Ureter Reimplantation-Day 4...We're Home!

Brooke had a really good night, even if we didn't get much sleep. She was still receiving iv fluids, and had to get up pretty frequently to use the bathroom. I think we spent more time in there than we did in bed! She managed to drink two small containers of apple juice when it was time for meds, which was great since she hadn't had much of anything to drink. She woke up at 6:30 this morning, and after a trip to the bathroom, she sat up in bed criss-cross-applesauce and started watching tv. She was smiling and talking, and feeling really good. A doctor came in at 7:30 to check on her, and asked if she wanted to go home-she was THRILLED, I was nervous. She was still in significant pain when her meds wore off, and I wasn't sure how she would do on the trip home (a three hour drive). I finally decided they weren't really doing anything in the hospital that we can't do at home, and the idea of sleeping in our own beds tonight was too hard to pass up. Dr. Smith was in surgery, but he said she would be up in about an hour for the final check before discharging us. He removed the drain tube from Brooke's incision, and then her nurse disconnected her iv so she could get dressed. I had packed nightgowns and dresses for her (I think it will be a while before she is comfortable with shorts around her waist or rubbing against her incision) and once she was dressed we walked to the cafeteria to get me a cup of coffee-I was beyond tired.
We called Rob to tell him we were being discharged, and then started packing up our room. Rob and Bo arrived around 9:30 and we were in the van leaving the hospital by 9:45. It was a bit tricky getting Brooke comfortable in her carseat, especially with the straps being right on her incision. I finally decided to tuck a small pillow between her and the straps, and told Rob he better drive carefully-precious cargo! I gave her a workbook to keep her occupied on the drive, and she made it about 2 hours before she was uncomfortable. We stopped to give her meds and she was able to take a little nap for the rest of the trip.
We got home and Brooke went straight to the bathroom. I asked her what I could get for her, and she said her Littlest Pet Shops-not exactly what I expected, but I was glad she was feeling well enough to play. She said she needed to play with her toys before Bethany gets home and she has to share them again-smart girl. She still has a lot of incision pain when sitting down or moving around too much, so it took her a while to figure out the best place to set up her toys. Getting down on the floor seemed scary, so she set her toys on the couch and then sat on her knees beside them. Rob unloaded the van while I was getting her settled, and then he told me to go take a nap. I slept for three hours before he woke me up-I didn't realize how tired I really was.

Brooke had a small bowl of cereal for dinner, and then I gave her a bath. I had given her several sponge baths throughout the night when we would change her pads, but I really wanted her to sit down and soak in some warm water. We only put a little water in the tub, just enough to come right below her incision. I gave her the washcloth so she could be in charge and not worry about me rubbing to hard and hurting her. Her incision is still dripping a little where the drain was removed this morning, so I wanted to make sure it was cleaned before going to bed for the night. We got her in a nightgown and settled on the couch with some goldfish and water, and she asked to watch a movie. She stayed laying down for about 15 minutes before saying it hurt too much and she needed to stand up, which is where she is now.
Her and I will be sleeping in the playroom bed tonight. That bed is the lowest in the house, so it should be easier for her to get in and out of, and there is a bathroom attached so we won't have to walk very far when she needs to go. Rob will have Bo duty again, and seems to be looking forward to it. I have been shocked at how well my boys have done together the last few days-I was really worried about Rob being on his own at night with Bo. Brooke didn't really want Bo around much while she was in the hospital, so they only came for a couple of short visits each day. Rob says they've bonded-ha! Bo is asleep in my arms right now, and I sure have missed him-I think I've kissed his little cheeks and forehead a million times while we've been sitting here. Moo Moo is bringing Bethany home tomorrow, so I'm hoping Brooke gets a good night of sleep before chaos returns!