Our family's first surgery-- 3/20/12

Just as Ellie-Kate prompted our first international adventure as a family, she also necessitated our first family surgery in which the patient had to be under anesthesia on March 20, 2012. After 25 years as a parent, I had a first time experience as a parent in the out-patient surgery center at Nationwide Children's Hospital. Blessedly, the procedures were relatively minor-- ear tubes in both ears (to drain fluid that kept building), coderization of both nostrils (to reduce the all-too-frequent nose bleeds), and remove andoids (an unexpected procedure but a necessary one b/c they were enlarged and hindering her ability to breathe). We had expected the first two procedures, but we got a call from Dr. Elmaraghy (Dr. "Ragi," according to Ellie-Kate) during surgery that he really recommended adding the adnoids to the list. We agreed.

Everything went smoothly, except for the anesthesia. The pre-anesthesia, designed to relax her before surgery, caused hallucinations. Post-anesthesia, Ellie-Kate freaked out for 30-40 minutes in the recovery room. Very emotionally draining but otherwise successful! She'll be able to hear and breathe much better now!

Very glad to have this hurdle out of the way so that we can relax and enjoy Family Day tomorrow :)

Christie