A bump in the road but it's ok

Betsey had a rough patch post-op. They had installed a breathing tube for surgery because she was under general anesthesia, and when she came back to the neuro-ICU for recovery they were so short-handed in the RT dept. that it took a long time for someone to come who could remove that tube. Her vitals were fine and she had good oxygen saturation, so she was probably not in danger, but it was not a good experience for her!

Eventually, it came out and she felt immediate relief. She was taken up for a post-op CAT-scan to make sure there was no bleeding on the brain, and when she came back she was ready to try and sleep. Only one person could stay overnight in the room, so Ellen and I came back to the house, about a 1 3/4 hour drive. We got in about 1:30am, got some sleep, got up at 6:30am, and headed back - in snow! 

Now we're back at Anschutz, Betsey has already been up, climbed some stairs, and is now getting dressed and will soon be discharged. 

Dr. Lillehei is pleased with his work, he drained off 4 cc's of fluid from the cyst and the catheter will make it possible to keep it drained. If all goes as planned and hoped, Betsey should begin to experience better function. 

       Betsey being rolled out for a scan 

                          ICU room

                      Cafeteria fare