Post Op......Day Two

Saturday, April 12th brings us to the second day post surgery.  Lucy, Daddy and I did manage to get some sleep last night.  As expected in a hospital,  it was very interrupted with various things such as blood pressure checks, pain med. administration, needing to use the bed pain and the beloved sound of the IV machine beeping that LOUD and obnoxious beep, beep, beep!  However just getting several hours of sleep were so good for our weary bodies.

I have the chair jammed against her bed so I can be as close as possible :)

A view of our sleeping arrangements

There have been smiles throughout the day 

Lucy's pain has increased significantly since yesterday morning.  Tears just run down her little cheeks when she needs to roll onto her side or even move in bed.  I had told Merle one time, "be gentle" as he was moving her and little Miss caught onto that phrase and the meaning of it and baby doll always reminds us when she needs helped being moved "be gentle, be gentle!"  I'm guessing due to the amount and kinds of pain medications she is on, is the reason that she is now not eating.  We having been coaxing and trying 

all sorts of different ways but she simply has zero appetite.  Drinking has also all but subsided.  We're grateful that she's been back on IV fluids but do have concern about not wanting to eat or drink.

Our wonderful neurosurgeon happens to be the physician on call this weekend and is making weekend rounds at the hospital.  He came into the room this morning with an entourage of people (we're at a teaching hospital, so often physicians are accompanied by doctors in training).  He was not at all surprised to hear that Lucy's pain has increased. (he reminded us that sometimes day 2 and 3 are the worst.  Dr. Dias wants to see if Lucy can still have her pain managed but with oral medication versus the IV meds.
And YES I did remembered to ask the trivia question I posted about on my last blog post.  "How many stitches does Lucy Kim have, does he know?"  The answer was he doesn't count and is not sure but he would guess close to 100 and there were 95 suture kits used!  So many stitches because they want zero spinal fluid leakage.

Dr. D. also suggested we try and have her start using the potty versus the bed pan.  She has been doing this the entire day but it's a two person process and crazy painful for Lucy to be carried the few feet to the toilet and then sit on the toilet.  In fact it's so painful that she breaks out into a ridiculous sweat 'til she gets back into bed.  I wouldn't classify myself as a germ-a-phobe but I'm also not keen on getting up close and personal with a hospital toilet.  Guess what --- I am and so is Merle and it's OK because baby girl needs to cling to our necks as she uses the toilet.  Our head hangs over the toilet,  our hands on the toilet seat(gross enough yet?) and knees on the floor!  Thank God for anti-bacterial soap - I'm bathing in it several times a day!

This using the toilet thing is sooo painful

Exhausted and sweaty after a trip to the potty!

For the HAPPY NEWS of the day -- I've gotten to "COLD MY GIRL" and so has Daddy!!!  After her first trip to the potty, I sat and held her for as long as she could tolerate her back in that position.  YES - it was therapy for both of us! 

As the day as progressed, I've had a few other times I've cuddled w/ her in my lap but she recognizes that she's most comfortable in the bed with an ice pack.

Holding my girl for the first time in two days!!

Daddy gets a turn to hold his girl!

 Today she has napped on and off for a few extended periods of time.  I'm thrilled about this because I just know her little body needs these periods of rest so she can heal.

She continues to run a fever on and off but it has not gotten higher than yesterday's.  Again still hoping it's because of the trauma of surgery and not the start of infection.

Kurt reading some of Lucy's mail to her

Sticker's and lots of cards!!

Primping with paint the princess' nails!

I think big bro. did a fantastic job~

This is her special toe that likes to sit on the big toe

 I'll end with a touching little video clip of Lucy's twenty one year old brother loving on her today!  When he arrived, she was feeling pretty good..  He came and coerced kisses out of her and read some of the mail she received to her and then.......get this...... he so sweetly PAINTED HER TOE NAILS!!!  He knows that she loves finger/toe nails painted!  Merle caught it on video and I thought I'd share it with you.  Enjoy.

She has very much enjoyed getting her very own mail and opening up the cards!!  Thank you friends for your love and kindness.

We are so grateful for the many, many of you that have supported us in this journey.  Extra special thanks to my parents for keeping the home front running smoothly and with such love!  We couldn't do this without you!  Love you Mom and Dad xoxoxo

First Night and First Full Day Post Op.

Here's an update from our first night post-op. and first full day out of surgery.
(remember that you can click on any picture to see it larger)

The hospital census is high.  Some of the medical staff were joking that the kids were hanging from the windows.  No bed available in the pediatric unit today so we spent the night in the surgical suite and at 6 p.m. on Friday evening moved into peds. to a much bigger and child friendly room.  The nursing staff, surgeons and physicians have all been fantastic.  Caring. Friendly. And quick to help!

  Lucy did extremely well throughout the night but couldn't sleep.  I think we all got a 3 hour straight stretch from about 2 a.m.- 5 a.m.

Both patients, Lucy and Kimmy resting comfortably

At 5 a.m. we chatted with a student resident who was in surgery with Lucy and a colleague of our surgeon who was attended the surgery.  They shared a lot of interesting information pertaining to the surgery that Lucy had.

For those of you reading this who don't know me in person need to know that I'm intrigued with how the body works and learning medical information is something I enjoy.

I can't help myself but share some of the information I learned today.  (if you're easily bored with medical jargon, skip to the next paragraph)  I learned that  Lucy has not TWO, not FOUR but SIX!!! layers of stitches!!  Our spinal cord is so well protected that to reach it, the surgeon needs to cut into six layers.  Bone, muscle, fat, etc. ( I'm hoping to ask the surgeon if they have any idea how many stitches the little Miss has).   This explanation is taken from a medical website:
  "The spinal cord and its coverings are located in the vertebral canal. The vertebral canal is formed when each vertebral foramen is placed on top of one another and this canal houses the spinal cord. In order to reach the spinal cord from the back, the laminae of the vertebrae (see above) must by sawn through and removed. When this is done, a small amount of fat and a plexus of veins is usually found. When these items are cleaned out, a shiny, dense layer is seen and this is the outer covering of the spinal cord." 

Knowing they had to cut through bone, muscle and go that far into her little spine, I am utterly amazed at how cheerful, compliant and sweet she has been thus far.  Obviously it's an "only God" situation here.  Again friends, the mighty power of prayer to a merciful and loving Heavenly Father.   As of this writing she thankful hasn't experienced any muscles spasms that I'm told can accompany recovery since some muscles had to be stitched back together.  She winces to roll over or move in bed but otherwise is in no pain if she's just laying (of course with pain meds. in her body).  If you'd like to see even more info. you can click here for tethered cord info.

Surgical site on Lucy's spine

When the neurosurgeon stopped in to check on Lucy around 9:15 this morning, he was pleased to hear how well she was doing.  He gave the green light to start elevating her head.  Throughout the day we have raised the head of the hospital bed and she has tolerated it well.

She has had a few crying bursts.  Crying to be held (this is incredibly hard for me), or because it hurt to roll onto the bed pan.  Her eating has decreased significantly from yesterday and early morning.  I'm assuming because of all the pain medication?!  We're trying to keep her drinking and they did re-start her IV so that she doesn't become dehydrated.

At 5 p.m. she was noted to have a fever of 101.8.  They gave her IV motrin with pain medication and it did bring the fever down so we're hoping it's just post op. stuff and not the start of any infection.  Obviously they'll monitor her closely.

For those of you who like specific prayer requests, here are a few:
- Please pray that Lucy's fever won't go any higher and there is no infection
- Prayers for a good sound sleep so her body can work on healing even more
- Prayers that she will eat, drink and toilet
- Continued prayers for pain management as sometimes days 2 and 3 are the hardest.

We continue to be appreciative of your love, support and prayers!  Lucy Kim has no idea of the number of people who are and have been praying for her little life.  We are eternally grateful for joining us in the journey!

As Lucy recovers, we're watching a lot of Dora the Explorer, she's enjoying a drawing app on the kindle, eating popsicles, playing "Mommy and Patient" with Kimmy

Daddy snuggling with Lucy

The best Mommy is able to "cold you"

Popsicles for the Princess

Dora Time!

**  Thank you to the many friends and family that have sent cards to Lucy Kim!!  Her first mail delivery is scheduled for tomorrow ;0) and Mailman Mom-Mom said there are lots to deliver!

For those who would like to join in the card shower, cards can be mailed to Lucy's grandparents for daily delivery to Lucy.

c/o Searfoss Grandparents

Lucy Zimmerman

914 Rabbit Hill Road

Lititz PA 17543

Thank you too A.L.S. for your sweet visit today, we loved seeing you and the balloon and muffins were so appreciated too.  

Post Op. Report :)

Daddy gently laid a drowsy Lucy down on the operating room table a little after 8;30 a.m.  We headed to the surgery waiting room for the L-O-N-G wait.  At 9:45ish we received an update that they were "opening her up".  At 11:45ish a quick report came in that they were ready to close and she did great.  It would be approximately an hour yet.  I (fairly) patiently waited until 1:35ish then went to the desk and asked for an update because we were expecting to hear something.  The kind lady at the waiting room desk called the operating room and awaited a call back with an update.  Ten minutes later the phone rang and she told us that they were still stitching her up.  I think I may have suffered a small case of whip lash during this waiting time period as I was continually flailing my head in all different directions to see if there was a surgeon lurking around looking for Lucy's parents! 

 At 2:00,our surgeon entered the waiting room with a smile.  He reported that things went very well.  While she lost a little more blood then they like to see, no blood transfusion was necessary (they'll keep an eye on her blood count).  One section of the spinal cord was pretty tight, this confirmed that it was such a blessing to know of her tethered cord BEFORE showing symptoms that often are irreversible.  

Thrilled to see my girl again

One of FOUR IV sites

Eskimo kisses

Trying hard to come out of the anesthesia

FINALLY at 3:30 we were given the green light to go up and see our girl in recovery!  While I wanted to run into recovery I held myself back and opted to do the brisk stroll instead.  Little girlie looked pretty tiny on the big bed.  She was awake for seconds at a time when we first arrived.  She awoke slowly AND pleasantly, often holding up her arms to her eye level to inspect what these tubes and things were taped to her extremities.  Many blood pressure readings were taken and oxygen levels assessed before leaving recovery room and heading to our "temporary room" at about 4:30 p.m..  (apparently pediatrics was full and no beds available)

I'm writing this post at 8:00 p.m. (still sitting in our temporary room which may end up being our overnight room) and so happy to report that Lucy continues to do well!  Thank you friends and family for your many, many prayers on her behalf.  Our great Father God has heard those prayers and showed much grace and mercy.  The nurses have been very attentive and keeping a close eye on her pain levels (she continues to receive IV pain meds to keep pain at a minimum or non existent).  

The hardest thing for me so far has been that she has had a few bouts of crying and repeatedly saying over and over "cold you", "cold you" (this is her way of saying HOLD ME!).  Not being able to pick her up and hold her and cuddle her is HARD STUFF.  I hold her hand, both Merle and I have gotten into bed beside her but because her back needs to remain flat we can not hold her!  When she received pain meds and became "chill" - I sighed a huge sigh of relief because I was starting to think that one's heart might just be able to pulled from one's chest in sympathy.  

There have been so many blessings throughout our day in direct answer to the many prayers.  Other praises to report are:

- a prevailing PEACE over Merle, Lucy and I throughout the day

- It was decided to remove Lucy's catheter while she was asleep in recovery.  I had talked to a few close friends and asked for specific prayer that Lucy would not need to be catheterized while awake because of the trauma she went through just a few weeks ago.  Lucy has urinated twice already in a bed pain without any signs of pain or discomfort!  This means there should be no reason to catheter her again!  Praise God!

- As of now, her pain has been able to be managed well!

- While she has told us a few times that she wants to GO HOME, we've been able to calm her and distract her.

- She has drank a lot of apple juice, ate jello, enjoyed a mango slush and a bowlful of spaghetti o's!  And no vomiting at all!

As close to "holding" as Mama can get

Neither Merle or I will never, ever want to hear another Dora the Explorer episode or hear the Dora theme song ever again - we'll suffer through watching episode after episode because it's keeping our girl distracted and happy for the time being!

I know the recovery is far from over, but I want to give our Father God much praise and thanks for the answered prayers of today!  Thank you friends for being part of Team Lucy and praying for our girl!  Each of you is appreciated!

Still waiting.......

QUICK UPDATE (4 HOURS after leaving our girl in operating room)

As expected Lucy girl put on her stoic/I'm scared face when we arrived this morning at the hospital.  But we were able to coax out a few smiles and giggles during the 2 hour pre-op wait.
The anesthesia team was so kind and allowed Daddy to carry her into the O.R. and stay with her until she fell asleep.

Looking to Mama for some reassurance

Security in her stroller

Tender kisses 

Daddy still able to pull out the smiles

Tenth "weigh in" this month - 32 lbs. 

Daddy and Lucy ready to head into O.R.

The waiting is L-O-N-G; we've been waiting just about 4 hours as I type this and we just got a report that they're getting ready to "close her up" and that she "did great!".  Anxiously awaiting to talk with the surgeon.  Will post again as soon as I'm able.  THANK YOU FRIENDS for your love and prayers -- we can't tell you how much that lifted us this morning!

And this is what we did as we waited, and waited......

"Happy Juice for Papa!"

Grateful for internet connections to pass the time

Sending out updates

Praying Lucy through surgery......

We believe in the mighty power of prayer!  We'll be up with the sun on Thursday, April 10th as we need to be at the hospital at 6:00 a.m.  Lucy is scheduled to be in surgery from approximately 8:30 - 12:30.

We know that we have a good and faithful Heavenly Father and we are trusting in Him!  He is the Great Physician!

Last day of dancing for a while!

What a puddin'!

Lucy would love to receive her very own mail!  We're inviting you to drop a card or note in the mail!

Mail can be sent to her grandparents who will make a daily MAIL DELIVERY especially to her.  

c/o Searfoss Grandparents

Lucy Zimmerman

914 Rabbit Hill Road

Lititz PA 17543

Surgery is Scheduled and Get Well Cards are Welcomed!

March was a busy month at the Zimmerman home and especially for Miss Lucy!

At the beginning of the month, our big pre-school girl received her very first  "report card."  It is this Mama's opinion that her teachers are simply smitten with her and thus the glowing report card.    While she enjoys going to Chinese pre-school, Little Missy often hesitates to participate or waits 'til candy bribery is pulled out to coax her into answering questions.

On the 17th of the month, we were blessed to celebrate Lucy's very first birthday at home and with her family!   After watching her big brother Kaden blow out ten candles on his birthday cake on the 7th of the month - she needed no prompting when her special day came.  She is excited to be FOUR and quickly shoots up four little fingers to let others know just how old she is.

Daddy brought home some of Lucy's favorite Chinese food
especially for her birthday!

Now she and her Mom-Mom can bake cookies together!

Birthday hats!

Isn't this the best umbrella - a special gift from Lucy's Aunt & Uncle

Happy 4th Birthday Lucy Kim!

Along with the birthday celebrations, we were also busy running to six different medical specialists appointments for exams and tests. Lucy was a trooper and such a pleasant little patient.

On April 3rd when we got into the car to make yet another trip to Hershey Medical Center, she told us several times that she wants to stay with her Mom-Mom (Grandmother)!  She has caught on that when Mommy, Daddy and Lucy get into the car (meaning no other siblings), most likely she's headed to see a doctor!    She's about had her fill of doctors!

All of the appointments in March were in preparation for our return visit to the neurosurgeon on April 3rd.  This was our "pre-op" visit.  Surgery to de-tether her spinal cord is scheduled for Thursday, April 10th!  The surgeon has told us that surgery will be about 3 hours but with prep., anesthesia, etc. to expect about a four hour procedure.  Her incision will be from the bottom of her rib cage (on back) to the top of her buttocks.  Dr. Dias expects that we'll be in the hospital anywhere from 2 to 4 days.  We've been told that  keeping her pain manageable will be a part of her recovery while at the hospital, beside the obvious recovery from the actual surgery and healing.

We are again coming to "Team Lucy" and asking you to please  pray for Lucy, our family, and the medical team that will be taking care of Lucy Kim.  

Lucy will be somewhat limited as to what she will be able to physically do while she is recovering.  I think that getting "real mail" to open would be a lot of FUN for Lucy girl.  If you'd like to send Get Well Wishes to Lucy, my parents will be happy to receive mail on her behalf and DELIVER to Lucy each day.  

c/o Searfoss Grandparents

Lucy Zimmerman

914 Rabbit Hill Road

Lititz PA 17543