DHMC started having outpatient elective surgeries this week. We found out on Monday that Charlotte would have her operation today (Wednesday). It was a bit short notice, but we were grateful not to have to wait until later in the summer or even into the fall. When we were given the first appointment (scheduled for March 17), we were given a cancellation spot. We would otherwise have had to wait until the middle of the summer. I can't imagine how many kids have had their surgeries postponed while the hospital has not been performing elective surgeries.
So we wore our masks and checked into the DHMC outpatient center, which is a separate building from the main hospital. All the nursing staff were wearing masks. We were happy to hear a familiar voice behind one of the masks - the mother of Charlotte's friend Maria. Heidi is a pediatric anesthesiologist and was going to be in the surgery with Charlotte. Our nurse was also absolutely wonderful. Charlotte was also loved the little white bear Beanie Baby stuffy that the nurse gave her. She renamed it Sparkle.
Charlotte was excited to play the same Easy Bake Oven game that she played when she had dental work done nearly two years ago. Here is a cake pop that she made for Evelyn.
I was glad that Heidi was there to be with Charlotte when they wheeled her away to the pre-op room. Because of Covid-19, no parents are allowed in the pre-op room when they administer the anesthesia. Still, it must have been a bit scary, especially since everyone was suited up with face shields and masks, even if they had put stickers on the face shields.
She was obviously pretty upset when she came to from the surgery. Her throat hurt and she had tears running down her cheeks. The nurse gave her a frozen slushie which helped.
Back at home, Alistair and especially Evelyn were very attentive to Charlotte. Evelyn picked a bouquet of flower, Alistair made her a card, and Evelyn held Charlotte's cup up to her mouth so she could drink.
Evelyn said that she wanted to be a nurse so she could help people who were sick.
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