We're Home

We arrived home from Sick Kids Hospital today in the early afternoon. Sarah's surgery went very well on Tuesday. I was able to take her right into the operating room as she was upset and didn't want us to leave her. The operation was suppose to last anywhere between 3 to 4 hours. After 3 hours the operating room sent a message that the operation was going slowly but well - it ultimately lasted 5 hours. I can tell you that it was a very tiring 5 hours. The Sick Kids Hospital lived up to it's reputation about being all about the kids. The recovering room had us come in as soon as she woke up as she was upset and crying that Mommy and Daddy were not there. They let me hold her right away and she didn't want to let go so they let me carry her up to her room. The nursing staff is so compassionate and helpful. Sarah has recovered very well - the doctors and nurses were all very pleased on how well she was doing. We did end up staying an extra day as Sarah wasn't eating and drinking enough to go home. We had taken a hotel room but one parent is allowed to stay overnight in the room at the hospital - they have a cot built in for parents in the room. I stayed all night the first night - it was a long night for me as the staff comes in every hour to check the equipment and Sarah wanted to be held a lot while she slept. Having the hotel room was a blessing as it allowed Wes to get some sleep and I went back in the early afternoon to have a nap and have a shower. Wes stayed the 2nd night so I could catch up on some sleep but the 3rd night the hotel was booked so I stayed again and Wes went home on the GO train. Uncle Kevin offered to drive in to pick Wes up but visiting hours were only until 8:00pm and Wes wanted to stay later to help me out if Sarah had a difficult night - fortunately she didn't. Daddy came back early the next morning with the car. Again the staff at Sick Kids was wonderful. They were very pleased with Sarah's progress but before they discharged her they wanted to make sure Mommy and Daddy were comfortable with her post operative care. The nursing staff would help you with anything and always tried to be supportive and encouraging. I wanted to make sure I could bath her okay at home and the nurse popped in to make sure the bath was going okay and if I needed any help. They have arranged for Home Care to help us out and we have to go back in 10 days for more follow-up appointments. Sarah will need a 2nd surgery in 6 to 8 weeks. This was a very stressful and tiring time for all of us but we are so thankful that Sarah is doing so well - now it's time for everyone to try and catch up on some much needed sleep.