Tess and Surgery

On Thursday morning Tess had surgery. The biggest problem after surgery was nausea. She was sick the entire day and evening. Finally, around 11:00 in the evening they gave her a new medication that helped. She is home and doing well and enjoying this time of being able to watch movies during the day -- something we just about never do. 

More Surgery

On Friday Tess had some out patient surgery done. She is doing ok but is having some pain. I think she will be feeling a lot better by Monday or Tuesday. It is odd how different Piper and Tess have been when faced with surgical procedures. Piper hasn't a care in the world and actually acts excited when told she will be having surgery. She will talk about it and tell everyone and talk and talk and talk about it. You would almost think she was going on a vacation. Tess, on the other hand, was extremely anxious. When I told her she was very quiet. Then she started asking questions. I could tell she was concerned. She finally said she didn't want to have surgery and she was scared. I talked to her and explained that I would be there from the time we arrived until she was ready to go home and she didn't have to be scared. That she would have some pain but not too much and the doctor would give her pain meds.

On the day of surgery she was still pretty anxious, but did better than I thought she would. She went back without any tears. She did come back looking pretty mad at me. She would hardly look at me at first. Tess has a tendency to blame me for most of her problems. But, she started feeling sick and I think that took her mind off the fact that the surgery was probably my fault. 

She went home with a pan to throw up in and was sick for about another hour. Then she felt a little better since she got to watch a movie. Today she has complained of pain, but other than that she has been pretty happy and I think I am forgiven.

New Cast For Piper

Today Piper went back to Children's Hospital and got a new cast. She gets a new cast every week. After her last cast is off she will start physical therapy, but hopefully for only about 4 weeks. They said probably 6 weeks today but I think she may be done in 4. Once she gets moving I believe she will not take long to get all of her movement back. 

Surgery and Ducks

This past week Piper had some surgery done. Things went pretty well except for one surprise problem. Piper complained about her leg hurting as soon as surgery was over. It seemed strange to me but I figured she just had a lot of pain and couldn't really tell what hurt. But, I noticed the next morning that her leg was swollen and very hard and she was again complaining. So, I brought it to the attention of several doctors as Piper was not talking to anyone -- except me. The whole leg problem has been very odd and something I have never heard of. Apparently, because of this surgery being a very long surgery and her legs in the same position for a very long time she has some damage to her muscle. This is something I never even thought of when we were preparing for this -- and we have been told it is very unusual. We have been doing bloodwork every single day and sometimes several times a day to watch certain numbers that signal possible kidney problems from this injury. So, she is home and doing well except for her leg -- which she can't walk on at all. We have to carry her everywhere. This is not an easy task as she also has to drink tons and tons of liquids to flush her system. 

Tomorrow we see the doctor again and go to the lab for bloodwork. It is very important for her numbers to come down or she will be back in the hospital. I think they will be down some as we have flooded her with Gatorade.. That is what we were told to give her and boy have we. I am hoping this will resolve quickly.

Right after we got home from the hospital Abigail asked if she could get a duck. This was pretty much out of the blue. Now I'm not a pet person and I know that sounds bad to a lot of people. But, I'm just not that fond of animals. I think they look cute and I like to see pictures of them, but I never really have the desire for any kind of animal. But, I figured it was time I gave in and said yes to a pet - if a duck is a pet. So, I did. Abigail and Zola went out immediately and each bought a baby duck. They are very cute and everybody loves them and wants to hold them - except I don't really want to. But, I am getting used to them and once they are outside I will like them even better. I told Abigail that I think a bunny would have made a cuter picture. 

Today a friend from church sent home some things for Piper and she played on the sofa all afternoon. For a child that is so active I am sure it is hard for her to sit around all day long with her leg propped up.

What A Day

Today my stepfather had back surgery. One thing I didn't mention when I wrote about our Christmas was that on top of everyone being sick my stepfather broke his back. Right before Christmas. This was definitely a Christmas we will remember. So, today was the day for surgery. My mom, Meredith, Emily, Abigail and I all sat together and waited most of the day as they operated. It was a long day wondering how he was doing and waiting to hear something.

Then while we were sitting there I got a text that Joey was not doing well and Shannon needed to get him to the hospital. My daughter, Anna, ran over to watch the kids and Shannon called an ambulance. Joey was disoriented, feeling awful, out of breath and couldn't even get out of the bed. The ambulance got there and they went to VCU emergency room. He is still there getting fluids and a CT scan and an MRI along with lab work. 

We continued to wait for the surgery at one hospital and Joey was on his way to another hospital. A pretty stressful day. The surgery went very well. My daughter in Georgia actually called us to tell us everything, as the doctor called her instead of talking to us -- because she is a doctor and had been corresponding with him since the Friday before Christmas. So, now he is in ICU for a day or so. Then probably some rehab. We are very thankful that he came through surgery so well. 

It has definitely been stressful here the past few weeks. And my daughter reminded me the other day that I never mentioned that during the Christmas Eve candlelight service, her daughter, Reagan's hat caught on fire. Now that was a panic moment. As we were all holdling candles and singing, I looked over and saw the strings of her hat in flames and heard Reagan say "Mommy, this candle is too hot." I instinctively reached over and slapped the flame and the fire went out pretty easily and it didn't reach her hair - thank goodness. A very scary moment.

Reagan at my house before Christmas. She actually took having her hat on fire very nonchalantly. 

I kept Evelyn for John the other day and gave her a little snack. She loved it.

Surgery for Piper

Piper had surgery today for a hernia and another minor problem. She was actually looking forward to it. She was scheduled to have it done last week and it was cancelled and she was quite disappointed. Then we got a call yesterday afternoon asking if we could be at the hospital today at 6:30 am. She was definitely in a pretty good mood. I tried to explain what they would be doing but it was a little difficult. It was a long wait before they took her back but she was in good spirits. 

She was not in such a good mood afterwards. She was not even interested in the popsicle they offered her. That is unusual.

She was feeling much better by the time we left the hospital. She even asked for a Happy Meal. She loves Happy Meals.