Post Op Day 1, Mace, Mitrophanoff & Bladder Augmentation

Hayden had a rough night not being able to sleep or relax enough due to pain.  He doesn't communicate pain and so it is hard to tell.  He is staying in the PICU (pediatric intensive care unit).  Of all the floors and different units, we have never stayed here.  It is the highest level of care in Austin.  He has 2 nurses at all times.

He has done as well as could be expected for this intensive type of surgery.  Tomorrow could be worse as that is anticipated but if it goes well, then his recovery is going along better than expected.  He has 7 tubes and drains attached to him including an epidural to try and manage his pain.  He has a port or central line in his shoulder.  This is better than an IV as it will not collapse and food can be put into his bloodstream.  The other drains are doing their job of draining and there is less and less blood.

He has not eaten in several days and can not until his bowels start working again since he had the surgery.  That was pretty rough when he woke up after surgery and was starving.  We are trying to keep him pain-free but not give him narcotics as they slow down digestive motility and work against us.  His rest is very important at this time.

His incisions look good and are not showing signs of infection or blockage which is the biggest risk of complication. They give antibiotics and keep the room super cold because they don't want any bacteria to breed.  Thankfully, Hayden has lots of blankets and stuffed animals surrounding him to keep him warm.

He will be kept in the ICU until his pain is better managed and he can eat again.  At that time he will be moved to a recovery unit with less intensive care.  We are fine here but he can not have visitors.

On a positive bittersweet note,  one of our nurses came in today after training on Foley catheters.  He told us the hospital has implemented a new training and policy due to the error that occurred that nearly cost Hayden his life here last October. The silver lining is that we hope no other child will ever have that happen again.

This is our hospital and we love our team of expert Doctors for the love and care they have provided to our family.  

  

Scott and I slept well last night thanks to the prayers for comfort and trust we had knowing all was well with our family🙏🏩😍.