MRI Time

Well it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. I had to get up at the crack of dawn (it was for me at least as I've become accustomed to sleeping in until 6:45 during the week) at 5:00 a.m. I was somewhat awake since 4:00 a.m. worrying about the day and the drive. Ryan was a little cranky but was able to fall asleep during the long 90 minute drive. We were lucky it wasn't longer; just as we got into Orlando the traffic started backing up but we were able to get where we were going with minimal sitting time.

I had pre-registered over the phone with the hospital but they always seem to mess things up. I went directly to the MRI/CT waiting area and was told since Ryan needed blood work that I needed to go up to that area and get the tubes. Ryan and I went up there and were told we needed to go to registration. I tried to explain to them that we'd already gone through all that but was told quite rudely if I do say, that I still needed to go to registration to bring them the paperwork. I went for another walk to registration and was told by that woman that I didn't need to be there but she was very nice and helpful and called everyone back. She told them, in no uncertain terms, that I didn't need to do anything but get the tubes. She gave me the person's name that she spoke to and said deal only with her and she will take care of you quickly.

On the way to registration I saw the most beautiful site; a coffee shop!! I didn't have coffee before leaving the house because I knew I would have to have too many potty breaks on the road. I stopped and grabbed a LARGE coffee and headed back to the lab. (They had sent me on a wild goose chase so they could wait on me now) I don't know how I made it all the way without my "brain food". I think my brain was able to deal with the drive but not anything once we got to the hospital. While looking for the lab I got off on the wrong floor; could see the numbers weren't what I needed but couldn't wrap my brain around that fact. I had to ask someone where it was located. I have to give her credit; she didn't laugh, didn't even crack a smile when I stupidly said "oh this isn't the third floor?" while looking at the suite numbers all of which began with the number two.

Once we had the tubes safely to the MRI area, we were able to sit and relax. Ryan didn't want me to have too much coffee. I believe he knew how nervous I was and acted up because of it. He didn't want to sit in the stroller or walk around; just wanted Mommy to hold him. Each time I would lean down for my coffee, he'd start throwing a fit. He was really good with all the attention once they got us back into the MRI room. He even went to the anesthesiologist with no fuss. This from the little guy who cries with ALL new people. Everyone from that point forward was fantastic. They knew that I had gone through this with Logan before but it didn't make it any easier going through it again with Ryan. Once we were in the waiting room for the recovery area; the anesthesiologist paid me a personal visit to let me know things went very smoothly and that Ryan was fine. He said, "You can relax now Mom, he'll be out soon" and patted my shoulder. Good bedside manner or the personal touch means a lot to me. It's very surprising in this day and age how many healthcare professionals have no clue about it. I guess they need to have a class on the obvious since not many seem to have the common sense to take a few extra seconds/minutes to put patients or parents at ease.

It took him longer to wake up than I thought it should based on how long it took Logan. It seemed liked it did to me at any rate. Finally they came to get me so I could go see him. He was in the arms of an older nurse and seemed quite content to stay there. When I first walked in he looked at me but didn't do or say anything. It took a few minutes but then he finally decided he'd come to me. The nurse was very tickled that he wanted her to hold him. We got our discharge instructions and were off to meet Daddy and Katie. Daddy had to get the two older kids off to school by 8:00 and then jump in the car and head our way to meet us with Katie. Once we caught up with each other it was through a drive through for an early lunch and then to gas up the vehicles. Daddy had to be in Orlando for work so I grabbed Ms. Katie and the three of us headed home while Daddy headed to work.

Between the drive and the stress of the waiting I was pretty exhausted when we got home and it was only 1:00 p.m. Biketoberfest traffic in our area made it harder than usual for the drive home. Now we wait to hear the results for the MRI which we should get today or Monday.