Let the Countdown Begin

We’re in countdown mode to Zane’s surgery (September 12^th). He and I will drive up to Denver on the 11^th and hopefully have a room at the Ronald McDonald House. They do not take reservations, so I have to call the day we leave to see if there is availability. The last few times we’ve been to the hospitals in Denver, we’ve had no luck getting in at either the downtown of Aurora locations L

Needless to say, I am filled with anxiety about the trip. The last time Zane had surgery, things did not go well. He coded, was reintubated, and spent a great deal of time recovering in the PICU. While the surgery itself is enough to make me nervous, the pain management issue brings with it a whole other set of anxieties. From all appearances, Zane has either an allergic reaction to or—minimally—a sensitivity to narcotics. Jeff and I always carry fears with us when it comes to Zane and illness or Zane and surgery. Things that seem like no big deal to most are huge to us. While Zane has been healthy, his diagnosis automatically carries with it the label of medical fragility. We take nothing for granted.   

I plan to spend the entire time with Zane in the hospital. Word has it there is only a reclining chair in the room unlike the pull-out bed at Children’s.  *sigh* But I absolutely refuse to leave him this time. So I am packing my Kindle and my comfy pillow.

Zane has an appointment with his pediatrician on Thursday to make sure he is healthy enough to undergo surgery on Monday. If she gives us the all-clear, and if he remains fever and cold-free throughout the weekend, kidney surgery will be a go. I will do my best to update everyone from Denver. I am not sure about internet access. But if technology becomes an issue, I will have Jeff post updates for me.

Please keep Zane in your thoughts and prayers in the upcoming week or two.