My name is Hanli and I have scoliosis and have been treated by Dr Koos Louw since I was 6 years old. I used to wear a brace, but since then my scoliosis had deteriorated. On 01 July 2010, I had scoliosis repair surgery at the Pretoria East Hospital. The operation lasted about 5 hours.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Thursday 01 July 10

DAY ZERO - Thursday 01 July 2010

Cecilia updating Hanli's blog: They allowed me to sleep with Hanli on Wednesday night.  At 05h00 on Thursday 01 July they woke us and asked me to bathe Hanli with a special soap.  Then she had to put on the theatre jacket and special anti-embolism socks that will ensure that her blood keeps circulating properly.


Then is was time for the last blood pressure monitor. 


Dr Ras, the anaethetist examins Hanli.



She hears that they're not giving her gas but an injection, and she becomes really anxious.
Here we are waiting in the area just in front of the theatre.  Look at that brave face, she was crying and asking me to take her home, but whenever the camera clicks she gives her smile.



Being wheeled into theatre.  The Theatre Sisters are really good and making you jokes and trying to put everyone at ease.


Where your life changes in a blink of the eye (for the patient anyway!)

The operation lasted from 07h30-about 12h15, when dr Koos Louw called me to show Hanli's new x-rays with 2 long rods and 19 screws.  Amazingly straight and amazingly foreign!

Here Hanli's being wheeled out of the theatre - the nurse shouts "no photos!" when she sees me taking the pic.  She was taken to ICU and her face was very bloated.  She was operated in a kneeling position with her face down.

2 comments:

  1. Hallo Hanli. Ons is bly om te hoor dit gaan al so bietjie beter - Ten minste is die operasie nou al verby. Ons dink aan jou en sal kom kuier sodra jy weer by die huis is. Liefde, Monique en familie.

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  2. Wishing you a speedy recovery ! Monique, Jacques, Uncle and auntie Jaco & Anel ...

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