You know those sayings: ‘he’s got spine’ or ‘she’s spineless’ or ‘grow a spine’? Yeah, well, tomorrow, Son will literally be growing a spine. Here is an animated version of what is going to be done during his scoliosis surgery (don’t worry, there’s no blood!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBIf4AQj5s0
This morning we left home at around 9am to get to the hospital by 11.30am for Son to see the neurologist, who glued electrodes to his head (these will be connected before his surgery tomorrow in order to monitor how his spinal cord is doing during the op.) The electrodes are multi-coloured so he looks very reggae-ish!
Then, because I was parked (twice!) in one hour parking zones, I left Son at the hospital to be admitted and drove to my hotel to check in. As it’s only walking distance from the hospital, I’ll set out in a minute to go back. He’s allowed to go out for dinner so we are meeting our friend, Nathalie at 6pm for a burger. Nat is the one who got me into blogging in the first place. She set me up (in a good way I mean!)
I just found out I’m not allowed to see Son before his surgery at 8am tomorrow because he’ll be getting prepped much earlier in the morning. Son is okay with this, but I’m not – I just wanted to see him off. Apparently he won’t be ‘see-able’ until around 5pm tomorrow so it’s going to be a long, waiting day in Perth for me.
Son is very up and very positive. That kid has a lot of (metaphorical) spine! He didn’t even baulk when he found out he would have around four surgeons, two anaesthetists, and multiple other specialists involved in the surgery – yikes!
My beautiful, spineful boy!
jmgoyder 
Thinking of you all Jules – particularly tomorrow. Love you all.
You too schnookums! Gotta see your family when I get back!
You too baby cheeks!
Hi,
I watched the video, I am always amazed at what can be achieved medically these days, it was a very good video, a good find, and explained everything very well.
It is going to be a very long day for both of you tomorrow, but it was great that you were able to get accommodation that was so close.
A very nice photo of your son, obviously going out somewhere special.
It’s so weird because I think I am in exactly the same hotel room where that photo was taken, just before Son and I went to a concert a few months ago. At the time it was a huge ordeal because we had to get a nurse to look after Husband, but it all worked out and Son and I had a great time – oh I remember now – it was Dylan Moran!
Fingers crossed that all goes well! (I’m sure it will) and fingers crossed you don’t go mad thinking about it all day! (my mother does the same!) xox
You made me laugh re your mother comment because I suddenly realised my age – hehe! Here I was thinking we were both teenagers – no, I’m only kidding, but that’s virtuality for you!
That surgery is incredible – it’s just amazing what they can do.
Best wishes for tomorrow, Julie
If they can do that with a spine, surely they can do anything, these surgeons – am thinking of you!
The more surgeons, the better! More experts to make sure everything goes perfectly.
Thinking of you both, especially your courageous boy.
I thought he’d be flirting with the nurses but, instead, he’s made best friends with the three ‘old guys’ in his hospital room!
That’s amazing technology hey … all the very best to you both tomorrow Julie … and remember son has youth on his side also … another plus.
Yes, it is amazing technology – thanks Ingrid!!!
X’s O’s and Prayer.
~ Lynda
Thanks, Lynda. Only you would probably understand this but I wish I’d brought one of the geese up with me to the hotel. Somehow that might not have worked – hehe! Juliex
Julie, I have actually traveled with geese in the back of my truck cab… it was not pretty! Look here for a few tears, a giggle and a happy ending…
http://pixilatedtoo.wordpress.com/2011/06/20/geese-my-epic-fail-and-a-happy-ending/
😉 ~ L
I am amazed (and have been delighted for ages) to have found a kindred spirit (in a goosey way) – loved your post from last year. I should really have looked back ages ago and read more – just didn’t have time! Love your blog!
Thinking of you both today and hope the waiting isn’t too unbearable. It’s not easy being a parent in these situations. Hugs!
I get to see Son late tomorrow afternoon so I have an unbearable amount of hours to fill – around 20 – just spoke to him on phone from my hotel which is 2 blocks away from hospital where I left him around an hour ago and he was fine. If I could figure out the hotel’s movie selection I’d watch some movies. Son usually figure that sort of thing out! Thx for your thoughts – I really appreciate it and all will be fine.
Good luck tomorrow Julie … And son. Will be thinking of you both. Xxxxx
Thanks so much, Sharon – hopefully we’ll both see you next week. Apparently, Son will be a bit taller!
Hi Julie,
Hope all goes well tomorrow…I am sure it will.
Thank you for my birthday mesage.
Janine x
Would love to meet up with you guys and Mary tomorrow but am gonna lie low – thanks Janine!
Best Wishes for your Son’s surgery – hope it all goes well.
You certainly have a long day .
Hope you’ve got a good ‘bird’ book to read.
Always worse for the family, they have to wait whilst the patient is having a wonderful sleep, go to sleep in one reality and wake up in the new present with mother at the bedside. Technology these days is superb and he is going to be a new boy, guarantee.
Love
Dan
Thanks Dan!
Best wishes. I know everything will be okay. My favorite female cousin had scoliosis surgery back in 1978. She recovered well enough to continue her track & field career and set many high school records in Texas.
Now that is really encouraging – yahoo! Thanks so much.
Truly amazing what can be done in medicine these days. I hope all went well.
Yes, very well – thank you!
That’s great news!
Thx!