Melissa's first surgery

Melissa has had the most enormous tonsils I have ever seen. She has shocked many doctors & nurses at how big they were. We finally scheduled to have them taken out. She was looking forward to it for a long time, but when the day actually came she was really nervous. We had to be at the hospital at 6 AM, but I never know why we have to be there so early cause we sit around & wait for so long. We didn't go back to her pre-op room until 7 AM. This is where the nerves really set in. She was so nervous about getting the IV. Once the nurse came in Melissa was just waiting to see the needle. The nurse was amazing & she had a great sense of humor. She kept Melissa calm as she talked Melissa through the whole thing. Melissa held my hand & we talked about the upcoming school year to keep her mind off what the nurse was doing. It didn't take very long & Melissa couldn't believe how easy it was & how she hardly felt anything. Once the IV was in, she was so much more relaxed. Now her biggest concern was how much pain she would be in after the surgery.

Melissa was so proud of herself after she got the IV put into her hand. She was so scared, but once it was over & she realized it didn't hurt too much she felt like she could do anything.

Melissa with her cap on & ready to head into the surgery room. It was weird to see them take her off & we had to just watch her go, but I was glad she seemed ok & not too scared. They wheeled her off at 7:45 AM & I figured we'd see her soon after the surgery was over. We were told it would only take 15-20 minutes. We waited until 9 AM before they called us back to see her. I was never concerned, but curious as to why it took so long.

We finally got to see Melissa in recovery. She was awake & sitting up in her chair eating ice chips. She looked great & relieved to have it over. We waited while the nurse had us sign papers & talk about her meds & I thought the doctor would come back & talk to us about the surgery. He never came. It was really weird. He said a quick hello before surgery & that was it. There was no telling us that everything went ok and there is no follow up. I understand that it's an outpatient procedure, but just weird that you never see the doctor again. Interesting way of doing things.
Melissa has done so great with recovery. She has had a hard time eating (totally understandable), but she hasn't complained at all. She has handled it very well & just keeps hoping the next day will be easier than the day before. Melissa, I am very proud of you & you have been so brave!! I hope you feel better soon. I love you!