7daysweek

Saturday, April 14, 2007

Palate Surgery




On Thursday morning, Maimie's cleft palate surgery was performed. It was hard to give her to the operating room nurses, and even harder managing the grueling three and a half hour wait. Dr. Hansen seemed very pleased with the amount of tissue available to use in closing Maimie's palate, and thought that the surgery went extremely well. It was around 2 in the afternoon before Maimie first cried and wanted to be held after the surgery. I held her in the chair in her room most of the afternoon and evening. She wasn't too happy with the IV, the id bracelet, or the arm restraints. Then there was the vomiting. Poor thing kept vomiting blood out of her mouth and nose all afternoon and evening. I'm not sure which one of us smelled or looked worse by bedtime. She would not let me put her down even when she was sleeping. Finally I talked a student nurse into taking her long enough to let me use the restroom. Maimie cried then vomited all over her white scrub jacket. Beautiful. Last break I got.
Maimie couldn't even sip water Thursday night. Friday morning went much better. She was drinking formula from a cup without a lid (not cool!) and spilling plenty of it. By lunch time she was eating a few bites of applesauce and vanilla pudding with her formula. I cleaned her up, put clean clothes on her, and talked the nurse into disconnecting the IV tubing. She perked right up when she saw Daddy, Mikaela, Jacob, and Joseph. Dr. Hansen felt she was doing well and liked how her mouth was looking. He discharged Maimie around 4:30pm Friday. She had some trouble with fever Friday afternoon and evening but has done better today. She is still having pain and taking tylenol. Even with her arm restraints she has been animated and playing. We need to keep them on her through at least Wednesday. I'm anxious to see how she will react to having them off. Will she still suck her left thumb and right pointer finger? We have also noticed she's not eating or drinking as much as usual, but as her mouth heals, it should pick back up. We are so thankful for Dr. Hansen's expertise and care for Maimie and for God's hand of protection over her. We could certainly tell that people were praying for her.

7 comments:

The LIGHTHOUSE said...

So excited to hear how well she is doing! Lifting up all the Mondays before the Lord- for healing , patience, and a good night's sleep!
Let's talk soon!
Love, Nancy (for the Schweigert's)

Anonymous said...

We are so glad the palate surgery is over. So glad the doctor was able to perform the surgery and that it went so well. Hopefully now Maimie can eat and drink easier and adjust to everything. She is so beautiful. Hopefully the restraints will help her mouth to heal without any problems.

Always enjoy the photos. It is obvious she is loved by all. Thank you for keeping everyone updated on her progress and even the little bumps in the road you are experiencing so everyone is able to pray according to all the needs you have.
In Christian Love,
Grandma & Grandpa

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the update and photos....what a little sweet heart she is and a real trouper through it all. Glad to see the answers to prayers and praying for quick and uneventful recovery. Look forward to getting our girls together one day soon.

Beckie

Anonymous said...

Gos is good, it's always exciting to see how he's rescued Maimie through you guys! We are praying for you all!
Steve and Diana

Anonymous said...

I am so glad that Maimie did so well on her palate surgery and is home. Sending cyber hugs your way!

Shannon B

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear the surgery is over and went well. The healing time will go quickly and all will be well again. Looking forward to seeing you sometime.
Darlene Ringwald

Anonymous said...

Monica, so glad to hear all went well with the surgery. Maimie sounds like a trooper, hope to get to meet you both soon.

Love,

Amy