Thursday, March 21, 2013
7:00 am
Goleta Hospital
Santa Barbara, CA
It is shift change for the nurses at the hospital. The halls are quiet. Tyson was asleep on the pull out bed (until we got here). Lana is sleeping in a sitting up position. Her head is bandaged. She has a strip of tape across her upper lip for pressure and a bib that is attached to her chin. She is holding on to a suction wand that she uses to vacuum out blood in her mouth. She is, well, very swollen! We have been told by many nurses that her swelling looks good for a jaw surgery patients.
The night nurse said Lana did very well. She used the morphine during the night. Only had one episode of upset tummy. She did not throw up. I know she will be happy over that. She continues to cough and deep breath to ward off pneumonia.
Tyson and I found out last night that even in her groggy state, she does not like to be rubbed or touched. She would try to push out hands away if we did. We would gently wake her to have her take deep breathes and to cough. Towards the end of the night, before we left, she would shake her head 'no' and push us away! She does not like her sleep to be interrupted and gets a little grumpy! Hmmm, I wonder where that comes from (not her dad!)
The doctor just came in. Said she looks really great on the swelling part (and we think it is awful!) It will get worse today, until about Sunday, and then the swelling subsides. She has a challenging day ahead. They will push her today to move, get up and walk, drink, etc before she can be released. Oh boy!
As for surgery...all went well. It was the best outcome they had hoped for. Dr Arnett said it was difficult though because her lips and tissue were so tight. The normal screwdriver he uses to tighten the plates on her bottom jaw, he was unable to even get in with it. Instead he went through the outside of her face. She has a small stitch but it won't leave a mark.
Surgery did last as long as he suspected. 6 hours. And the best part was that there was no nerve damage! Dr. Arnett stabilized the joints and bathed them in medications. Now we are going to continue to hope and pray they stay in place and heal. He commented what the assisting nurse said... "she will need a new passport" (because she looks so different.) She now has a jaw!
During surgery, Tyson went back to the rental to work which was helpful to distract his mind. He also found a heath food store and bough some "True Calm". He shared. I was happy. Good stuff. As the time got closer for her to be done, my neck was so tight. I don't think I have ever felt that before. Just stress. It's hard on parents to see their children go through pain, challenges, trials. We like living in a bubble!
With the good news of the surgery and feeling so happy, things turned quiet quickly when she came out of recovery and we first saw her. Oh my, we were not ready to see what we saw. It took us all by surprise how swollen she was. HARD! Just plain hard.
Tyson and her dad gave her a blessing the night prior to surgery. He said there would be divine guidance to help the doctor. He said unseen spirits would be there, those who are ancestors and those who have not yet come. I believe her babies were there with her. We are so grateful for the priesthood and the great comfort, strength and power it brings into our lives. Heavenly Father is there, He is aware and we know it!
Thank you all for you prayers, your concern, your friendships and your love to our girl! We adore her so very much. You are a great part of her life and we appreciate you for that.
Hugs!
Heidi, Lana's mom
