March 25th

The surgery date has been set for the afternoon of the 25th. Dr. Tam's nurse called me today to give us some more information about what to expect.

We will take Tyler in on the 24th for pre-op stuff. He will have blood drawn, a chest x-ray, and another echo. Then, we will go back on the 25th mid morning. He can eat until 6AM the day of and then have Pedialyte until 10 or 11AM. If for some reason the surgery will be later than expected, he can have another bottle. The total surgical time, including prep, will be about three hours. He will then be taken to ICU for 2-3 nights. While in ICU he will have IV's and possible chest tubes. These are all temporary, and she said it will look a lot scarier to me then it really is. Their ICU is an open ICU. This means that he can have two visitors at a time, 24 hours a day. It's not a private room but their are 10 beds separated by curtains. While he is in ICU we will be able to hold him and feed him. After ICU he will spend 1-2 nights in a regular room. This will be a private room just for him, which of course visitors are allowed. The nurse said the incision will be on his left side but he will not have any restrictions as to how he can lay. She said he can have tummy time, or even be on his side. Once they feel he is ready to go then we can bring home home. She is thinking a 4-5 day stay.

It was scary to talk with her because it made things more real. As she was talking I was picturing all of this really happening. So far the hospital and doctors have been great. They are very comforting and detailed, which I love. I'm ready for the 25th to be here so we can get this all over with.

Please keep the prayers coming.