MRI and Anesthesiologist Appointments

This week has been exhausting. Elias has been feeding every two hours at night for the past couple of nights. Also this week, we had to go to the hospital for three appointments instead of two. 

MRI of the Brain

On Wednesday was Elias' MRI. For the MRI, Elias had to be absolutely still for 30 minutes. In order to get him to do so he had to be asleep. In the afternoon appointment, I tried to get Elias to sleep but wasn't able to. The technicians asked if I would be able to come back after supper and try again. If Elias wasn't able to get his MRI by falling asleep, he would have to be sedated, which I didn't want to do. So we waited for the call and when we received it we tried to keep Elias awake until we got to the appointment at 8 pm. Fortunately, it was late enough at night that we eventually got him to sleep and the MRI scan was successful. The MRI is used during the surgery so it is important that we got it done that day.

Elias had to wear ear plugs for the MRI. His ear plugs were cotton balls stuck on with medical tape. 

Anesthesiologist

Friday was the anesthesiologist appointment. At that point, I still hadn't received any information about the time so I asked the nurse who was checking us in. We officially have a surgery time at 7:45 am, the first appointment of the day.  We are to be at the hospital for 6:15 am. 

The latest I am to feed Elias is 3:45 am. So I will be setting my alarm clock for 3 am to make sure he is done feeding by 3:45 am. If he is still hungry, I am allowed to feed him sugar water until 4:45 am at which he is no longer allowed anything else. 

While at the Friday appointment, Elias was also to get some blood work done. The technicians tried to get some blood but weren't successful. So we went back to the anesthesiologist and she said that they will be able to take him blood work once he is sedated at his surgery. Hurray! No more blood work. 

Questions?

I've had some consistent questions asked when talking to people in person. So for those I don't talk to on a regular basis, here are some questions that you might have.

How long is the surgery?

5 hours and 15 minutes 

How are you feeding Elias while in the hospital?

Right now, I am breastfeeding. I am planning to pump while Elias is in the hospital. Elias has to remain upright (to help with the drainage) and will have a lot of tubes coming out of him so he can't be picked up. I am not entirely sure if he will have a feeding tube or will be bottled fed in the hospital (I'm assuming it will be via the bottle). I have bottled fed him already to test it out (mainly I wanted to see if I can leave Elias at home with Sean while I go out) and Elias didn't have any problems taking the bottle. If for some reason Elias needs more milk than I can provide him, he will be given formula (which is fine with me). 

How long will Elias be in the hospital?

He is scheduled to be there for 5 days. One day in the PICU and 4 days on the ward (CK3).

Are you staying in the hospital?

Yes, although there isn't any beds for parents in the rooms. I will be staying close by so that I can be woken up to feed (pump). I believe in the CK3 ward, there is a nurse who monitors the child so I don't have to stay with Elias the whole time. There is an amazing room called the Ronald McDonald Room that looks like a house (couches, tables and chairs, tv, wifi and computers with internet, sleeping rooms and food). If Nathan was going to be with us, he could go there to play but we will likely hang out there when Elias is asleep or in surgery.

How are you feeling?

Right now, I am fine. I'm not nervous or anxious about the surgery, just tired (as every new mom is). I will be nervous and anxious on the day and likely won't sleep well the night before.

NEXT UP

June 25th @ 7:45 am - Surgery