The longest surgery

This pic was taken while I was in the hospital for my longest surgery. It was December 1989(I was a few weeks from turning 5) to completely reconstruct my bladder which at the time only held about 2oz at the time! It was actually the second of 2 bladder surgeries that year but it was the longest at 18-19hrs long! 

The surgery began at 5am and ended around 11pm and I was brought back to the ICU shortly after that. I then spent 24hrs in the ICU where I received a blood transfusion. This particular surgery was performed at Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis, IN by Dr Richard Rink. 

My Momma has told me stories before about how Dr Rink stayed in the O.R. the whole time having the nurses feed him crackers and Gatorade! He would have someone on his nursing staff come out and update my parents on the progress as much as he could. 

I actually found out a couple of years ago that Dr Rink is still with Riley and that he remembers me and this very surgery! I don't remember a whole lot from that surgery. I do remember being pulled around the hospital in a wagon and I had a pillow to hold against my belly because it hurt to laugh. I believe the pillow was square and had a little face. 

Riley at the time had different themed hallways around the hospital that I loved to go look at. I don't remember the Santa visit but I do remember that picnic basket he gave me! That particular visit I was in the hospital till a day or two before Christmas. This was the year my daddy began shopping on Christmas Eve which is a tradition he has continued to this day! 

Riley Hospital will always have a special place in my heart and I would absolutely love to go back someday and thank Dr Rink for all he has done for me and my family! ❤️❤️❤️

💕Hugs💕

   Kelley