After watching a movie, colouring, and then clicking a few animals on his tablet, Ben finally fell back asleep. He needs the rest.
CHEO
Ottawa, Ontario
April 25, 2023
Ben wanted to colour while watching The Mighty Ducks. Perfect combo, if I do say so myself.
CHEO
Ottawa, Ontario
April 25, 2023
Ben’s sleep schedule was pretty staggered.
Because of his previous issues with apnea, it was important that Ben was kept overnight to monitor him for his oxygen levels. They have often noted that after surgery, the swelling and apnea will get worse before it gets better.
While Ben was doing quite well with his vitals and oxygen - and (lack of) snoring - sleeping with an IV and a bunch of sensors stuck to you, in a somewhat-stiff hospital bed, is difficult.
Many times throughout the night, Ben would wake - we’d have to force down some water and popsicles to make sure he was hydrated - and hopefully go back to sleep. Obviously, easier said than done.
In this case, we decided to just watch a movie. Why not? There aren’t any rules when you’re in recovery. You get to do whatever you want. I went to the fridge and brought us both some ice cream.
CHEO
Ottawa, Ontario
April 25, 2023
Ben’s blood oxygen monitor on his foot made his toe glow red. He thought it was so cool. He kept showing it to me.
It made him feel like a super hero.
CHEO
Ottawa, Ontario
April 25, 2023
Ben was carted off to the operating room and they allowed me to come along while the anesthesiologist helped him fall asleep.
The nurses were so sweet - they all were singing Ben’s favourite song (The Hockey Song - Stompin Tom Connors) and dancing around. Ben had the biggest smile on his face as he dozed off and closed his eyes.
A quick 20 minutes after I watched this little guy fall asleep with the anesthetic, he was out and in recovery.
It was heart wrenching to go through. I was a crying wreck.
When I was allowed to see him again, I just held him on my lap and fed him a popsicle while he rested. So so proud of this little guy, but ultimately the toughest journey was just beginning.
CHEO
Ottawa, Ontario
April 25, 2023
One of the meds given to Ben was to relax him - since kids (regardless of how calm you think your kid will be) are prone to panic or stress when brought into a room with beeps and clicks and lights and machines, they give medicine to relax them and make it a more peaceful experience.
They gave Ben the medicine and mentioned it would kick in over the next 10 - 15 minutes.
15 minutes passed, and I took this photo after asking Ben how he was feeling - and he said “gooooooood”.
CHEO
Ottawa, Ontario
April 25, 2023
Ben was called up for his surgery time, and was given his stretcher. They gave him some funky medicine to get him relaxed and ready for his tonsillectomy.
We were so lucky. The volunteers and nurses were so fantastic. I couldn’t be more thankful. Ben was entertained with jokes, fun toys, pretty much everything.
CHEO
Ottawa, Ontario
April 25, 2023
With his bathroom gown donned, we were back in the waiting room - the next call would be for pre-meds + anesthetic. Out comes the tablet for his favourite motorcycle game.
CHEO
Ottawa, Ontario
April 25, 2023
Ben did very well - he is familiar with all of the steps to check blood pressure and other vitals. Since he was so patient and calm, he was awarded some pretty awesome stickers.
CHEO
Ottawa, Ontario
April 25, 2023
We arrived for our scheduled time - so Ben was brought in for his initial check-in processes. Checking his blood pressure, heart rate - and of course - get his hospital bracelet.
CHEO
Ottawa, Ontario
April 25, 2023
It was 9:20am, and Ben’s surgery was scheduled for 2pm. This would mean that we had to have no food or water (only apple juice if required) as of midnight last night. We celebrated with cake and big meals last night just to stuff his little belly full.
We also opened up some of his special “hospital toys” - one of which is a notebook with perforated pages which he absolutely loved. Like father like son. When I was told (as a toddler) that my little notebook had special pages that I could rip out? Game changer.
I was weird that way though - me going to Staples is my retail therapy.
Ottawa, Ontario
April 25, 2023
After an exciting trip down to Elliot Lake, we were finally getting settled back at home. Ben’s surgery was coming up so we cherished these quiet moments before we’d have a couple weeks of recovery.
Ottawa, Ontario
April 25, 2023
It started to rain, so we hopped back in the car. Getting ready for a cozy evening of pizza for Kaila’s grandmother’s birthday, we all got back in our seats and headed out from the park.
Elliot Lake, Ontario
April 16, 2023
From an aerial perspective, you can clearly see where people would head out on their snowmobiles over Elliot Lake.
Elliot Lake, Ontario
April 16, 2023
Just out of the no fly zone of the airport, I sent the drone up to take some photos of the cozy and small town of Elliot Lake. Such a charming little place.
Elliot Lake, Ontario
April 16, 2023