Day 1 of Recovery

We made it through the night, but not without significant nausea. When the nursing staff asked us in pre-op whether Madeline has a difficult time with anesthesia, we were unsure of the answer. Now we know. Yes, she does.

Yesterday afternoon was mostly sleepy time; we tried some oral pain medication around four, and she immediately threw it up. We have been managing pain mostly through IV medications. 

 

The episode of throwing up was comical. Madeline had been sleeping prior to receiving the oral medication, yet since she was waking up, the nurse was rightly eager to get something in her mouth and stomach. The hope was that she could then sit up or move around. She ingested the medication and became very alert. She yelled, "Help me, I am going to throw up." We are amazed at her ability to make her needs known.

 

Nurses scrambled into the room to help. When Jody (the charge nurse) came to her bedside to clean up the mess and soothe Madeline, she spoke her first words. She opened her eyes, looked directly at Jody and said, "Hey Girl!" Of course she did. The room erupted in laughter, and the nursing team reset the bed. Madeline quickly went back to rest.

Lindsay stayed the night, and I returned home to be with Micah and Maggie. Lindsay was able to string together several hours of sleep, so we can be thankful for that. Micah has a big basketball game tonight, so he is focused there. Maggie is very concerned about her sister and asked lots of questions. She really wants to come and visit in the hospital; she needs to see her sister but also wants to meet the therapy dog, King. (I am less inclined to meet the dog because he is wearing a Georgia Bulldogs jersey. I thought about calling Animal control to report the infraction). We are also watching Brooklyn 99 as a family (don't judge), so we did some family streaming of the same episodes despite our different locations.

 

Managing pain and nausea is the focus this morning to give her time to move around. She is aware of the pain in her neck, which is expected. We are meeting our PA soon, and she will work to get Madeline to wake up and begin moving around. Then PT and OT will come by (I am grateful for a few texts from Sara Barton these past few weeks; she has given us some language to understand what to expect and ask for from OT/PT). We expect this morning will be extensive and a bit exhausting for Madeline. 

 

The gratitude we feel continues to grow. The medical team; the encouraging texts and notes and gifts from friends and family; the meal from Ryan and Emily last night (and the bagels this morning!!!!) have soothed our anxiety and aided in Madeline's recovery. 

 

We discovered a new role in the hospital: Child and Family Life Specialist. Yesterday it was Olivia; today, it is Emily. These angels come by to check in on our well-being. Since Madeline was sleeping when Emily initially came by, we were able to reflect with Emily on our feelings. At the end of the visit, Madeline woke up and was able to communicate to yes/no questions on how she is doing. Madeline mostly communicates with thumbs up/down. As I write this, Madeline is waking up and using some words with Mr. Josh

One more thing. Many of you know that Lindsay is gifted at creating centering spaces. This is an amazing gift that our family benefits on a daily basis. Sometimes we can take it for granted. Today, I am realizing the power of a centered space. She re-arranged the furniture in the waiting room yesterday morning; then the same with the PICU room in the afternoon. When I arrived this morning, it was like entering a healing sanctuary. The folded blanket on the bed, the organized counter space, and the strategic location of bags and stuff makes for a relaxed atmosphere. There is healing in the details, and I am thankful she dedicates time and mental energy to the space. It's a better room for healing because of her attention. (But that doesn't mean I am not going to tease her for the compulsion to make sure every detail is perfect). 

We covet your prayers today - for comfort to keep food in, for reprieve from the nausea, and for strength to get up and move around. 

 

Continue to pray for the medical team; they serve with joy and presence. If I was still teaching in a seminary, I might invite Josh and Jody to teach on the practice of presence. Every time they come in, I think about Luke 10 (“He sent them out in pairs to every [patient and parent] where he himself intended to go…. Whenever they enter [our room] the patient welcomes you… cure the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’”)