Surgery Update

Thanks for all the warm wishes for my little leprechaun. Her surgery did not go as well as expected as there was a complication. The removal of the adnoids and tonsils went just fine, but somehow -- and I’m not repeating this very eloquently – the bone above her front teeth fractured/chipped and her front, permanent, top two teeth fell out. Luckily, the surgeon captured them. To make a long story short, a trauma dental guy was brought in and he “reseated” her teeth. They are being held on with a wire; she kind of looks like she has braces. Hopefully, the bone will heal around the teeth. We will be pursuing all treatment options as we realize this may not be a long term fix.

Let me just say that I’ll never forget the feeling that came over me when the surgeon entered the waiting room and asked us to step inside a consultation room. Both my husband and I are very good in crisis mode, and were able to stay focused during the discussion. Our surgeon asked a pediatric dentist on call to join us. I was not impressed. He projected the opinion of NOT trying to save the teeth. Obviously, the man has never loved a child. Who would expect a child to just deal with it. Also, he’s never met me. Ever hear of how a mama grisly bear behaves when her cub is threatened? Well, mama grisly bears cower before me. I don’t scream and yell or stomp my feet, but I am gifted with being able to project my insistence in such a way that there is no further discusson.

I made it crystal clear that my 10 year old daughter was going to wake up with her teeth in her mouth. I don’t care if you, sir, don’t think it will work. I understand it might not be a long term fix. I. Get. It. This is my daughter. My decision. I know my daughter. We will try to save the teeth. I asked my surgeon to assemble a team who is capable of getting it done. He did. He found a great trauma dental specialist on staff in the emergency room who came right over and got it done. His response was more to my liking in that you at least have to try to save the teeth. Ironically, he had lost his own front teeth in high school, and so he totally understoond our decision to try.

So, my littlest gal had to be under anesthesia way longer than planned. Her poor little mouth is all bruised and swollen. But ... her attitude is terrific. I swear she is actually an angel. A real, true, live angel sent down to make the world a better place. Everyone she meets is completely captivated by how amazing she is. Lordy, I sure do love that little gal.

When she woke up in recovery, I shared with her what was going on. She took the news with grace beyond her years. When I told her that we decided to try to save her teeth, her response was “good choice, mom”. Then she motioned for her dad to lean in close, and in her raspy, whisper like voice she asked him for a dog. A Boston Terrier to be specific. Gotta love how she worked the system!

Our next steps include having her heal from surgery, and then figure out a short and long term dental plan for her. She has to be on a soft diet until the bone heals. You’ll be amazed at the wonders of jello that I’ve come up with.

Send all your positive, encouraging, healing thoughts her way. We shall persevere onward! And smile big, bold, teethy smiles!