Final Checkup and Ronald McDonald House

Wednesday morning, Roy and Rylee and I left to go to Children's Hospital for a follow-up CT scan on Rylee's head for her skull fracture.  Roy and I dreaded the trip, but were anxious to get it over with and see if her head was healed.  We arrived around 12:00 and around 2:00, we were called back into the CT room.  Rylee could not eat or drink anything after 8:00 because they were anticipating having to sedate her to get the scan.  So, Roy and I didn't eat or drink anything, either, because of course - that wouldn't be fair to Rylee! 

When they called us back, Rylee immediately started screaming.....she knew something was gonna happen!  We talked to her about what a big girl she was gonna be....really tried to pump her up.  They put us in a room and we watched Barney until she fell asleep.  I thought The Lord had answered my prayers and that I would be able to lay her down and she would sleep thru the scan.  WRONG!!!  That child popped up the second her head hit the table and she was fightin' until it was all over about an hour later! 

They bundled her up like a burrito and strapped her little head to the table, in an effort to get her still.  Well, she fought and fought and the first scan didn't take because she was moving too much.  Sooooo.....they suggested that we count VERY LOUDLY to ten over and over.  I don't know what it was about doing that, but Roy and I screamed 1-10 about 100 times and she just laid there.   I figure she was either trying to figure out what on earth her momma and daddy were doing, or she was just completely worn out from trying to get out of those strappings......probably the latter! 

Anyway - the second scan worked and when we took her out, she was soaking wet from sweating.  The lady said - she's one strong 2 year old!  LOL!  The lady asked her if she wanted some apple juice and Rylee said she did.  When the nurse brought it in the room, I started to take the top off and give it to her and she said "No - carry it momma".  I laughed and told the nurse she didn't want any more reason to stay in that room!  She was ready to GO!   So we told them "Bye-Bye" and took our bubbles, coloring books, crayons, new Beanie Baby and apple juice (all given to Rylee in an effort to win her over with the CT staff, to no avail) and we got outta there! 

We went to On the Border and ate like we were all starving.  Rylee scarfed down some chips and salsa and cheese dip and chicken nuggets!  She was so hungry!

After we ate, we went to our "home" for the night.  The hospital put us up in the Ronald McDonald House since we lived so far away.  After arriving, I felt REALLY bad about staying there.  There are so many families who really needed to stay worse than us, and I expressed my concern to the staff.  They assured me that our room was strictly for over night only guests and that even if we left, they would not be able to put anyone in that room.  So, we stayed and folks....if you ever feel like making a contribution or donation and really don't know who or where to do it with....let me suggest the Ronald McDonald House!  It is GREAT for families who have children in ACH on a long-term basis.  They provide EVERYTHING for those families and only request a $10.00 per night donation.  They provide a refrigerator with food, several kitchen and dining areas, all meals, all linens, towels, laundry services, etc.  It is a wonderful wonderful place to have here in Arkansas!  I plan to clean Rylee's many toys that she does not need/play with and haul a load up there, along with towels and sheets. 

On Thursday, we met with the neurosurgeon who informed us that Rylee's head was healing well and that it should heal completely in another 3 weeks.  The good news is we do not have to go back!  Praise God for anwering prayers!