How do you pass the time?

[amanda0502]

<TABLE id=HB_Mail_Container height="100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0 UNSELECTABLE="on"><TBODY><TR height="100%" UNSELECTABLE="on" width="100%"><TD id=HB_Focus_Element vAlign=top width="100%" background="" height=250 UNSELECTABLE="off">I was just wondering for all of you who have had sugery how did you pass the dreaded time of waiting? 4 to 5 hours is a long long time to wait for your baby to come out of surgery? I know the doctors and nurses said to go get something to eat but i seriously doubt that day i can eat excuse me but i think i would have to run to the bathroom right away. Was there any good books that maybe you read to pass the time or what??????????????</TD></TR><TR UNSELECTABLE="on" hb_tag="1"><TD style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height=1 UNSELECTABLE="on">
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[craniomommynbaby]

We had lots of family with us. My husband spent most of the time hanging out with the fathers. My FIL has a puppet that he uses to visit sick people, and he brought it that day too. I spent my time between pumping milk and hanging out with my sister and walking around. The day really flew for me. The surgical nurse called my cell every so often with updates which helped. I brought books and a cross stitch project and some puzzles and things, but I never touched them.

[Jennifer]

For us it was just me and my husband (by our choice). His grandparents stopped by the last 2 hours...which was helpful....just random, useless chit chat. His sister was also there for a bit in the middle. Also random chit chat. I brought a stocking that I was working on--thinking I would work on it in the waiting room and then again in the hospital...I brought it out once...for about 15 minutes....

For Emily's second surgery (which was much shorter-- 3 hours?) We actually brought card games and sat at a table and played.

Both times we did walk to the cafeteria and get something to eat...not out of hunger...don't even recall what it was we ate...just to pass the time (of course I couldn't leave until I got an update and left immediatly after that informing the waiting room attendant where I was and what number to call for any reason)

You will do fine. Who is going to be there with you?

[Janet]

Keri....For us, we have invited Fiona's Godmother (my sis in law) with us, we figured that she can help take our mind off of things for a while....6 hours is a long time...I just want support around me...hopefully that will help. I hope you'll have a ton of support too. I'm also bringing my sons's gameboy!!

[amanda0502]

<TABLE id=HB_Mail_Container height="100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0 UNSELECTABLE="on"><TBODY><TR height="100%" UNSELECTABLE="on" width="100%"><TD id=HB_Focus_Element vAlign=top width="100%" background="" height=250 UNSELECTABLE="off">It will be my husband and me. Also coming with us is my brother and my father. My mom is staying home here in si with my 5 year old and my mother in law will be with my father in law who had heart surgery 6 weeks ago. </TD></TR><TR UNSELECTABLE="on" hb_tag="1"><TD style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height=1 UNSELECTABLE="on">
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[MikenAustinsMommy]

We brought a lot of magazines, mostly gossip ones that had really short articles. We also had friends and family there but we asked them to give us an hour of alone time before they showed up. We spent that hour holding each other and having a much needed cry. Once our family and friends arrived there was alot of conversation, about what I have no idea, and it helped pass the time. There was also a TV on with a collection of movies we could choose from.
My 10 year old (at the time) was with us in the waiting room during the surgery. Since he knew what was going on and was worried about his little brother too we didn't have the heart to make him stay home. He came with my parents about an hour after Austin went in to surgery and stayed until Austin went into the PICU, then he went home with my parents. They brought him back daily to see us.

[Candice]

Luckily we have a laptop, and the hospital had wireless internet.I was able to check in w/ every1 here, and we also played some games on the como\puter. When she first went back, we went down to the caf (after we collected ourselves) and grabbed some drinks and snacks, then we snagged a great spot in the waiting room that was nice and secluded. We also had some mags and newspapers to read thru. We also stayed positive & talked about how awesome Kendall was going to look in recovery (it was even better than we had ever imagined!)We had my Mom & Step-DaD W/ us. It was nice to have that xtra support, I am so glad they were there, but to each their own. One thing I wished we would have brought were some funny movies, but I'm not sure how well we would have been paying attention!