Monday, May 14, 2007

Surgery Day

You wake up early in the morning. It is still dark out and your body rebells at having to leave the comfort of your bed. You did not sleep well last night, you were too anxious. You and your husband decide not to have breakfast since you both are really too nervous to eat. You would probably throw up on the drive to the hospital any way. Eating at the hospital will provide a much needed distraction. The awfulness of the food will give you something to talk about besides the surgery.

Waking your child is no easy feat. He too rebells at getting up so early. You all quickly walk out into the morning chill and put all the bags into the car. There is one for him, filled with special toys that you got especially for the surgery. The other one is for you. There is a change of clothing and also things for you to do while you wait. Today there will be a lot of waiting and you know that you will quickly tire of the many things in there. Your mind will be with your child in the operating room.

Traffic is light. You make it in plenty of time and have no trouble finding parking. In the waiting room your child proceeds to charm all the older people there. He is the only child and he milks all the attention that his youth and cuteness gets him. His name is called and you are taken back to a room where they prepare him for the surgery. Height weight and vitals are all taken. The anesthesiologist comes by to ask you if you have any questions. Your child's surgeon comes by to answer any last second questions.

Then you wait. Your child is getting cranky from the lack of sleep and hunger. You are told that the surgery is delayed due to an organ transplant. You try and keep your child entertained grateful that you have a little more time with him before the surgery, but you also would just like to get the whole thing over with. Too soon it is surgery time.

You are all taken to the OR. You wait in a tiny room while they are getting everything set up. Only one parent is allowed back to hold the child during the anesthesia induction. As the mother you claim that right and are given a zip up suit to wear along with a hair net looking hat. Your child starts to get anxious the instant you enter the OR. He remembers it somehow from the previous times that he has been in there. You try and comfort him as best you can while you lay him on the operating table. He cries as the mask is placed on his face but soon he gets sleepy and is limp. The nurses promise to update you and your child's surgeon pats your back telling you that he will do his best to give your child the best outcome possible. As you leave you take one last look, praying that you will get to hold your child again.

Gabe and Zoe are having heart surgery this week. Gabe's is May 15th and Zoe's is May16th. Please take a little time and say a little prayer for both the children and the parents. They need all the strength that they can get in this trying time.

11 comments:

Alextricity said...

My prayers are with you and your family as you go through this difficult time. Have faith..
:)

Anonymous said...

So scary! Hugs!
Sending positive vibes to all children and parents that have to endure this!

Anonymous said...

These 2 little ones are in my heart this week. Constant and overflowing...

Magpie said...

My child a minor surgery a couple of years ago - that leaving her in the OR was so awful - and seeing her afterwards was kind of heartstopping - she was still groggy, and wired up.

Beautiful heart felt post.

Gina said...

I will keep them in my prayers.

Unknown said...

Many prayers their way...and hugs for my own healthy children. Truly, it is such a blessing and I hope everything goes well.

Steph said...

They will be in my prayers.

You brought back many emotions as I was reading this, remembering M's surgery.

Darren said...

Beautiful post. We'll keep them in our prayers.

Overwhelmed! said...

You know, this post has given me a glimpse into how my parents might have felt as they took me to the hospital for one of the many surgeries I had as a kid.

Thanks for sharing. Prayers are being offered up!

Ice Cream said...

I cannot even begin to imagine what you and Gabe will be going through today. My little Monster Man's name is Gabe to, and just that little connection makes my heart hurt for you. I will definitely say a prayer for both of you today.

Ice Cream said...

ok, I figured it all out now. Evan is yours. My heart still goeas out to Gabe and Zoe. I took time to read about Evan and was crying and amazed. My best friend's little guy has the same scar down his chest. Even being close while her baby was going through his surgeries, I still am not even close to being able to imagine what you mothers have to go through. I am amazed.