The Waiting Game

Surgery is complete.

It's been a long day, but Pattie is out of surgery and is doing well.

Timeline......

They took Pattie to pre-op about 11:00 am. We met with the anesthesiologist - Dr. Woo. They updated us on what they would be doing over the next 8 hours. They said someone from the OR staff would be calling and checking with us with updates.

12:20 pm. The OR advised they were delayed.... Had trouble getting an IV in. But they are in surgery.

More updates from the OR staff at 2:00 and 4:00. The old hardware is out- the new hardware is in. Time for the wedge.

Wedge???

Yes - wedge. The surgeon actually cuts a wedge out of the lower spine in order for the patient to stand up tall and straight. This is actually one of the riskier aspects of the surgery. Dr. Hostin estimated at least three hours would be spent in cutting the wedge - being very very careful to avoid cutting any of the many nerves.

6:15 Update. Surgery is still going well. No complications. No "surprises". But will still be "awhile".

7:50 pm Dr. Hostin came out to speak to Ted and Sandy. He is done and all went well. The old rod is out - the new rods are in. Pattie is still in surgery as the OR staff is beginning to close. She should be out of surgery and in ICU (no recovery room) in about an hour.

9:10 pm. Pattie is out of surgery and is in ICU. Can't see her yet. Post-op procedures still ongoing. At the very least - Pattie was in surgery from around 12:30 to 8:30 - 8 hours.

Dr. Woo (Anesthesiologist) advised that no - they were not able to insert an epidural catheter direct to the spine for direct pain management. Too much bone fusion. All the pain relief will be though the IV. But still.... He was very encouraging like Dr. Hostin was.

9:45 pm. Ted, Sandy and Maggie Rose were finally able to see Pattie. She is doing very well. Her reflexes are good. The ICU staff are doing a great job of monitoring her and by 11:30 we left her to rest.