joAquin's 1st sUrGeRy

Joaquin has this condition called Tongue-Tie.  In many cases, surgery is not an immediate action but upon observing our little boy, we have noticed that he is encountering some speech articulation difficulty.  Since this is the time wherein he is fast developing and expounding his vocabulary, we, his parents, feel it necessary that corrective actions be taken.

Through the help of Dr. Abelardo Lucas, Joaquin's surgery was a success!

Joaquin's tongue before the surgery. (notice the visible indentation in the middle)

Joaquin w/ Papa / Dr. Lucas giving pep talk / Mama kissing baby before he was wheeled in to surgery

Joaquin after the surgery :) See the difference! 

Dearest Joaquin,

Today is the big day!  The day of your surgery.  I've never been this nervous in my life.  You see anak, one of the pre-requisites is that you undergo 8 hours fasting, that was why we rushed you at 5:00am so that you won't be asking for your 'dede' (you usually ask it by 8:00).  But miracle of all miracles, you woke at 5:30am, you asked where we are going, and Mama calmly explained what will happen and that if you ask for 'dede' I wont be able to give you one, and you know what anak, you never asked for one!  Whopeee! one obstacle down!

When we arrived at Delgado hospital, you started to get nervous, but still you did'nt cry.  Papa kept on talking and explaining that you are a big boy who is very brave and that can do it.  Then we went inside the prep area for the surgery, you flinched when you saw the operating bed, but still you didn't cry.  The anesthesiologist came and explained to Mama the concoction of drugs that she will give you.  She was really kind anak and she explained very well every step that will happen. Papa and I liked her immediately.

Then Dr. Lucas came, like the anes, he explained the procedure very thoroughly.  And he also said that there is a possibility that the tongue-tie might not be completely removed since your veins are already thick, non-stop bleeding might occur.   We agreed with him anak and decided it was for the best.

Then the nurses came with the dextrose and syringe... you cried anak.  You held Mama so tight, that I felt your pain.  I wanted to cry as well anak.  Papa looked away, he can't bare the sight of you in pain.  I kept on whispering sorry to your ear anak, sorry for making you go through this, sorry that you are in pain.  If I can take your place anak I would. But this is for your betterment anak.  I must be strong.

The anesthesia took almost 30 minutes to take effect.  Your eyes started acting funny, then your speech got slurry, and your movements very sluggish.  I thought you'd look funny anak, but it was a no laughing matter at all.  Papa and I can feel you fighting the anesthesia.  You kept on calling my name, I held your hand, but seem you were so far away.  I cried anak, 'nakakatakot pala' watching you 'disappear' under the anesthesia.  I hugged and kissed you one last time before you were wheeled in the operating room.  Papa and I held our own prayers for your quick and successful surgery.

After about 40 minutes, nurse called us, the surgery was done!  It was a success, but you still had to stay in the recovery room until the anesthesia wore off.  Again I can see you fighting off the anesthesia.  You kept on sitting up when clearly you can't.  Your legs kept on shooting up and sideways in the effort to get up.  You looked at the dextrose and insisted it was elephant, while you called the dextrose stand "Papa". lol.  Yes, Mama is laughing now anak, because I'm just happy and thankful that the surgery went well.

Papa and I are so proud of you anak.  You truly are a Big Brave Boy, and we thank the Lord for the success of your surgery.