Details of "Soft Tissue" surgery

I assumed that I would sleep better tonight if I had more information about the upcoming surgery, so I decided to call the scheduling person (Mr. Simmons) again. It was really good that I did because he was available and willing to answer the questions I had. Dave was on the line too, from work.

Mr. Simmons had the doctor's notes in front of him regarding Olivia's case and he said that he could get us in January 15th as well as some other dates that were later in January and conflicted with some of Dave's work requirements. Obviously Olivia is the priority, but if we are able to do it without affecting Dave's job, that would be a bonus. The 15th is all around a good day.

Mr. Simmons explained that Olivia needs to have a pre-op appointment done and gave us the option to have the pediatrician here do it, but we decided that the it should be done at WR by the staff that will help Olivia the day of the surgery. The pre-op will take a good part of the day, but we're getting an early start at 7:45 on January 5th.

The schedule for that day is: meet with the Phys. Assistant to get basic information about Olivia, vitals, and such. Then Dr. Todd will meet with us to again explain the surgery and answer any questions we have. After that, Olivia will go to the lab for bloodwork and any other tests they may need. Then off to meet the anesthesiologist and get an understanding of their part. If there is a need for Olivia to receive any blood (not necessarily the case for the first surgery) I will try to donate some for her. Dr. Todd told me that you can designate blood for someone, but if it's not used, it is thrown out -- they cannot give it to another patient once it's designated. I guess that there are so many patients that need surgery, this is an unfortunate thing for the hospital. I will try to donate as often as I can following Olivia's surgeries so that I don't feel guilty for wasting the blood if Liv doesn't use it.

Dr. Todd was also available to answer some questions and clarify some things as well. He explained that in this surgery, he will be operating on soft tissue (not bones) and there is not a great deal of pain involved. He said she will need to spend the night, possibly two, but she should go home soon after the surgery. He did not say that she will be in any type of brace or cast for this recovery, but I'll ask that for sure at the pre-op.

I'm going to get some sleep. Good night!