Hillary's Surgery

Hillary had surgery to repair the blockage in her kidneys, and to remove the cist on April 12, 2012. The doctors told her she needed to have the surgery as soon as possible because there was no way of knowing if she was born with the blockage and cists, or if she developed them six months ago.

The night before the surgery Hillary came and ate with Hayden and I. She had a ton of homework and errands to run, but she made the time to come see Judah, her monkey (that is what she calls him). He loves her, absolutely loves her. Hillary just cracks him up! Hillary is a little scatterbrained (sorry Hillary), she was asking Hayden and I what the soap was called that keeps you from getting an infection in the hospital. We didn't know, but Hillary kept trying to pronounce it and we had no idea what she was talking about.  It was pretty funny, turns out the hospital requires her to bathe in this soap TWICE before her surgery. Weird, but Hayden googled it (of course) and found it for her. Hayden saves the day again. Turns out, the soap was called hypoclense but Hillary kept calling it the hippocratic soap, and "Hippocratic" comes from doctors taking the "Hippocratic Oath" which is what doctors take to say they will always take care of their patients. Haha! That is why Hayden was looking at her like she was crazy. I am sad to admit, I had no idea she was saying it wrong!

Hillary's surgery could have gone one of two ways. The first would be laparoscopically, which means they would make 4 tiny incisions that would be used to insert cameras and the other tools they use. This way would be ideal. It would involve a shorter recovery time, and be way less painful for Hillary. The second way would include a 5th incision just below the waistline and would be a few inches long. This fifth incision is basically like a c-section scar. If this 5th incision was needed, she would be in alot more pain, and of course she would have a much larger scar.

Surgery Day
Hillary checked into the hospital at 9:30 a.m. with Tyler, her fiance, my mom and my dad. She was a little irritable because she was hungry. You cannot eat past midnight the day before a surgery. So she wouldn't be able to eat until the surgery is over. They do this for anesthesia purposes, and also because they pump her stomach full of gas to have room to work on the kidneys. So no food for Hillary equals anger. I believe on Pinterest they call this state "Hangry", being angry out of hunger! Lol, perfect word to describe Hillary that morning. My dad was not helping much with the "hangry" emotion. He and Tyler got Starbucks on the way (Hillary's favorite), and all my dad kept saying (joking of course) was "Dang Hillary, this coffee is so good!". He loves to get a rise out of Hillary and I. He cracks us up!

My mom was the usual rock of the situation. Sitting in the corner with her IPAD and her lollypops. She is quitting smoking, so lollypops are helping her through the process. So proud of her. She didn't say much but she was supporting Hillary, and I love her for that. My mom is always a steady support, I love her. I know she is scared for us, but she knows we love our dad, and that is enough for her. Everytime she gets worried or upset, I think "What if this was Judah?" how would I feel. It helps me understand where she is coming from.

They took Hillary back to surgery around 11:00 a.m. but she sat in the room for an additional hour or so because her doctor had not shown up. I am sure her "hangry" emotion was at an all time high. I know she just wanted to get it over with. The waiting is the worst part. Her doctor was late because he was coming from another hospital. He is a little slow moving right now because he fell off a ladder a few weeks ago and fractured both ankles! That is also why Hillary's surgery was rescheduled for the 12th, it was originally the 9th of April. This doctor operated on Hillary from a power chair with casts on both ankles. He is a rockstar! Oh and by the way, when he came out after the surgery, he had a superman cape attached to his power chair! Too funny!

Hillary's surgery started about 1:00 p.m. and was over by 3:00 p.m. The doctor came out and said he was able to complete the surgery laparoscopically, so no additional 5th painful scar. He said the cists was bigger than anticipated and was sitting right on her uter. This may have caused the blockage of her urine. He removed the cists and the cut out the other blockages. Hillary did well and was in the day time recovery room. This was such an answered prayer. She went from thinking there would be 5 scars and a two day stay in the hospital, to 4 small incisions (these are covered with a type of glue and barely scar) and getting to sleep in her own bed. Praise God. Hillary's kidney's are functioning normally, and she came through the surgery without complications.

Recovery

I didn't get to be with Hillary during the days after her surgery. I had to work but thankfully she has a wonderful fiance and an incredible roomate, Sarah. They switched off taking care of her this past week. I spoke with her everyday. I think the recovery was a little more problematic than anticipated. I am sure she would not like me to share all the details, but she had a few little bumps in the road. As of today, she has gone back to work and will start school on Monday.I am so thankful that she is healing well. Praise the Lord once again.