We are almost 2 weeks post-surgery as I am writing this post. I am happy to share that everything went really well- from pre-op to intubation to the actual procedure and recovery. I am a huge fan of several things, in particular, that happened during this experience. The first one is Phoenix Children's Hospital. They continue to impress us with their attention to the small details and the way that they listen to and address our concerns. The whole team was great, but the anesthesiologist blew me away. He allowed Gracie to have versed (a sedative) in pre-op so she didn't have to feel so scared, and then he let me suit up and carry her into the OR myself. Then he really surprised me by handing the mask to me and letting me put in on her and help with induction while keeping me posted on her O2 stats. I mean.....WOW. It was very empowering and so much easier on Gracie. Then we got regular calls from the OR nurse during the procedure to keep us posted. That was so wonderful as the waiting and not knowing are usually the worst part. The doctor finished ahead of schedule and everything was done! Smooth and simple! Until she needed more morphine..... so here's the part that is hard to sugar coat. The first 2-3 days of recovery are yucky. The bladder spasms are rough but Gracie's pain was controlled very well (or as well as it could be). But each day got a little better. Balloons and ice cream helped :) as did the playroom and therapy dog visit. They really try to get the kids though it with as little trauma as possible, which is appreciated beyond measure. It felt great to come home, but we really had to stay on top of Gracie's pain. The first few nights were a bit sleepless. And potty training is out the window right now..... I mean, who can hold their pee when your bladder is spasming? But each day is better and she barely needs the pain meds at this point. My biggest challenge has been her mood swings (not that I can blame her). She has been quite the grumpy pants and poor Ben has been the target of her frustration. It's been an interesting week.... Keeping her from jumping around or climbing is tricky, so we have been doing tons of arts and crafts as well as taking some short outings. I am SO relieved that the surgery is behind us but I am really looking forward to her full recovery so we can get back to "normal" life, of which we have had some short glimpses ;) We have our follow up appointment with the Urologist on September 11th when they will do an ultrasound to make sure everything looks good. Then we keep G on a daily antibiotic for a few more months and hopefully that's the end of it! In the meantime, THANK YOU to our family for helping us. And THANK YOU to our friends who have braved the "low key" play date with Miss Sassy and her harried Mother :) |
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AuthorLauren, a Yoga Teacher, Choreographer, Director.....and new Mom!! I hope to add "tube slayer" to my list of credits. Archives
December 2015
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