Pre-op Done!

Tehilla had an x-ray, echo, EKG, and finally blood tests. She only cried when the blood was taken and was super brave and calm throughout everything else.

We signed all the paperwork for the surgery and spoke with our cardiologist, surgeon and anesthesiologist.

Tehilla had a long session with one of the hospital teachers, who explained to her all about coming to the hospital, getting changed and ready and what the operating room looks like. Tehilla listened and understood everything. She was shown pictures and examples of hospital clothing, masks the doctors will wear, oxygen masks, hospital bracelets and medicine. They read a book together and then the teacher used Playmobil people and Playmobil hospital furniture to explain more about surgery. She let Tehilla play with the Playmobil and get comfortable with the concepts. It was an incredible experience which will definitely help Tehilla to stay calm before the surgery.

Our cardiologist and surgeon spoke with us and told us to prepare for a month long hospitalization. The Fontan surgery is unique in that the chest drains stay in for much longer, to clear fluid out of the lung cavity. These drains need to stay in for awhile, and because of that, the hospital stay can be longer. Sometimes, it can be longer than a month, and sometimes it can be shorter.

So, we are adjusting our plans for a month long stay and hoping for the best. Being in the hospital and seeing our medical team infused so much confidence and strength into our attitude.

We are home now and preparing for a really nice, calm and quiet Shabbat, filled with family time and hugs and snuggles.

Surgery is on Sunday, July 3 at 8:00 am. Tehilla needs to start fasting at 2:00 am and can drink clear liquids until 6:00 am. We need to be at the hospital at 6:30 am.

Please pass Tehilla's name on for prayer. Tehilla bat Shoshana