Day 6 (SDH+5, PAO+0): PAO surgery

I walked with Matt as they wheeled his bed down to the surgery ward around 2 pm today.  I reminded him to ask the anesthesiologist for a different general anesthesia.  Hopefully he won't have as much vomiting this time around.

While we were waiting in his hospital room earlier today, I asked him if he was nervous.  He said he wasn't.  He was quick to remind us both of all of God's mercies we have seen so far:  good nurses, an excellent doctor, my noticing Matt's epidural IV disconnected and lying on the floor, Scott's suggestion of getting his bowels cleaned out yesterday in preparation for another surgery today, an effective epidural, a rise in his blood platelet count (150), etc.  On my drive to the hospital this morning I was also reminded that I can find comfort in the fact that Matt is in God's hands, just like every other day.  We are trusting Him that He is good and has our best in mind no matter the outcome of this whole event.

It's been fun watching Matt interact with all the people that are taking care of him here: the nurses, doctor, physical therapists, CNAs, janitors, etc.  They may think his curiosity and playfulness is due to being a cage-fed-hen as he recently termed himself (working alone at home and not getting out much).  But I know that it's also due to the fact that he just loves people and the world God has made.  He's so interested in others' lives and loves to hear about people's experiences and learn whatever there is to learn about.   I love his curiosity and joy about life.  There's a definite void in our family when he's gone.  I know the kids and I would be different people without him in our lives.  I am so very thankful for Matt.

Dr Mayo expects today's surgery to take about 3-4 hours.  He'll be in recovery for about 2 hours after that.  I'm anxious to see him tonight.   I told him I had the hardest time I've had so far when I saw him after surgery last Wednesday.  He was completely enfolded in blankets, including around the top of his head, his skin was a bit bloated, and his face was somewhat yellow.  He looked half dead.  In typical Matt style he asked, "Oh, will you take a picture of me right after I get out of surgery this time?!"  Knowing he was just curious what he looked like, but also a little disgusted, I responded, "I suppose.  But people will probably look at me weird, like I'm being morbid or something."  He said I could wait until everyone leaves the room before taking his picture.  That's Matt.