pre-op appt. over, now the home stretch

[ExpatJen]

We had Audrey's pre-op appointment Friday. I can't believe her surgery is only a month away. I wake up every night and torture myself until dawn about what could go wrong, asking myself again if we are doing the right thing. The appointment went well, except that surgeon number 2 didn't show. But I really like (and trust as much as I can) surgeon number 1. The hospital will give us a room to ourselves and I will stay with her, something we weren't sure our insurance would cover - so that's a small relief. We finally explained it to Audrey, which went alot better than I thought it would. She is excited about sleeping in the hospital with Mommy, which breaks my heart to hear. To her it is all an adventure.

The doctor told us that they will only give her tylenol when she comes out of recovery and I was surprised by this. I thought she would need morphine but he said she wouldn't need it. I find it hard to believe that tylenol will be sufficient but I am happy if it is. Have others experienced this? I'm so worried she will be in alot of pain when she wakes up.

I'm also worried about saying goodbye to the face we have known and loved for 4 and a half years :no . The doctor said she will appear more serious, which makes me so sad.

-Jennifer C.

[verdon2]

:hugg Everything will be okay, you will see just how strong Audrey is!!! And yes, tylenol wil be the only pain med she will need when she is home. They are little troopers and their strength is incredible!!! Good luck and well wishes to you both!!! :hugg

[Jennifer]

Hang in there! This next month will be hard, but you'll make it just fine. Kids are so innocent- the fact that she see's it as an adventure. Are you going to explain to her that she will have a big owie or boo-boo on her head and that she may have a hard time seeing for a day? (I have know idea how you would explain that??) As for pain meds- Emily had a lot more medication than than tylenol the first 3 days after surgery (we were sent home w/ tylenol w/ coidene- only used that at night for a few nights), each doctor is different though. I'd probably ask if there is an option for stronger medicine if necessary. I completely understand the sadness of saying goodbye to the face you know. The week before Emily's surgery, I would break down crying- for the sadness of her face changing, not for the fear of surgery. I went and had her pictures done that week and took a ton of pictures- I didn't want to forget that face. After surgery- she looked different, but the same- it was still my same sweet Emily and her same beautiful smile. Also the same brightness in the eyes- just slightly different shaped.
I wonder why the doctor said that she'd appear more serious?

Many huggs to you! :hugg

[plukids]

((HUGS)) to you Jennifer! The next month will be hard as waiting is always the hardes part. Audrey will amaze you. As for the pain, I agree with Jen. I think she will probably need something a bit stronger. Sylvie was given morphine & versed and at one point more fentanyl. The docs said she really was not in a lot of pain as the skull does not have a lot of feeling. But, the way she was grimacing and fussing .........I know she was hurting. Maybe just ask if she needs something stronger would they give it? Atleast that would ease your mind to know. I'll pray for the next month to go by easily, surgery to be a success and recovery to be quick! Keep us posted

[Katie]

:hugg You know you are making the right decision for AUdrey :hugg I remember being ver sad about having to say goodbye to the face I knew for 4.5 months, it must be even more worrisome after 4.5 years. You will be surprised at how even thought she looks different, she will still look the same. I know that sounds weird, but you will understand after the surgery. Audrey will do wonderful :hugg