Infant Surgery - Sugar Land,TX

Ugh. My oldest son was born with a birth defect that we were not aware of until he was born. Although I was high risk and had to have ultra sounds on a regular basis.
He had his first surgery when he was three months old. The nurses at this hospital were all fairly nasty. I am a polite person and stay away from conflict. One of the nurses we are fairly certain didnt wash her hands and caused our son to almost die. Her hands were not washed when she took out the drainage tubes and my son who was healing 1 1/2 of schedule his condition dramatically took a turn for the worse. In the end he recovered and he is now 10 1/2yrs. With no lasting effects.
I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

I have not heard anything in regards to anesthesia causing disabilities. Nor have my children had the particular condition of which you speak. However, my daughter had open heart surgery at the age of six months. (She was hospitalized for 62 days before and after surgery.) She came through it just fine, but I know what you mean about having news weigh heavy on your heart. The bad news is that this experience is rough on you. The good news is that your son will not remember the experience. (My daughter is now five years old, and she has just discovered the scar on her chest. LOL.) *HUGS* If you want to talk to another mommy who has gone through a similar experience, feel free to PM me.

I haven't been through anything like that myself. However, I would like address what you read about babies having disabilities if they're put under anesthesia two or more times before two.

That's complete hogwash!

I was born with a birth defect. I had a cleft lip and a partially cleft palette. I had my first surgery at three months old. I had my second at 12 months and my third at 19 months.

On top of that, I've had countless surgeries since for both the birth defect and to have tubes put in my ears.

I graduated high school in the top of my class. I graduated college with a 4.0 and am now studying to be a midwife. My parents had my IQ tested when I was 12 and again when I was 17. Both scores were above average. Having surgery more than twice under the age of two won't give him learning disabilities.

Good luck and God bless!

My three year old recently had surgery. I got to go into the OR with him until he fell asleep which was nice because at that age I don't think he would have cooperated with them. They did not start an iv until he was under which was great because he was stuck multiple times before they got one. The nurses, doctors, and receptionist were all wonderful. I got to be in the recovery room waiting at his side for him to wake up. I know its stressful but they recover quick.

I have never heard that about kids going under you should address that concern to your surgeon.

My first went under twice before one year. Once at 5 1/2 weeks (he wasn't even supposed to be born yet :( ) and once just at a year. He is starting first grade this year and reading at a 4th grade level, can add and subtract in the 100th places..just very, very smart and inquisitive. So, is it true? Not in my case.

You need to do what needs to be done. If he needs the surgery, do not let fear get in the way. It is okay to be scared. Just take it one day at a time and count the blessings that you have.

I can't be of much help, but my oldest son was born at 28 weeks & he had to have a PICC line put in. I don't know it they gave him anathesia or not. I think they gave him a some morphine, a seditive & paralizing medication. He also had to have open hip surgery at 7 mo. old to correct his congenital hip dysplasia. The nurse poked him so many times before they finally got his IV in. It was very tramatic for him & me! He also had to have a cast change 5 weeks later & again I'm not sure how or what they gave him to keep still so he didn't mess up his hip placement, but he didn't have an IV.
My son is now almost 9 y/o & has no learing problems or ADD or ADHD what so ever. It is something that you have to watch for with a preemie, but he has no problems.
If it is something that must be repaired then it must be done. If you have any concerns about the diagnosis get a second opinion. You might also see if they can give your son a seditive & a pain killer before trying the IV.

God bless!

All I can speak to is the anesthesia. My daughter went under at 1 week, 8 weeks and 18 months. Like you, they couldn't find a vein because she was so young and sick. Make sure he drinks plenty the day before the surgery (and before they ask you to cut off fluids) to help with the IV. At least for us, she was dehydrated, which I don't understand how this happened. I would guess with a GI problem, there could be a hydration issue as well. She is perfectly fine, funny and healthy today. I had read the same thing, which scared me to death. However, after I questioned every doctor I could get my hands on....the consensus was that it's not the most desirable thing to put your baby under general anesthesia but it certainly doesn't mean your child is destined to a have a learning disability. In fact, it's unlikely this will happen. I feel for you. I know exactly how you are feeling right now. Just get past this so you can have your healthy little boy back. Good luck!

Remember that the doctors will do everything they can to make sure your son is as comfortable as possible. They will fix the problem and your son probably will not remember any of it. If you stay calm and make this an adventure, he will see it is as just that. If he sees/hears you talking about it as a stressful situation, he will pick up on it.

There are always possibilities of our kids having disabilities from known causes and unknown causes. Just plan ahead for difficulties. What steps will you need to take. For example, you could list them as: 1) talk to the experts, 2) have a positive attitude for my child, 3) get my child as many experiences as needed to prepare him, etc. By knowing ahead of time that you will act in a positive way if you ever have to face an issue, it may help take care of any fear. You have more strength than you think.

Then remind yourself not to worry about something that might never happen. Save your energy for the things you know you have to deal with.

Thank God this is a fixable problem and it isnt something extreamly serious. I am sorry your having a diffucult time with it. My son had tubes at 10 months and then again at 11 months due to one falling out. He is now two and a half and is learing in a class with three yr olds. I personally have a learning disabilities. As you can see I cannot spell. But my i.q. levels are normal. My parents were they type if you just pass thats good enough. Weather or not my kids have any disablities or not just skimming by will never be good enough. Teach your kids to do the best they can. Woopie Goldberg has learning disablities. http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/article_0060...

The first time my son went under I was so scared. The second time I was a little worried but knew he would not only be fine but better after it was all done. Be sure to know/trust your doctors. And thank God that it is something that can be fixed. Prayers for your little one and you while he is in surgery.