I suddenly realized that I have some useful, newfound knowledge to impart and that it may be helpful, so here it is.
At our first visit to the surgeon who performed Son’s scoliosis surgery, several student doctors were invited into the room to have a look at him because he was a bit of an unusual ‘case’. This was two years ago when Son was 16 and the reason he seemed unusual was that, with his shirt on, it wasn’t at all obvious that anything was wrong with his back. So, when he took his shirt off, the student doctors were taken aback to see such a pronounced curve. They circled him as he stood like a side-show exhibit, then someone drew attention to the inside of his elbow where there is a rather large brown patch of pigmentation, like a small birthmark or a big freckle. He was then ‘searched’ for more of these (if they’d asked me, I could have told them he had another one above his hip). We were then told that this is a warning sign for scoliosis.
Now who would ever know that? That’s why I’m posting this – in case you have children or teenagers with this kind of pigmentation. I’m sorry I haven’t presented research links here, but it’s easy enough to find on the internet.
My other bit of useful information is this: the longterm after-effects of general anaesthesia, and pain medication, can play havoc with the brain, especially after major surgery. Son was under anaesthetic for several hours and then on morphine-based painkillers for several weeks. It is now six weeks since his surgery and two weeks since he took his last painkiller. He is 90% his usual, adorable self, 5% his usual unadorable self and 5% a hound from hell who I’ve never met before. In fact, even Son admits to never having met this 5% of himself.
So, the other day, when we met with the surgeon for our first post-op. appointment, one of our many questions was to do with whether Son’s hound-from-hellish moods were attributable to the anaesthetic and subsequent drugs and the answer was yes, and that it might take several more weeks for his brain to recover from the onslaught.
Now who would ever know that either? The miraculous surgery and Son’s incredibly fast recovery – all so wonderful – has been somewhat tainted by that hound from hell but at least we now know that this hound will soon go away and that is an enormous relief!
jmgoyder 
I am relieved to hear he is doing well. Did not know about the pigmentation. I did know about the anesthesia. As I have gone through it 7 times. Give him a bit more time. It comes. Sometimes it takes a little longer. A year it was, after my hysterectomy.
Thank you so much for that. Wow – 7 times – well you know what you are talking about then! I will give the brat more time!
I’m so glad the surgery went well!
Thank you very much!
I had to do some deep breathing when I saw the picture. To see a healthy young person attached to tubes and in bed makes my heart ache. And of course, I immediately think of my child and say a prayer that he’s okay and safe.
I’m so relieved your boy is doing well. A weight must be lifted off your heart. Thanks for sharing the pigmentation info and the anesthetic. Strange how chemicals hang around in our bodies and change us. I’ll keep your family in my prayers, if you don’t mind.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Barb. Is your child okay? I am subscribed to your blog but couldn’t see any reference so now I am worried!
Peace Be Upon both You and your Son.
Thank you so much!
Excuse me, but shouldn’t they have warned you both that this was coming???
Glad he’s mending so quickly! ~ Lynda
They don’t tell you much so I am learning to ask, ask, ask!
I am also happy the surgery went well… having gone under several times myself, I had no idea about these side effects. And as a person who takes copious amounts of painkillers, this info is also a bit of a worry. Thanks for sharing.
Don’t quote me – the post anaesthesia thing is something I’ve more or less figured out for myself and it only seems to affect some people – same with painkillers – no need to worry, sorry!
Don’t ever apologise… knowledge is power.
Very true!
This IS useful info. Do you have a picture of the pigmentation? I’m not asking you to take pics of your son; something from the internet would do.
That 5% is partly age, as well. It will pass 🙂
You are both doing amazingly well, given all you’ve been through lately.
I’ve looked everywhere on internet but can’t find a pic. Will take one tonight when Son is asleep – hehe!
He’s gonna get ma-aaaaad!
No, it’s okay – he just let me take a photo for you, Tilly. I’ll send you tomorrow!
Tell him thanks! Not that I’m worried, but forewarned is forearmed.
I put the pic. on today’s post.
interesting info thankyou and so thrilled that son has made such a great recovery … you have all been thru such alot in recent weeks … nice to be able to ‘come up for air’ as it were …
Yesirree!
Thank you Julie for sharing this important information. I’m glad that things are much better now. My best regards for Son. 🙂
Thanks so much avian101 – I’ll let Son know.
Good information. I’m glad your son is doing well. Morphine based painkillers can wreak havoc on the system. He’ll be back to normal before you know it! 🙂
Hope so – thanks!
You’re sure learning a lot. Thanks for sharing with others who may be going through the same thing. I wish your son a good recovery.
Thanks!
Thanks for sharing this info. Anesthesia drugs mess me up to, for at least a day or two and I do very poorly on morphine (no energy and very nauseous). With my recurring back pain, I’ve learned to tolerate pain killers (mostly the nausea, again) by adjusting the dosage.
Quite an amazing spine transformation for your son. The X-rays tell everything. I can’t imagine how painful it must be not just to have the spine moved but all the muscles, tendons and nerves attached to it. You should visit Amanda’s blog at http://fromsurvivortothriver.wordpress.com/. She has spinal surgery for her scoliosis as a teenager, with unfortunately some nerve damage. She may have some great insights to share on the recovery and what it’s like to live as an adult after this type of surgery.
Thanks – will look at her blog right now!
By the way, I was coming over to let you know I’ve awarded you with the Liebster blog award (http://perfectingmotherhood.wordpress.com/2012/04/02/catching-up-on-a-few-blog-awards/). I missed your blog from the list the first time I posted but you’re on now. Enjoy!
Thank you! BTW this will make you laugh – I thought when you said you were ‘coming over’ you meant it literally and I put the kettle on hehe!
I’d love to, just to see those emus enjoying a mud bath, but you’re a little far for me…
Ha!
You, my dear, are priceless. So glad your son has recovered from his very serious surgery. xx, Margie
Thanks Margie!
Thank you so much for passing on information, You are always tell me I am amazing, but ya know what? You are truly amazing. I have one thing to deal with, but you are dealing with so much more. I’m glad you got answers for your son. I’m glad he is so much better too. The rest is just a matter of time. Hugs….
Very generous comment – thank you!
There’s another tidbit of information that needs to be shared more widely. Demerol is NOT a good choice for elderly patients. When my mom had her stent put in at about age 80, her surgeon gave her demerol, and she ended up with a full-blown ICU psychosis. Gerontologists know demerol’s not a good choice, but apparently a lot of the “technicians” like cardiologists and cardiac surgeons aren’t aware.
And yes – even light anesthesia can produce temporary memory loss and disorientation. A friend who has monthly treatments that require anesthesia “lost” her driver’s license, wallet and health cards last time around. They made it home with her, but got tucked into a new place, and it took her some time to run them down. 😉
Amazing about the pigmentation. I wonder what other helpful “signs” we don’t know about?
Wow – I hope others see this demerol information! It’s strange how we live in an age of too much information but, at the same time, not enough!
fascinating story-sending a prayer for continued health for your son.
Thank you very much!!!
I’m glad he’s doing better Julie. Wishes for continued health.
Thanks onechick!
Awww Mingy, tell him we love him and hope the demon is leaving his body and that the delightful Ming is back to stay.
Miss you!!! Glad BJ is back. I’ll catch up with your wondrous blog in a moment!
I’m now wondering if I was the Hound from Hell after my various surgeries. I sure did notice that an anaesthetic affects me for about 3 months (apart from the fingernails signs, change in head hair texture and brain fog).
I’m quite sure you would not be a hound from hell – ever!!!
Sending get well thoughts from miles away.
Thx