January 25, 2013
This morning we arrived for our 7am. appoinment on time. I didn't have a real breakfast just a bunch of snacks. I was able to meet a bunch of people and each one told me something I needed to know. The first person I saw was Cher, the nurse coordinator for Dr. Mendelow. She helped me all day. Then I met the Anestesiologist. He gave me two choices for how I want to go to sleep for surgery on Monday. I can choose either having them start an IV and give me medicine through that or breathing through a mask. That doesn't take any thought on my part. I choose no pain! Then Dr. Mendelow met me in xray and bent me into the shape of a horseshoe while they xrayed my back again. This was to see if bending could straighten my spine (mom says this shows the degree of flexibility they can expect in surgery). After that Marcus came in and he explained again what to expect and also what to expect the next week. The Pain Management Lady came in and told me how the pain button (PCA) worked and how they will be watching me like a hawk. Elaine from Child Life came in and showed me what the mask the anestesiologist uses looks like. She also told me Wednesday is going to be the "awful, why am I here everyone is so mean day". She told me how they have huge bird houses I can paint and lots of fun things to do while I heal. THEN I had to get my blood drawn...DUN DUN DUNNNNNN.
It wasn't that bad. After they pinned me down when I tried to run away. They also gave me a bunch of colorful sparkely paper to use for art stuff. After a couple more things I was done!
We ate a quick late lunch but the weather was to bad to come home. So I am at a hotel with my mom and great-grandmother about to go to P.F. Changs for dinner. I wonder what I will get?
 |
| Me as a horseshoe. |
Laura, we love you - SO MUCH!
ReplyDeleteDaddy B
i love you guys soooooo much too!
DeleteLove the sand dollar art. Must be very discriminating people. Have a good trip home. We will see you and your sparkly toes on Sunday.
ReplyDeleteGrandy
Wow! Who knew that a sand dollar looked like that! Hope you had something good at P. F. Chang's. I have been thinking about you and I hope everything goes smoothly and that Wednesday isn't too bad either!
ReplyDeleteJenny Dyer
Hi Laura!
ReplyDeleteI'm sending my prayers and best wishes too. I enjoy your blog posts; you made me smile so many times. I lol'd when you said you'll be 2 inches taller, taller than your brother. :D Poor Charlie. Tell him that as a sister myself, I just can't help but side with you. ;)
Keep that upbeat, positive attitude!
Kim Venable
You go girl! Our family has spent a good deal of time in hospitals ourselves. Sometimes it is very yucky, but sometimes you meet very good people and it helps make up for the bad times.
ReplyDeleteLet's pray that your preparations and surgery goes well and that God brings you both healing and some special friends.
Bless you.
Betsy DeGeorge
Laura,
ReplyDeleteYou are so super brave and we are all so proud of you! I wish I could eat at PF Chang's. What did you get? I vote for sparkles on your toes. Jamie and I will come over when you get home and we'll give you sparkly fingers too.
Love you!
Tracy
Hi Laura,
ReplyDeleteI have tried to leave you messages but they haven't posted! I am going to try again to let you know you are in my prayers. I had no idea about your surgery and was so glad to find out through E-News!!
You are such a special girl and my heart will be with you and your family!!! I love that you will be 2 inches taller than Charlie. What does HE think about that? LOL
Love and hugs!!
Jeanie Fewell
Laura,
ReplyDeleteLots of thoughts and prayers coming your way! You are a very strong girl and it sounds like the staff at Shriners has prepared you well for what to expect next week. We will all be thinking about you and looking forward to seeing you taller than Charlie too ;-)
Jenn, Joe, Jake and Max Radtke
Laura,
ReplyDeleteYour brothers and sisters at Christ Church in South Pittsburg are praying for you.
Hugs and more hugs for you!
We are thinking about you and praying for you. Hope your surgery goes smoothly.
ReplyDeleteLouise and Whit Rhodes
We will be thinking about you and praying for a speedy recovery. You are so brave and have the best attitude! Your blog posts are great!
ReplyDeleteStuart and Kyle Lewis
So glad to see that you all stayed put last night! It was so icy here. Looks like you had a good adventure getting all the info you need for next week. I will keep you in my prayers and look forward to seeing you when you get back home after surgery. I will look forward to reading more about your adventures too. Take it easy getting home.
ReplyDeleteMeg Evans
Laura, I am so happy I was able to go to Greenville with you, see the hospital and meet your new friends. They are so nice and friendly, your beautiful smile captivated them I am sure. Luv ya Honey, you are a true trooper. xoxoxoxoxoxoxo Nanny
ReplyDeleteLaura,
ReplyDeleteI have been reading your reports to Zoe and Maya. The girls were very impressed with Obie's way of spending an icy day. He's a very smart dog, my dogs said so. They told me he would make a great daschund just like them. Hang in there, enjoy the pampering, and we'll see you when you get home.
Debra, Zoe and Maya Meade
Hi Sugar, Really loved those hugs from you before leaving for your huge adventure. I am going to St. Elizabeth's tomorrow to light a candle for you and send up more prayers for a wonderful recovery. Luv ya, Nanny xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
ReplyDeleteRuth
Laura,
ReplyDeleteI hope you had a nice uneventful trip to Greenville. I enjoyed reading your blog and look forward to your updates. Your story about being held down for the blood draw reminded me of my George. He is not fond of shots and usually had to be restrained, even when he was old enough to know they don't hurt much. Your mom gave me a nice update this morning at church. Just know that your family will be right with you all day tomorrow and you all will be surrounded by a BIG Circle of prayers from all your friends and family.
Peace and cyber hugs,
Ellen Morar
Laura,
ReplyDeleteYou are a great writer! I enjoyed reading your blog. I hope all goes well tomorrow. Just keeping thinking about being taller! With your positive outlook, I bet Wednesday will be a breeze!
Jill Carroll
Laura:
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog. Interesting and very well written. I completely agree with your decision to go to sleep breathing through a mask. Why agree to needles when you don't have to!! I will look forward to seeing the "taller" Laura Kirk when you are home again. In the meantime, know that we are praying for you and sending lots of good thoughts your way.
Betsy Morrow
Love you lots, Miss Lala! I'll be waiting to hear how well you did during the surgery, and wanted to tell you that I just love your blog. You will have to keep writing as your recover so we will all be updated. Love, The Hamlins
ReplyDeleteLaura,
ReplyDeleteIt has been a pleasure to worship with you at church and hear you sing there and see you at your wonderful school. Now knowing you through this charming blog as you face an enormous life adventure makes us admire and love you all the more. Please know that we are praying for you every step of the way and look forward ti seeing you back at St. E's very soon.
Love,
Kate and John Jacobs
Laura,
ReplyDeleteSuch an inspirational young lady you are! LOVE you blog. Feel like we're right there with you. The Babbit's send their love!