Back to the Hospital

Ya ever heard the doctor say it gets worse before it gets better? Well, Lauren got better (almost) and then much worse! She spiked a fever Sunday night and by Monday morning (Labor Day) her injury had gone from the healing mild pink to a purple red again and the swelling was returning drastically. So, we left the Jenkins' party in Park City and took her to the on call doctor in Provo who suggested that we take her back to the hospital for the IV antibiotics again. When the infectious disease doctor saw her again he ordered an ultra sound (which has not and still didn't show an abscess) and later a CT scan. They finally found the hiding abscess and scheduled her for surgery. Tuesday morning Papa Lee and her daddy gave her a blessing and she had a successful surgery later that afternoon.
I was comforting her on the bed before they came to get her and suggested that I stay with her for the ride to the OR. We waved to all of the people on the way down and most of them smiled and waved back.In pre-op she got nervous so they gave her some stickers and a couple of Beanie Babies (they gave her the cute teddy blanket for her wagon ride to the CT scan.) They let me stay with her until the anesthetics started to put her to sleep...VERY wise!
Waiting for the surgery wasn't bad. I got a little anxious when they didn't come and didn't come when they estimated they would. Then having Papa Lee there, then Grandma Jane, Aunt Missy and her friend Alexis, and Aunt Marci (it was her 20th birthday), and then Grandma Lee come helped ease the stress. ALTHOUGH, there is something about being in a stressful situation like this that when the burden is shared all of the pent up emotions find their escape.

After the surgery, she was excited to wear the crown she had made. What a relief to have to her back on the road to recovery.
Jaro, the beautiful Newfoundland, came to boost her spirits. Debbie, from Child Life Services, got to be good friends with Lauren and helped make her hospital stay enjoyable.
Like painting butterflies out of coffee filters with A. Carillisa. Debbie later added pipe cleaner antennas and strung them from her ceiling.
Aunt Carillisa spent several hours with her one evening while her mom and dad took a mini break back to Park City for their belated anniversary celebration. Grandma Jane came to relieve A. Carillisa and SPENT THE NIGHT with Lauren. There were lots of worried friends and relatives that came to visit - THANKS to all of you who made an effort to show Lauren how much she is loved. (I didn't always remember to take pics, sorry)Going to bathroom was QUITE the ordeal. One night I had to call Papa Lee to come help. He has a great relationship with Lauren and has a way of explaining things to her so she isn't so afraid...like going to the bathroom even when you think it's going to hurt! As you can see with the IV and catheter - it's not an easy task.He was here to visit everyday and sometimes twice, when Gma Lee came too.She stole the hearts of her nurses, especially Dennis who brought her stuff as often as he could.
After a WEEK in the hospital she is discharged and ready to go HOME...catheter and all! Dennis took her out in the wagon and she waved good-bye to everyone on the way out.
She went back yesterday to get her packing changed for the fourth time since her surgery and will go again tomorrow. She is getting better but I've said that before! Let's just pray this is really the END.
I've posted a couple of videos of her coming off the drugs (from the packing procedures). If your interested in seeing more click on "Cracking Up!" and "One More" on Aunt Carillisa's blog