Hi Liz -
I hope Rubie's g-tube insertion will go well. It's pretty minor, in the grand scheme of things, but, unnerving, and a little scary for her, at the same time.
Bring things to do while you wait for the anesthisiologist...this was my biggest mistake. I didn't anticipate waiting as long as we did, with an anxious and bored kid... Bring anything that will make her comfortable after the surgery. She probably won't feel like doing much, so the comfy p ajamas is a good suggestion. Favorite stuffed animals...whatever makes her feel good.
Does she wear a vest? We couldn't use Emily's vest immediately after she got the tube. We did manual PT for a while after she got it, just until she could comfortable wear a vest. If you use a clapping cup or something, bring it. Also, they will want to get your inhaled meds from the hospital pharmacy, but I recommend briging them in, if you can. THey had no pulmozye on hand when we were in, and by the time they got it it was HOURS past the time she should have had it.
A loose fitting shirt might be most comfortable for her to leave the hospital in. I"m assuming she'll start out with the long tube, not a button, and it's definately easier to manage that under a baggy top. She may also be a little tender around the site.
When they are showing you the tube and the feeding attachments prior to the surgery, ask to be shown exactly how the bag will attach to the tube. When we were in, no one seemed to know that there was an adapter piece that was necessary. With out it, the tube kept disconnecting and I had to keep changing Emily's bedding that first night in the hospital. It was frustraing and exhausting. In the morning someone was like, OH, yeah, you need this...duh. uuuugggghhh. I hope it's all straightened out now, but, ask, just in case.
If you need anything while you are in town, just call. I'll PM you my phone number.
Good luck!
