Monday, June 8, 2009

9am Update

Last night seemed to take forever to end. I couldn't go to sleep. Then when I finally did the alarm went off at 2:30am so I could give her some water before the cut off. That is certainly one advantage of having a tube fed child. I can keep her well hydrated prior to surgery. (That and I don't have to worry about medicines tasting yucky.) And keeping her well hydrated makes it easier for them to gain access to her veins.

Once I gave her the water, I couldn't fall back asleep. I'm sure I will be one tired puppy later.

Harlie was a little hard to wake this morning, as she was up late, too. I guess being somewhere different and sleeping in the same room with us made her a bit excited. She danced around and wanted to jump up and down on the bed. Calming her down was not easy. And it is hard for me because I am so happy to see her acting like a typical toddler.

Anyway, I was able to get her diaper changed and mostly dressed (socks, ankle braces, shoes, pants - all but the shirt) before she finally opened her eyes. I thought for sure she would be mad that I was waking her so early. But she looked at Tom and waved "hi" and smiled just as cheery as ever.

Once they took us back we had to swab her down again with those same pre-surgical wipes. She just sat there being so cooperative. I am truly thankful that she gives us absolutely no flack, but sad at the same time. I hate that this has all become all too familiar for her. And you would think that we would be the same way (so used to it, I mean). But it is just getting harder and harder to have to say goodbye. Especially this time, when I know what the recovery will entail. Luckily, the hospital staff understands, and they gave her Versed through her g-tube to help put her at ease. I believe that's also an amnesia drug so she doesn't remember saying goodbye. If only we could have some, too!

Anyway, the cardiac anesthesiologist came in and talked with us before they took her back. He said that he thought that her surgeon was planning on doing both surgeries. He said we should hear how it all went by about 2pm today.

We have a pager and they will page us once they've made the incision, when she's on the heart bypass machine, when she's off the bypass and then when they are done.

They took her at 7:45am, and they said for us to expect at least an hour or so for anesthesia to gain access (she will have numerous lines for numerous purposes). I am so glad that she will be under for all that poking! When I left the waiting area (8:45am) to come to the library to update the blog, we had not heard from them.

So, we just wait. I'll update again when I know something.
Thanks for checking,
Christy

8 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi Christy and Tom, I have tried to keep up with your blog and wanted you to know you and Harlie are in my thoughts and prayers today.

Sarah (Lucy's mom) said...

Christy, I have so much to say, yet nothing to say at all that will make this easier or better. As you know, it doesn't matter how many times you go through this, it (i.e., watching your child go through surgery, esp. heart surgery) just does.not.get.easier!! But please know that I'm praying for you guys, and will be anxiously awaiting news. love, Sarah (Lucy's mom)

P.S. When the dust settles, after all the surgery business is behind you, I hope to be able to write you a nice long email about the feeding stuff. (We're dealing with similar behavioral crap...)

Donna said...

Thinking about you guys and sayings lots of prayers for strength for you, guidance for the surgeon and of course for sweet Harlie that all goes without a hitch.

Thanks for posting.

Love you and lots of hugs,
Donna
XOXO

Kim said...

Just wanted you to know that I'm thinking of you guys, keeping Harlie close in my thoughts and saying lots of prayers that Jonas finds the perfect solution for this surgery.

Anonymous said...

Hi everyone. Just thinking about you guys and wanted to send my prayers your way. I miss you already!!

love,
Brandy

Beverley said...

Waiting with you!

Praying for the Great physician to guide the doctors hands

Anonymous said...

Hi Christy and Tom,

Just wanted to let you know were thinking of you and sending lots of prayers your way. Thanks for keeping us updated.

Love,
Cami, Mike, Catie and Cole

Sarah Gunn said...

I have been thinking about you guys all day! Hugs to everyone!

Heart Update

Hi. Here's another thing that's been on my mind - Harlie's heart. l think I'm just going to think out loud and hopefully it&...