We are set for the big S

We are set for surgery tomorrow. We had numerous tests/meetings/tours and whatnot that occurred today. She had an EKG, blood work, a fresh IV put in, and everything. We met with the cardiologists, the surgeon, the surgical nurses, the PICU team, the wellness people and I can't even remember who else. Heck word got around she was going into surgery and we even had our favorite NICU nurse stop in. I think we could have made a drinking game out of "Do you have any questions?" But everyone did an excellent job at explaining everything and preparing us as much as possible.

What the difference between the NICU and the PICU? NICU is solely for babies - PICU is for pediatrics ICU but the PICU here has a special wing specifically for cardiology. Specially trained nurses etc. I believe they are top ranked too for pediatric cardiology in the nation.

The hardest thing to prepare for is what she will have/look like after the surgery. She will have her incision which was estimated at 3 inches today but it will be stitched on the inside and glued on the outside - who knew? She will have a drainage tube. She will have a catheter in at least for a little bit. Then they wanted to warn us - she might have a second IV in her neck - mainly for monitoring purposes and then she might still have her breathing tube and ventilator in for a period afterwards. Which I heard is the hardest thing to see. But most of that stuff should be gone within 24 hours. Lucy will be kept at a comfortable comatose state for awhile afterwards and pain management is number one in their book. Who knows how many monitors and cords will be attached to her but we are at least use to that part.

At midnight she will go on IV fluids for the morning. Hopefully she isn't too crabby tonight by being restricted from eating but I won't mind holding her. :)

We are as prepared as you can be and just anxious to get it done and Lucy into recovery!

Our little Lucy will get her heart fixed tomorrow...