Hospitals, surgery, codeine...been there, done that

Hospitals and surgery don't really bother Brian, probably because he's been there, done that.  He was born with a cleft lip (not palate) and had his first surgery when he was 3 months old.  He had his second when he was 5 years old.  The hospital did a wonderful "Pre-Op Party" for kids who were having surgery, which included test-driving a kid-sized Jeep that they would get to drive into the operating room on surgery day (I have pics, but I have to find them).  We also had him watch a video called "Big Bird Goes to the Hospital."  When the anesthesiologist asked him if he was allergic to anything, he replied "Cheetahs and crocodiles."  

When he was 10, he had a blocked parotid gland, which is a minor thing, except for the excruciating pain.  While waiting for his CT scan, he was slumped over in the wheelchair with his IV, moaning "Codeine....codeine..."  He had to stay overnight, and when he discovered that they had Nintendo and unlimited chocolate pudding (and yes, codeine), he didn't mind a bit.  

When he was 17, he had his last lip surgery, which made him look exactly like Homer Simpson for a couple of days, so I giggled every time I looked at him (again, I've GOT to find those pics!).  He got really mad when he realized that this last surgery was a purely cosmetic revision (apparently he thought it was something medically required), but he did admit that it made a big difference in how he looked.  

When he was 21 he had a pilonidal cyst removed, which meant he had to wear a wound vac for six weeks and have wound care appointments three times a week during that time.  He developed a staph infection after 3 weeks and MRSA just as he was finishing his wound care appointments. 

Compared to that last experience, he sees this surgery as a piece of cake (and it probably will be).  He has a high pain tolerance and trusts his support team of doctors, nurses and parents, so he doesn't get particularly stressed about it.  He desperately wants to be able to sleep and feel rested.  His chronic sleep deprivation is probably at least partly the cause of his type 2 diabetes, and it certainly doesn't help his depression or his coping skills for his Asperger's and ADHD.  This surgery could mean the difference between living at home forever or being able to be independent and supporting himself.  It's HUGE.

So, all that to say, WE'RE PUMPED!  We've already bought him a personal-sized whiteboard for when talking is difficult, and a bag of gelato spoons for when he can barely open his mouth.  We're planning a Chewing Party in about 3 weeks, with all his favorite foods.  I've started my to-do list and the shopping list.  We'll probably have a few appointments between now and the surgery, between the surgeon and the orthodontist, so I suspect the time will fly.