January 11th, 2007 - kaia's comment

Perhaps my birthday wish has been answered early! Lauren's surgery this morning was quick and successful. We have just returned from the hospital and we're so excited to share the good news.

We received a call at 10 am saying that surgery would begin within the next 2 hours, so of course Grant, Pat and I packed up and rushed over to the hospital. Connor was left in good hands with his nanny Katie. We left him happy as a clam, riding around our basement in his brand new wagon - I think he would sleep in it if we let him.

At the hospital we were greeted by Bobbi, the NNP who has primary care of Lauren. (an NNP is a neonatal nurse practitioner who has advanced training in newborn special care) Lauren had been moved to a more private room within the NICU and in the process of surgery preparation. "She's been feisty all morning, " Bobbi told us, "I think she feels gypped because we wouldn't let her have her breastmilk this morning. We need to keep her tummy empty in preparation for her surgery" When we arrived, Lauren had already been intubated and sedated (general anesthesia.) It was heart wrenching to see our little daughter splayed out and prepared for surgery. No one should have to endure this, especially one so little. But doctors have assured us that this surgery is routine and although it will take her awhile to recover, her pain will be managed and she won't remember a thing.

After the surgeon and anesthesiologist thoroughly scared us with all of the consent forms and descriptions of all potential risks, we went to the family waiting room and tried to keep the most positive of thoughts in our minds. About 45 minutes later, Dr. Max Mitchell (cardiac surgeon from Children's Hospital) walked in with a smile - the ligation was a success! He sealed the ductus with a very small titanium clip and she was already showing signs of improved stability. "The ductus was very large," he told us. "Her heart may have been working 2-5 times harder than necessary due to this PDA. I can tell that her lungs are already beginning to clear and she is very stable. She hardly lost any blood in the process and everything went smoothly." We were elated with the positive news.

Of course once the surgeon left, we all broke down with tears of joy and relief. We went in to see her and she looked great. She really looked no different than when we had left her an hour earlier, other than a new small bandage under her arm. But eventually the only sign left of this surgery will be a small fine line on her skin. Plus, she now has her first permanent piece of jewelry - a titanium clip near her heart. We are so hopeful that her recovery will be smooth and she is now set to really start growing and THRIVING!!!! Great job, girlfriend! We are SO PROUD OF YOU!!!!!