Mackenzie's Surgery Today

[Mackenzies_MOM]

Hey everyone! Thanks for all the prayers and support. Surgery went well today.. They took her back around eight and then they called about ten after nine and said that they had just made the incision. It seems like just a few minutes later they phoned back saying that she was doing wonderfully and that they were half way through the procedure. They were actually shaping the bone at that time. She came through about 11:30 ( alot quicker than I expected).. We finally got to see her about one and she was already swollen a little but nothing compared to what is to come, I am sure. We just made it through our first temper tantrum... and she puked everyone... Managed to get her changed and popped in her favorite Teletubbie DVD.. That calmed her alot and she drifted back off to sleep. I just don't know what I would have done without all the support from this site.. Seeing all the before and after pictures of all your children has helped me see the light at the end of the tunnel. I know that we are going to make it through and Mackenzie will have a beautiful new forehead to show! I have taken plenty of pics but the computer at the hospital doesn't have a slot for my memory card.. and my USB is at home. Will post later! Thanks so much! I'll keep in touch!

Bonnie

[xl1200c]

So happy to hear that surgery is done! Try to get rest while she is resting if you can. Thanks for the update.

[EmmaLacey]

Bonnie, that is wonderful news. So glad to hear that all went well and she is resting for now. Have been thinking of you today and I can't wait to see her new little head!! Congratulations on making it to the other side!!!

[sky16cb]

Oh good to hear she did so well. And they got her out of surgery so fast. Best of luck to you.
Cat

[Mackenzies_MOM]

Well, Mackenzie is seeming to already be improving. Her swelling is getting worse but her eyes still aren't completely shut, so she has been able to watch TV. She will just lay there all content sucking her passy (I know she is too old..LOL. We were working on the seperation from it until I found out about the surgery... It's her only comfort thing, so needless to day.. She got it back!) She actually her my mom's voice earlier today and sat straight up and looked for her. It was exciting to see but then she puked everywhere again. Her vomitting has been a constant battle since the surgery and the nurses seem not to wanna give her anything. Everytime I say something, they are like "Weeeeelllll...let's see how she does.." I am about at my wits end with that. She vomitted at least six times through the night.. like projectile. But anyways, it's better today. She actually sucked down an entire sippy cup of fruit punch... and has so far kept it down. We offered her a cracker, she stuck it in her mouth and said "Mmmmmm...." But she didn't actually eat it, she was just teasing :)... Oh yea, one more really excited thing.. SHE IS SMILING! That made me sooo happy that I cried. I handed her the passy and she said Thank you (actually it sounds more like "GANK YOU").. then smiled! I am so happy its over but can't wait until we get through this week. The craniofacial doctor (well, the assitant) came by and she wants to wait to take the "turban" off to try and ward off a rush of swelling. She said that she would be back around lunch.. So I need to get back to the room! I will be sure to keep you all posted!

[sarahob]

Thanks for the update and I'm so pleased that everything went so well.

[Janet]

Yeah....I'm so happy everything is going well. Hope you get home soon!!

[jenniferann75]

I'm so happy to hear that surgery went well. I sure hope that her little belly starts to feel better soon. Can't wait to see pics of her. :)

[EmmaLacey]

Not sure if they mentioned to try this or not - but with Emma -she was puking too, we would just feed her 1 or 2 oz at a time and then wait 20 minutes for her to digest. It was hard because I knew she was hungry and wanted more and so sometimes I would just let her drink the usual 4 - 6 oz and then she would projectile vomit. Once I tried the 1 oz at a time idea, it actually worked and I did this for about 24 hours - just kept feeding her 1 - 2oz every 20 or 30 minutes. I know that MacKenzie is a little older than Emma so it may not work but just thought I'd mention it.

[mrs j]

Im so pleased shes doing well, looking forward to those pics, big kisses to her.xx

[Springy]

I am excited for you and glad everything has worked out so far. I just hope I have a similar experience with Libby!(without puking though)

[Wyatt's Mom]

Glad to see things are going well. I'm sorry she is puking. Hopefully that ends soon.
Can't wait to see before and after pictures!! Big hugs!!

[melsch]

Yeah, So glad to hear everything went well! I know how relieved you are! Continued prayers for a speedy recovery!

[Mackenzies_MOM]

Ok... quick update.. The puking has finally ended and she has begin to eat. She ate a few graham crackers and about half a banana, which is her absolute fave... I know it made her feel better (my favorite foods also make me feel better :) ).. They still haven't come around to take the dressings off, and I really don't know if I want them too. :( Her swelling is beginning to pick up and one is closed completely and the other is dang near close. Stinks to see her like that but she makes the most of it. I am so surprised. I know all you guys kept reinstating that children do awesome and bounce back so fast, but I mean she has been dancing to The Wiggles this morning! Amazing. Her little nose is starting to bruise a little but not a whole lot of that... she looks like a little bulldog. :) Oh, by the way.. someone ask where we were earlier and I totally dismissed it in an earlier reply ( a little scatterbrained today).. We are at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Scottish Rite... In Atlanta, GA..obviously..LOL... Ok, back to my little bulldog.. More updates later.

[Abby'sMom]

I'm so glad she is feeling better and hope she recovers completely in record time!

Hugs to both of you. :hugg

[mrs j]

I am so pleased she's picking up, dancing an all, thats great, it must be difficult seeing them all swollen, im dreading that, but im so happy for you and your wee bull dog :hugg xx

[frankiesmom]

welcome to the other side! So happy for you guys!

[Mackenzies_MOM]

Well, today has been ROTTEN with a CAPITAL R-O-T-T-E-N! They are doing construction on the activity room right next door to us. Literally on the same wall that Mackenzie's bed is against, on the other side they are drilling and stripping down wallpaper. Needless to say, I lost it! The nurses acted like I was a complete moron, but they are moving her. Her right eye never really shut completely and her left one was open this morning until she had a temper tantrum and it closed back up.. Right now we are wheeling her around in the wagon... She seems to enjoy it although she can't see. The doc said that we can go home as soon as we are comfortable enough with her... I would rather stay one more night, it those nurses would just QUICK aggravating her!?!? I threatened to go home when they told me that they did not have another room available and they found one really quick... Guess they didn't want me to tattle tell.. HAHA, too bad.. I am. I can't wait to see the surgeon again. Sorry to go on and on but I have to release some steam.. Thanks again for all the prayers...
Bonnie

[Janet]

WHat a pain in the butt...you think that they would do construction when there WAS NOT a child in the room next door!!! Way to go Momma for standing up....I would have done the same thing. Hopefully little Miss. Mackenzie will not throw anymore temper tantrums and her eye will open again.... :hugg :hugg

[Mackenzies_MOM]

Mackenzie has been so much better since I threw my fit.. We got her all comfy in her wagon, and went to the cafeteria.. TWICE. She ate both times, and enjoyed it a lot. She says Hey to everyone in the hall and waves.. of course they stare. Her hair is all gooked up with the antibiotic cream and one person even said "Look at that baby with soap in her hair!".. I just had to hold my tongue.. some people can't even comprehend what my baby just went through, ya know? Well, the doc says that we can go home in the morning if everything goes well tonight.. She is now off the morphine and using only Tylenol. She has done really well... Gonna go for now, it's past my bedtime.. :)

Bonnie

[xl1200c]

Bonnie,

So glad to hear that Mackenzie AND you are more comfortable. Sounds like she's really turned the corner.

[EmmaLacey]

Yeah Bonnie and Mackenzie!! That is so great that she is doing well. Good job causing a stink about the construction. Our craniobabies need their rest after big surgery!! Hopefully you will be able to take her home soon. I know what you mean about people staring. Once you get to the regular floor there are more people around, visitors and such. Everyone was like "ahhhh poor baby". We had another little craniokid that had surgery the day after Emma for Metopic. So as far as recovery goes, we were about 24 hours ahead of them so they were able to look at Emma and see how she was doing. We would see them in the halls walking around. He was older though - 18 months I think and he did great too!

Can't wait to see her before and after pics!!!

[melsch]

It sounds like Mackenzie is doing great! I'm so happy everything went well and that she's recovering so quickly!