy. I stopped by to see the pics. of your boys. What little cuties!

And, Eli is soo unsuspecting. :roll:
I hope he stays that way! :)