Wow avian flu- how scary, glad she came out of that but she must have been super sick for awhile. Giving it every three hours, switching between ibuprofen and Tylenol, though for the next dose I am letting him sleep so that will be five or six hours. We did a little of the liquid syringe which he hated and then all of a sudden last night he drank a full glass of water after one of the medicine doses. We have not attacked the mouth cleaning yet but likely will tomorrow or whenever he starts eating food again. Recommended either saltwater or alcohol free mouthwash or colloidal silver spray. This part will be tricky - I am not even sure he knows how to spit but I guess we will find out. We normally don’t even use toothpaste when we brush his teeth because he doesn’t tolerate it. Maybe he can learn through this experience.

How’s it going? I didn’t see your previous message about going into to surgery and ride home- not sure how I missed that but saw your last message!

Anyways- I know it can be frustrating when people are not as good as you are. Your don is so lucky to have you/ you sound like you use every tool you can. With that said if you are questioning whether you need more support to manage everything I would go back to the hospital and if you do- insist on seeing a child life specialist. They don’t always think to get them involved so you might have to ask. UCLA should have a child life specialist on duty during the day.

Ok- I know we’re nit supposed to give advice here- but do this...

Be sure to use pain medication as prescribed, it can get out of control if not given on time. Write down the times you give each dose. Call the doctors office if you can’t get things under control- they might be able to call in another prescription. So if you have called by now- do it.

Lay down with him in a dark room- to de-sensory his system. Hospitals can be so sensory overloading. It won’t fix everything but will de-escalate that overloaded nervous system and make things a little better so you can get through this. And remember your son may not be able to process or articulate his sensations- so it might be frustration mixed with pain- and to a kid who is sensory overloaded that is horrible!!!

Remember to tell your son he is a good kid and how brave he is even if he is being horrible. Reward him with bigger prizes for cooperating with drinking.

One more tip- do you have a weighted blanket? Or can you gently but firmly place pressure on his body? Not sure what his sensory diet is-

Keep in touch- I’ll check back.

How did it go today?

UCLA is good- I’m sure the pediatric anesthesia dept is good. You seem really smart about choices for your child- just be sure you feel right- they can’t brung your child into surgery until you sign the surgery consent.

Sometimes university hospitals can seem a little disorganized- but once you get there in front of the medical team- surgeon and anesthesia and nurses it should come together.

Best wishes tomorrow- and take any stray food or water out of the car- and your putse- and out of reach. You don’t want the day sabotaged by your son eating a stray Cheerio in the car seat;).