I’ve never posted on this thread but read it daily but I not sure who else to turn to for support. My 15 year old son is having surgery this Friday Jan 17. I think that he is handling the fact that he is having surgery much better then I am. He was diagnosed with A herniation of 15mm back in April 2013 when he had a MRI of his pituitary gland. We met with a Neurosurgeon in Jun and decided to do the wait and see how he is doing method. His NS is fantastic and wanted to see him back in 6month. His symptoms got a bit more bothersome but we all agreed that we could still wait. We had another MRI before his 6 month appt and there had been no chg to his herniation. Dr told us our son would know when he felt it was time for surgery. Well right before Christmas break he developed a cough that changed everything. It was almost debilitating and every cough was horrible to watch him in tears as the pain was so horrible. On Dec 29 he coughed so bad that he couldn’t move or breath, his Blood pressure was really high. I immediately drove him to PCH where our NS met us. Our NS and my son both agreed it was time for surgery but we had to get rid of this cough first and then of course we have a new insurance policy stArting on the 15th. I was still thinking am I rushing into this or will it get better once the cough went away. But after sitting and chatting with our son, who is well beyond his years and has done a lot of his own research my husband and I decided We would agree to scheduled surgery for the 17th. Trying to stay positive and deal with my on Chiari pains but feel I’ve had to put them aside since my son was diagnosed. I’m asking for prayers for my son and any suggestions you could give me to help him through this. Thanks so much.
Hi, I am glad you reached out to us. I live in Peoria AZ.
My son was diagnosed early last year after suffering from headaches for many years. we too at first were taking the wait and see, but is was the day my son came into the house after trying to wash his car and said " I am ready I cant take these headaches anymore". 3 days after his 18th birthday (this past September) he had decompression surgery at Barrows. I wanted to let you know that he is recovering beautifully. His symptoms have all gone away, he still has issues with anxiety but no where near as bad as before. Being young they do recover much faster. I live very close to you and would love to help in anyway I can, I know how I was feeling right before his surgery, it is very scary. I will put you into my prayers. But please don't hesitate to contact me directly.
Thank you for your kind words and as moms I think we always stress about our kids no matter how old they are. It is pretty stressful as we get closer. I’ve cried myself to sleep many nights this last week. But I know we are doing the right thing when my son, coughs, sneezes and even laughs. It’s heartbreaking to watch and sad to see how scared my 10 and 5 yr olds get watching their older brother in so much pain. I think my anxiety has really caused a lot of symptoms in my own Chiari but I know need to stay strong for my son who at this point all he is worried about is getting all his school work ready for while he is recovering. I tell him he should worry about resting and recovering but he is very into his studies. I ask that you put my son in your prayers this Friday. Thanks so much.
Evening,
I agree, I still worry about my son. It has only been 4 months since his surgery and I still worry that something can still go wrong, even tho the chances are very slim. I again want to let you know that I am here locally and willing to help you and your family any way I can. Please don't hesitate to contact me directly. I have you and your family in my prayers and will say an extra one on Friday. The first few weeks will be rough but it will all be worth it.
Charlene
Hi Jazzystouch, I too am getting decompression surgery on 1/17/2013 aswell, before my operation when I pray I'll be thinking of your son and myself, and pray that it goes well for the both of us and improve both of our lives. I'm in the same boat as your son, dealing with the pain, trying to ride out the symptoms but later down the road it ended up getting worse, I'm 25 years old and I live with my mom, I'm on disability with several symptoms preventing me to have a somewhat normal life because I cant work, I have been stuck at the house several months because I cant drive or ride in vehicles without my headaches/dizzyness getting much worse. You also sound like my mom, caring, worried and wanting what is best. One big thing that helps me keeps positive throughout my struggle is the support system I have through my family, church, and online friends, but my mom has been my biggest support for me and I'm very greatfull.
Yes, this is the best thing to do, and as Emmy said above, the younger the patient, usually the easier it to bounce back. Makes way more sense to get this done now rather than wait til he's older like us when it gets complicated.
He'll do fine, and prayers for your son.
Geoff
Jazzy, if your kiddo wants the surgery it means he is suffering. I understand it goes against your instinct to protect him, but you are doing the right thing. YOU ARE BEING A GOOD MOM. I will be praying for him and his surgeon on Friday, and you too momma.
Jenn
Good luck Jazzy. I’ll be praying for your boy. It’s in God’s hands!!
Sorry I didn’t see these kind message yesterday. Trying to get insurance all squared away. Our new policy went into affect today (thankful there was no issues getting pre-approval today) they are probably thinking what the heck! Lol been trying to keep busy and taking Joshua (my 15yr old) to school to get things squared away there also. He goes for his pre op tomorrow and surgery @ 11:30 Friday. As we sat for dinner yesterday and he sneezed and was in so much pain with tears coming done his face, it once again reassured me he needs to do this. Thank you Charsay3 for being so willing to want to meet with me that is very sweet of you and if I need you I’m glad to know you are near by. TOM88 I will be praying for you and Joshua on Friday and hope that you both get some relief and have a speedy recovery. Thanks everyone for being such a great support.
Wondering how your son is doing and praying for all of you!
Hope the surgery went well yesterday, and wishing you all a speedy recovery.
Was thinking of you all, please let us know how he is doing.
Thanks
Charlene
Hi all sorry I haven’t been on. My sons surgery went well, they took him back at 9:15 and started surgery at 10:15 called hourly and were done by 1:15. He had a lot of crowding, they shrunk one of the tonsils, apparently one was bigger and doing most of the crowding. They opened up first vertebrae and a small piece of the second one they also gave him room with a dura. Post op hasn’t been so easy. First off my son didn’t metabolize the morphine well and had extreme drops in blood pressure and Heart rate. When they then gave him a reverse effect med for the morphine that worked for about 30 min and then it happened again and they did the same thing. So let’s just say the first night was rough in ICU. Last night he had lots of nausea and head pains. He finally started feeling a bit better a little while ago but now his blood pressure is high so now I’m waiting to know what’s going on with that. He walked and ate a whole grill cheese for dinner tonight and is doing much better. I am in no rush to take him home. We are out of ICU but with two younger brothers I think he needs to feel better before we go home. I do miss my little ones. But happy I’m able to stay with my son while he recovers. Dads been a super hero back and forth from here to the little ones. Thanks everyone for all the prayers and support. @TOM88 I hope your surgery went well too.
I am glad to hear he is doing well. The first couple days are the hardest. Keeping you all in my prayers
Charlene
Thank you for keeping us in the loop. I hope your son is feeling better soon- and so glad the surgery went so well.
I’m recovering from pre-op since Friday. I was in surgery for 5 hours, almost suffocated to death because breathing tube kept herniating because of my small jaw/ neck, because of being in prone position. Roughest part was in icu first 24 hours. I also woke up with swollen tongue and lips with a locked jaw. I’m in the regular wing In the hospital ATM and it sounds like I maybe going into inpatient sub acute rehab for a few weeks.
Tom:
Well rough start to post-op, but hope it gets better from here. Glad to hear you're a little better now posting here. Keep us all updated.
Take care,
Geoff
tom88 said:
I'm recovering from pre-op since Friday. I was in surgery for 5 hours, almost suffocated to death because breathing tube kept herniating because of my small jaw/ neck, because of being in prone position. Roughest part was in icu first 24 hours. I also woke up with swollen tongue and lips with a locked jaw. I'm in the regular wing In the hospital ATM and it sounds like I maybe going into inpatient sub acute rehab for a few weeks.
Jazzy;
Great to hear he is doing fine, and hope it continues getting better for you all.
Take care,
Geoff
JAZZY,
Thinking of you today, how is your son doing?
Charlene
Tom, so glad you checked in, and So glad those first bad days are over. How are your spirits?
tom88 said:
I'm recovering from pre-op since Friday. I was in surgery for 5 hours, almost suffocated to death because breathing tube kept herniating because of my small jaw/ neck, because of being in prone position. Roughest part was in icu first 24 hours. I also woke up with swollen tongue and lips with a locked jaw. I'm in the regular wing In the hospital ATM and it sounds like I maybe going into inpatient sub acute rehab for a few weeks.