When my children were little, they had a year when it seemed like they were constantly getting strep throat. After endless doctor visits and a multitude of antibiotics, we finally decided to have Maribeth's tonsils out (she was four). Unfortunately, the strep throats continued. We went on another course of antibiotics, and when they had taken it all, all the children were tested again. Sam became the culprit - an asymptomatic carrier. So we had his tonsils removed, and the strep contagion went away. Unfortunately, we didn't get rid of Molly's tonsils. Until Monday, twenty years later, after they had grown to the size of golf balls (when they weren't infected - those were the size of tennis balls).
Molly did her research and knew how much harder it would be on an adult. A friend of her had his out a few weeks ago and has been giving her a first-hand adult account of the journey. She consulted with her ENT, Dr. Witherspoon (Reese's daddy), and on Monday, had her tonsils removed.
So far, recovery has been okay. She's in pain but has significant pain meds. She's drinking and eating, although food gets in the holes where she once had organs. She talks some, but uses her dry erase board when needed. She has magazines and puzzle books and coloring books and craft projects (thanks to Michaels). She's had visitors and care packages from faraway friends. She's taking it easy so she will be recovered in time for her 22nd birthday trip to Miami at the end of the month.
What's the point of this story? No matter how old you are, there's a relationship between mother and child when the child is sick. The mother wants the child to get better and not be in pain. The mother wants to take care of the child and meet her needs for pain, for comfort, and for entertainment. The mother wants to make it all better. It's pretty much the same as when I went this route when my patients were 4 and 7 - now instead of going down the hall, I get in my car and drive down the street.
Some things about being a mom never change - and for that, I am truly thankful.
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