xl1200c
12-05-2007, 06:50 PM
Well, we’re finished the pre-op. It wasn't as emotionally hard as I was expecting, I guess I'm still a bit in denial or shock or something.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
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We met several different groups of people. They were all VERY nice, and super considerate. They even asked which thumb he sucks so they can be sure to put his IV in the other hand. (so thoughtful!)<o:p></o:p>
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They are not worried about his cold yet, provided it does not get into his chest, cause coughing or fever. We’ll see I suppose. I really hope it passes.<o:p></o:p>
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Other things we learned: We will get updates on his surgery progress every hour to hour and a half. Surgery is expected to be 6 hours. They may leave in his catheter and intubation and arterial line for awhile after. It is expected to takes a half-hour to an hour to get him situated in ICU after surgery before we can see him.<o:p></o:p>
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His head will be wrapped for 2 days, with drainage in for 2-3 days, antibiotics for whole time drain is in. Steroids to help with swelling will be started in the OR and weaned down for 2 days, may be “bounce back” swelling once off steroids.<o:p></o:p>
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They were so impressed with my list of questions, that they asked me for a photocopy so that they could use it to train a new nurse. I also referred them to this website.<o:p></o:p>
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<o:p>Sorry for the long post, I'm just putting it all out there in case it can help anyone, or if it makes anyone think of something else I should be asking or considering.</o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Now, we’re back to the waiting…<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
We met several different groups of people. They were all VERY nice, and super considerate. They even asked which thumb he sucks so they can be sure to put his IV in the other hand. (so thoughtful!)<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
They are not worried about his cold yet, provided it does not get into his chest, cause coughing or fever. We’ll see I suppose. I really hope it passes.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
Other things we learned: We will get updates on his surgery progress every hour to hour and a half. Surgery is expected to be 6 hours. They may leave in his catheter and intubation and arterial line for awhile after. It is expected to takes a half-hour to an hour to get him situated in ICU after surgery before we can see him.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
His head will be wrapped for 2 days, with drainage in for 2-3 days, antibiotics for whole time drain is in. Steroids to help with swelling will be started in the OR and weaned down for 2 days, may be “bounce back” swelling once off steroids.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
They were so impressed with my list of questions, that they asked me for a photocopy so that they could use it to train a new nurse. I also referred them to this website.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
<o:p>Sorry for the long post, I'm just putting it all out there in case it can help anyone, or if it makes anyone think of something else I should be asking or considering.</o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Now, we’re back to the waiting…<o:p></o:p>