Day 1 (post op). Elisha is currently undergoing the first day of the rest of his life. He is now limited to one functioning cortex and is under observation to determine all impact associated with that condition. This morning we arrived at the hospital with the traditional trepidation that accompanies and major life event. Elisha was the least concerned of us and continued to finish up his beauty rest while waiting for the surgical team to arrive. Geneva and I checked in and were called back to the PACU to be prepared for the procedure. We were joined by our dear friend, Tina Buckwell (on her birthday), her young son, and her pastor. Pastor Spring prayed with Elisha and provided the requisite buffer to keep us from letting go of all the emotions that were on the cusp. After the much welcomed visit, the nuerosurgical staff began to huddle in the room. Dr. Bingaman was joined by anesthesiologist Dr. Pilar Castro who also took care of Elisha during his WADA test. We completed the necessary pre-surgical discussions and consent forms before Dr. Bingaman marked Elishas left ear with an indelible marker and asked us to confirm that it was indeed his left ear. Although this seems a little extreme, it is nice to have this level of attention to what seems obvious. I felt comfortable that at least there would be no foolish mistakes that you read about (instruments left in the cavity, etc..). At this point, Elisha was wheeled back to the operating room and I was allowed to accompany him until Dr. Castro had completed her task. The surgical team did an outstanding job of keeping me relaxed so that I could spend my time focused on Elisha and ensuring he was sent off to slumber knowing that he was loved. Once the anesthesia was administered, I was allowed to give him a kiss and was escorted back to the PACU to spend a few nervous hours. Geneva, Tina (and baby), and I went to have breakfast before returning to the surgical waiting room. We were given a pager and kept up to date with hourly updates. I elected to become unconscious for as much of the waiting period as I could (as evidenced by Genevas post). Otherwise, Geneva and I took turns with baby therapy and thankfully Tina and Mikes bundle of joy was willing to cooperate when we needed him the most. At 11:30 we received an overhead page that Dr. Bingaman was waiting on the phone to speak with us. Geneva and I rushed to the phone to hear the prognosis. Dr. Bingamans voice, although somewhat gravelly, was the sweetest thing we could have heard when he alerted us to the fact that Elisha was safely through the surgery and had already spoken. Once given the outstanding news we wasted no time navigating the maze that is the Cleveland Clinic to reach Elisha. Upon arrival in the PICU, the medical team gave us the news that Elishas speech was not only in existence, but was clear and appropriate. Additionally, they noted his ability to move all of his extremities. Most of the remaining morning and early afternoon were spent with Elisha in restful slumber and us in restless anticipation of being able to communicate with our son. Elisha finally broke the silence during one of the instances of nursing attention to his IV. He woke up enough to ask for a drink of water. He was additionally able to recall the names and ages of his nuclear and extended family as well as the names of the puppy friends at his grandparents house before resuming his rest. Never one to leave well enough alone, Elisha awoke again to ask for more water. Although that did result in vomiting, it also allowed us another window through which to view his current status. I approached from the right side and asked him to tell me how many fingers I was holding up to which he answered correctly. Additionally, I asked Elisha to place his right hand in mine. He successfully lifted his hand and placed it in mine. The evidence of Gods hand is in place as Elisha was taken safely through this day. The next step is to practice patience and wait to see what the complete impact of the surgery was. At this point we could not be more thrilled at the outcome and initial recovery. Please continue to partner with us in faith and prayer as Elisha continues to advance on the course that is laid in front of him.
Posted on: Fri, 03 Oct 2014 20:54:13 +0000