We scrambled to prepare for surgery, but this time, we didn’t have to acquire the physical items we needed or learn how to care for a child in a Spica Cast as we still had them (silver lining?). Instead, we spoke to our bosses and employers, and I was the one planning to take FMLA again to care for her afterward. We prepared for anything needed at home with our other child while DD (Dear Daughter) was in surgery.
The day arrived. We checked in, but this time, we couldn't get in first thing in the morning, so it was challenging to ensure she didn’t eat or drink within the necessary timeframes before the surgery. Despite not being able to eat for several hours or have a full meal, she did pretty well. They administered the Versed meds, and she was off. I was extra nervous as this was a major surgery.
[Before surgery, I found a helpful resource that showed me exactly what was going to happen in her procedure without any of the blood or real pictures; it was all virtual images of the hip bone and femur. To be more accurate, she was getting a Salter Osteotomy. See the video link here if you’re interested: https://www.ypo.education/orthopaedics/pediatric/pelvic-osteotomy-t424/video/ At minute 2:17, it explains the Salter Osteotomy, and the explanation is only about 45 seconds.]
To keep myself busy, I did some last-minute work I wanted to wrap up for the next week and a half to two weeks. The TV in our waiting area had HGTV on, always a treat since we don’t have that at home. Finally, we got the opportunity to see our daughter after being the last ones in the waiting area. She was crying for me and wanting me. We walked with her and the bed to the hospital room where we would be spending the night. Despite being hooked up to IVs, I was able to pick her up and snuggle her. She didn’t fight sleep this time, unlike in the past. She was a bit whiny but mostly tired and took a good nap on me as I continued to hold her.
As she was sleeping on me, we knew our son was getting antsy that neither of his parents were home. I told my husband it was okay if he left. Our son was so happy when his dad got home and was able to be the one to put him to bed. It was definitely the right decision.
Our DD then awoke, and I ordered dinner for us. She hated her IV and the board holding it on her hand so she couldn’t pull it out. Eventually, I was able to put her down in her hospital bed without her getting upset so I could use the restroom and eat. She enjoyed the Mac & Cheese, applesauce, and milk for dinner and did a great job eating while being in a hospital room bed. Finally, I turned on the TV, and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse came on (her favorite!). Partway through, she was tired again. She fell asleep for the night and did a great job despite nurses coming in every hour and a half or so to check vitals and give meds. I fell asleep in the recliner right next to her bed in between a few nurse visits, but those were just naps.
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