What a Day!

Well, we arrived at ACH at 12:45 pm. We did all of the Pre-Op stuff and were sent to the playroom. Riley enjoyed all of the video games. It really helped to pass the time. At about 1:45 they told us the doctor was running behind. We figured, no problem. Oddly enough at 2:05 they came to bring us back to the holding room where the kids go to directly before the OR. Well, they brought us back there WAY too soon. Riley ended up spending an hour there. Thank goodness we were able to stay with him. He had his blankie and a television so was distracted. We did have to take him to the bathroom during that time, too. That was interesting, to say the least. We had to walk him down two different hallways to get to the closest bathroom to the OR.

So, at 3:10 pm they wheeled Riley back to the OR. He gave us kisses and was calm as calm can be. He was just fine.

We were then directed back to a conference area to wait. We were told we could go get a quick bite to eat since Riley would be in surgery for about 45 minutes. They gave us a pager and off we went.

On our way down to the cafeteria Jerry said he didn't feel comfortable staying and eating. So, we found some vending machines, bought a few drinks and snacks and returned to the conference area. We were not back 2 MINUTES when the doctor came in the room. He said everything was fine but he found something during the surgery. He had scrubbed OUT to come and talk to us. Talk about stress levels going through the roof. Well, another issue was found during surgery that could not be seen or identified before. We had to consult with the doctor about whether to add a third procedure to Riley's surgery or wait to do the third one at a later date. The doctor felt strongly that we should wait. So, after consulting with him for 10 to 15 minutes the decision was made to wait for the third procedure which was not expected or planned.

The doctor ran a few other tests while in there to help gather more information for our future decision making.

So.. instead of a 45 minute surgery... Riley's surgery was almost 2 hours long. Whew! We couldn't believe it.

Riley got to Post-Op and did great. By the time he got to us he was still stoned, but good. He had been given a baby epidural during the surgery so he couldn't walk for about 8 hours.

We left the hospital after 7 pm and got home after 8 pm. My parents brought James and Madeline home and dinner. They also picked up Riley's codeine from the pharmacist. They were so wonderful.

Riley woke up twice during the night. As long as we keep the pain meds under control he is in a fairly good mood. He has just been fantastic.

So.. two weeks from now we will meet with the surgeon again to discuss Riley's next operation. We are thinking this one can wait until Summer break.

I am so glad Riley did so well. He is just such an amazing person. He is smart, strong and the ultimate fighter.

I love him so much!