Surgery Scheduled

Today we met with Dr. Bhatt and scheduled Julie's surgery. We had to sign a thing that said that Dr. Bhatt had explained all the potential risks from the surgery. So, bleeding, scarring, infection? Yup. Overcorrection/undercorrection? Yup. Perforated eyeball? Yup. Loss of vision? Detached retina? Slipped muscle ("a total disaster"). Yup. Yup. Yup. All of the above. Can't wait till we get to sign the anesthesia waiver. (I say "we," when in fact Andy had to sign it because I was about to pass out.)

Dr. Bhatt made a point to say that none of those things have ever happened to any of her surgical patients. She said that after the surgery, Julie will have slightly swollen eyelids, a pinkish white of the eye, and some discomfort. We'll give her Tylenol and a topical ointment containing an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory. She also reiterated that there's still a chance Julie will need glasses (even bifocals) after the surgery.

So, here's the calendar:
Jan. 11 Appointment with pediatrician to clear for surgery.
Jan. 20 Phone appointment with anesthesiology nurse.
Jan. 26 7:10 arrive at hospital (no food or drink allowed beforehand, so I'm glad it's first thing in the morning!)
Jan. 26 8:45 surgery, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
Jan. 27 first post-op checkup
Feb. 3 second post-op checkup

Comments

[Roxanne]

Good luck with it and try not to worry ... although, I know you will anyway.

Happy Holidays, too!

[Margaret]

Very scary! They do have to warn us about everything though, just like those pill bottles. What is she having done or have I missed something? Vision surgery I presume.

[nina]

It must be so very difficult to send your baby off to surgery. We'll be thinking of you!

[Mir]

I will keep all available/flexible body parts crossed until after the surgery. I'm sure she'll do fine. And maybe you can get Dr. Bhatt to give YOU some valium. ;)

[Nancy]

I felt queasy reading your post, I can only imagine hearing the ever-calm Dr. Bhatt list the risks. You know she's the best. Thinking of you.

[votermom]

Good luck with it. I'm sure I would pass out if I saw those list of risks.
{{hugs}}