More Newsie News

I did my pre-op teaching for the spinal fusion surgery today. Mostly it was fascinating, but it all made me feel very helpless. I just want to be able to see and feed my baby. I've dealt with surgery, pain, recovery and hospitalization before I'll do it again. I just want access to my baby.

They changed the floor I'll be staying on from Orthopedic to Med/Surg which is a mish mosh of post op patients and sickies. This freaks me out as far as the baby's concerned. Also, there's a small chance of ending up in the ICU right after surgery, which would mean no access to Riley. The average hospital stay is a little longer for this one about 5 days instead of 3. The physician's assistant also seems to think the post op Morphine pain pump and antibiotics mean no breast feeding (even though I had both with the C-Section).

I called the lactation consultant right away and told her I was feeling overwhelmed and discouraged from breastfeeding. She is on the case (God bless her!). She's going to chat with the manager of the Med/Surg floor about a private room, fax proof that the Morphine and antibiotics are ok and in general chat with the Ortho's office on my behalf. "Go ahead and stop freaking out. Let me be your advocate." She said.

On the plus side we do not have to wait for full bone fusion to occur (roughly 3-4mo) to proceed with the hip replacement. Also, no blood thinners for this one, HURRAY. I'm sure you all remember how much I hate needles. However, since it has been over a month since I did my original pre-op labwork they have to draw blood again...Sigh.

Overall, aside from a 2+hr wait to hear all this**, repeat blood draw and the fact that the awesome picture of the model spinal rod did not save properly on my phone, everything seems to be moving in the right direction. Now everyone cross your fingers for no more delays!

**Also, many thanks to Lara for putting up with our impromtu 3hr Ortho adventure today!!