Jake's Hand Surgery 11/30/07

Well today was the big day and it started off with us getting Jake his clear liquid that he was allowed at 5am before his surgery. We arrived at 6:30 to the pediatric waiting room for his 8:30 surgery. Jake was being great considering he hadn't eaten a real meal since 12. Time kept passing and soon it was 9 and Jake was getting a little hungry and testy. Finally we were called up to the OR and found out there had been a delay. We met with the Dr. and discussed Jake's surgery and at 10 I took Jake into the OR. I held him while they put the mask over him and it was tough to watch him struggle and start to cry but :30 sec later he was sleeping and I left him in the good hands of all of the Dr.'s. The waiting game began and it was an extrememly long day as not only were we concerned about Jake but you see and hear others all who are there because their children are sick and having surgery. It's a tough place to be. Earlier they had indicated the surgery would take 4.5 hours but by 3 it was appearing to take longer. Around 4 I believe they finished but we didn't meet with Dr. Upton till after 5. Then we were able to discuss Jake and the surgery. He came through with flying colors and actually the surgery got more accomplished than originally thought. If you look at your hand, here is what they were able to do. Jake now has his thumb the #2 finger and the pinky all separate with just the 3 and 4 fingers connected. They did extensive work on all of his hand webbing for greater function and increasing the span between thumb and first finger so he can grip larger items. The next surgery will have less to do as the majority was done now. Dr. Upton really had a lot of good things to say about the work they were able to do which included the finger separation, skin grafts, web work and yielded over 500 stitches. That's a lot for a little guy.

We tried picking camoflage for Jake's cast color but they must have run out as when we saw him he had royal blue. He has giant casts from just below his shoulder covering his whole hand. This is to prevent slippage as it is hard to keep the cast in place due to various widths of childrens hands, arms and shoulders.

There were some minor delays in getting his room due to a few emergencies but finally we were able to see him and bring him to his room. Jake's face is very swollen and he is moaning slightly and we were told that any discomfort would be caused from the skin taken from his lower abdomen used in the skin grafts. I just left there at 10pm as Sam wants to spend the night and I will relieve her early in the am as we are taking shifts. Jake was very tired and didn't feel like eating much yet but he is doing great.

We are thrilled about all the Dr. had to say about his hands and the surgery and now it will be tough as we watch our little boy in discomfort as he tries to heal.

We will update you soon but its been a long day so look for more on his condition tomorrow.
Love,
L & S