We're home!

They waited to discharge Karen until they could get her pain to a reasonable level. They gave us a typed up list of instructions and then sent us on our way.

Operation Complete

I just spoke to the surgeon and he said everything went well. They took the mesh out and cleaned everything out. He said they did have to remove some skin so the wound will appear to be lower, and there will be more tension in the area. This means it's very important that she not reach up (or down) for anything. We're to minimize stretching. He also said they used heavy sutures this time, and they shouldn't stay in for more than a week. So we'll have to come back next Friday to have the stitches removed and replaced with our friend dermabond. He says as long as there are no unforeseen complications she should be going home today, and gave me directions for caring for the wound until then. Things like no showering until Sunday, and to keep the stitches covered with bacitracin, as they are a possible source of infection.

Into Surgery

They've taken her back for surgery. We spoke to the surgeon beforehand and he said with the surgery being so early, he'd like to see her go home by the end of the day if everything is going well. This is a surprise to us as we were initially told 2 to 3 days. The surgery itself should only be about an hour, but he said to add half an hour for trivial things like transportation.