Post Op

Leo had his first heart surgery yesterday.  It was an extremely long day.  We got to the hospital at about 6:30 to see him and walk to the operating room with him.  He went in at about 7:30.  We waited in the surgical waiting room where they call to give updates every 1-2 hours.  The surgeon came in and told us how things went at about 1:30.  Then we got to see him about an hour later.

He had what is called The Norwood procedure.  It is the most complex and critical of the 3 surgeries he will have.  They are trying to accomplish 4 things.  It is pretty complicated but in short they are:

1.  Enlarge the aorta
2.  Combine the aorta and the pulmonary artery
3.  Remove the membrane that connects the right and left atriums
4.  Put in a shunt that allows blood to flow to the lungs

Everything went well and the surgeon was happy with the results. The recovery is slow and long.  His chest is still open.  They keep it open for a few days until the swelling goes down.  He has a pad of gauze and a little cover that looks like a corset with a shoelace holding it down until they close it.  The surgeon thinks they will close it either tomorrow or Friday.

The most critical part of his recovery is the first 24-48 hours.  We are halfway through.

This is the morning of surgery.  And the photos after.  Brace Yourself.  It's a lot.

I was prepared to see him like this, but it was still a shock.  I had to find a chair.  Honestly I was just so happy to see him that I was mostly relieved. (After I found a chair.) He has started to wake up some.  He opens his eyes and moves his hands and feet.  It will take him a while and that is how they want it.

Thanks for everyone's nice comments and prayers.  It helps.