Day 1: Day of the Surgery Part 1

We were told to check in by 6:30am and the hospital is about 30 miles from our house. Driving into Houston is a little unpredictable so we left just after 5am. 

The process of getting him checked in and set up in the pre-op area was quick. We met with the anesthesiologist. He was a delightful man that offered Charlie the options for the smell of the gas; "monkey farts or smelly socks?" Charlie settled on Root Beer. He gave Charlie a medal. 

We also met the neurosurgery team. The risks were explained ahead of signing the consent forms. "Death" was on the risk list just above where I had to awkwardly try and use a mouse to do something that looked anything like a signature. 

All we needed now was the visit from the neurosurgeon himself.

We had first met this surgeon back in 2013 when Charlie had the brain injury at birth that started us on this path. Back then I commented about how perfect his beard was. Everyone's in masks these days so great shaving techniques probably aren't worth the bother. I'm sure he still has the skills, though.

With all the introductions done and the consent forms signed, Charlie was taken back at about 7:45am and we were sent to the waiting room. 

Seven hours later, the surgeon and his hidden facial hair came through to tell us that things had gone well and that it wouldn't be long before we would be taken through to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) to see him.