Extreme Nook Pain, and Other Pleasantries

After a somewhat sleepless night for mom, we got up at 6:30 AM (3:30 AM Seattle time) to head to the hospital. We have been here for almost four hours now and the lack of sleep is making itself known. I need more coffee!!

Also, Sophia is suffering from severe nook pain. That's the word one of the delightful nurses offered up to name the area where Sophia's blood was drawn from earlier this morning. The cardiac surgeon fellow (who is from Singapore and had heart surgery himself at age 18) gave us the medical term which is antecubital fossa and I think one could also call it elbow pit. I wonder if the other nook is called knee pit. But that doesn't hurt. Yet.


The nurses are so nice. One asked her to open her tongue and stick out her mouth. That makes severe nook pain go away quickly. And she let Sophia listen to her own heart with the stethoscope. It sounded like someone who is breathing really hard.


We were also told by the Singaporean fellow that they would attempt to "re-use" her drainage holes which is awesome news. She has six scars on her belly already from her two previous surgeries and they create the perfect smiley face. Why mess with perfection?


Right now Sophia is watching "The Princess Diaries" while getting her echo done. Meanwhile mom is blogging. What's not to like?


We are scheduled to meet with the cardiologist and the surgeon later today. Also on tap - a tour of the ICU and the recovery area. 

And we have met Taylor who is going to be the first patient on Dr. del Nido's list on Monday. She and her family came to Boston from North Carolina because the mom thought that replacing the valve was not the best option. Dr. del Nido is trying to save it. We are all here to get the best possible care for our children. And we are fortunate to have the option. 


Stay tuned for more news from sunny Boston.

A. and happy Sophia (who has completely forgotten about her fossa). Julie Andrews will do that to you... :)