So today Anthony had his fundo and Gtube placement. Turned out he had inguiel (sp?) hernias so they fixed them also. He is doing ok, but I think he is in pain. They are only giving him tylenol every 4 hours. For those of you with experience does this sound right? He did really well and came right back off the vent. How soon after the surgery did they start feeding your DC? They were going to start either tonight or tomorrow am, but DH had a FIT since the ped gi had said 2-3 days. So the Neo is going to defer to him (dh) and wait. Ack this is all a nightmare, and I hope one day soon it gets better!

Maria

Wow, ok, we got Toredol too, I would think he would need it, tylenol wouldnt cut it. I would definitely have toredol and then some codeine for breakthrough pain on top of that, I wouldnt go at it with just tylenol. Poor little guy! Glad he made it through. How old is Anthony again? And, where are you typing from? Hugs to you both, and much love and support. Keep me informed OK? If you have any Qs let us know. I would wait as long as possible before trying any feeds.

((((HUGS))))Maria! You are in my prayers and thoughts. Hope that Anthony feels better soon! Please keep us update when you have a free moment!


Shannon

Wow, that was fast! Best wishes for a quick and easy recovery and for a wonderfully successful fundo! Please keep us posted!!

(((HUGS))) Maria and Anthony! I hope that Anthony has a successful fundo and a quick recovery! Please update us when you get a chance. How old is he again?

Hey all thanks for the warm thoughts! Anthony is almost 4 months old, but he was 15 weeks early, so in reality he should be like 10 days old. Confusing, eh? He is doing good today. They started him on 20ccs of breastmilk every 3 hours. Last night was rough as I left the hospital crying. Anthony is was in alot of pain and the nurse he had wouldnt take my concerns seriously. To compound matters I wasnt sure I wanted him to have the surgery, and his being in pain made matters 10X worse. :cry: So today he is feeling better. (or so it seems) He had a bit of retching so I hope that goes away! Also was anyone else a bit skeeved out by the gtube? (if your dc has/had one) I guess time will help me get used to it... His surgeon said that in 6 weeks or so they will change to a button.

Maria

Oh my yes!! I couldn't even look at Shae's stomach for several days after her surgery, I have a very weak stomach and the first time they tried to make me look I almost passed out. And the foley catheter that they had in place looked so floppy like it might just slip out and ugh...it was awful. It does get easier, I promise. If I can handle it anyone can!!

I hope he has a better day today! If they don't believe you that he is in pain, can't they take a second to check his heart rate and BP, that should give them a pretty clear indication that he needs more pain meds if they are both high.

Anthonys heart rate and BP are constantly measured. When he was in a lot of pain his heart rate stayed around 205-210. His baseline average is 130-150. His BP I cant remeber but I know it was elevated. It was hard because the nurse would say things like "Tylenol helps babies" Yeah for teething maybe. I wanted to say let me put a tube in you and make 6 other incisions in your abdomen and give YOU tylenol. Thanks so much for telling me I am not the only one bothered by the g-tube. I was amazed when I fed Anthony 20 ccs and like 15 came back into the end of the tube. It then went back into his stomach. Boy do I have some acclimating to do. I am so glad you guys are here and understand, it really helps.

Maria

Hi Maria -- I really hope the tube/fundo makes a big difference for Anthony and he gets to come home soon!

Maria, just send a (((HUGS)))for support and to say Hang in there. Hope Anthony has a better day today!


Shannon

Thanks for the update, poor little guy! And, the retching may last a while and its normal for this surgery. I cant believe he only got Tylenol. I have never heard of that! I have heard of just the toredol or something similar and no codeine and that was appauling to me! But, just tylenol... Wow, poor little guy. Is he doing better pain wise?

Today was better pain wise. I am working hard to get used to the whole tube/surgery issues. Today he went to 60ccs every three hours. He looked kind of unhappy after his first 45cc feed, so we will see how it goes. The dr has ordered for the tube to be lifted and vented 24/7. So after Anthony eats he moves and out into the syringe comes his food. I wonder if Anthony will be uncomfortable when we leave the tube closed? I had heard that the surgery can make the stomach volume size smaller? Also he burps through the tube (what a noise!?!) :oops: When we close the tube, how will I know when to burp him? I know, many silly questions.

I appreciate all the good thoughts and information!

Maria

I cant help you with tube questions, but the others can... I just wanted to say yes, their stomach is smaller after the surgery because they wrapped it around his esophagus, it will stretch back out over time, they will eat less and handle less. I am glad he is doing better pain wise. I hope someone comes in to give some advice on the tube. :D

As much of a nightmare that we have gone through with our two boys and reflux, I thank God that we never had to deal with these issues.

I have absolutely no experience with any of this, but wanted to say how much I feel for all who are in this boat and that I wish you all nothing but the best. I admire you for being able to deal so well with something thrust on you.

{{{Hugs for all the fundo/ tube fed Moms and kidlets}}}

Leigh

I am glad to hear that his pain is reducing. I just want to say though that none of your questions are silly. We all need to learn and that is why we are here to help eachother. You will know when he needs to burp or vent when he is uncomfortable or stomach seems to be bloated. I was wondering when you vent him are all his feeds coming back out?

And remember please ask away with your questions because that is how you will learn and get peice of mind. We all have been were you are at so dont feel foolish.

Melanie

thanks guys for the kind words for Anthony. I am ecstatic as he is coming home tomorrow after 4 long months! :D

Melanie, Yes almost all of his feed comes out. Usually 3 hours after a feed, right when it is time to eat again, there is about 20-25ccs left in the tube. He eats about 50-60ccs. He eats by mouth but it ends up in the tube since it is always vented right now. I am worried that once we close the tube instead of leaving it always vented he will be in pain as his tummy wont be able to handle it.

Maria

Maria,
I am so glad to hear that Anthony is coming home after 4 long months! I am very happy for you! I will keep prayering an dkeep you in my thoughts that the fundo and tube go well! Please when you have a free moment, let us know how it is going!


Shannon

Does he have emptying problems? Did they check for that? Oh, and Wew-Hew! that he gets to come home!! How exciting!!!