Wednesday October 5, 2005

Wednesday October 5, 2005 I didn’t sleep well last night probably because I was anxious about the surgery and the uncomfortable hospital bed. The nurse came in to wake us up at 5:00 AM and Zack showered and was asking for breakfast. I explained that he couldn’t have anything to eat until after his surgery. Scott came to pick us up at 5:45 and we checked into University at 6:00 AM. We were bumped from our 7:30 surgery time due to another head trauma. Zack was hungry but didn’t seem nervous or afraid. Dr Lenhardt (attending anesthesiologist) and Dr. Janjun (resident neurosurgeon)
came to prep us on what to expect. Dr Janjun told us the risk involved: the skin (scalp) had to be separated from the brain which carried a 1% chance of brain damage or stroke. There was also a small risk of infection or the chance that the bone would not be absorbed into the body. At 9:45 they took him into surgery but not before we were able to say the 23 Psalm together. Now we were back in the 2nd floor surgery waiting room where we lived and died the first few weeks of Zack’s accident. We passed our time playing cards and waiting for news. At 11:30 Dr. Han (attending Neurosurgeon)
came out with an update. They had reattached the bone and everything was going smoothly. The brain looked great, separation went fine and he didn’t expect any complications. At 1:10 Dr Janjun came out tell us he was through and all went well. He was able to close the area in the front where scar tissue had prevented hair from growing, which is something I had asked for. The bone flap fit perfectly in the front but since his head continued to grow these last three months there would be a slight divot where the flap came together in the back. Nothing would be visible but Zack would be able to feel it with his finger. He told us after an hour we would be able to see Zack in recovery. At 2:30 I received a phone call saying the insurance doctor had denied our request for the Rehab Facility in Dallas. I made several phone calls and requested a peer-to-peer review. I was put in touch with a special inquiry representative who referred our case to the Medical Director (a Board Certified Doctor of Internal Medicine). He would review the case and we would have an answer by tomorrow. Finally at 3:45 we were able to get back into recovery. I was apprehensive when I first walked into his room until he opened his eyes and said, “Hi Mamma”. I told him how good he looked and he said, “Do I really look that good?” I asked him if he knew who Rita was and he said, “My Grandma”. We were delighted because all day yesterday he called her Donna. I asked him how he felt and if anything hurt. He complained of his stomach hurting (nausea from anesthesia) and his mouth (the tube down his throat had irritated his lip and it was swollen). He asked for his Dad and I told him he had just left to go pick the kids up. He was really hungry so they brought him some graham crackers and a Sprite. I had brought Tiffany in to see him and shortly after eating he threw up. He looked at Tiffany and apologized for throwing up in front of her. Several others of his friends got in to see him and I called Scott and was explaining that I didn’t feel well. Zack strained to look around his visitors to where I was sitting and asked “Are you OK Mom?” He is so sweet. He just had his head cut open and he was concerned about me. Scott arrived with the kids so I could go home and rest. Fortunately Kaitlyn and her Mom asked to take the kids to dinner so I was able to ride home in quiet thankfulness. When I arrived at home Carey Donovan was there with my car. Not only was it fixed but he had it detailed and it looked brand new. I don’t know how we would have managed these last three months if we hadn’t had all the support from friends and family. When I felt I could bear it no longer God always came through with an answer. We still don’t know about Dallas but whatever happens I am sure Gods hand will be in it. He has carried us through the valley and now goodness and love will follow us all the days of our lives. I will sleep well tonight knowing that Zack is resting peacefully. I ask for your continued prayers for his complete recovery and our acceptance of whatever the answer is on Dallas tomorrow.