gettin' ready

How can you get ready for something you have never had to do? Friday is the big day, and we have been trying to get Ella (and ourselves) prepared. Of course we have talked with the doctor and a few nurses. It seems to be a pretty standard 2 hour procedure - anesthesia, incision, removal(s), stitches, wound dressing, pain meds, 1 night stay in the hospital, recovery time, etc. But we all know there is more to it than just that. We also have to deal with the mental aspect of it all, especially when the patient is a child who is scared of "being sick" and is nervous about doctors in general.

We want to be honest with Ella about the surgery, but we also want to be very sensitive about it so we don't scare her. We want her to be "in the know" without knowing too much . . . if that makes any sense. So, we have been reading some children's books that talk about the subject in a kid-friendly way.


She has responded quite well to the books. They seemed to explain the details without causing too much anxiety. My favorite one has to be the Care Bear book. I remember them so well from when I was her age! Ella will probably be expecting Funshine and Cheer Bear in her room on Friday morning :) She was super excited when she heard that she can bring her toys, stuffed animals, books and DVD's with her to the hospital. She has already started a pile . . . we may have to edit a bit.

We know the procedure will go off without a hitch, and this will all be in the past in no time at all. But knowing that, and feeling that, are two different things. I saw a sign a few months ago that said, "Stay Calm and Carry On", and I think I am going to adopt this idea for the next few days (or maybe longer . . . ). I have certainly played this role in the past, but if I really believe it, I think it will make me feel much more relaxed on the inside too.

Ella will be fine. Everything will go well. And that's all that matters :)