2-2-12 The Heart Cath

The day had finally come and Faith headed to the local children's hospital to have her PDA (Patent ductus arteriosus) repaired.  Due to her premature birth (born at 30 weeks), she had a heart murmur that needed to be repaired.  The Heart Cath Procedure is considered a routine day surgery.  BUT, to this Mama nothing is routine when it means my baby is going under and it deals with her heart (a pretty vital organ I would say!).  I am happy to say that the day really couldn't have gone any better.  Yes, there were some hard times, but overall she did so well and her Mama and Daddy survived the heartache of sending their baby off to anesthesia!

Faith waiting in the waiting room pretty clueless on what is about to take place.  She was having fun with her grandpa in the waiting room.

Right about here, Faith was getting a little suspicious.  She wasn't too keen on the hospital gown fashion.  I don't blame her on that one!  The gown was a little rough feeling and airy. ;)

Our wonderful Sunday School leader came to support us and entertain Faith.  She thought he was pretty funny and it was a good distraction to keep me from losing it! 

We decided that the "happy meds" would be the best bet for Faith before she was wheeled to the OR. She separated very well from us and that made it so much easier to let her go with the nurses. At this time, I was crying buckets. It was just so hard to let her go. I knew it was the right thing, but it sure didn't make it easier to send her off.

Probably the most difficult part was when Faith came out of the procedure.  She was really not happy with having the gown on or having the IV in her hand.  It was just about a minute after this picture that the fish crackers went flying!  She was not happy!  

The tv was a lifesaver.  It was a good distraction for her while the anesthesia wore off.  She had a little fever, so that wasn't helping her mood either. :(

If I didn't fear being sent to the psch ward, I would have hugged that wagon!  The wagon was a great distraction for Faith.  She loved the wagon and either Daddy or I would walk her up and down the small hall in the wagon.  I think I lost a few pounds, too.  Bonus!

Dinnertime with Daddy...in the wagon of course.  I am so thankful for Wade and all the support he provides everyday, but especially on hard days like this one was for all of us.  Thanks, Honey.

The gown was a little airy, but Faith didn't seem to mind. ;)

We are so thankful for everyone's prayers and support.  It made a world of a difference to us and made the day a little bit easier to walk through.  Thank you!