Another visit to PCMC

Evan had surgery again today. This time it was to straighten his right thumb, which was bent at an odd angle. It was probably caused by the extra thumb that was removed in June, and the normal thumb's compensation for it. He had a pin placed in the thumb that goes from the tip well into his hand. The idea it that the scar tissue generated by the pin placement will help the thumb straighten itself out. After looking at the x-rays Dr. Schmelzer said that his bone is actually bent. Hopefully in time it will re-mold itself and be normal. The pin did get his thumb straighter, so heres to hoping that it sticks. Evan has to have the pin for two weeks. It is kinda cool (and a bit gross) - you can see the top of the pin sticking out of his thumb. I'll keep it wrapped though, to keep him from chewing on it.
Evan handled the procedure well. We got to the hospital at 8:45am and the surgery was scheduled at 10:15am. He was actually taken in to surgery at noon, but it only took half an hour instead of the hour and a half we had previously been told. He woke up a lot faster this time than last time. When he woke up he was gagging and at first I thought it was just spit. A little later he did it again and I spotted something white in his mouth. I told the nurse and together we held him down and fished it out. It was a big piece of gauze! I guess the surgical staff stuck it into his mouth to help with the breathing tube or something, and forgot it! He was in the process of slowly swallowing it (I think). I am very glad I caught that!
He is tolerating the bandage well, but gets annoyed and frustrated at the temporary loss of function in his thumb. He likes to chew on it too. Yuck! He has been crawling around like normal tonight though, so that is a good sign. I am glad it went well and am hoping this is the last visit to same-day surgery!
Enjoy the pics - bet you never knew he had so much hair!

Waiting in pre-op

Napping in pre-op with Papa

With Dr. Miller, the anesthesiologist

Snoozing in post-op

Playing with his name tag in recovery

WFD: Somethin' easy!