9 March 2022 - I will always remember this day as the most stressful day of my life.
In the early hours of 8th March, Ananya woke me up and complained of stomach pain and nausea. I was not alarmed as this is something that she experiences fairly regularly. By morning, the pain worsened and she starting puking frequently. Again this did not alarm us as she has had such episodes at least 10 times in the past and each time doctors treated her for stomach infection. We tried medications that were prescribed by her pediatrician in past and the puking went away. Soon the stomach pain subsided too.
In the evening of 8th March, she again started having stomach pain but this time, the pain was also on her right side. Since this was different from previous episodes - and more importantly, we were afraid that her pediatrician would not be available later in the night - we rushed to the doctor's clinic. The doctor examined her and told us that it 'could be' appendicitis. He suggested that we take her to a hospital and keep her there under observation. We immediately took her to the best children's hospital in the city. Looking at her condition as well as the doctor note, they immediately admitted her.
All the puking in the morning had made her pretty weak and we were told that she is severely dehydrated. They started her on IV fluids and conducted few tests (x-ray of lower abdomen as well as blood culture). It was late and the radiologist was not available. We offered to take her to another branch of the same hospital or to another hospital/diagnostic center to get the ultrasound done but were told that its okay to wait till morning.
After couple of hours of getting IV fluids, Ananya started feeling slightly better...actually energetic. Her blood report showed increased WBC count as well as elevated CRP. She was given antibiotics as well as painkillers. However, the pain continued to trouble her through the night.
In the morning of 9th March, she was sent for ultrasound to another branch as the Radiologist was still not available. I could not go as only one attendant was allowed in the ambulance. After the test, Roshni called and informed that the tests have shown 'inflamed appendicitis'. She was told that the pediatric surgeon would tell us if this can be tackled through antibiotics or would a surgery be required. We were asked to wait.
10 minutes later, a nurse came and asked me to go to the insurance desk as they would require the details of the insurance and would communicate the inclusions/exclusions. I was told that afterwards, I will have to go to the billing section and they would give me the total 'tentative' estimate. There was significant urgency in her tone and I asked what is the matter? Then she told me that they are preparing for an emergency surgery and it is scheduled in next 25 minutes!! I requested to speak to the surgeon to understand the urgency but was told that I will be able to meet her only in the OT complex when they take Ananya there. I was confused and scared...something that does not help my BP and pulse rate.
I rushed to the insurance desk and they threw truckload of jargons at me. Basically I understood that non-medical expenses would not be covered under insurance and ~22-24% of medical expenses would be covered. I did not understand the reason but honestly, I did not care about the money. My little princess was being prepared for surgery and I wanted to be with her. I just asked them if it would it be any different in case of the other two policies that covered Ananya and they hurled another truck load of jargons.
I asked them to proceed with the fastest route and NOTHING should stop the medical process. Afterwards, as instructed, I went to the billing department and there I was given as estimate regarding the surgery. Though I did get a sense of the expenses involved but they kept emphasizing that all costs are tentative. Anyways, I signed the documents immediately and ran back to Ananya's room. Thankfully, I found the surgeon near the elevator and I asked her about Ananya's condition, is a surgery the only option, what are the risks involved and why suddenly there is a maddening rush??!!?? The doctor sensed that I am quite nervous and she calmly answered all my questions. She told me that they are preparing everything but the surgery would take place only after we give a nod. I did not know how but I wanted a second opinion.
After talking to the surgeon, I rushed to Ananya's room and found that she has already been prepped for the surgery and were bringing the wheelchair to shift her to the OT. Honestly, this pissed me off but upon talking to Roshni [and later my father], I came to know that they are in favor of getting the surgery done. I still wanted the second opinion but there was no time!!!
The surgeon met us outside the OT and once again answered our questions. Ananya was scared but asked some questions. The surgeon helped in calming her nerves. Soon afterwards, Ananya was shifted to the OT. We came out. That is when the multiple emotions got the better of me. I do not know how long the surgery lasted but I sat in a corner and cried all through.
After the surgery ended, a nurse came and asked us to meet Ananya in the recovery room. Only one parent was allowed and Roshni allowed me to go first. The anesthesist met me outside the recovery room and asked if I am the father. I nodded. She said that Ananya is still extremely drowsy but she asked for me. I entered the recovery room. Ananya was not in her senses but opened the eyes and looked at me. Then she closed her eyes. She again opened her eyes and asked me if the operation is over. I told her that it is over and she was extremely brave all through. She again closed her eyes. Then she again opened her eyes and asked me if the operation is over. I replied the same. This happened few times. I sat there by her side and again started crying. I really do not know why. I had already been told that the surgery was successful and there is no danger. It is just that I had never seen her in this condition and do not want to ever see her in this condition.
Its 12th March today. We have to take her to the hospital today as the surgeon would examine the surgery wound and the overall health. Ananya is doing better. Hopefully, everything is fine. Looking back at all the events of 9th March, I still get the jitters. I was not prepared for the sudden surgery. It is something, I hope no parent has to go through.
In this episode, I realized that Ananya is much braver than I think. Definitely braver than me!!!
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