A day at the hospital

This morning, bright and early, I took Tank to the hospital for an outpatient surgery. A little over a month ago, she had some strange urinary symptoms accompanied by some swelling. I took her to the doctor and the urinary symptoms were dismissed since there was no infection, however the swelling was confirmed to be a hernia. We explained the procedure as much as we thought she could understand. We even got to do a tour of the surgery wing, where they showed her everything they would be doing, including taking her blood pressure, changing into pajamas, picking a prize, and using a mask to fall asleep to. She wanted watermelon scent in her mask. She was actually really excited for her surgery. This is her in the waiting room.
Still cheerful and excited in the prep room. They *tried* to give her blue pajamas to change into. Are you kidding? Not this girly girl. She asked if they had any others, this yellow dress was much more appropriate for her. (even though it was all open in the back, lol). Before they took her back for the surgery, she was given a medicine to help her relax and forget everything. She complained when we got home that she didn't get to use the mask with the watermelon scent. She was really looking forward to it, but I guess the first medicine blocked the memory. Oh well.
I skipped any "after pictures" at the hospital. It wasn't a pretty picture. She was pretty miserable for a while there. Finally, some Tylenol with codeine and an hour nap helped her feel a little better. The doctor fixed the hernia on the right side, then checked the left side to find another hernia almost as big as the first. He fixed them both. When I mentioned her urinary symptoms again, he noted that before the surgery, they had to empty her bladder. She woke up in the morning and went pee, then went pee *right* before they took her back. And of course, she hadn't had anything to eat or drink since yesterday. Anyway, he suggested getting that evaluated by her pediatrician. So unfortunately, this surgery may not be the end of medical stuff for her. I guess we'll wait and see for sure though. Anyway, when she woke up, she just wanted to go home. The staff obliged her.
Note the forced smile. She's such a trooper, but she's not walking around just yet. I'm sure she'll be her "Tank"-like self in no time, but for today she's watching movies and letting us wait on her hand and foot. She's such a grateful little patient. Always saying thank you and being so very polite. I don't think I'm such a happy camper when I'm in pain. I should take lessons.