Recovery

June 10, 2010:

Casey and I woke up at 4 AM to get ready for the day. We let Ian sleep until we were ready to pull out of the driveway. He had to fast and I didn't want to torture him anymore than I already had. We rolled out by 4:30 AM and headed to Children's Hospital in Aurora. Ian was awake, but sat quietly in the backseat. I asked him if he knew where we were going and he said, "To the hospital." I asked him if he knew why we were going and he replied, "To take a tour." Well, sorta. Casey and I smiled and replied, "It will be a more in depth tour this time."

We checked in at 5:30 AM and sat patiently, waiting for our escort up to the 2nd floor. Everyone was very kind and helpful. I just tried to focus on getting through the next couple of hours without crying. My only goal for the last couple of weeks really. Ian was his usual charming self and he did such a great job with all the nurses and doctors. I knew he would be! He loved exploring the room we were in - oddly enough it was the exact same room they had shown us on our tour!

Finally the time had come - Casey put his gear on and went into the OR with Ian. I sat in the room waiting anxiously for Casey's return. I was not able to go into the OR with them since I am pregnant, but truthfully that was probably best for everyone. I gave Ian a hug and a kiss and told him I would see him soon. As soon as they were out of my sight, I unleashed the anxiety and worry I had been containing for the last 2 months. For those few minutes, I didn't have to be the strong one. It felt good. Casey returned within seconds to assure me that everything went okay. We headed to the cafeteria to grab a bite and find distraction (my trusty US Weekly was a huge help!). Dr. Striebel called before we were even finished eating to say he was in recovery and they would call us up in 10 minutes. Whew.

I wasn't sure what to expect next - other than what everyone had told me. He would be disoriented and inconsolable. They had told us that we would be taken back into the recovery room before he woke up, but this was not the case. We turned the corner and heard him sobbing, his arms stretched out as soon as he saw us. Exhale. He was agitated and rightly so. We held him and rocked him as best we could, but they decided a little morphine was in order to help calm him down. Whatever helped at that point was fine with me. I was secretly wishing they could give me some...water just wasn't taking the edge off! We weren't in recovery long before we headed up to Room 831 for the night.

It was only 10 AM. I tried not to think about the long stretch ahead. We called friends and family to let them know he was doing okay. Thank you to everyone who has offered their support - your thoughts and prayers for us mean the world and have helped us get through this challenging time. The doctors and nurses were fabulous too. They really took care of us. Dr. Striebel and his team at Children's Hospital were fabulous, plus Shandra and Jen (the recovery nurses). Being in the best hands possible always makes times like this a little less scary. I have a new sense of admiration for families who have to endure this. It isn't easy to see your child go through something like this, but I guess in the end it just makes us stronger.

He devoured a couple of popsicles upon arrival and ate pretty well the rest of the time, all things considered. Fluids - not so much. He did vomit a couple of times when they gave him the pain medication so they came up with another alternative. We watched movies to pass the time. Casey and I tried to nap whenever possible to conserve energy for the night ahead. Casey said it perfectly, "It is just like having a newborn, without the newborn." So true. But I have to confess, I loved getting to cuddle with him. I wish I could have taken all of his pain away, but I was going to revel in this moment. It has been 2 years since he had fallen asleep on my chest and I loved every minute of it.

By 7 PM that night he was starting to stabilize. We were finally able to get him to sleep in his crib comfortably. He would wake up whenever the nurse came in to check on him and would need to be held before going back to sleep in his crib, but he truly was a trooper! Casey and I took turns comforting him and sleeping on the less than comfortable arrangements provided. Not to complain, at least we were able to "sleep" in his room with him. We just kept telling ourselves that this is preparation for the months of sleep deprivation ahead!

June 11, 2010:

The doctors made their rounds early that morning and assured us they would do their best to get us out as soon as possible. Music to our ears! Ian was feeling much better and it was getting difficult to contain him. He wanted to explore and see what this place was all about! This was his happy dance when we told him he would get to go home soon. He said, "I want to see kitty!" How cute.

By 9:30, we were walking to our car. Everyone was so happy to be headed home. The thought of sleeping in my own bed and returning to somewhat of a routine was blissful. Ian fell asleep on the car ride home. He is already breathing noticeably less. It is going to be interesting to see how he changes over these next couple of weeks. I am just glad it is all over and we can focus on his recovery now. I am amazed by his resilience. He got a great surprise once we returned home - balloons from Grandma and Grandpa Schneider! He was so excited. I think they made his day!