It’s hard to believe we have been here for over 12 hours. Katie is now resting semi-comfortably. She’s not in a deep, wonderful sleep, but she’s at least resting. When we were able to come back in after her breathing tube was out, she was still in so much pain, her face was still very swollen, and she could hardly talk because the breathing tube had made her throat raspy. About an hour after the tubes were out, the two nurses had her out of bed and sitting in a chair for an hour. She was in so much pain doing that.
Alex was sitting in a chair by the other side of the bed, and I was standing behind him trying to stay out of the way. When I saw the pain on her face as they were helping/moving her to the chair, my hands dug into his shoulder to make sure I didn’t go over there and help/hug her. As much as I know it’s for the best that she move like that, it’s still awful to see and hear your child in pain. Knowing that this is a temporary pain which will yield magnificent results is the only thing that get us through.
Right after the operation, when she was still under heavy sedation and had the breathing tube, the assistant Pastor from our church (Bangor Baptist) came by to visit and check up on us. Pastor Obey is so nice. Pastor Mick had left town this morning, so couldn’t be here, but Tom Obey is awesome, too. I was so pleased he came by. He, Alex and I held hands—I had a hold of Katie’s hand, even though she was off in Sedation-Land—as he prayed over us.
About an hour after he left is when they got Katie into the chair. She is making a great recovery. Even though it hurts like crazy, she’s being strong about getting through it. She’s breathing yoga-style to help her lungs regain their function.
She mostly wants water, water, and more water. However, they don’t want to give her any in case she throws it up, so we asked them to give her ice chips, which they agreed to. So now I’m her official ice-giver.
It’s now 5:35. The nurse is back in here to check meds, etc. Katie is going to use her Spirometer to exercise her lungs. The awesome part is that Katie asked to sit up when she does it!!! yay!!!! She must be feeling better to say that she’s willing to sit up to use it. She’s bored with being in one position (laying down) for a few hours, but a few hours ago she would have never volunteered to change positions.
Her spirometer “count” was 1200 the first try, and 800 the second. Yay!! Pretty good for the first time using it after being operating on.
Her other nurse just said that she’s doing extremely well; she only had the breathing tube in for an hour after the procedure. Normally, it’s in for a lot longer.
So far so good!!!!!!!
I’m so tired I can hardly stay awake. I will stay here until tonight to make sure she’s all settled in, then I’ll go home. Bobby is coming over to get Alex so he can go home. Thank goodness we all live close!
Til later…….
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