Friday, April 9, 2010

Recovery

Mallorie's surgery was done by 1 pm, and the surgeon, Dr. O, said she did well.  Her anesthesiologist, Dr. T, told us this morning that it was a big surgery and there would be a lot of pain, so she spent a lot of time collaborating with Dr. O and with the PCU attending doctor about what would be the best way to keep her pain-free and still manage her airway.  As no one could predict how much pain medication it would take to keep Mallorie comfortable, and whether it would impair her breathing, the anesthesiologist was not sure that taking out her breathing tube, only to potentially have to replace it in an emergency situation, was the best plan.  She said that she and the attending doctor from the PCU had discussed the possibility of having her spend the first night in the PICU, so it was no surprise when the surgeon told us that she was definitely going there. 

A lot of time and concern went into making sure Mallorie had a safe and pain-free surgery, and planning for her recovery.  The PICU nurse who first had her today asked us a lot of questions about how Mallorie would show discomfort, and she spent a lot of time advocating for her to have more pain medication. It was a very busy "admission" for her, but by the time she left, Mal was resting comfortably and her heartrate and blood pressure were lower than when she first got here. 

Mallorie has been blessed to be in very good hands all day today. 

Here are the gentle hands of Dr. T:



9 comments:

Anonymous said...

So glad to hear that surgery went well and the care shown for Mallorie's comfort. Our girl started her recovery in PICU as well. It is a smart/prudent choice for complex kids since there is such attention to detail in intensive care. Wishing you all some rest and a strong recovery for Mallorie.

Marianne & Nalah (T18)

Tamara said...

So happy to hear that she is comfortable and in good hands. Please try to get some rest, I know you want to be by her side 24/7, but try to get some sleep. I'm sure you are drained and exhausted and emotionally spent. Take a short walk across the bridge a few times, or go across to Chipotle or Starbucks, while she's with a nurse you trust.

I love you and hope things continue to look up. Please let me know if you need anything.

Cathy said...

So glad everything went so well. ARe these the hands of Dr. T? Please if you see her tell her we appreciate all the care she gives our babies. I will continue to pray for Mallories pain and airway. Please take care of Connie also.

Ivey's Mom said...

Connie-
I was reading an older post. I am not familiar with all of Mallories medical history - but, my Ivey has severe reflux, so I don't know if this is constant for Mallorie, it is for Ivey. So, once while she was admitted for a procedure they switched her mickey button from one with just a g-tube to one with that is a g-j tube. Now we feed Ivey almost strictly through the j-straight to her small intestine. Reflux under control- aspiration worry eliminated (for the most part). We still have to vent her g-tube frequently for gas and residual. The j-tube gave us some peace...

Annie said...

Such good news.

That is just the most beautiful doctor story and picture I have ever seen. I think I will have to pack up my bags and move to Texas from Canada.

It is my opinion that here, doctors are taught rationing/acting skills.

I am so inspired and moved by the wonderful doctor stories all of you from Texas tell in regards to our trisomy kids. It must be a wonderful thing for a doctor to be allowed to act appropriately, ethically and with compassion.

The VW's said...

Relieved to hear that the surgery went well and that Mallorie is resting comfortably! PLT! I'll be praying! Take care of your sweet girl and give her a big squeeze from me and Gavin. Give a big hug to her Momma too! Love, Hugs and Prayers!!!

Cathy said...

Just checking in the morning to see how her night was. Praying that it was mostly uneventful.

Laurie in Ca. said...

I am checking in to see how our Mallorie did through the night. What a beautiful pictures of the hands that were all held in His hands Connie. Praying all goes well with her recovery and that the surgery corrected a major problem for our little girl. Love you and will continue to lift you all up in my prayers.

Love and Hugs, Laurie

ANewKindOfPerfect said...

I am so glad to hear that the surgery went well. And thank heavens for people who advocate for dear Mallorie to ensure that she is pain free and comfortable! It definately sounds like she is in great hands. I hope her recovery goes smoothly and quickly so you can be on your way home soon!