TCH called

[Paula]

Aaron's nerve surgery is scheduled for June 5th. Pre-op exam is June 3rd.

[francine]

It's a dual edged sword Paula...good news and bad news. Good news that the help is available and bad news that it has to be done. My heart goes out to you and your family.

Since there's quite a bit of time between now and then - see if you can set up a stress management plan. As time gets closer, the stress just builds. See if you can include one thing a day that's just for you that will destress you - maybe a nice hot bath with some lavender oil in it? Also, if your husband goes back to work right after your trip, maybe having some friends hang out that first week home, that can be helpful. Just some thoughts.

There's soma pages on my site that may help with your planning:
http://www.injurednewborn.com/maia/tch.html
pictures of TCH
http://www.injurednewborn.com/maia/travel.html
travel logistics page
http://www.injurednewborn.com/maia/dayofsurg.html
What to expect on the day of surgery

ask as many questions as you can muster ok?
and know that we are all here for you to help you through this hard time

big hugs,
francine

[Paula]

Thanks Francine. As for right now I have been answering e-mails from worried family and friends but I just don't feel like answering the phone. A friend came over to ask about the surgery because no one answered the phone but I could not bring myself to tell her I had to lie I just said no word yet, and changed the subject. How did you guys find the strength cause I really need it now. My kids keep asking and I don't want to worry them with the truth so I will tell them when we get closer to the trip. I don't want to worry them while they are still in school. any ideas on what to say?

[sharlon]

i remember the first surgery, it is so scarry. you don't know quite what to expect and aren't prepared for what happens after surgery. but you will get through it and your child will be fine. marlin was not eating or drinking at the time of discharge so we started feeding her milk through a siringe. we woke her every two hours to keep her hydrated. on the plane she took her bottle for the first time almost three days after surgery. she was fussy on the ride home and i was so tired that i put her in her exersaucer. finally she laughed and played , she wasn't in so much discomfort as she was wanting to get back to familar surroundings. they are tough little ones remember that and you will bounce back as quickly as they do. well you might not recover as quickly as they do but that is okay too.