Today was a LONG day. We got to the hospital at 9:30 and didn't get finished there until almost 3.
We started the day with paperwork, length and weight. I forgot to ask what Claire's length was, but her weight was 11 lb 8 oz, which means she hasn't gained anything in the last 2 weeks. It's just one more indication that her body is ready for this surgery.
We met with the surgeon and went over exactly how the repair was going to be done. This was really helpful as I'd never really understood the valve part of the repair, but it makes much more sense today. Unfortunately, the only reason I sort of get it is because he drew us pictures, and I can't reproduce them here...The did a chest x-ray, but no echo. The will do an internal echo tomorrow right before the surgery.
The worst part of the day, by far, was the blood work. I told the nurses right off the bat that Clarie was a very hard stick. They requested someone who was good with babies and the first tech was able to get a little blood from her, but it wasn't nearly enough. Another tech came down to try and she couldn't get anything. She started rooting around in Claire's arm and I told her to quit, that we'd had enough for now and they'd have to get someone else. Normally, that would be the end of the blood work for me. They had their tries and couldn't get it. But today we had to get the blood no matter what. Finally, after a lot of tears, they were able to get what they needed and everything is ready for tomorrow morning.
We have to be to the hospital at 7:30 and surgery is scheduled to start an hour later. The surgeon thought with how hard they worked to get blood that it might take up to 2 hours to get all her lines in place. There is a nurse that will update us when all of the major steps of the surgery take place. The hospital has wireless internet, so I'm hoping to blog about the mini updates as we go.
Claire is bathed and sound asleep for tonight, and I'm not far behind. I know tomorrow is going to be a long day and appreciate all of your prayers!
I've been praying for Claire. We just went through this so I'm thinking of you and watching... staying tuned in.. I'll be praying for her.
ReplyDeletePraying that little Claire's surgery goes well and that she is healed. Praying for Momma too, this will be a long, tough week I know it has been very hard already).
ReplyDeleteKati Arthur
Praying for Claire and your family!
ReplyDeleteOh, I am so bummed that I am so far behind in my blog reading. I saw your last post and wish I had realized earlier that Claire's surgery was so soon as I would have loved to have sent her some baby legs. They have been so great to have in the hospital. Hopefully everything will go smoothly and you will be back home well before I would even have a chance to get some sent to you. I will be watching your blog very closely the next few days for updates. Claire will definitely be in our prayers as she is going through surgery and recovering. You have been such a wonderful support for me and I hope I can return a little bit to you. When you were writing about the blood draw, I thought you were writing about Ella. That is how it always was with her when she was younger. It would take multiple techs and many sticks to finally get the blood. In the last year we have found one tech at one lab that gets it from her first time every time. The IV was a whole nother story.....TERRIBLE!! That is why we are so grateful to have the broviac line in now. But it sounds like the surgeons are prepared for it so hopefully it will all go smoothly for Claire. By the way, I have to tell you how many people have commented about Claire's picture on Ella's picture wall. Everyone thinks she is just the cutest!! Hope you get some sleep tonight, dear friend. Just know there will be prayers being lifted up from CA for you all!!
ReplyDeletePraying for you guys here! PLEASE let me know if you need anything; I'll be really close tomorrow (Thursday morning/afternoon we're going up to the mountains for the weekend, but we'll be around for at least part of the morning), and would be happy to bring down lunch or anything else you might need. Praying it goes smoothly, easily, and quickly as possible. I'll be waiting for updates! :)
ReplyDeleteI love your little Claire! I log on to your blog just to see her sweet face! I'll be praying hard all day...kisses to Claire! And hugs to you and your husband.
ReplyDeleteTracy
http://stinkerie.blogspot.com
Melissa, wishing Claire a successful surgery, and speedy recovery. I hope you are your little princess, get a lot of special time together as she recovers.
ReplyDeletePraying for you all and for everything to go smoothly!
ReplyDeleteMany prayers for Claire and your family!! Thinking of you all:)
ReplyDeleteI'll be thinking of you and your family today and hoping for an easy repair and a speedy recovery!
ReplyDeleteWe will be praying for Claire and for the rest of the family! Colin sends some extra special kisses Claire's way!
ReplyDelete