4 Hernias- 2 DOWN!!

Today did not start out too well.  I had a terrible sleep and did not wake up ready for a long day.  The doctor came in to start Hope's IV in the morning and was successful on the first poke.  This was a relief, although it is always hard to watch Hope scream through the process.  Hope was so happy and playful all morning long.  She was playing with the toys in her crib and her soother chain for hours.  We spent some time snuggling and at times I forgot what the afternoon held for us.

Just before noon we heard a page that OR was headed to our room.  We knew Hope was going to be headed down and my stomach instantly began to turn.  There was no longer anywhere to hide, my sweet baby was going back into the OR.

We were taken down to a part of the hospital we've never seen before.  Hope's surgery was going to be done in the day surgery clinic because it was a general surgeon that would operate.  We waited in the hallway until our anesthetist came to speak with us.  It was a difficult conversation once again.  She was honest in saying that she did not want to put Hope to sleep.  She felt the risks were too high with the condition of her heart.  She reminded us again of all the risks involved, but assured us that it was our only option.  She kept repeating how dangerous this would be for Hope.  I started to feel really agitated and had to bite my tongue so I wouldn't say, "we KNOW, do you think we want to do this?"

Our surgeon came by right after and continued to remind us of how risky this procedure was in Hope's case.  She also reminded us of the risk in not doing the surgery.  Unfortunately Shawn was not able to walk Hope into the OR as we have in the past.  I had to hand my baby girl to the nurse and watch her walk away, not my favourite moment of the day.

I'm not sure what most mothers do while their child is in surgery.  I like to stay busy and be as distracted as possible.  We decided to go out for lunch, somewhere that would take awhile and make the time go by quickly.  After lunch we sat in the waiting room across from the PICU.  I really don't like this area of the hospital.  I have never sat in that room for something fun or exciting.  Each time we are there waiting while Hope is in the OR, being airlifted or taking a break from long hours next to her bed.

Hope's surgeon walked in shortly after we arrived.  Hope had done very well in the surgery and was being wheeled into the PICU right behind her.  She stopped them for a moment so we could see her sweet face.  She was already awake and extubated, still very sleepy though.  The anesthetist and the surgeon were both pleased with how well she'd done and we praised God for the very fact that she was breathing!  While fixing the hernia on the right side, they discovered another hernia on the left and were able to fix that as well.

Hope spent 4 hours in the PICU before she was stable enough to be transferred back to the ward.  She had another reaction to the anesthetic.  They don't seem to be getting any more severe or any clearer as to what causes them.  She is truly a mystery and may react every time she is put to sleep.

Hope is back in her old room on the ward and seems to be doing fairly well.  She is uncomfortable and getting medication for pain.  They had hoped that basic pain medications would be enough, but Hope made it clear that she needed something with a bit more power!

We are relieved that we have crossed one of the many challenges ahead of us.  Please pray with us for some important specifics:
- that the fluid in the abdomen would not increase while she's healing.  This could cause the stitches to rip and push the hernias back out.
- that her body would heal quickly and without causing stress on her heart.
- that she would not clot as a result of anything that was done today.
- that the reaction to the anesthetic would not become worse over time, or cause any further trouble tonight.
- that Dr. Ross would make the best decision regarding Hope's next steps in regards to her heart surgery.

The next few days will be very important as they evaluate how Hope has tolerated the surgery.  The surgery today was more simple and less invasive than the heart surgery that she still needs.  If they run into complications at this point, the heart surgery won't be considered for a long time.  Thank you for praying her through today, please continue to pray!