If you know anyone having surgery in Houston today...

[Spiky Bugger]

...DO let us know how things are going.


(especially if your name is hilary1617 )

 

[Larra]

Yes hilary1617 we're thinking of you and your family today and want updates asap. Remember when we all used to swing chickens? I'll swing one for you today.

 

[MsVee]

Praying and hoping all is well.

 

[southernlady]

Swinging chickens, hilary1617

 

[Munchkin]

I am waiting to hear too...

 

[hilary1617]

Thanks for caring and checking in!

Surgery was scheduled for 8:30 am. Liam went to the surgical center at 6 am, donned gown, hair cover, etc. was prepped and ready - met with a neurosurgery resident, who wrote "yes" on his forehead after consent (first time we've encountered that). Then he met with the anesthesiologist and at about 8:15 am was told that they were going to take him back to the OR in a few minutes...

THEN, the head surgeon returned to explain that his surgery was being postponed until Friday.

Turns out something happened with the COVID testing and his sample was going to be re-tested at a different lab - and it was going to take 6 hours. They also took a second sample...

I'm working on my deep breathing.

P.S. He's winking - it's our "secret signal" that all is well.

 

[Larra]

Well drat! Hopefully just a testing glitch, but my chicken is going to be pretty ripe by Friday.

 

[JackieOnLine]

I'm working on my deep breathing.

wow, I'll bet you are.

I know it's going to be OK since it says so right on his forehead. the wink is just gravy.

 

[DianaCox]

I’m sorry for the extra worry. A virtual hug is all I’ve got for you (plus a few cuss words on your behalf).

 

[Munchkin]

Yikes! That sucks. But I guess it's better than covid plus brain surgery.

 

[hilary1617]

Two separate negative covid tests are in hand. Or, as it appears in MyChart in classic medicalese: "Encounter for observation for other suspected exposure to biological agent ruled out." Tomorrow appears to be a go.

 

[southernlady]

Keep us posted.

 

[hilary1617]

Waiting room déjà vu. Liam's surgery is scheduled for 11:55 am CST.
Update #1: "In pre-op, waiting on IV, 6-hour OR reservation, waiting on prior op finish and 1-hour turn-around cleanup."
Update #2: 11:35 - IV placed.

 

[Larra]

Chicken going around like ceiling fan. Awaiting more updates anxiously.

 

[hilary1617]

Chicken going around like ceiling fan. Awaiting more updates anxiously.

Thanks! I really appreciate the support.

No updates from the OR yet. He went in at noon CST, so given anesthesia stuff probably took around an hour, he's probably been under the knife for an hour and forty minutes.

I was having extra buyer's remorse because as Charles collected Liam's mobile phone as he was being rolled into the OR, Liam hit send on a Fathers' Day text message to Charles to read in a couple of days. I got weepy thinking of all the possible complications for this sweet, beautiful child who ALWAYS thinks of others first...

And then a friend sent an article that came out in Lancet yesterday: "Association between high serum total cortisol concentrations and mortality from COVID-19"

It snapped me back to the realization of how critical it is to get Liam's ACTH/cortisol under control at this time, more than ever - and how this surgery is the best way to protect him. It is far too much stress on his system for him to live day in and day out with high cortisol levels akin to someone not faring well from an acute respiratory illness.

https://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/landia/PIIS2213-8587(20)30216-3.pdf