Reiley (and Sarah) after surgery. This is after a good dose of pain medication and three popsicles.
So, Reiley had surgery last Tuesday. A few months ago we found that she had a hernia and when we saw the doctor, they recommended that we see a surgeon and have it repaired. Apparently she was born with a weakness in her abdominal muscles which eventually resulted in this rather large hernia on her right side and a smaller one on her left side.
We prepared for the surgery by purchasing new purple slippers, a Kit Kat bar and a hospital gown for Sarah, Reiley's American Girl. We also talked endlessly about what would happen at the hospital and during the surgery. We thought that all the questions that we were answering were going to make the actual day of the surgery easier (as she would know what to expect). Reiley was extremely brave... right up until we arrived in our hospital room and then she totally freaked out. I could sugar coat it, but in the interest of preserving accurate memories in this blog, I will say that she had an epic fit. Mind you, it was totally justified, she was afraid - terrified really. She's a feisty little thing when she is stressed and refused to even put on the "ugly" hospital jammies, let alone participate in any of the pre-op routine. She just stood in the corner of the hospital room, shredding tissues into a little pile and yelling, "I want to go home NOW. Get the car. I am leaving...." for about 20 minutes. We finally creatively persuaded her to drink the medicine that would help her relax (actually after failing miserably to convince her, we finally told her there would be a shot if she didn't) . It worked FAST and Alex and I were really relieved. It is painful to see your child so afraid and we were totally helpless to make it better. After about 5 minutes, she got a goofy look on her face, quit screaming at everybody and started cooperating. She was sweet and relaxed and the rest of the morning was much more manageable. (Note to self, if we ever have to do this again, get the medicine for the car.) The surgery went well and took only about an hour - but it was the LONGEST hour of my life to date. It's no fun to feel so completely helpless. Our only comfort was that Jesus accompanied our sweet girl right into that operating room and was with those surgeons as they did their work. He is faithful indeed and we were so happy when they wheeled her out of recovery. She woke up a little sad but was cheered quickly when they started bringing her popsicles as fast as she could eat them. We were discharged quickly, maybe a little too quickly, and brought our sweet girl home. We had a little trouble getting on top of the pain, but once the codeine kicked in, she was comfortable and spent the next 4 days on the couch watching every episode of Hannah Montana ever made, drinking grape gatorade and eating mac and cheese and chocolate. Recovery at Saint Lesyk Hospital is pretty cushy!
Today as I sit here, she is back to her happy self and at school with all her friends. I think this experience will likely be mostly forgotten by Reiley, but never forgotten by this mama. Everyday life is so extremely busy these days, but this experience caused me to slow down and be grateful for the health of my children, the amazing talent of the doctors and nurses that care for children when they need medical attention, my husband who is generally amazing and works hard to provide health insurance for us, all of our family and friends that supported us, and most of all for God who wisely and lovingly shepherds us through life.
