Surgery Day for Irene

Hi Everyone, it was a daunting process accompanying Irene to surgery last week, but she has made a wonderful recovery and enjoyed a fun and active day at school today.  I just wanted to share with you a little bit of what it was like for us.  The Randall Children's Hospital is just about a 10 min drive from our home and is even closer to Julie and Luc's home.  We pulled in at 5:30 in time to check in Irene and also meet one of my former students (now 16 yrs old)  in the lobby who was awaiting heart surgery.  I work with her mom, and it was a funny surprise to see them there.

The Hospital is beautiful and was a really great welcome for us as we entered and waited to be called down to the day surgery floor on the lower level. Norie, I thought of you and what your impression might be and how you would think about designing a space for reassurance, welcome and comfort.

Entering the day surgery area.

Taking vitals and prepping for surgery.

Heading to pre op.

In pre-op with the anesthesiologist.  He let Irene listen to her heart and told her that she had a few choices for the gas mask:  Rootbeer, Peppermint, Bubblegum or Stinky Breath.  ;-)  Irene chose peppermint.  A few minutes later, they said, "Goodbye" to Peter and I and we left pre-op after which she was soon wheeled into the OR.

It was a beautiful snowy day, and mama waited nervously in the family lounge. I snapped this photo of the gardens while getting some food from the Cafe.

The Doctor came in to talk with us about 45 min later and told us that the surgery was successful and simple.  No hernia on left side, only the right.  He took a loop stitch around the edge of the hole and pulled it tight.  That's it.  They put a small stitch in her belly button with dissolving thread and dabbed it with a bit of skin glue.  Not even a bandaid.  A few moments later, the nurse invited me back to see her in recovery.  She was not happy to wake up to an IV in her hand or other children crying in beds next to her, but cheered up quickly when I asked her nurse if she was ready for a popsicle.  The nurse took that as a sign that we were ready for heading back to her room to begin wrapping up.  She finished her Popsicle on Papa's lap while the nurse removed the IV.

We were so happy for company as we got ready to check out.  After just about 30 minutes in recovery, we were ready to leave.  The nurse warned us that we get charged for every 15 minutes so she invited us to head out before the next time slot began.  She met us with a tiny wheelchair at Irene's door.

Waiting in the lobby for Papa to bring the car up to the entrance.

Irene was not quite expecting the level of pain she had to deal with in the first two days, but visits from cousins helped relieve her symptoms.

Gma and Gpa check in and bring wishes and kisses and dinner!

We are so thankful for Irene's quick recovery and excellent care.  It was a grueling process for mom, but I imagine it could have been a lot worse--the hospital staff was excellent and Mr. Rogers Neighborhood on PBS was a life saver--she watched about 16 hours of it.  His friendly loving musical voice seemed to lift her into a serene and cared for place.  Thanks to everyone for your loving thoughts and wishes and for thinking of us! 

;