Parker's Surgery 9/8/08

Parker had surgery today. He had a hiatal hernia that needed to be repaired. The doctor did a wonderful job and the surgery was done at Primary Children's Medical Center. The nurses were great as well.  First we had to stop and get gas.  Parker helped me pump the gas.  

When we got to the hospital, Parker got to play with some toys while we waited for our turn.

About 1/2 hour before the surgery, they gave him a dose of Versed.  This is a wonderful drug that helps take away anxiety and helps kids to forget surgeries, etc.  There are some who are opposed to the use of Versed, but I'm a fan.
After the Versed started to kick in, he loosened up quite a bit.  So much infact, that when the anesthesiologist came to pick him up for the surgery, he hid under his blanket and acted like a ghost.
While we were waiting for the anesthesiologist, Dr. Matlack came by (he's the surgeon) and marked the side on which they would be doing the surgery.  Parker thought it was funny that he drew on him.

This is the anesthesiologist and a woman from the kids club at Primary Children's.  She was there to help Parker get over his anxiety about the surgery, etc.
After the surgery, Dr. Matlack came and talked to me.  He said the surgery went very well.  Here is Parker after he woke up in recovery.  He did so well!