Cochlear Implant Surgery

Well, long story short, yesterday was a success.  Thank you for all prayers.

We arrived at the hospital yesterday morning at 6:30am. Conveniently enough, I forgot my overnight bag, which had my phone.  This, I thought, was the sign of not good things to come.  Once we were checked in and back in the Operating Room holding area, the nurse couldn't get Ryan's blood pressure reading.  After about 10 long minutes of trying, the nurse finally just switched machines.  Problem solved.  Geeze.

Next, we saw our surgeon, Dr. Robert O'Reilly, and shortly thereafter, the anesthesiologist.  We got on our way afterwards.

The anesthiologist along with the team of nurses took Ryan from our arms at 7:45am.  We were escorted back to the parent waiting area, where all the parents sit and wait.  There's not much going on in that room, mostly pretty quiet, and not much laughing.  It's very solumn there.

Every hour we began receiving updates by the nurse liason (new term for me), who is a nurse that routinely updates parents of the progress of surgery.  Thank goodness-- each time she came out, we were further along in the procedure.  We held our breadth each time she came out, and especially when our audiologist appeared, but each time it was just another good update.

Finally, at 1pm, the two surgeons, including Dr. O'Reilly, came out to greet us to let us know that everything went smoothly.  They said that the device tested postitively, meaning that her brain stem responded when testing (as opposed to not responding during her newborn and subsequent hearing tests).  Very exciting times.  The surgeons also said that they didn't have to shave her head because her hair is so fine (and thin) and also that she will most likely hate her little head wrap.

As we made it up to recovery, there was definitely a huge sigh of relief for Sean and myself.  We were so excited we made it through we could hardly stand it.  We both knew it was the best thing for our daughter, despite the short-lived trauma she is suffering this week.

She did well thoughout the day, obviously pain was evident, but thanks to hydrocodone, we kept it under control.  Ryan mostly slept the afternoon and evening away, and even much of the night.

The crew (docs, PAs, and nurses) showed up at 7am this morning to do their rounds prior to thier full day of surgery/clinic today.  Ryan got her wrap removed and I think she was so happy to have that thing off she started to do her little dance.  (She's skilled at moving her head and body from side to side-- dancing diva.)  Anyhow, we got a long list of 'to-dos' and 'don'ts' so we will be busy this week trying to keep up with everything. 

Will try to keep the posts coming...below are some pics.  Thank goodness this is now a memory.

Looking forward to Advanced Bionics Cochlear Implant Initial Stimulation - May 24.