Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Surgery Day -- Hospital Day #1


We arrived at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital at 9:30 am for our 11:30 am surgery.  Thankfully, the facility is very easy to find and not too bad to maneuver.  Right before we arrived Elizabeth said, "No doctor."
Mommy said, "Well honey, we are going to see Dr. F today.  You are going to do great!"
Yep, she was ok with that.

We brought Maymay with us -- her new American Girl Doll.  The nurses were wonderful with the doll.  They did everything on the doll first to show Elizabeth.  They even dressed her doll for surgery and gave her a bracelet.  Nurse Lori and Nurse Jessica are the best :)


She was in pretty good spirits SOME of the time.  Elizabeth did spend some time coloring and sticker decorating.  


She also got to try the mask.  She picked the flavor she would get to smell when the mask went on AND she got to put that flavor in it.  

 
  BUT when it came to getting the scrubs on ..... Well, she was not happy.  There were tears.  So, they allowed us to wait.  They also gave her the meds a tad early to relax her.  BUT in the end when she had to get the scrubs on ... there were more tears


We had to mark the leg with a X and Dr. F had to sign it.  We HAD to make sure that they would do the correct leg.  


At 11:55 they came and got us.  It was time to go.  She did not want to get in the bed -- so, baba carried her.  She is really trying to smile in the picture.  BUT she was scared.  Matt did go back with her and stayed until she was completely under.


Matt and I went to lunch and then waited and waited and waited.  About 1/2 way through the surgery they called with an update -- all is well!  The entire surgery took 3 1/2 hours.  Dr. F met with us and informed us it went well.  The plate was inserted as planned.  The amputation went well although there was some issues with the locked ankle.  In the end it worked out fine but it took a tad longer than expected.

It was another 25 minutes before she started to stir in recovery AND they did get us immediately.  We were the first people she saw when she opened her eyes.  Nurse Jessica was amazing.  

 
 She was relaxed at first BUT then we had issues getting the pain under control.  Finally, after about 20 - 30 minutes, she started to relax.  We did get a little smile as well.


We were in recovery for a LONG time.  BUT it was because they were waiting on an available room.  We arrived in our room at 6:15.  She was actually telling us exactly how she felt AND joking with baba.  She was LOVING the balloons my sister sent.  She couldn't believe they were HERS!!!  It was so cute.  She did sleep a bit. and when she woke-up she wanted to eat a tad bit.  A blue slushie, broth and jello -- Not to shabby. Oh, the only place they could do the IV is in her arm that she eats with.  SO, shucks....mommy has to feed her. 


  She goes from sleepy, to jokes, to pain QUICKLY!!   So, our goal is to try and stay on top of the pain for the night.  She really just wanted mommy to get into bed and cuddle with her.  


We called the kids at home around bedtime.  She wanted to talk to My Darling.  Oh, it was so sweet.  She told her she was doing good and 'I lobe you.'  Yes, that is her I love you.  So, sweet.  And then she turned and went right back to sleep.


She is even letting baba get into bed and cuddle with her.  


I do need to share again how awesome the staff is here at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital.  They have taken great care of not only Elizabeth but Matt and I.  They are constantly asking if we need anything.  They are kind and helpful.  I LOVE that they do everything on her doll first to show Elizabeth since she can't always understand them.  They also dressed her doll AND when she came out of surgery had added a matching pink cast to her doll -- so very thoughtful!



 Praises!!
  1. Elizabeth did so well for surgery.
  2. Pain management is going pretty good.
  3. AWESOME Dr., team AND facility!
  4. Great support system -- there are so many praying.  Thank-you!!!
Prayer Requests:
  1. Elizabeth will heal.
  2. Pain will continue to be under control.
  3. We have a SHORT stay :)
  4. We have a sick MD at home -- QUICK healing.
  5. Still have that unspoken :)


3 comments:

  1. Thank you for posting your journey, Sarah! This must have been quite the day for you and your positive attitude is so refreshing. I had to lol when I read the part about sweet Elizabeth moving from jokes to sleepy to pain QUICKLY--I think I am often much the same way on any given day teaching middle schoolers! Love, love, love the pics!!! We'll keep sending prayers for healing and peace all around...

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  2. Oh, now I have tears in my eyes (I was doing okay until you mentioned that the HDVCH nurses put a pink cast on May May's leg as well). So thankful that the surgery is over and that things are going well for Elizabeth.

    In no time at all she will be running around on her new prosthetic leg/foot! I'll be praying for all of you!

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  3. Praying for you and Elizabeth, Sarah. Our God is such a magnificent healer. Praying for overwhelming peace and comfort.

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