Friday, September 26, 2008

ER Adventures *Graphic Photos*

Something miraculous happened in our family today. There was a medical crisis, and my husband was home! You gotta love that. My poor little Hercules. (that's what I've decided to call him) Tonight was to be his first ever wii night of his very own. He's watched brother after brother have friends over to play. He's heard their laughter and sneaked some peeks. He's been counting the minutes for weeks, and he only had an hour til his friends arrived. I was making dinner, Hubby was across the street helping a neighbor, and the little boys were being silly, jumping around in the front room. It was all very peaceful until I heard the screams. I knew by the pitch that something was wrong. Both Hercules and his older brother were instantly hysterical. He was holding his head, and I could see blood, but I wasn't worried. Head wounds bleed a lot. My first thought was that we could just superglue it and he'd be fine. Then I pulled his hands back and my stomach flipped. This is a less bloody version of what I saw:See that white there? That's his skull.

I ran to get some napkins and sent Blade across the street to get his dad. I applied direct pressure just like I'm supposed to and watched as Blade sauntered across the street. I found out later what he said.

"Dad, Hercules is donating blood."

"What?!"

"Hercules is donating blood and Mom needs you."

He came running. He met up in the entryway and saw my concern. I pulled back the napkins and he breathed out "Oh Shhhhhhhhhh......oot." I was proud of him. Blade was taking off in a few minutes for a football game so we put Ammon in charge and took off. We tried a nearby urgent care, a nurse came out to the car, took one look and sent us to the ER. All the time, Hercules was whimpering but still talking coherently. Luckily, my parents live only a few minutes away. They rushed over to our place to hold down the fort and clean up the blood.
One thing you need to know about this guy, is that he's tough. He made it through dental fillings by repeating his full name to himself followed by "and I can do hard things!". He was scared about the possibility of stitches, while I was wondering how in the world they are going to close this huge crater in his forehead.
While we waited, a triage nurse dressed the wound with a topical anaesthetic, so he was chipper and happy. He'd been promised a deck of yugioh cards when it was all done, and that was all he could think about. He played games on Daddy's phone, we made glove balloons, and then it was time for the stitches.The Dr. couldn't get over how calm he was. He kept telling us about kids his age and the different ways they had to be restrained. He didn't even flinch when the needle went in. Look at that trusting face!
Here he is, and proud as can be. We'd shown him the photos, and he was beyond thrilled that he could see his skull. This will give him bragging rights for years, and a new deck of yugioh cards. Life doesn't get any better that that!

15 comments:

SkinnyJeanGirl said...

Those pictures should make any mother's stomach lurch, but not mine.:) Mothers of all boys just know that "scream" and nothing seems to phase them. Way to go, and so glad your hubs was home. What a strong boy. My boys are the same way. When my Daredevil got staples in his head he thought it was the greatest thing. He didn't cry, just wanted to see his "cool" head. Boys! Gotta love 'em!:)

Melinda said...

Way to go mom. I love the story of him saying his full name and then repeating, "and I can do hard things." Somebody did a great job with that little one. That is truly a trusting face. I am a nurse and you don't see that too often. Wow!! I'm impressed.

Anonymous said...

He grew a second mouth!

Allison said...

Oh my! That's an amazing gash! What a good, brave kid! The story reminded me of Joseph Smith and his leg surgery. I'm glad he's o.k.

dots said...

So, I had to comment!! This totally brought back memories of when I was younger and Aaron had something similar happen to him...in the same spot on his forehead...only it was my grandmother holding the gash closed and me running to the neighbors to call my parents...I'll have to check to see if his scar is still there...his big head certainly is...

Jana said...

Gross Gross Gross! I can't believe that it was so deep just from jumping on the ottoman!

And next time you say graphic pictures in the title, I'm going to take you for your word and not read the post!

ICK!

I'm happy he is so happy about the whole thing. When all is said and done, its all about the scar and the bragging rights!

Home of the Muddy Kids said...

My kids are WAY impressed by the skull footage and his bravery. Well done, Hercules! Let's skip the cliff though, eh?

Sarah said...

It's a darn good thing I married a doctor, because that stuff TOTALLY freaks me out. I used to have more tolerance, but I'm such a wuss now.
I love that your son said he was donating blood. What a character! And thank goodness all is well--I guess the wii party has been rescheduled?? =)

Michelle Stott said...

Wow,that is something. I am glad he is okay and so brave. So did he still get his chance to play the Wii. So your kids are getting so big and handsome.

Dweezleboss said...

Hercules greeted me at church yesterday with "yes, I have stitches" and continued on his way. I knew your blog would be interesting reading.

Melinda said...

You have been tagged. Please go to my blog to read the details.
www.kinghornscalledtoserve.blogspot.com

I just want to say, I admire you. You are an awesome mom. I loved your post about the letters to the teachers. I love the picture of you with the boys that says, "I'm so lucky."

Jodi said...

E gads! That was one gaping wound! I love it that you were calm enough as a mom to even think about taking photos! Guess it comes with the territory of having so much testosterone around! What a brave little guy! And he is SO stinkin' cute too! He deserves a case of Yugio cards!

Jenny said...

Ugh! That's the second nephew in two weeks to get stitches. The other one cut open his chin and I was first on the scene... I'm so glad I wasn't there for this one. Skull is a thing I never want to see!

MamaBird said...

glad you are made of stearn stuff! what a hole - Hercules has always been Cambri's favorite - just wait til she sees... !! his gaping wound makes mine look like a harmless scratch. i'm all blogged-up - thank heavens - i was beginning to think i'd never visit anyone's sites again. - whew!

Anonymous said...

That wound looks so scary!!

When I learned about it I prayed that it would go all well.
I was so worried.

He is a brave guy, by the look of these photos.