Our trip to Children's Hospital for Matthew

Wow, what a long day. Matthew, mom and dad did fine. The doctor answered all 31 questions that I had written down for him. (Plus some from dad.) Matthew was on HYPERDRIVE OVERLOAD (darn those Spiderman snacks!) doing circles around the doctor! One good thing was that the doctor could see Matthew's fistula "UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL" because daddy was holding him upside down! Also, Matthew was ALL TALK for Dr. Murthy! I think the doc was amazed and shocked how well Matthew could speak since last seeing him! He wanted to hear Matthew say Bye, Bye, about 5 times! He was definitely impressed!!!! LOL

Gosh, so much to say in a short article. Here goes......

Because of the time it will take to fix Matthew's fistula, Dr. Murthy will NOT do a nose and lip revision. The fistula needs to be the functioning item to be fixed (and we totally agree) and also because the fistula will have part of his nasal cavity upset as it is, we don't want to do more harm when it's "puffed up" (swelling). We are good with that. It will be every bit of 2 hours JUST for the fistula alone!!! He has to fix the inside, inside part of the palate, and then the outside, inside part of the palate! *stay with me! Just think about it.......layers inside your mouth!*

THEN, as if that wasn't enough, Matthew will have his urological issues dealt with, which will also be 2 hours worth. (give or take some time) OUCH!

The week before we go to the hospital, our own pediatrician will do last minute PRE-OP stuff for Matthew. 24 hours before surgery, we will be called by the hospital to say what Matthew needs to eat/drink (or not). And on September 10th, we will drive to Children's Hospital at a VERY EARLY TIME! (As daddy would say, before the chickens pass gas!) At 9:30am, he will be operated on. The OR is reserved for a little over 4 hours for him. He will be in recovery for a short time, and then back to his room the rest of the time. *Mommy will be with him the whole time.* (Providing everything is ok and normal *talking about going home*.) If he can eat food/liquids the next morning/day, Dr. Murthy will release him, not sure about Dr. Kalloo. (not sure how long she wants Matthew in the hospital) If Matthew cannot, or will not eat, HE WILL NOT BE GOING HOME! It will be difficult for him to eat after surgery!

Here's the catcher! 3 weeks, NOT 2! 3 weeks at least of wearing TOTAL ARM RESTRAINTS for Matthew!!!! Arms straight out, not able to touch the mouth! AT ALL! NO SPOON feeding, nothing in the mouth for at least 3 weeks!!! NO SOLID FOODS for 3 weeks!!!! NONE! Everything has to be liquified! (Boy is Matthew going to NOT like that!!!!) NOT A HAPPY CAMPER!!!! And the urological issues? OH GOODNESS! Potty training or not, he WON'T be a happy camper for at least a week after his surgery. Mom will be nursemaid for at least a month! Oh boy!

PLEASE SEND YOUR BEST RECIPES for blended smoothie's! or blended food! I could use them!

It was a pleasure to go to Children's Hospital today! The folks there are so nice! So helpful! I'm so thankful the Lord led us there for Matthew! Dr. Murthy is such a humble, sweet man, young and KNOWS the cleft kids! He understands their problems and sufferings! I am so, so thankful to God for him!

Mom