The Waiting ...

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Today, Ro is scheduled to get a CT scan and bending x-rays. We came to Charlottesville yesterday (Sunday) and had a slumber party with Keith and Emily. Last night, we all went out for authentic Mexican food. The menu had an image of an Aztec dude preparing to sacrifice a virgin. When you're greeted with this, there's no way you can lose. I had the enchilada molé, with a side of guac and some sangre virgen salsa.



Now we're chilling out and watching the clock for CT scan time. Ellen is reviewing and organizing an impressive list of questions for the nurses and surgeons. Here's a sampling:

1 - Between the first and second surgery, Ro has to be in a halo. Does she have to wear a body cast to stabilize the halo?

2 - During the week between surgeries, is she in traction? Is it 24 hours a day?

3 - Will she spend that time in one position?

4 - Assuming she will have narcotics on board in the week between surgeries, how do we contend with constipation? (it's a big issue, because you ... ummm ... really have to put your back into it when things are tight.)

5 - Her rib hump (the bump on her back) is currently 25º. What will it reduce down to after surgery?

6 - Will Ro be in ICU after either surgery?

7 - Where on the vertebrae will the rods be placed? (We know from thoracic to lumbar, but not which vertebrae specifically)

8 - For the two hour ride home, how should we prep a vehicle? Does she need to be lying down?

9 - Can we get a second bed in hospital room for parent?

10 - Wound care management - lots of sub-questions regarding drainage, dressings, as well as patient assistance in sittiing, rolling, etc.


There are more. Oh my, yes. Many more questions. Meantime, we prep and wait. Ro is drinking lots of water - doctor's orders - and keeping busy.

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