Last week, I was on the phone with our medical insurance company to ensure everything was good to go for next Monday, the date of Hope’s second surgery, to repair her cleft palate.
The insurance rep asked me what Hope would be undergoing, to which I replied “a palatoplasty.” “Ohhh, we don’t cover that,” she immediately shot back, “typically, we don’t cover elective cosmetic surgeries.”
It’s a good thing her computer quickly told her that a palatoplasty is a necessary procedure to give children born with cleft palates normal speech and eating functions, or else I would have unleashed a torrent of words unsuitable for a blog that my daughter may read one day.
Yes, Hope’s next surgery is scheduled for Monday, a day The Civee and I can’t wait for, yet at the same time, we wish we could push back. Last August, Dr. Pearson and his team did a great job with Hope’s first surgery. The Civee and I couldn’t be happier with Hope’s smile.
At the same time, it was rough. The first few post-surgery hours (days, actually) are unsettling- from the moment when she unhappily first wakes up from the surgery to the nights of restless sleep afterwards. Additionally, the surgery had other temporary, if negative side effects- Hope’s sleep was off for a while and other things were, well, let’s say backed up. And while Hope won’t have plugs in her nose for six weeks after the surgery, she’ll still have to wear arm restraints for three weeks, which she absolutely hated.
Considering the fact that she’s making all sorts of noises, walking around the house, sleeping and eating normally, not to mention just being a happy little person, The Civee and I are not anxious to see what effects the post-surgery period will have. Unlike the surgery to repair her cleft lip, there won’t be any visible signs of something good happening (take that, insurance rep!). And while the surgery will allow her to eventually speak and eat normally, Hope will still need speech therapy and will be back to soft, pureed foods for quite some time (although we are planning on letting her have as much ice cream as she wants).
The other thing (as I’ve mentioned) that we’re not looking forward to is the arm restraints. The doctor says she will need them to keep her from putting her hands in her mouth. But last time, she was very irritated at the fact that she couldn’t move her arms. I had an idea the other day for a way around this which I plan to ask the doctor before surgery- baby boxing gloves- big enough to keep her from putting her hands in her mouth, but covering just her hands, allowing her full motion with her arms.
Even though she’s facing surgery next week, Hope is a strong, lively little girl. The surgery will help her in the long run, and while she may be out of it for a few weeks, she’ll be back to walking, eating normally and being a happy little baby in no time.
What a cutie she is!!! She – and her parents, I may add,- will be in my prayers on Monday. I like the idea of ‘baby boxing gloves’ – I was thinking more of a collar like a little puppy wears so they keep their paws out of their ears!! She will do great! What a difference it will make for her speech!! She has been issued the best parents – and that will make all the difference!!!
Tommy, awesome idea re: the baby boxing gloves! Way to be resourceful and adapt to your baby’s needs! The next few weeks are going to be undoubtedly challenging; however, they will be but a drop in the bucket compared to Hope’s wonderful life ahead and in your journey as parents. Love and prayers for your all, xoxo, nene
We love the pictures and video-thanks! We will be thinking about you next Monday and the weeks that follow.
we’ll be on the sidelines with prayers and and doing whatever is helpful and needed by Hope’s special parents
Tommy, grandma’s and my prayers are with you and yours always. As you know I had four and I can’t help think of the stress that you and “Civee” are going through. The insurance agent is just a minor portion. just wait until Hope is fully grown like your mother. You will wish that you could still pick her up and squeeze her.
Grandma will climb the steps to the tower a little later, to day, and leave a message. (The computer is in my office).
Love Papa
P.S. God only gave youth the ability to run up a set of steps without a second thought. For us older folks our inability is a warning, on this earth there is an end to everything.
Dear Christina and Thomas,
Papa’s P.S. is depressing to an extent, but true, except we do not think like that. We are thrilled to be included in all our children and grand and great children’s lives – their ups and downs – and we share your heart aches and successes.
Hope’s surgery and after care are just a short period in her life which yøu are making for her now and for her future.
x’s and o’s
Grandma
Tommy,
Marilyn and I are praying for everything to go smoothly and I know it will. Keep positive and just be thankful that you aren’t dealing with Obamacare…yet.
Love,
Uncle Billy and Aunt Marilyn