Pre-op appointment

     This morning we had Amaya's pre-op appointment with the anesthesia department. As we started to get ready to leave Lidie started crying and begging us not to go. She didn't want us to go, or leave her anywhere. She was obviously scared, confused, sad and nervous. It was hard to see her like that. We tried comforting and distracting her, which only worked for a little while. On the ride down she kept saying that she didn't like when we "lead her away." We weren't sure what that meant. She said its "when you leave me and go to the hospital and my tummy hurts." Wow. I couldn't believe how eloquent my three year old was. And I felt terrible. She knew exactly what she was feeling, and didn't like it, and explained it to us perfectly. When I dropped her off at her aunts I gave her extra hugs, stayed with her a few minutes and made sure to show her all the extra goodies I packed for her. After that she was fine and did okay while we were gone.
     After we left her then Amaya started saying that she was nervous and scared too. She asked about the finger prick she had to have last time and we told her we weren't sure if she'd have to have one this time or not. She also wondered if she'd have to get a shot and wondered what else would happen. We explained that this part was pretty easy. When she got her vitals taken the nurses were all impressed that she could take off and put on her shoes all by herself as she stood. After vitals we went in to see a RN who went over some questions with us. She asked how long Amaya had the fixator. When we said seven and a half months she replied with, "oh wow." It really is crazy to think it's been so long. But, I'm so glad it isn't another two months like we originally planned on. When it came time for the finger prick Amaya started crying. I felt so bad for my sweet girl. One more thing to deal with. Josh pointed out to her that in the scheme of things a finger prick is nothing compared to all she's been through. She calmed down pretty quickly as she picked three stickers. One for Lidie and two for her.  After that the anesthesiologist PA came in and went over more information with us. Then we were set and ready to go.
   We didn't have a pre-op with Dr. Nelson scheduled today since he covered everything with us at our last appointment and we'll get to see him before the surgery on Wednesday. Tomorrow afternoon we'll find out what time Amaya's surgery is scheduled for. Until then we're trying to keep the girls comforted, distracted and healthy. With us luck! Its not easy. But, taking care of them is a good distraction from any nerves we may be feeling.
     When we got to therapy the receptionist asked Amaya how she was doing and we told her great since it was our last session for awhile. She was excited for us and said that it would be nice to not have to commute so far so often. I agreed. We're ready for a break. When Melissa came out she said that when she got her page letting her know we were there it said, "Amaya's here!!!! Yeah!!!" She said she normally gets something like "you're 12:15 is here." It was our last physical therapy session with a fixator on and we were all excited. Melissa asked Amaya how her leg was doing. Melissa had her do the standing stretch with the band. She reminded Amaya that she could start that the next day after her fixator is removed along with one other exercise. She said after a week or two then she can start the rest of the exercises as long as Dr. Nelson says its okay. She said the exercises will help Amaya recover. She said we don't have to worry too much about getting her bends done, because once the fixator comes off the knee will gain its bend on its own.
    After a full session it was time to start her knee bends. She worked hard and got to ninety degrees in a few minutes. I was so proud of Amaya for how hard she worked today and everyday that we've come to therapy. And I'm so grateful to Melissa for all her help.
     The rest of the day was spent running errands and taking care of any last minute details before the surgery on Wednesday.

Amaya before bed doing one of the new stretches Melissa showed her. The past few nights, including tonight, we've had a hard time stretching her hamstring and locking the bar in. 

 

Here's Amaya drawing while we wait for her pre-op appointment with the anesthesia department.  

Here she is getting her vitals checked. She weighed 46.5 lbs. Which is about what she weighed before she got the fixator put on. It weighs about five to six pounds, so she's lost about that much weight in seven in a half months.  Amaya did great! 

A last picture with Melissa while wearing her fixator. We brought Melissa some flowers and a card to thank her for all her help these past few months.

Melissa tied that blue thing to the back of the bike so Amaya would have to work harder to pedal to pull it behind her. Lately the bike has been to easy for her, so this gave her a nice challenge. She rode it down the hall and up the hill! It was hard work, but she did it!

When she came back she jumped on the trampoline. She had a hard time trying to bend her left leg enough to jump. 

Then she climbed up and down the ladder four times.

Amaya tried kicking the soccer ball back and forth with Melissa.

Then Melissa had Amaya balance on one leg at a time. She did her right leg first and was able to balance for 13 seconds. Then she tried with her left leg and was able to do it for 1-2 seconds. She worked on it a few more minutes then was able to add a second to her original time. 

On our way out I asked Josh to take a picture of me and the girls. Amaya is doing a Rocky pose. As we left Amaya said, "I did it!' Then she added, "I'm going to miss this place." I don't think she realizes how soon she'll be back. But it'll be weird not coming on a regular basis.