12/03/2007 Olivia's Feet surgery (WE LOVE SHRINERS)

Well today was Olivia's surgery on both her feet. She went into the OR at about 11:00am... this time they gave her another drug with the versed, so she didn't cry as she went back, in fact she seemed completely unaware that she was even leaving the room. Which was so nice, it is hard to watch them go into the Operating Room in a complete panic.
She was done around 4:30pm.
They brought her to the room, and she slept for a while. She decided that she wanted one PINK cast and one PURPLE cast. Both casts are just below her knees. Luckily this time they are "walking" casts, and are not connected with a bar. (though the bar makes carrying her easy, it makes underwear, pants, and most skirts and dressing in general next to impossible)
As the evening approached she became increasingly miserable. Despite the epidural in her back to help her manage the pain. We were lucky the entire night if she slept 1 hour straight, and often in was only 15-20 minutes. Luckily having twins prepared me for little spurts of sleep, and going to sleep quickly. (laugh) Though I felt bad for our "roommates" who came the night before and were having surgery the next morning. Since we keep them up all night... though I must say they were VERY gracious about it.
It seemed we were constantly paging the nurse and trying to figure out why she was in constant pain. Unfortunately with her language barrier we were unable to really get a good description of her pain... was it "throbbing" or "piercing", etc.
By about 8:00am, we decided to split one side of her cast, in case she was having allot of swelling, which can be a source of intense pain. She we were maxing her on the pain meds, we really couldn't give her more... which is so hard to watch her hurting and not be able to help. Immediately after splitting her cast, she seemed to be fairly pain free... This lasted a few hours, then she started saying that the "split" in her cast was hurting and her foot was "too big". Since she hadn't used those words previously, I was worried that the swelling was continuing and was pushing her skin in the crack, and that is why she said it was hurting. So we called in the nurse and doctor, and decided to split the other side of her cast. She screamed through the entire procedure, even though I don't think it hurt... but she was screaming "I scared, I scared". As soon as the doctor left the room, she stated that the pain was gone. She was finally able to start laughing and smiling again, as asked for some "Soda" and "Fries". (So American) Which was great since she really hadn't had anything of substance to eat since before her surgery. Hopefully we will be able to go home on Wednesday. She is anxious to go home, and I think that it helps keep her mind off the casts and her surgery. Laying in bed and just waiting for the check ups I think stresses her a little. Even though she LOVES Shriners.

Of course there is always Jillian, who has the best job there i think. She is the ENTERTAINMENT person, or as the kids call her the TOY LADY. She give the kids things to do and they always get a small gift. In fact when you come in for your appointments they always have little gifts when you check in, this time they were little dolls with hospital gowns. Then when they go to their room there is a little bag with shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc. with a stuffed animal peaking out. Olivia is always excited to see what PRESENT awaits her. Then there is Jillian who is always checking on the kids to see how happy they are and if they need help. If you need to go eat or leave for a short period of time Jillian will usually come in and play with your child for you. Each night they have activities that all the kids are invited to in the large playroom, if they want to attend. This is a life saver and a GREAT distraction for children that are mostly focusing on their treatment and pain management. The other thing that we LOVE about Shriner's is everyone is so happy. The doctors, the nurses, the cafeteria staff, even the housekeepers. When you talk about your child, it is all about their care, what is best for them. NEVER is money or insurance companies or anything but your child's care every mentioned. I have never been around care like that. Also EVERY child that they CAN treat is accepted, regardless of income or nationality. (There are many people there that don't even speak English)
It is an amazing organization, I wish they could run our health care system... we would all love it :) So remember them if you are ever looking for an organization to donate PLEASE consider them.