VP Shunt Surgery

Gemma is home and recovered well from her VP (Ventriculoperitoneal) Shunt surgery.  We were in hospital for about four days.  Since it was Gemma's actual birthday we had the music therapist came over before the surgery, along with our friends from Spiritual Care and we all sang Happy Birthday to her.  It was cute, we had a banner, fake candle and a present.  It helped lightened the heaviness of the day.

Gemma's surgery took a bit longer than expected, about 3-4 hours.  I didn't know what to expect when she came out, I had made the mistake of looking online at other procedures.  To our surprise the incision wasn't that bad and they didn't even shave her head.  Gemma was already acting like herself soon after and it was a big relief.  The only thing was that Gemma had a lot of bruising on her neck, and they had to put a 'cuffed' trach in during the procedure.  We believe the surgery and irritation caused some inflamation to her trachea because the next day we put her flex trach back in but there were some complications of random de-sats and bradycardic episodes.  A bronch was done and we noticed some occluding of skin at the bottom of the trach.  They decided to fit Gemma with a pediatric, regular Arcadia trach.  It was a huge disappointment as it took a really long time to get that other trach ordered for her with a special connector.  I spent the next few days more upset about the trach than the surgery because of the bulkiness and uncomfort it was causing for Gemma, though we were told it was 'best'.

Within an hour of getting home Gemma was so much happier, you could see she loved being back in her own room.

We are really glad that the surgery went well without complication, and hopefully soon we can resolve this trach.  We are just happy that our little girl is back home :-)

Here is a picture *but please note it may be graphic to some*