Adventures in Surgery: Third Time's a Charm

Last week I had an unusual adventure! I accompanied Emily to her most recent surgery. Another attempt to correct her middle finger! For those of you who don't know, or who may have forgotten, Emily broke said finger nearly 4 years ago. She's had two previous surgeries to correct it. There are screws in there and everything. Before surgery the Dr. said he'd be removing the screws and improving her mobility by 30%. Well, he was wrong on both accounts. He had to leave the screws (it was either that or destroy the bone to get them out...she'll live with them!) But, he was wrong on the mobility also. I think her last update was that her mobility has improved by 150%!! Much better than hoped for! (no more giving people the "middle finger" without being able to do anything about it)

We headed up to her appointment bright and early Thursday morning. The above picture was right before they called her back. They got her all set and I went back while they went over the procedure/plan. Here she is ready to go:

notice the black mark....so they make sure they do the right one! (don't worry, they did)

Then, I got to wait! The time seemed to go by more quickly than I'd anticipated. I think all the phone calls helped. I fielded several calls and texts on her behalf...well wishers checking for an update.

Finally, the nurse came out and ushered me to a room where the Dr. would talk with me. He came in very excited about how well the procedure went. He said it was a major success, other than having to leave the screws in.

They let her recover some, and then called me back to sit with her (apparently she asked for me quite adamantly) When I got back she was still under the influence...but INSISTED she was ready to go. She tried to get up and walk out. Really, you had to be there, but let me tell you, she was DETERMINED she was ready to leave (still in the hospital gown, mind you)! She said to me, "They don't believe me, that I'm tough, and I can go now!" And, then, she immediately laid her head down and slept for a minute.

We waited a few minutes more, the nurse and I talked her into resting a few more times, and we visited with the Dr. for some final instructions. Emily kept trying to pay each nurse. She asked the nurse who helped her put on her shoes if she could pay her. Then, she wanted to pay the nurse who helped her to the car. On the way to the door she said to me, "Do you have my purse? I need the keys, I can drive." The nurse very nicely and very firmly assured her she would NOT be driving!

I must say, even medicated Emily is VERY kind. She repeatedly asked if I was too bored, or if I needed anything. She thanked every nurse constantly. At one point she leaned over to me and said she "didn't want to be a burden to anyone." And later, over lunch she told me how pretty I was...isn't she sweet!

 post-surgery...sporting the "club"

I got her fed and then took her home where she could rest. I left her in good hands paws! "Club" elevated, Cooper by her side, and pain pills swallowed...she's all set!

Here is a follow up photo...when the "club" was unbandaged (by the way, she nearly passed out when they unwrapped and straightened her fingers the next day...very painful)

Hopefully this was her final surgery on the finger! Hopefully it continues to heal nicely and functions better than before.

Ok, I got in trouble. I left out a final picture. If you are easily distressed, don't look.  WARNING: THE PHOTO BELOW IS SLIGHTLY GRAPHIC. 
(I know, I know, some of you are dying to see it)


It really isn't all that bad, but I don't like to catch people by surprise on this sort of thing. This is what Emily's finger will look like for the next couple of months:

there is still a bit of bruising and swelling. it will subside, the stitches will come out...then she will have the "souvenir" scar for years and years...we can keep it as a memento of our day together!