Surgery causes brain damage???!!!

[carrielulu]

http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/internet/news/Archives03/neuroscience03.cfm

im freaking out!!!!!!!!!!!

[Candice]

Sweetie, you are going to find a lot of scary stuff out there. Our doctors told us to be careful with researching on the internet, yes it has a wealth of information, but sometimes it can just be too much. To me, this is kind of like when they discovered that the artificial sweetener saccarin, commonly branded as "Sweet 'N Low". causes cancer in rats. :crazy The rats consumed MASS quantities of the stuff, much more than a human could ever consume in a lifetime. We also have to remember that we aren't rats! LOL I know this is scary for you, and you're trying to learn as much as you can. There are many of us on this board whose children have been anestitized and they don't show signs of brain damage. Don't get yourself too worked up. :hugg

[Jacksmum3]

Yes these things we sometimes find to read scare me scenseless, but Jack has had lots of operations and procedures where he has been put to sleep and he is doing great and alot further ahead than others his age.
Here is all of Jacks :- newborn for exomphalos op, then CT, then FOA, then another CT, then grommets (ear tubes), then ICP monitering, thats it for now but he is due another set of Grommets and tummy op and CT or icp wire to be put in. I would not worry yourself over this. Tc Annmarie x

[Janet]

My n/s and p/s told me not to read anything online because you're already freaked out as it is and there is a lot of stuff out there that isn't true. :hugg

[Jennifer]

I know it's scary...and I think anesticia (sp??) is the scariest part...we were told that was the riskiest part of surgery...but nothing about memory loss and stuff like that. I've never heard of a child having those effects...and as many surgeries that are performed on infants/toddlers now, you'd think there would be some cases popping up like crazy if this was going to be an effect. The internet is a wonderful thing, but also has a ton of information that may not be necessary for us nervous moms to read. I had to stop reading all the research and just focus on the support groups....surgery was going to happen for us, all the random studies just added to my worry and confusion. Reading about all the positive outcomes is what helped me best.
:hugg :hugg

[carrielulu]

yes you are right, thanks all..you've calmed my nerves!! yeah you'd think they would have caught on by now if this were true...

[MikenAustinsMommy]

I drove myself crazy researching before Austin's surgery as well. It's been almost 2 years since his surgery and he always gets "above average" on his benchmarks during his Dr visits.

[craniomommynbaby]

Relax, hon! I have been through cranio surgery (1977), eye muscle surgery (1977), wisdom tooth extraction (1995), a c-section (2004), and foot surgery (2006). I am alive and well, and I do not have signs of brain damage. In fact, I am a math professor at a college in my area. We have to take these research articles with a grain of salt. I agree with the previous post about the studies done with rats, and I am not so sure that it is a good comparison to humans. Your little person is going to amaze you. The cranio journey is a rollercoaster of emotions for the parents, but we are here if you need to lean, vent, etc.

[carrielulu]

thanks!!!!!!!! phew!

[Christina's_Mommy]

My dear, my hubby is 30 years old and was only given a 10% chance to live at most. He has had so many surgeries regarding a trach he had to have off and on till he was 22-23 years old. He still had a few procedures since that time. He is just fine. In fact, to me he's a genius! (ok, I'm biased...so what??) :crazy My daughter is awaiting surgery likely sometime this winter/early spring. If what I have read online is what really happens, I would not allow her doctor to touch her.
Just make sure that you use someone who is reputable, and know what you are going into. Like the others have said, don't take it all to heart what is online. It only makes you worry worse. Trust me!! I know! :banghead <--- That is all it makes you do.