It’s all over. My son’s surgery – a sympathectomy – went very well and was a success. The doctor was fantastic and took so much time with us. And when my son felt his dry hands after survery, he broke out into a smile even though he was still drowsy from the operation.
The doctor gave us photos of my son’s ribs to show us exactly where the clips were placed on the nerve. My husband and I both thought this was interesting but our daughters both thought it was disgusting. Not medically minded, those two.
We got the biggest charge out of this nurse who was “all business.” When she wanted to take my son’s vitals, she was on a mission, simply saying, “I need to get in there.” She made her way to the machine so intently that we knew we had better jump out of the way ASAP. One of the staff asked her twice if we had our prescriptions and she had to repeat herself, adding, “You want me to draw pictures?” muttering under her breath, “I don’t why I have to babysit,” giving me a wink.
Truth be told, I was glad it was her taking care of my son as she was focused on her patient.
Driving him home a few hours later, (it was an ambulatory procedure) my daughter called hysterical that she missed two questions on her final exam. I mentioned that we were on our way home from the hospital, etc. She actually stopped for a moment and said, “Oh, how’s he doing” between sobs. Wow. That is growth!
It touched me almost as much as my son saying, “Thanks Mom and Dad for letting me have this surgery just before he nodded off that night.
My husband said the drugs probably hadn’t all worn off yet.
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“Maturity begins to grow when you can sense your concern for others outweighing your concern for yourself.†~ John MacNaughton
6 responses so far ↓
1 Karen Vogel // Dec 15, 2007 at 10:42 pm
I’m grossed out, too.
I’ll have to e-mail that MacNaughton quote to my teen daughter.
2 Keli // Dec 16, 2007 at 12:59 pm
I’m very glad to hear everything went smoothly for you! I know exactly how you feel about medical procedures. When my son was in the hospital, I felt like I was caught in a time warp (I sure looked like it too!). I’m happy it’s all behind you now.
3 angelawd // Dec 17, 2007 at 2:00 pm
I’m so glad the surgery went smoothly. Sounds like you got some great medical personnel! And I completely understand your cheering for your kids’ maturity. Baby steps…but they’re learning compassion and gratitude! Yay!
4 Joe // Dec 19, 2007 at 1:32 am
So glad to hear it went as planned! I am sure Christmas will be a great one for all after this hurdle has been passed.
5 Rebecca // Dec 23, 2007 at 4:04 am
I’m glad that things went well with the surgery, sounds like your son did well too
6 wornoutwoman // Dec 26, 2007 at 11:52 pm
I’m glad he’s doing well. I hope you all had a great Christmas!