Post-op doctor's appointment

We had an appointment with Dr. Brockmeyer, the neurosurgeon. He said she is doing great. She will get another MRI in March to see if the surgey helped her syrinx. He told us they usually improve 80% of the time. We are hoping, praying and even crossing our fingers that it improves. If it doesn't it will probably mean she will have to have another surgery. But like I said we are very hopeful. We will also follow up with the orthopedic doctor to see what her scoloiosis is doing. We will do that in April. So far all is well and she is doing great!

Back to school

Isabel went back to school on Monday. She was out for a whole month. She came home early one day. I think it just wore her out. But I think she is glad to be back. It makes me nervous because I cannot watch her all the time now. Even though the doctor said she isn't fragile. I can't help but worry (after all she is missing a piece of her skull, a portion of her brain, and part of her first cervical vertebrae). I worry about her falling and injuring herself. As a parent I have always been a worrier. I often remind myself to take a deep breath and relax!! We see the neurosurgeon next week, I am sure he will reassure me.

Healing

Isabel is doing great. Her stitches came out last tuesday and the incision is healing up quickly. She complains about headaches now and again, but most of the problem has been with the muscles in her neck. Lack of moving her head has given her some painful muscle spasms. She gets worn out easy too. We had a busy day yesterday with a family christmas party and then a trip to Build A Bear Workshop. It was fun, but she was pooped and got a headache by the end of the day. I hope she will get back to normal soon. To make up for the busy day yesterday we had an inside day today. We didn't go anywhere and we didn't even get out of our pj's. She watched movies most of the day.
I have kept her hair in pigtails or her favorite, a side pony tail, to help keep her incision clean. I tried doing a low pony tail when we went our yesterday to cover it up, but she said it made it itch. I hope she will let me cover it before she goes back to school. I wonder what her reaction would be to other kids seeing it. She doesn't mind if people look at it now. But it may be different with a group of 6 year old kids and their reactions and comments. She will go back to school after the holiday break. I hope by then her incision will be completely healed.

Day 4....Coming Home

She's coming home

Isabel with the Jazz

(One of our favorite nurses)

We are so glad to be going home. It was difficult to be away from Sophie and Kya. Isabel keeps getting a little bit better everyday. Primary Children's Hospital is amazing. We are so lucky to have such a great children's hospital so close. The staff is amazing. They were great with Isabel. One day the High Patrol came and delivered a teddy bear to each kid in the hospital. Kya was there when they came and they gave her a pencil, stickers, and a toy car. Isabel also got to meet some Jazz players and Jazz dancers. They came by and gave her an autographed basketball.

Day 3

I am very tired and very exhausted. Ben is staying at the hospital tonight and I came home to see the girls. Isabel did very good today. The doctor said there would be a couple of rough days and then she would turn a corner and the recovery would be very quick from that point. I hope we are starting that turn. Here are a couple of pictures.

She asked if they could shave her head in the shape of a heart. I guess the marker drawn heart is the closest she got.

Pre-surgery with her puppy that went to surgery with her

Pre-surgery (Obviously-look at that smile)

Day 2

Well for most of the day Isabel did amazing. The doctor's said she was the star patient. She played bingo in her room, colored and watched TV and movies. And had a few visitors. But I think it all wore her out. In the evening she threw up and kept throwing up through the night. They say all this is normal and probable related to a low pressure headache. This happens beacuse she is low on spinal fluid because it leaks out during surgery. She seems to feel better this morning. They also took her IV out last night, before she got sick, thinking she was doing so well she could go home today. But after last night I think we will be here a little while longer. I will tell you I miss my other girls (and my bed) a lot.

Day 1.......Surgery

Well I am glad the surgery is over. The neurosurgeon said the operation could not have gone better. Everyone at the hospital has been amazing. They have Child Life Specialists that are amazing with the kids. They taught her pre-surgery call we attended and the same girl, Emily, was also here with Isabel before her surgery. She gave her a hospital buddy(a small doll that she got to draw a face on) and let her play games, make a necklace and play with real doctor things (things she would see in the operating room, masks, blood pressure cuffs, etc.) She also accompanied Isabel to the OR with polly pockets and I Spy books to keep her comfortable until she went to sleep. Isabel was SO brave when she had to tell us good-bye before her surgery. I could tell she was scared and holding back tears, I am amazed at her strength. I on the other had fell to pieces as soon as she left my sight. It was a long 2 1/2 hours.

I was prepared for the worst after surgery. I thought she would look very sick, but she looked great. Once she woke up I was surprised at how well she was tolerating everything. She did get nauseated and threw up once. She can order her food like room service and also has an endless supply of slushies. Dinner consisted of ftuit loops and chicken nuggets. She keeps the nurses busy and entertained. Last night she told the nurse on the night shift has pretty she was. I think that got her a little extra attention.

We did not sleep much last night. I think her neck was getting stiff and there are a lot of unfamiliar hospital noises. But again I am amazed at how well she is tolerating and dealing with all of this. She must get her strength from her dad. We tell her that we love her and how brave she is and her reply is "thank you". She acts so grown up.

I am sorry if this post is random, and lacking in details, but I have not had much sleep and I am anxious to get back to Isabel. I will try to post again soon.

I think Isabel may want some visitors soon. If you do want to visit give Ben or I a call to see how she is doing. Thanks again for all your love and support. And I want to tell my sisters and sister inlaws, and mother in law thanks for helping with my other girls. I appreciate it.