This is going to have to be quick. It is late, and I am super tired. But, I wanted to tell you that she's doing well. Here are some quick pics...
Pre-op (obviously)...
Playing with her iPod Touch, waiting for them to take her back to the OR.
Here she is several hours post-op. I keep thinking that the chest tubes get smaller with each surgery. But they are the same, she's just getting bigger. Those chest tubes will stay in until the drainage tapers down - that time period is different for everyone.
The tube in her mouth is a new one for us. It goes to her belly and is on a low, constant suction.
Here is her equipment. And yes, all those pumps are on and running! It's really not as bad as I expected.
This trach is a new one for us, too. Personally, I think it is damn scary!
Her nurse agreed. She said that they assured her that it is sutured in and secure. But, her nurse has had her before and clearly remembers how hard it was/is to keep her sedated (she sat up just hours after her last heart surgery!). So, she's pretty nervous that she's going to wake up and just start yanking stuff out. I can tell you one thing - I don't want to see it if it happens and I don't want to have to suction that!!!
ENT is going to come by tomorrow and take that one out and get her back on her normal trach. She looks so different without it. It makes me so wish she wasn't trached - and that is no way for me to be feeling when decannulation (getting the trach out) is not even on the radar.
We have seen a lot of nurses that we know and love. They all let me know that they were looking for her (they saw her name on the schedule) and were excited to see her again. Her nurse today told the night nurse taking over that her main challenge would be keeping Harlie comfortable and pain free. She is so incredibly drug tolerant that it takes an insane amount of drugs to do the job. She has already tried to wake up and move around, so they had to put some restraints on her. I will be so glad when she gets her trach back and they can pull the tube out of her belly. I think that will help with keeping her comfortable.
Okay, must go for now. More tomorrow!
~Christy
14 comments:
Wow, it's DONE! That must be a HUGE relief! Knowing she needed this surgery for the past 4 years and having it hanging over your head..... I am excited that you all will soon be able to put it behind you.
Interesting about the suction into the stomach. That's a new one on me too.
I hope the pain meds do the job. Are they giving her a sedative? I hope it's not just restraints. I hope the recovery period goes well and that you won't be there too long. (((((HUGS!)))))
Considering all Harlie has been through today, she looks pretty good. The first thing I thought when I saw the picture was "where is the trach?" That is an unusual trach replacement, that's for sure. I hope you are able to get some rest tonight and that Harlie has a restful night. I'm so glad the big surgery is over and Harlie is on the road to recovery.
I've never seen a trach like that, it was the first thing I noticed also! I think she looks great considering the day she has had. I hope she stays comfortable. It sounds like her nurses will keep her comfy!
I know that tube in her trach!!! It's not a trach, it's an intubation tube. Tommy's ENT and heart surgeon came up with it when Tommy was supposed to have the Glenn (that turned into a shunt revision). It lets them intubate through the stoma without damaging her airway any further and gives the surgeon plenty of room for an incision. I never did get a pic of his because my camera battery died and they took it out before I got it charged again the next day, but that is exactly what his looked like.
I think she looks great! Here's to an uneventful recovery!
My first thought also was 'OMG where's her trach?' Funny how we are used to seeing that piece of plastic in a certain place. (Thanks Rene for sharing.) And I agree that looks very precarious!
Hang in there hun. Get some rest. When I need a smile, I just think of her with her hair blowing on the wind...
The trach surprised me too - so glad the ENT will be in today to get everything straight. She looks amazing, her color is wonderful.
The Holtons make some pretty awesome kids.
Of course you know that we are all praying continuously for all of you , especially Harlie. So glad to hear that this surgery is done. And now we just need to prya for a speedy recovery. Know that I have lots of people praying for you. All my love... And a big hug to all of you! Kristie, Dave, Nate & Tayne. We love you!
Hey Christy, Just want you to know that Kevin and I are thinking about you and praying for you ALL. May precious Harlie feel her Heavenly Father's healing touch and be comforted. May you and all your guys feel God's presence -His power and His peace in a mighty way. May you all be blessed abundantly. Much Love, Lynne and Kevin Smith
She looks absolutely amazing for a gal who's just had open heart surgery!! Awesome! And you sound amazing for a mama who's just gone through it all as well. Take care of yourself and we'll also be praying for the power and peace Lynne talked about above. Blessings!
Sounds like last night went well...very glad to hear that.
We enjoyed the visit with you guys yesterday. I'm glad the kids had a chance to spend some time there. It's hard to express but there's an calming sense of competence from everyone surrounding Harlie there.
Love the pic of her playing with her I-Pod.
See ya soon!
Great. big. hugs. for all of you. Harlie looks great.
That is amazing to see. Thank you for sharing the photos. We are thinking about you all and praying for a quick recovery for Harlie.
Just wanted to let you know we are checking in on you all and are thinking about you all. Mike and Marcy
omg she really does look great after all that she's been through...I can't stop staring at that tube. Hang in there, Harlie! ...and mom ;)) Thinking of you guys xoxo
Love Kerry
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