Surgery #2

I headed home from school at 3:20 Wednesday afternoon after grammar class. The three hour ride home was filled with the sounds of oldies music that was pouring from my iPod. I made it home and spent a wonderful evening with my family. After eating supper, we all headed down to the basement for some family time. Dad and D.J. played pool while mom and I looked through old photo albums and watched the guys. We laughed, joked, and had an all around great time! None of us got to bed before 12, which was not ideal for any of us. Mom and I were up and out the door Thursday morning at 5:30am. I really hate mornings and Thursday was no exception! We arrived at Park Ridge Hospital about 6 and headed back to the surgical waiting area. It didn't take long for them to call us back to the prep room. I got on my gown, hair net, and had the iv put in my hand. Mom and I hung out for awhile, before I was wheeled out to get my femoral block put in, and then head into the OR.

I do remember being in the OR this time, which was interesting. I couldn't see much because I didn't have my glasses on, but I helped them move me onto the operating table, I laid my arms out on either side of me, and then breathed in the oxygen they gave me.
I woke up in recovery, but was soon taken up to my room where mom was waiting for me. I had alot of visitors Thursday afternoon which helped pass the time. Gramma Collins was there with mom from the beginning and stayed for awhile to visit with me after I came out of recovery. Daddy came by to say hi and then headed back out to get DJ from school. Patti and Doug Thrash came to see me. They brought some wonderful cookies from Subway, which were greatly appreciated! Sue brought me a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a pretty butterfly balloon! Melissa even stopped by to say hello, mostly to mom, but it was still cool to see her for a bit. DJ and dad came back over about 7 pm to see me and DJ brought my toothbrush, a pillow for mom, a vase for my flowers, and a Dr. Pepper for the patient!

Mom and I stayed the night at the hospital with all the clicks and beeps going on all night long. Our sleep was interupted every hour as nurses came in to check my bloodpressure, temperature, and heart rate. It was a very long night, with not nearly enough sleep. I was awakened around 8 when my surgeon came to say hello and see how I was doing. Soon after he left I was able to go home.

Friday was a very eventful day with PT, coming home, getting set up in bed, and watching NCIS all afternoon. I got a letter from Sarah and Olivia, my friends in Ethiopia, which made my day and I will be reading it over and over again. I miss them terribly and it was so sweet of them to send me a letter. I also chatted with my friend Karie, who is currently in Palau teaching 5th grade. It was a nice day and I was able to catch up on some much needed sleep.

Thank you everyone for your prayers! The surgery was successful!