Sara's Surgery Journal

Tuesday May 06, 2003 ~ Day 1 Post-Op

5:30 a.m.

I just got off the phone with the ICU and Sara had a really awesome night...no little blips like they expect, they are weening her dopamine (heart drugs) and have switch vents. (which is apparently what they do, when they are going to take her off)

They are going to pull her vent tube this morning!!!! I am so happy right now, that yes once again I am crying!

It will be Grant attempting to do the updates from here on out...so I am sure they will be sort and sweet! I will be at the hospital now, until Sara comes home.

Thank you again everyone, for all your support, kind words, thoughts and prayers. I don't think you will ever know how much it means to us.

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Hello everyone, A warm thank you for your thoughts right now. I figured I would update some close friends with the comings and goings thus far. Sara was taken off of her respirator today and was breathing on her own soon after. There is a fine line with pain meds to where they affect breathing while combating discomfort; its at that point where she can safely be taken off the respirator. There is a multitude of tubes and wires rising from her chest and they are being removed as soon as they're not needed. The poor little trooper hasn't eaten or drank in almost two days and is thirsty and cranky. I had to leave and pick up Hanna who takes time from coloring to ask about her Sala and Mum. Again thanks for your e-mails and calls they are great to hear.

MOMMY'S THOUGHTS ON THE DAY

I have to say that watching your child on the vent awake enough to know you are there and that they can't talk and really don't understand what is happening, is the HARDEST thing I have ever done! I watched Sara mouthing "mommy" and crying and telling me she was "thirsty" was beyond TERRIBLE. Geez, I am in tears just remembering it. They warned us that it would be about 2 hours like that and it would be difficult...but you really have no idea just how difficult it really is.


Just after she came off the vent


Sara and her Physiotherapy...
Blowing bubbles to keep her lungs inflated


Sara End of Day 2 with Auntie Lori
A very long time friend of mine


We saw a dimple for the first time in 2 days...it was the best.