Miri's procedure, Part II (or "Psych!")

The tear duct probe didn't work. Less than two weeks after the experience, Miriam's eyes were tearing up again. But rather than calling the ophthalmologist's office right away to schedule the intubation, I held off hoping that the problem would take care of itself.

In the meantime, Miriam suffered from several ear infections. We realized that her recurring illness was probably linked to her blocked ducts, so I finally bit the bullet and called the office. Monday morning, Miri saw Dr. Affleck again, and he explained the surgery to us and helped us schedule a time at the surgical center.

Today was the day. Since we had to be to the center by 6:10 a.m., my dad came over to be with the big girls as they woke up. Miri didn't like waking up before 6; she complained the whole time Seth changed her diaper and strapped her in her car seat.

Then we had the usual pre-surgical experience: signing papers, having our insurance card copied, answering questions, changing the patient into mini hospital gown and waiting.

An awesome cell phone shot of Miri in her hospital gown at the Idaho Falls Surgical Center.

Seth keeping Miri entertained by allowing her to play with his watch.

When the anesthesiologist came into our room, he did the typical pre-op check. But after listening to her lungs, repositioning the stethoscope and listening again, I could tell that something was up.

Following a thorough explanation of the whole anesthetic process involved with the surgery, he told us what I thought he'd been leading up to all along: he didn't want Miri to go under today. She's had a runny nose and junky cough for days now, and he could hear the nastiness in her lungs. He was afraid the anesthesia could pose a risk with her body already weakened from the sickness.

So no tubes for now. Instead, we're making a trip to the pediatrician's office to see if they can prescribe something to clear her up so we can try again in a week or two. It's a vicious circle--her sickness is caused by the blocked ducts that we were trying to have fixed but can't because she's sick.

However, I am extremely grateful to the anesthesiologist for suggesting that we wait. On Monday evening, Seth and Grandpa Hendricks gave Miriam a priesthood blessing during which Seth said that the doctors would be blessed with the skills and knowledge necessary to perform the procedure. I know that this morning's experience is a result of that doctor's knowledge. I would much rather wake up at 5:20 another morning (which is saying a lot) than do something now that could hurt my baby.