You know, I'm sure if my head was cut open two days ago, I'd still be in bed - for two reasons, actually: Because I wouldn't want to get up, and also to milk it for all it was worth. I'm thoroughly amazed at Chance's bounce-back. He's running around the house, jumping up on things (and people), showing off for Grandma and Grandpa when they come to visit. And he's still only had 3 doses of pain-killer! 56 hours post-op!
So, with Chance's two brothers both having had surgery up at Primary Childrens' over the past 6 months, we were somewhat familiar with the procedure. So, Thursday night, the night before the surgery, we acted out what would happen, to help Chance be more comfortable with it. We acted out how we would drive to the hospital, then go to the waiting room and - his choice - play video games or watch movies. Then the nurse and doctor would come out and introduce themselves. They would take him into the next room - in his choice of a wheelchair, wheelbarrow, or wagon - and put him to sleep. Then they would bring him back into the waiting room where Mom was, and he would wake up. Then he would get to choose a slurpee - red or rootbeer - and watch TV, then go home.
Of course, once we'd done it once, all the kids had to have their turn being the patient, doctor, and nurse. So, we got to role-play it several times. I honestly believe that this helped Chance be more comfortable on surgery day. He really only had one moment of difficulty - when he said goodbye to Mom and Dad as he was wheeled off into the operating room - and even that wasn't too bad. (Many kids take some versed before going back, to help them to settle down and go back easier.) Chance was really a trooper on Friday.
2 days post-op, 33 days pre-activation, and counting...
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