MOST OF THE PICTURES ON THIS PAGE ARE TAKEN IN INTENSIVE CARE AND ARE PRETTY GRAPHICAL. MOST PARENTS ARE SHOCKED WHEN THEY FIRST COME IN, UNLESS THEY HAVE HAD A FAMILIARIZATION TOUR FIRST. I DIDN'T!
The PICU -- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. This is where the kids come after surgery. Sofia was here twice! The first time was following her initial surgery on Friday the 13th!!! Then, about the time we would normally have been heading back to Calgary, she developed a severe infection and required a second surgery, on the 18th! They had to go all the way back into the chest cavity. We almost lost her! If she was precious before, she is even more precious now!
Waking Up!
The babies are kept well sedated for two to three days following surgery. We, of course, were on pins and needles. Sofia woke up nice and easy, and never really complained. I just cannot describe our relief to see her open her eyes. The first time she smiled I knew that all was well!
First sight! A shocker!
An amazing array of instruments for monitoring and administering everything from medication to milk! At all times we are aware of her heart condition, her temperature, breathing, and everything. At first it is a bewildering array, but with a little explanation from the nurses it all begins to make sense. Still, though, the best monitors are the nurses and doctors who are always nearby, and the parents or 'Grampas' who are usually at the bedside. We were always close -- from about 6AM until they kicked us out of the PICU at about 11PM! We took turns, but most of the time we stuck around together just to keep an eye on Sofia!
Mom looking over her little doll!
There's a little smile on Mommas's face -- Sofia moved a little bit! Hour by hour we can see the improvements as she recovers. Recovery is slow, but steady!
Another view of the PICU Environment! Everything is state of the art and gives you some appreciation of where your health care dollars are going! Even the bed is a marvel of electronics with sensors, heaters, cooler, every-which-way-up-down-and-tilt controls. I was almost afraid to touch it!
Closeup -- Lines and Tubes!
Everything had an important function. An amazing wedding of biological, mechanical, and electronic technology.
ICE ROOM -- (ICE - Intermediate Care Environment) - After Surgery
This is where the children come after surgery, or sometimes just before depending on their medical situation. After surgery they may stay here for a day or so until they stabilize -- then they go to a normal room. In Sofia's case, we were only in a normal room for the first few days until she had her surgery. After that, we never got out. Five days after the first surgery she required a second surgery! She spent another few days back in the PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit) and then came back here again where she was placed unter intensive antibiotic therapy (to protect against further infection). She remained in ICE until she was transferred back to Calgary on October 2nd! I slept here every night, on a chair that I compared to a brickpile! I went back to my motel for naps every morning, then back again to watch over Sofia. Momma was there too -- every day, from early morning to late at night!