Through the Operation

Just a quick update: Rowie's operation was without drama. The surgeon had expected some issues from her previous operation as a baby - scar tissue can be a real problem apparently - however it was dealt with. The surgeon gave me a full run-down of the work that had been done, and reinforced my confidence in the outcome - the valve is in place and functioning well, Rowie remained stable throughout the procedure, and was progressing well.

I've just left the intensive care unit where Rowie is getting all the care and attention she sorely needs right now. She awoke a couple of times and was looking a little dazed and confused (as would be expected!) but seemed pleased to see me waiting for her, so some browny points there! I debated for some time as to whether I would stick around the ICU all night but the decision was made for me when the night-nurse shift change-over came, and the new nurse - a stern but gently lady named Linda - suggested that I was no good to Rowie tired out, and that I should go get some rest. So I've just come home.

I was fine all afternoon right up until we got back to the hospital at 5.15pm, and I went looking for a status update. No-one could tell me anything (not sure whether that's the normal tactic) and I fairly quickly descended into worst case scenarios. Fortunately, around 6.00pm an ICU nurse came out to let us know that the theatre had called ahead to prep the ICU for Rowie's imminent arrival - which we took to be good news obviously! Around 7.00pm I was allowed into the ICU. It was a shock - Row looked pretty much how the anesthetist had described she would feel - and the nurse reacted brilliantly by letting me know that all signs were good.

So, from here on we will be limiting visits to 15 minute pop-ins, as we don't want to wear Rowie out. This next two days will be critical to her ongoing recovery so we don't want to risk anything.

It's been a hell of a day and one I won't ever forget, but now it's done and hopefully by the end of the week Rowie will be out of intensive care and beginning the long journey towards "normal" health.

Thanks again to all who have contacted me and wished us well, your messages have been great...

Looking forward to Friday now.

Sharp Focus

Rowie is currently in surgery. We spent the morning with her, deciding to pop out for some lunch at the local shopping centre only to receive a 'phone call shortly after parking, from Rowie, letting us know that she was heading into the theatre... a hasty drive back to the hospital, parked the car and ran as fast as I could to the ward, but it was too late, she'd gone in... my heart stopped. Luckily, one of the nurses saw me and allowed me into pre-op so Rowie and I spent the ten minutes prior to her going through talking and amazingly, joking. That's whats amazing about Rowie - in the face of this kind of thing she always see's the bright side, and she always put others ahead of herself...

The surgeon came in again this morning just to see how everything was. He seems a good, decent person, although his manner is what some may consider a little too frank, his view being better to completely understand what's going on than be left in the dark - which we prefer anyway. The anesthetist also came in, in many respects his job is far harder than the surgeons, far more risk. He seemed like a good man too, very concerned about the details which is always good. He set Rowies expectations well - "expect to feel a bit like a Mack truck has hit you" was the precise quote! He explained that Rowie will start to feel "normal" again by about 2 months, which we kind of knew but it's good to hear from a professional.

Anyway, we've a long wait, it's 3.00pm now and they're not expected to be out until some time after 5.30pm. Will post up another entry when I know more.

Thanks again to all for your kind thoughts - they are appreciated by us all.