Recovery

I was anxious and nervous to see Davis in the PACU - we didn't really know what to expect but my heart breathed such a sigh of relief when I saw his face.  He was still asleep and hadn't woken up from the anesthesia yet.  The nurse told us he would take a while to wake up since he had been under anesthesia for so long and that once he did wake up he would be in and out of it.  Almost as soon as we walked in she asked if I wanted to hold him - like she even had to ask!  I was apprehensive because at this point he still had so many wires and cords {2 IV's, a catheter, and a drain}.  She was so sweet and got me all set up in the rocking chair.  I don't think it has ever felt so good holding that baby boy in my arms - probably even better than the day he was born because now I knew he was ok.  We waited what felt like forever in the PACU and finally got to our room a couple of hours later.  At this point we had been at the hospital for 11 hours and all of us were physically and emotionally exhausted.  As were we getting ready to leave the PACU he started to wake up and drank some apple juice {they would only allow clear liquids at this point}.

We got settled into our room and met the nurses (who were in the middle of shift change) - our biggest concern was we didn't want him to wake up in pain.  My sister brought us dinner and we were able to relax {sort of} for a little while until he started really waking up and being alert. 

We only spent 1 night in the hospital {crazy!} but it was a rough one.  He didn't sleep for any lengthy stretches and kept waking up in pain until {FINALLY} they got it under control.  We tried giving him apple juice and even some baby food in the middle of the night but he was not interested.  I don't blame him, poor boy.

The next morning bright and early we saw the rounding physician and fellows - they told us they were going to keep an eye on him for awhile longer but that we would probably be able to take him home that afternoon.  I did not believe them - it had only been about 15 hours since his surgery finished - no way would we be able to take him home yet.  Ha, obviously I am not a doctor!  A couple hours later they took out the catheter and he cheered up a little! 

I got to hold him again - it had been 12+ hours since I'd held him in the PACU and my arms were aching for him.  While it made my heart so happy it was also frustrating to hold him - I was so nervous about the IVs and the drain and was so afraid I was going to hurt him.  It feels wrong to just have to look at your baby and not be able to pick him up to comfort and soothe him like normal.
 

After another couple hours they took out one of his IV's too.  The fellow came back in the early afternoon and told us we could stay one more night or we could take him home - medically he was safe to go home but it depended on our comfort level.  He was going to have to keep the drain in for 5 - 7 days but other than that we could give him his antibiotics and pain meds and let him rest at home.  This decision brought more tears - I was ecstatic that we could take him home but I was afraid of taking care him of, specifically I was terrified of the drain.   Luke promised to be the nurse and our actual hospital nurse gave us some tips that made me feel better too.  Here is little boy cord and IV free (except the drain) in one last nap before we headed home.

I never ever want to see him a hospital crib/bed again and I know Luke doesn't either.  The fellow told us that the urology team fixed everything possible on him so there should be no reason to go back - thank goodness!  The nurses kept joking he got a 3-for-1 deal in the OR.  I don't know about that but I am beyond thankful that he is 'fixed up' and doing so well.