Surgery Day Recap

"I will strengthen you and prepare you for this day, transforming your fear into confident trust."  - Jesus Calling, January 16

Well I would say that was the quote of the day for me yesterday. Thanks to all our Prayer Warriors - God answered the prayers that were coming to Him to keep me strong - cool and collected. I had very little anxiety about the day and I truly trusted the doctor and his team to take good care of Kevin - and they did! Thank you for your prayers!!!!

Mom and me in the waiting room - wrapping
ourselves with the blanket scarves from my sister

Kevin did great! I am so proud of him! I am so thankful for all the prayers that were surrounding him and keeping our anxiety low. I knew if Kevin's anxiety was low I would be okay. I am very thankful that my parents were able to be with us - even in the prep room - it was comforting to have them around.

We left the house at 5am and arrived at the hospital by 6am. The check in process was easy and it wasn't long before they had us in the surgery prep room. Kevin started getting upset when the nurse put the hospital identification bracelet on his wrist - he didn't like it on his arm! After the nurse finished checking Kevin's vitals it was time to change him into the hospital gown and then he started getting more upset and scared. I sat with him on the bed and did my best to calm him. I had brought his colored spoons that he uses in the house for stimming and calming. The Child Life Specialist saw he was upset and came in at that time. We showed her the homemade book I made Kevin to prepare him for surgery at the hospital. She used it and talked about what would be happening with Kevin and I think that was a very good thing - to have someone else at the hospital take the time to do this with him. He calmed down and after she left he continued to look through the book. We met the anesthesiologist and he talked to us about using a nerve block for Kevin's pain after the surgery. The surgeon came in to greet us and go over any last minute questions. He asked Kevin what color cast he would like to have and Kevin used his Talker to tell him the color green. Kevin was given some medication to help him relax and by the time they took him to the operating room he was nearly asleep. It was about 8am and I was able to stay with him until he was sleeping under the anesthesia. I was able to leave him knowing he was in good hands. They got started with the surgery about 8:30 am and finished by 10am.

Kevin's homemade book about his surgery

Yes, Kevin it's me - your mom

The surgeon said that he was very happy with the surgery. The heel lengthening and big toe fusion went as he had expected. He also clipped ligaments in Kevin's second and third toes because they were starting to cross over. He set Kevin's foot in the cast with a straight foot and a slight angle to stretch the heel cord.

About the time the surgeon was done talking to us Kevin was waking up. So he took us back to see him right away. Kevin was still groggy - not something we see in him ever. Kevin soon became agitated about having the id bracelet and blood pressure cuff on his arm - but because it was on his right arm he couldn't use his left hand to remove it - so he tried to use his teeth. We tried distracting him by letting him listen to music and look at photos on my phone - and giving him his spoon as a comfort. He drank some water and in a couple hours we were on our way home.

Going home 

Before leaving the hospital we got instructions on the nerve block pump (like a spinal tap). It's similar to an IV or catheter located behind his knee above the cast. It is hooked up to an IV bag that has the medicine in it. The pump automatically and continuously dispenses the medicine to numb Kevin's leg and foot for four days after the surgery. Of course we also came home with several oral medications: oxycodone for pain, valium for muscle spasms, something for constipation, and they also suggested we have tylenol and ibuprofen on hand - he hasn't needed a drop of it yet. The nerve block has been enough to block any pain he may experience. The medicine bag and pump is stored in a fanny pack that can easily be carried on my shoulder while we carry Kevin when he needs to be moved.

The ride home went smooth and we quickly got Kevin settled in the family room recliner so he could watch the Polar Express. We gave Kevin some chicken broth to drink and when my Mom started warming up the chili she brought Kevin looked like he wanted to eat too. He ate some chicken with chicken stock, coconut oil, and avocado...and then wanted more so he had some applesauce.

Polar Express

After we were done eating, we started another movie for Kevin and the rest of us fell asleep on the couch while Kevin stayed awake and watched his show. He seemed totally fine! No pain and not tired! After 3 movies, a Michael Buble music concert, and Wheel of Fortune - it was time for bed. We added a bed rail onto his bed. An hour later, I had to go into Kevin's room and tell him to go to sleep! He was comfortable...just awake...since 4am! He got quiet and I fell asleep. About 3am I went in to check on him and he popped up and didn't seem like he had been sleeping very soundly. He still looked comfortable and I made a few adjustments for him and told him to go back to sleep. He made some noise that he was awake sometime after 7:30am. I'm honestly not sure how much sleep he got last night - but he doesn't seem tired.

The hard part after surgery (besides the lifting) will be keeping him entertained enough to stay off his feet with his cast elevated. We'll be watching a lot of the same movies and shows for a while. He likes using the iPad to listen to music and look at photos. But there are times when he wants to get up and go check something out and we have to be quick to catch him before he gets up. It's been a big help having my parents here to help us out. Dad even did a few handyandy jobs around the house for us and Mom made a yummy stew.

I apologize for the lengthy and descriptive nature to this post but I wanted to remember some of these details for his next surgery this summer.

Come to Me with a thankful heart, so that you can enjoy My Presence. This is the day that I have made, I want you to rejoice today, refusing to worry about tomorrow. Search for all that I have prepared for you, anticipating abundant blessings and accepting difficulties as they come. I can weave miracles into the most mundane day if you keep your focus on Me. 
Come to Me with all your needs, knowing that My glorious riches are a more-than-adequate supply. Stay in continual communication with Me, so that you can live about your circumstances in while you are in the midst of them. Present your requests to Me with thanksgiving, and My Peace, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your heart and mind. - Jesus Calling, January 17