Surgery Information

Ok folks, I have the information you have all been waiting for:

The pre-op appt lasted a little longer than we expected. We were there from 0800 to 1200. Lab work, x-ray, physical exam, tour of the surgery/ICU/waiting/general cardiology areas, and meeting the social worker, child life specialist as well as the anesthesia NP and surgery PA. Phew!!! That was a lot of stuff. Very organized! Kudos to them. Unfortunately, it means we will not make it to NASA before surgery. All my medical friends will appreciate this, Jimmy FINALLY did his advanced directive!! WOOHOO. That makes me feel A LOT better!!!! you all know what its like not to have one of these...makes things very messy should the "that" decision need to be made. ;-)

Of course Jimmy had everyone laughing. He's a regular comedian. :-) I think I even chuckled a bit. He can always make me laugh, even in the worst situation.

Surgery is at 0800 in the morning. Surgery should last about 8 hours. I will receive updates every hour or two during surgery. Hopefully, I will be able to relay the info I get in a timely manner. After surgery Jimmy will be in the ICU and have 1-on-1 nursing care for the first 24 hrs.

Jimmy's parents arrived around 10 am today. My parents are currently en route. The plan from here is to go out for a nice dinner tonight and get a good nights sleep. Of course, Jimmy cannot eat after midnight, clear liquids until 0500. We have to be at the hospital by 0700.

Personal Note:
I was really touched, as I always am when we have come to TCH, by all the pictures of babies, children and young adults that have been "saved" by the work these medical professionals provide. As a medical professional myself, I sometimes forget just how much we touch the lives of our patients. The daily routines that we develop in order to function like well oiled machinery sometimes cause us, or at least me, to take for granted the emotional and physical angst that the families and the patients must endure throughout any medical situation or illness. I have always said that I want to help people. I want to leave my mark on the world as someone who has touched lives and provided support to people in times of need. Some people wish for fame and fortune, but my dream is a simple one. You could say, it is sort of my personal mission: To make a difference, no matter how big or small. Sometimes, I forget my mission. It's nice to be reminded.