"Procedures"

It's been about 2 and a half years since Annika had her trachea and esophagus looked at, so it was once again time for her "procedures."  I think we (at least I) were more nervous about it then she was (at least once she found out she was going to get to sleep through the whole thing). 

 The pre-op time went fine.  We were the first thing on the schedule (6 AM arrival) which helped a lot. 

 The anesthesiologist (is there a harder word to spell?) warned us that she may lose her 2 bottom teeth since they were loose and she was going to be intubated.  As you can tell by the look in her eyes, she has been drugged (versed) at this point.

 The ENT doc wanted to look at vocal cord movement. . .which needed to be done while she was still awake.  Karl donned his medical garb (now perfect for paint gear), went into the OR, and held her while the doctor stuck a small camera up her nose and into the midst of her vocal cords.   She was a trooper.  Karl then waited until they placed a mask on her at which point she quickly fell asleep and he came and joined me.

 For about 45 minutes post-procedures Annika was literally flipping out.  She tried to escape from the hospital bed by crawling through the side slats and she continually grabbed at her IV saying, "I want it out!"  She finally calmed down (see above pic) and we were able to go the play area while she finished recovering.

 No recovery is complete without a popsicle!

 We're outta here!

 No, they didn't recommed McDonalds right after anesthesia, but we couldn't resist our daughters request. :-)

The results of the scopes and biopsies indicated some inflammation in the lower esophagus.  As a result, we had to come back a couple of days later for a barium swallow x-ray test (Annika was fine with it until they lowered the machine and told her to drink the green liquid.  After some coercing, she realized it was a painless procedure and she might as well cooperate).  Thankfully, it showed no significant reflux and an intact nissen.  We are doubling her medication and can wait 2 more years for another check-up.  Overall, a good report!  Thanks be to God! 

 Unbeknownst to me, Annika (with Grandma Pollacks help with spelling) put together a "Me Going to the Hospital" book to read to her class at school. 

 The last line says it all, "but God was watching over me so I was fine!"

 This is a water color of Annika in her hospital bed with "Mom" and "Dad" by her side.

This is Annika's summary of the barium swallow test.  Yes, going to the hospital is much different with a 6 year old than an infant.  6 years ago we could hardly imagine that Annika would some day have the ability to write this.  This book is a treasure and a testimony to God's faithfulness.