22 Hours and Counting

I just spoke to Dr. Bhatt about whether Julie's cough will prevent her from having her surgery tomorrow. I said that she hasn't had a fever, she has a good appetite, and she's in good spirits, but she is coughing off and on throughout the day. Dr. Bhatt asked whether it was a "junky" cough (How 'bout that for high-tech medical terminology!), but I really didn't know how to answer. Some of her coughs sound almost barky and some sound loose. She does cough much more when she first wakes up in the morning, so we briefly discussed rescheduling her surgery for later in the day, but I think preventing her from eating or drinking all day would be very upsetting for her (and indeed, Dr. Bhatt said that's why she schedules little kids first thing in the morning—it'll be bad enough that she can't have even a sip of water when she wakes up!). We also talked about bringing Julie over there now so they can listen to her lungs, but she could be much better or worse 20 hours from now, so that doesn't really make sense. So, we're just going to bring her in tomorrow morning as scheduled and they'll examine her then and make their decision. Dr. Bhatt said that at this time of year, about half of her surgical patients have some kind of bug, and it's just a matter of distinguishing a garden-variety cold from congested lungs. Oh, and she also mentioned that they can add something to the IV solution to reduce congestion. She said she understands that I'm mentally prepared for this to be over and done with tomorrow, but of course their first priority is to make sure any risk factors to Julie are minimal. So.

Comments

[Kelly]

Thinking good thoughts for Julie!

[nina]

I really feel for you on this one. How hard to send your baby off to surgery, and then this added thing doesn't help. Many good vibes and hugs heading your way!

[pam]

I hope things go well for Julie and you tomorrow, Karen.

[Janice]

We'll be thinking of you . . .