We have known about Tanner’s impending surgery since he was born. When Tanner was born he had two hernias, an umbilical hernia, and an Epigastric hernia about 5 inches above his belly button. Usually hernias from birth close up around age two, but when they don’t, a surgeon has to go in and close it up!  We saw a surgeon when Tanner was about 3, but he told us that it would be better to wait until he was 5 to do the surgery, less complication with anesthesia.

Fast forward to yesterday, Tanner had his surgery! He was pretty excited to miss school, to see grandma, and to get a surprise when his surgery was done. I don’t know how excited he was about the actual surgery though.

Tanner’s surgery was at Primary Children’s Medical Center, which we are so lucky to have nearby. They have toys in every waiting room, even a video game system! I actually think Trent had more fun with the video games than Tanner.

Tanner loved that he got to wear special hospital pj’s and special socks! But, as he was having his vitals taken, I think he started getting a little nervous.

After getting dressed and all, we were taken to the pre-op waiting room. This room had little cars for the kids to drive around (which Tanner loved!)

They also had a lady come around and to crafts with the kids (they made turkeys) and another lady who came in and let them make a buddy to take into surgery with them, as well as going over some of the things that would happen when they went into to operating room.

Tanner most favorite thing was the color by numbers book grandma Miskin got him! He has already done 10 pictures!

It was good they had all this going on because Tanner’s surgery was delayed over an hour and a half! Eventually it was our turn, and we walked Tanner down the hall. We opted out of the “relaxation drug” they like to give kids, and he did just great without it! He was not phased at all  by any of it

Trent and I waited in the waiting room, eating a delicious lunch of hostess cupcakes and crackerfulls. After about an hour I was allowed to go back and see Tanner. He was crying and not happy at all. He kept saying, “I just want to sleep”. He seemed like he was in a lot of pain too, but overall the surgery went really well, and he was in good shape. After about 20 min they took us into the post-op recovery, and Trent was able to join us. Tanner was spoiled with a slurpee and tv.

Tanner was pretty whiny and pathetic, especially when I was around. I had to dress him laying down, and he wouldn’t leave unless Dad carried him out of bed, but he did really want to go home! Instead of taking a wagon ride out like all the other kids, Tanner wanted to ride in a wheel chair. On the way home, he finally conked out!

A couple funny things Tanner said or did. As soon was he was lucid enough, he informed me that “This was NOT fun Mom”. Also, he denies completely that he was ever asleep. We asked him about when they put the mask on what happened, and he says, “I tasted root beer (they have flavored anesthesia, how smart is that) and then I just kept my eyes open the whole time”.Tanner slept great last night, and today he was able to just lay around and play video games and watch TV. He is in a little bit of pain and he makes us help him sit up and walk, and when he does walk he is hunched over like a little old man!

We had a great experience, and although we loved Primary Children’s, we hope we don’t have to go back anytime soon!