My Baby Girl - Part 2

    By: J. Suzette Frick

    I arrive in Nashville, turning right onto Medical Center Circle.  Vanderbilt Trauma Center is on the right and I pull into a very large parking garage on the left, East Parking Garage.  Valet service takes over immediately so I can walk across to the Trauma Center.  I walk in and tell the receptionist why I am here and need direction.  She sends me to the 10th floor and I am greeted by an assistant who becomes familiar with the case and relays the status of what is going on with Allie.  There are two general waiting rooms on the 10th floor and I am directed to a private room with windows all around and a very large thick door.  When I arrive, Allie's dad and wife are there also.  The assistant comes in and explains that she has good vitals and that an intern to the emergency doctor will be in soon to discuss what is going to take place and Allie's overall condition.  I am scared to death!  She brings juice and water.   The young intern appears, shuts the door and tell us that they are not going to be able to save Allie's left arm and probably have to take most of her shoulder.  I scream!  I move to the trash can and really want to throw up!  I fall to the floor and scream and cry as I am curled up in ball.  I cannot fathom what is about to take place. It' unbelievable....a nightmare!  How could this happen to sweet Allie?  I was so alone....I traveled to Nashville on occasion for the weekends for fun; but never thought I would be coming to Nashville to experience this.  Later, the doctor comes in and says that there is so much nerve damage that he will not be able to save her arm and again verifies he may have to take her shoulder. He further explains that he normally does not go to the emergency room he stays in surgery.  In this case he felt compelled to go see Allie before he received her in surgery.  Miraculously the artery in her left shoulder had sealed itself off and wanted to insure that it stayed sealed.