Thursday, October 21, 2010

October 19, 2010 Surgery Day

Before I tell you the details, I first have to tell you that I ended up accidentally deleting half the pictures I took at the hospital. So so sad. Luckily Scott was taking Iphone pictures. The second is, some of these pics have blood so if you get squeamish......close your eyes.

It was one of those nights of sleep where you wake up every hour. I wake Scott up at 5am and say, are you ready for this? We pack up our little Davy and she is all smiles and I think, are you ready for this little one? We get to Choc and it's business as usual. Papers, questions and us making sure they are giving her the correct meds for adrenal insufficiency. It takes 3 nurses and one anesthesiologist to NOT put in Davy's IV. Then they decide that they will try again after they put her "under." Hmm, good idea guys, wish you thought of it earlier. Dr. J comes in and asks us if we have any final questions. I say, just take care of our baby girl.
We say our goodbyes and I lose it. Like the fall in my husbands arms and hyperventilate cry kinda lose it. They start wheeling her away and I remember her blessing(for any non-mormons, it's kinda like a special prayer) from the night before, there will be guardian angels all around her.......The doctors hand will be guided......she will completely recover.....and then i feel comforted. So now what? How do I pass the next three hours? I thought I would read or sleep or watch the view(not by choice). But it's kinda hard to do anything, but think of how your little girl is currently being reconstructed. Those were the loooongest hours of my life.
Almost exactly 3 hours later, Dr. J walks in and tells us that things went as good as they possibly could have. He was very happy with the results. He then tells us how Davy woke up at the very tail end of surgery.....uhhhh whaaaaat?!!! I'm glad you didn't start off with this Dude. He said she was completely numb, but that she did wake up and wasn't to happy. I am trying to think of anyone that would wake up happy during a surgery being done on their face.
We then walk/run into the recovery room and she is asleep and so peaceful.
Now, the first time that I looked at Davy I was expecting shock or this, she looks so different feeling. But I felt quite the opposite. I knew this face. This was my Davy. I felt so calm and comforted........and then she woke up.
Remember that Mama bear suit I was supposed to be wearing? Well, as soon as Davy woke up and was shaking with pain, I quickly took it off and handed it over to Scott. I had the hardest time. She was hurting so much and had blood coming out of her nose and mouth, I am ashamed to admit I froze. But not Scott, he stepped up big time. He had her swaddled and in his arms, while I told the nurses to giddy up and get some pain meds. If you are ever in an intense situation, I highly recommend finding a Scott. He is very comforting.

After surgery Davy was supposed to wear nose stints for the next 2 weeks, to help with the shape of her nose. They lasted like 4 hours. She was able to push those bad boys out with just her face muscles. The nurses put them(painfully) back in twice and then Dr. J said it wasn't worth it. She could end up doing more damage then good. Davy also needs to wear these arm bands(no-nos) so she won't disturb her stitches. The girl is Houdini though, she can get out of them in 2 minutes. I have to watch her like a hawk.




The first night in the hospital was exactly how you think it would be, not fun. Are main goal was to keep her as pain free as possible. We tried to take shifts. I slept from 12-2:00 and then 4-7. Then 7:30am, Dr. J came in to take a looksie. I tell him that he did a great job and it looked better then I could have ever imagined. He tells us how it turned out better then he imagined in the nightmares he was having. That's right, Davy's surgery gave him nightmares. I am just glad he waited until way after the surgery to tell us this. And yet oddly, I appreciated his honesty.

Twenty four hours after surgery we are leaving Choc to go home. It's nice to be home.
Davy has had been in some intense pain, to where even her toes are shaking. It's hard to see her suffer like this. But she has also been mellow and even smiled her cute new sideways grin.
I just feel so VERY grateful right now. So once again, thank you everyone for your kindness, comments, babysitting, fruit baskets, dinners, breast milk, packages, phone calls and prayers.

78 comments:

Laura K said...

Hi! Found your blog through CJane a few weeks back. Just wanted to say how happy I am that Davy is doing so well! We said a prayer for her. And thank you for blogging and allowing us all to follow your story about your wonderful family and especially your adorable little girl!

Christa said...

I am in tears thinking of having my babies in pain like that. You and Scott are in my prayers. The thing is that she is so young she will forget the surgery and the pain, but you will remember. I hope you find a way for it to lie easy on your heart.

She looks beautiful. I can't believe they were able to accomplish that in one surgery. Amazing! I can't wait to see how her gorgeous eyes and her new smile light up the room.

cats said...

Beautiful. She was beautiful before, and she's beautiful now. In that last picture, she kind of looks like she knows it. It looks like you'll see her new smile a lot in the future! I hope her brothers are doing well - this must be hard (and exciting) for them, too.

Noelle Reese said...

I can't even imagine the pain. Davy is so cute, maybe even cuter??? I can't wait to see your post where she eats like a champ all day long! I'm still praying!
Scott and you win the parents of the year award, hands down! :-)

Becki D said...

I am so glad to hear that all is well. As well as can be expected, anyway.

You are an amazing Mama!

I don't even know your Davy girl, but thinking of her shaking with pain makes me tear up. I can't imagine being in your and Scott's position. Bless you!

Lauren said...

Found your blog a couple months ago. I had to comment tonight that I am so glad surgery went well. I can't imagine what that would be like as a mother. Especially hearing that she woke up! Eeek! But, my goodness, what a transformation! She was gorgeous with the cleft, but I can't believe what it looks like in those last pictures. How did they DO that? I can't even begin to figure it out! She looks fantastic, congrats!

MindySue said...

I have been checking your blog constantly for this update. I am so thankful that everything went so well. I can't imagine what you guys have been through, and will have to go through with Davy. She was beautiful even before this surgery and I loved what you said about how you KNEW her face. You did. I am so happy for you guys, that everything went well and will continue to keep Davy in my thoughts and prayers. Hopefully her pain will diminish quickly and she can start giving us grins again.

Eve said...

I don't know you, but I feel so lucky to be able to rejoice with you in Davy's successful surgery. I had a prayer in my heart all day for Davy on her big day. I have a heart full of new prayers.

Thank you for sharing your miracles with us. I am praying for lots of efficient pain management and a speedy recovery for your beautiful girl.

Melissa said...

I'm so glad that things went to well. She looks beautiful- just like herself!! Thank-you for sharing this incredible story.

Kim said...

Oh how your little girl warms my heart! God Bless little Davy and your family. I am so glad her surgery went perfectly.

p.s. her baby blue eyes are beautiful!

Anonymous said...

I am holding my baby girl in one arm and wiping my tears away with my other hand as I read this. So thankful that she has made it but I hate that she is in so much pain. My mother heart can not imagine what you are going through either.

My niece had a cleft just like Davy's about 25 years ago. Amazing what they can accomplish in one surgery. It took about three surgeries for her to get to where Davy is after just one. Thank God that modern medicine has progressed so much. She looks completely gorgeous.

Leah said...

I am squeamish by nature but how could anyone look at that beautiful baby's face and feel something negative? I am so glad it went well for her and sorry to hear about her pain. Peace to you all xxxooo

The Story Chronicles said...

She looks beautiful and you, Momma Bear, are fabulous. Prayers continuing.

Senja said...

She looks really beautiful. Glad that everything went so well. :) Can't wait for more updates.

I think that you and Scott are great. My husband is also a "Scott". They are so needed.

Jaymerz said...

Her little clefty grin was adorable but she looks beautiful now!! I am glad her surgery went well and I hope she heals quickly and the pain goes away!!

Whimcees said...

Hello,

God bless little Davy. She is now even more beautiful! I am keeping you all in my prayers and hope that the litle one is soon pain free and on her way to a complete recovery.

Wishing you everything good for your family.

Hugs,

Barbara Diane

Jody said...

Also a "fan" thru CJane... Was looking thru Davy's pics with my 3-yr-old son this morning... His first comment "Aw, a baby!" then "She has Elmo britches on!" then much later... "She has a boo-boo." She's so gorgeous that the blood was NOT the 1st thing he noticed. Prayers for you all...

Suz said...

I've been reading your blog for a while now (several months) following Davy and her amazing family and watching from my quiet corner your brilliance as a mother. I'm so GLAD that things went well for Davy and how the docs fixed her up beautifully....she was perfect before her surgery, though, I thought. :)

I have a son who has multiple disabilities and I wanted to share with you that after his multiple surgeries in his 10 year lifespan I've given up the hope that I'll ever be able to deal with his pain and suffering after he awakens. I used to say "I can do this and be strong" but I failed miserably each and every time and my dear sweet hubby would have to take up the reigns and be the strong one and he would shine each time and I would hover in the corner wondering why I couldn't handle it, what was wrong with me?...crying, feeling ill, barely able to breathe with him being in so much pain and discomfort. So you're not alone in your feelings and I pray that you'll be ok with that. Moms are usually the ones that wear the capes in the house...fixing boo-boos and handing out the popcicles when there's a sore throat, so maybe it's good when daddies get to wear the superhero capes for a while. :) (((HUGS))) to each of you!! You're being prayed for in Pennsylvania.

keri said...

Also found you thru CJane. Prayers and hugs for you and your family. Davy is absolutely gorgeous!!!!!!!

Unknown said...

I've been reading your blog for months now and never commented. I just have to say, this post made me cry. I keep imagining my five-month-old baby girl going through this. You're a brave mama. I'm so glad Davy's doing well. She's beautiful!

The Mad Rylee Chronicles said...

So very, very happy for you guys. She's just as beautiful as she was before. Prayers for a speedy recovery!

sunshineyou said...

She looks awesome, congrats on the successful surgery. I know it's hard to see your baby in pain though. Prayers to your family from mine.

Anonymous said...

She's absolutely beautiful. She was before, she's even more now! I'm so relieved that it all went well. I know how it feels to have babies in surgery - and it's the most helpless feeling. Good job Scott...seriously. Hang in there - the worst is over now!

Rochelleht said...

She is SO beautiful. Thanks for posting it all. It was just very tender.

MC said...

I am praying for a speedy recovery! When I would look at your Davy pics, I always just saw a cute little baby girl...never really seeing the clefty; she was beautiful. Always so peaceful and happy looking. She's still the same beauty, of maybe a bit more put together. I'm so happy all went well.

EJ said...

Aww, Ruth. She's gorgeous. You were a champ! Glad Scott pulled you through. That's what mates are for. Will keep praying she is pain-free and healed soon.

EJ, www.thesearemyreasons.blogspot.com

Amanda Joy Petersen said...

I am so glad that Davey's surgery went well. It is so hard to see your kids suffer, but I am glad that her blessing gave you peace.

Georgia said...

Your honesty in telling how the surgery went just brings tears to my eyes. You are a fantastic Mom Ruth....Davy is truly blessed with two incredible parents. I'm continuing to keep Davy, and the whole family in my prayers. Davy looks beautiful!!!!

Sending you BIG hugs!!!!

Bridget said...

I'm so happy all is well. I miss seeing her beautiful cleft smile. Can't wait to see her beautiful cleft-less smile! Thanks for being a Mom with all of us Moms out here.

Reenie said...

WOW!!! Dr. J did an awesome job!!!

Oh I love Davy's eyes...especially love the next to last photo. Love the photos of Scott and Davy too...so sweet.

I'm glad all went well and she's home :)

Debby said...

I am sorry for Davy's pain. Hopefully she will not remember all of this. The doctor did such a good job. He sounded like a down to earth doctor that was very truthful. Such a sweet little girl.

chiarajulieann said...

oh Ruth i admire you and scott for holding it up like you did. i would have fainted and i would have screamed my head off at the sight of her being in pain.

but i'm happy for future little davy, when the pain is gone and when she wont remember it. and she looks so cute and her eyes will no longer be sad.

thank you so much for letting us in. =D

Stacy said...

She looks beautiful. I'm so glad things went well. I can't imagine what you are going through. You are an amazing mom.

Lyndsey said...

you better lock her in when she is a teenager...she is so perfect, what a blessing to have her in your lives

Maggie said...

She is a beauty! I can't find the words to describe the pull she has on me. I am so happy that things went well and that you are all home healing.

Thank you for sharing her with us.

Tee said...

Oh Ruth, she is beautiful. I love that everything has worked out. I am so sorry she is in so much pain, I just pray that she recovers quickly. I am crying at the beautiful pictures!

Unknown said...

I've never commented before but I've been reading since Courtney wrote about you. I'm so happy that all is as well as can be! I hope Davy recovers quickly (no more shaking toes... saddest thing ever!). I can't wait to see her new smile, although I admit to possibly already missing that old one! She's such a gorgeous girl just like the rest of her family.
And PS... I froze up too when my son had surgery. He had a hard time coming out of the anesthesia & I was most definitely NOT cool. My husband totally had to step in and take charge. It's hard to be rational when your baby's in pain!

Carin Davis said...

What a beautiful...brave little girl you are blessed with!!! Just from your images...her eyes seem filled with love and trust. :)

Janae said...

this brings back so many memories!

Jessica said...

Davy...was it possible for you to get even cuter?!? It was...because you did! The dr did an amazing job. I hope for a speedy recovery. What a tough little cookie she is!

PilatesMom said...

Thank you for your blog post. We are heading into a surgery ourselves next Friday which will last 6 to 8 hours. I began sharing your tears at just take care of my little one. Thank you, sometimes us mama bears are always acting so strong that we forget to let ourselves grieve and fear. Thank you for your post, it gave me strength to get through this week before our own surgery.

Stephanie said...

She is just a darling and her little face looks so sweet. Thank God her eyes are the same through all of this...they are so beautiful.

I'm so sad to read about the pain she has to experience. I will keep praying for you guys and that especially. xx

Melany said...

that doctor was definitely blessed during davy's surgery, he did an amazing job. i'm really so happy for you guys that things went well. thanks for sharing her surgery story, i hope she heals up soon!

Damaris @Kitchen Corners said...

oh baby girl...

sending many many positive thoughts your way. I hope the pain goes away soon.

Tony and Whitney said...

Wow! She looks fabulous. I just want to be more like you. You make me want to be a better mother. Thanks for your honest inspiration.

Melinda said...

You are amazing! Davy is incredible and so beautiful! I would be having meltdowns to see her in pain, praying that it heals quickly! Thank you so much for sharing!

Julie said...

Oh man, you have me sobbing and I am right back where I was nearly four years ago when I went through this with my baby. I will never forget the moment the OR nurse took her from my arms (I watch through double doors as she carried my baby down a long hallway to surgery), I froze too at recovery (my husband stepped up so beautifully), her no-no's never really worked (I used a SnuggleMe blanket with her and held her constantly instead), her face was different after the surgery too but she was so my Zoe.

Davy is so beautiful! So so beautiful! WTG getting passed this bump in the road! I remember feeling tremendous relief during her recovery time, it's very stressful to have the worry of surgery hanging over you.

Anonymous said...

She looks sooooooooooo good!!! I think the doctor did a great job! Her pain will lessen with each day...you'll get through it.

Heather said...

I started crying the minute I got into yours and Davys story... She is so precious, as I'm sure you being her mother knows, and I am very glad she came through her surgery with flying colors. Thank you again for letting us in yours and Scott's lives, along with the Davy and her brothers. I hope her recovery is quick and that she gets to smiling for you as soon as possible.

danielle @ take heart said...

i am praying for you, all of you and especially little davy!

merideth said...

i love your davy. she is so cute. i hope her pain goes away soon.
yay for davy.

Krista said...

I also found your blog through CJane a few weeks back. It is amazing what the doctor could do. Hope her recovery continues to be successful.

kimmomofnine said...

What an honest, perfect post...thank you for sharing so much of yourself. and Davy...wow! What a strong, beautiful girl.

Nama said...

Hi, I think this is the first time I've commented, but I've been following for few months. I just want to say that I'm so happy everything went well, and I hope and pray Davy continues to recover fully and well.

Also, I just had to tell you that the second to last photo of her is so perfect, even with the blood and staples. Her face is (and always has been) so precious. Those eyes just pierce through my soul!

Unknown said...

I loved reading this. Thank you so much for posting it. Maybe because I have a baby girl after having three boys. Maybe because my 2 year old had surgery when my baby was 1 month old and I REMEMBER what it was like to have them wheel away with your baby about to have surgery. It reminded me of how lucky I am that he did well and I know you will too.

ileana said...

I am so happy for all of you. My husband works in surgery and he has always said that the bravest people he knows are the parents who hand their babies over to the doctors and nurses - even though they're going into good hands.

Davy looks like herself - so beautiful! Glad it's over for you and that she's recovering quickly.

desert dispatches said...

You are right...she looks like..Davy, ridiculously lovely. My son had surgery in his mouth when he was 11 months old, the staff had to put an IV in a vein on his head, they could not get to one in his arms and hands (though they tried, much to my horror....) and I sobbed so much they had me leave, my mom stayed with him. Tiny kids are so scrappy, and they forget, (two blessings in one!)

tracyjax said...

wow she looks soooo good! That doctor gets an A! I'm glad you made through! So glad you're keeping the blog updated! I think about you every day!

Ivy & Mae said...

Had to come back for the "details post"

Congratulations!

What a sucessful surgery. Good luck as she recovers!

Chris said...

Davy is beautiful!!!! Glad she is doing well!!

Bessiemae said...

Oh, wow! She was absolutely adorable before surgery, and she looks just beautiful after! It's just amazing that that was accomplished in just one surgery!

Sarah said...

Wow, so much wisdom in those pretty eyes. It's amazing to be so touched by a story, a family you've never met. But here I am, so happy for you and this huge hurdle you all have made it over this week. I know what it's like as a mom to watch your baby girl go through serious pain. I would never wish that hopeless, helpless feeling on anyone. You seem to be handling it all with grace and strength. I wish only the best for your sweet family!

Jessica Crozier said...

She looks just as beautiful as before! And I feel your concern and fear with anesthetics and surgery. My daughter, Emma, has adrenal insufficiency too. Everything has to be just right and all the doctors need to know that she's pan-hypo pit! I hope the healing continues smoothly and the pain disappears quickly!
Best,
Jessica
www.jumpingwaves.com

Jocelyn said...

She looks amazing. What an amazing blessing she was given. Glad it is over for you.

Carrie McBeath said...

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. I cant find anymore words or I'll cry.

Kat said...

so glad things went well for Davy, she's beautiful before and after, she has the most incredible eyes, I hope the pain reduces for her and she can leave that splint alone!

Howard 6 said...

I had tears in my eyes the minute I started reading the story! Then I saw that sweet face, those striking blue eyes. She's beautiful! Which is wonderful. I hope her pain subsides soon.

mkoleary said...

She looks well and beautiful as she did before! A little sore in these pictures, but so lovely. I am glad that prayers were answered and all went well. Can't wait her to feel better so that we can see her huge grin again!

FZCube42 said...

Hi, well done on all counts!

You know, if you haven't taken new photos with your camera or if you haven't written over the physical hard disk area, your deleted photos may be recoverable.

Best thing (if you haven't already, that is) stop using your camera/computer, until you can get a knowledgeable friend to take a look.

Your photos might still be there. I'm available to guide you through the process if you need any remote help.

Jenn K said...

My brother was born with a cleft lip and palate in the 1970s. My parents were too ashamed to take any photos of him, which makes me sad. Thank you for documenting your daughters progress. It is encouraging and helps me think of what my brother went through. 17 surgeries later, only the trained eye can detect he had so many surgeries. Good luck. It is worth it!

Cindi said...

She's so beautiful! It's so hard having your child in pain and in a hospital!

Glad everything went better than everyone expected. Hope that she gets past the pain soon!

Corrie said...

oh my gosh I missed all of this as
I was in hospital having my baby but you have just had me in tears. Your blog post made me feel like I was there every step of the way in the hospital

she is one big brave and oh so beautiful girl. God was definitely watching over all of you. I love how you've shared so much of her journey to this surgery with us!

I hope her pain goes away soon
Corrie:)

Beth said...

Those pictures touched my heart...what a brave look she has on her face. I love the one of her daddy watching her sleep and then cuddling her.

I am so glad that she is on the rode to recovery. I know she has been suffering and so have you but each day is one day closer to being better.

I love that sweet Angel and I am so greatful that I am the sister that gets to lives close. I can see her and feel her sweet spirit every day.

Ellen said...

Bless her sweet little heart. She is such a beautiful little girl. I loved seeing her clefty little smile. It looks like the doctors did amazing work. Her eyes are amazing.

Angie said...

oh Davy,bless your sweet heart. She looks so complete, like it was there all along, just biding time. I can't wait to see her sweet smile again, she is just a beautiful baby.
Those nose stints totally stink, I am a peds RN and once had an 8 year old tell me that she would like to put them in *my* nose and she how quick I would clean them then :)
These days will pass and you will all be back to normal, until then, God bless and take care. We're all rooting for a speedy recovery!

C said...

I'm another person who came here through CJane... and haven't commented before. I did however want to comment on this post, because I wanted to tell you all how glad I am that everything went to plan. I can't believe how much like Davy she still looks. I guess you except some huge change, and in a way there is.... but she still looks like her adorable self.(And she really is... oh those eyes!!!!)
Thank you for sharing your journey so far with us.

froggymom said...

So sorry to hear your baby is in so much pain! I hope she you all find some comfort soon!! Sending hugs!

Caitlin said...

That first picture is the saddest thing I have ever seen! Her expression is just so sad! I hate when doctors tell us to use over the counter meds. I always want to yell "I am not interested in anything I can get in the store. I want the good stuff that requires a prescription." You and Scott are doing a fantastic job.