Could this be from iron pills? [Archive] - National Scoliosis Foundation Forums

flowerpower

12-02-2005, 11:35 AM

Need some advice - last night before bed, Joseph brought to my attention to a swollen gland in his neck that wasn't there before. It's not a gland under the jaw that would indicate a sore throat, but rather on the side of his neck. It's painful to touch, and I thought there was another gland on the other side of his neck that felt somewhat swollen, but that one did not hurt. I went ahead and sent him to school and may take him to get checked out at urgent care later if it does not go down or get bigger. Did anyone's child have anything similar to this and could it be from the iron pills he started taking this week? I'm feeling a little frantic right now, we don't need this on top of everything else.......

Thanks,

Renee

Carmell

12-02-2005, 02:50 PM

Hi Renee,

If you are talking about a swollen gland under the ear (and behind a little) I personally had this happen in September this year. I felt like I looked like Frankenstein! I went to the doc thinking it was an infection, but he (the doc) told me it was a virus - an adult version of the mono virus. Great, NOT. The swollen glands that are sore to the touch are likely infected and may need antibiotics to clear up completely. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue (walking a short flight of stairs is exhausting) etc.

Good luck!

flowerpower

12-02-2005, 06:30 PM

Thanks, that's what I'm afraid of. I called the ortho's office this morning, who referred me to the blood bank, who referred me to our pediatrician (who I should have called in the first place, stupid me) our pediatrician's office didn't return my call unitl 5pm and by then Joe and his dad are already on their way to urgent care. What made me question it was he has no other sypmtoms, when he was sick before he was tired, ran a fever, etc. He just recently had strep throat + 1 relapse; don't know what a possible 3rd round of antib's will do to his immune system, kinda worries me about post-op recovery or if surgery may be put off? Oh well, I'll just wait til they get home and we'll take it from there.

Renee

nikyergen

12-03-2005, 12:23 AM

Renee,
Keep us posted on your son. I am praying that he will be alright and that his surgery will go as scheduled. I am so sorry you got the run around (I guess not run around) from the Dr. Office's. Everyone wants you to talk to someone else, and then it takes forever before you get an answer that is so terribly needed. What I try to do is kind of catagorize Crystal's medical needs. She has severe asthma, glomular nephritis, scoliosis/kyphosis and foot deformities, and general health. I take her to her asthma specialist for asthma and colds, her nephrologist for anything pertaining to her kidneys and urinary track, her ortho surgeon for anything to do with her bones, and her GP for all those other things that don't have a specialist for her yet (and hopefully won't have any more). It's hard to keep it sorted out sometimes, but it does save me a lot of headache on who I need to call for what. It took me a long time to figure it out. It didn't happen over night. I kept getting referred from one doctor to the other, and I finally figured out who to call for what.

Hang in there. I think you are doing a great job. The thought of surgery is enough stress, and then add the stress of trying to keep your son healthy for surgery is a whole new story. Crystal almost didn't get her surgery because she kept gettig the creeping crud at school. Finally took her out of school three weeks before surgery to get her healthy and keep her healthy. I don't suggest that option, but it is an option.

Keep us posted.

With prayers,
Nikki

flowerpower

12-03-2005, 08:25 AM

Thanks Nikki,

Well, it is strep again, so another round of antibiotics :( There's alot of bad stuff going around here right now, at younger son's elementary school class last week we got a notice that strep and chicken pox are going around. With 3 kids at 3 different schools we are getting exposed to quite a bit, but Joseph seems to be the one hardest hit, still can't believe strep again The doc he saw last night told my hubby that Joseph should be ok to give blood today and even though the virus may be in this unit of blood, when surgery time comes they pump them up with so many antibiotics that even if the virus is introduced back into his system it should get knocked back down by the antibiotics. I don't know, will call the blood bank about that before our appt. today. Oh yeah, another thing doctor suggested was maybe having Joseph's tonsills removed since he has been sick so much lately. My immediate thought was "ok, this is starting to sound like getting the car tuned up"! Wonder how Dr. Newton would feel about removing tonsills while he's "under the hood" :rolleyes:

I hope Joseph won't have to miss school as finals are coming up, he would'nt be happy about that. But Monday we have our appt. with the surgical coordinator for the hospital tour so I'll get her opinion and I will also talk to the school nurse on Monday.

Thanks again for the advice and words of encouragement. Helps me keep my head on straight :) Hope you have a good day!

Renee

nikyergen

12-03-2005, 11:27 AM

Renee,
I know how stressful it is for you right now. Been there, done that. Hang in there. A year from now you will sit and ponder the problems with you son being sick before surgery and wonder how you survived the whole thing.

For the three weeks before Crystal's surgery, when we kept her home, I limited her friends that came to visit her and had strict rules when they did come. If they had the slightest sniffle, they could visit, but had to keep their distance. The boyfriend wasn't happy at all. I wouldn't even let him kiss her on the cheek or take her on a date during that time. But, I am very glad I did it. Paid off in the end.

It was interesting to hear you mention tonsils. I was thinking about that the other day with our girls. All three of them, along with their dad, still have their tonsils. The only one that usually has gets very sick is Crystal. But, she doesn't have a problem with Strep. Her problem is usually colds that attach the lungs, because of her asthma.

Things will get easier. I know you are concerned about your son being sick, but take care of yourself too. Nothing worse than mom being sick during something like this. I don't know about your house, mom still has to take care of everyone when she is sick. And, who takes care of mom, MOM. So, make sure you are eating good and getting plenty of rest, you will need all the energy you have at the hospital.

Lots of prayers,
Nikki

flowerpower

12-04-2005, 09:29 AM

Well, I called the blood bank yesterday morning. The nurse said,"absolutely no blood can be donated until 24 hrs. after the last dose of medication and he has to be virus free. Otherwise, it would be like giving him a "bag of bacteria" (that's what I was thinking also). That is their criteria and they are also governed by the FDA.

Now we will need to have family donate and hopefully Joseph will be able to donate 1 unit when he is well, which would put him donating blood 6 days before his surgery. Will talk all this over with surgical coordinator at our appt. tomorrow. Just thought I would post the above info in case it would be helpful to anyone.

Take Care All,

Renee

nikyergen

12-05-2005, 11:13 AM

Renee, I am so glad you called the blood bank. I was shocked the doctor told your husband and son what he did. Like you, I felt why would you even want to reinfect him like that. I am also glad that your son should be better by surgery time. Maybe sometime in the future the tonsils will need to come out, but you can still get strep without tonsils. Keep us posted on how you are doing as you get closer to surgery. We are all here for you.

Nikki

flowerpower

12-05-2005, 08:25 PM

Thanks alot, Nikki. Yes, I was really surprised the doctor said it was still ok to give blood, it just didn't sound right. I told the surgical coordinator at the hospital tour today and she said that's why they defer all questions regarding blood to the blood bank; they have their own very strict criteria that has to be followed.

The hospital tour went way better than I expected. I was such an emotional wreck over the weekend I didn't think I would be able to hold up very well. My saving grace was all the information I learned here; I was very prepared and pretty much knew what to expect. We saw the surgery & recovery area, patient rooms, waiting area; saw a model of the spine with the instrumentation, and the various equipment Joseph would be hooked up to. The real surprise was the surgical coordinator was the one who got really teary towards the end of the visit! That almost set me off, but I was able to hold it together. Joseph was pretty quiet as was to be expected, but he asked a couple of questions here and there, main concern was being put out so he wouldn't feel anything. I think we are getting to that point where you just want to get it over with! Like our dr. said to us the last time we saw him, "the "before" part of the surgery is the hardest, and that's the one part I can't do anything about".

So now the countdown begins. Lots to do with school finals, Christmas preparations but it is also keeping us very busy, which is good right now. I am grateful to everyone for all the good info, advice and support posted here, its helped me this far and will carry me through surgery and beyond. Take care everyone, will post more later.

Renee

nikyergen

12-05-2005, 10:13 PM

Renee, If it is any consolation, the "before" surgery is the very hardest. If it makes you feel better, you are being very normal. I used to cry after the kids were off to school and my husband was at work. I just about had a nervous breakdown last winter over the whole thing. I finally had to stand back, put it in God's hands, and learn to deal with it. My 17 year old daughter was being way stronger than I was. She would hear me crying at night after everyone was in bed and come out and hold me. Sometimes she would call me into her room and we would lay in her bed talking about it. She kept telling me "Let go, let God." Hard thing to do.

The day before surgery was Crystal's worst day. We had to leave Sunday, her pre-op stuff was all done on Monday, with surgery on Tuesday. Dr. Krajbich sensed Crystal's fears and talked directly to her. He was sure to answer all her questions, along with the anesthesiologist, and various other techs. Crystal's biggest concern was being sure that she was put out and wouldn't know a thing going on. She was afraid she might wake up in the middle of surgery and something horrible would happen. They were all so reassuring to her.

We are all here for you and praying.
Nikki

flowerpower

12-06-2005, 11:09 AM

Yeah Nikki, this was sort of a "breakthrough" weekend for me. After crying pretty much all weekend I had a prayer/talk with God and put it all in his hands. He helped us find our good doctor and hospital and I know He will watch over Joseph as he goes through this. I felt somewhat calmer yesterday and today and was the one reassuring the anxious grandparents. I am kind of worried about my hubby's parents, they are both up there in age and have heart problems. My mother-in-law actually had a mild heart attack during their Thanksgiving get-together so I try to be as calm and upbeat as I can. Joseph is quiet, but is ok with it. He is able to "see down the road" and realizes it will improve his quality of life as an adult, as well as now. Will keep in touch, better get up off this chair and make some phone calls. Take care -

Renee

Laura P

12-06-2005, 08:25 PM

Renee,
We are scheduled three days before youall on Dec. 16 in B'ham, AL. We just got back from our preop day and everything went well. Scheduled for T-2 to L-1 posterior fusion. I am with you on the nerves issue. I do good but just cry at the drop of a hat. Just can't wait to be on the other side with everyone else. Hope your sons infection is better. That is one thing our doctor told us today that we would have to post pone if she gets sick between now and then. Our daughter is 17 and has her finals too. She is able to take them early so she is done before break. Keep us up to date as we will with youall. Prayers are with youall and everyone else on here. I too am doing alot of talking to God and turning it over to him.

Laura P

nikyergen

12-06-2005, 10:57 PM

Renee, I am glad you are letting things go. It is hard to put things we want to control in God's hands. You already know He helped you find the best doctor and hospital for your son. He will also help you take care of your in-laws as the surgery comes to a close. He will help your mother-in-law have the strength she needs to get through this with you.

Laura P, Crying at the drop of a hat is perfectly normal. Especially if someone should just look at you wrong. You are tired and trying to keep everyone pleased and happy. Take care of yourself too.

To all of you waiting for surgery, right now is an important time keeping your kids healthy. It may one of the most difficult things you have tried to achieve in a few days/weeks. I found the biggest thing is to have them keep their hands clean at home and most importantly at school.

You all will make it. It will be done and over with before you know it. I know I wondered why I got so worried before hand, once my daughter was safely back in her room. Today, I just want to be a reassurance everything will be okay and you are all very normal moms.

Love & prayers,
Nikki

flowerpower

12-07-2005, 01:04 PM

Thanks again Nikki, any kind word helps so much. Hope all goes well for you and your daughters.

Laura, I will be thinking of any praying for you and your daughter that Friday. We will be finishing up our final lab work and PFT that day. Good thing Joseph's vacation starts that day, hopefully we can get those things done extra early, I'd like to plan something really fun for him. Your daughter is fortunate she can take her finals early, for some reason they do not allow it here. But one of Josephs teachers mentioned that grades can be changed 3 weeks into the new semester and those rules may be flexible when major surgery is involved. Hope so as this will help a great deal. Joseph already has at least 1 assignment to make up still and he will miss his biology final on the 13th when we have our last pre-op appt. Hope all goes well with you these last few days and your daughter stays healthy for surgery. Take care everyone,

Renee

AnnLF

12-12-2005, 03:44 PM

Renee and Laura,

These last few days are the hardest on the nerves, but try to keep busy with inane things...I found it actually kept me from over-focusing on the surgery. My daughter had hers on Nov. 30 and the days leading up to it were incredibly hard. Go see a silly movie, go the mall, read junky celebrity magazines...The magic word there is junky. (I don't normally give a hoot about Jessica and Nick, but it was a mindless diversion.) I'm a huge reader of books, but I found them to be of no help. Don't try to do anything that takes much concentration.

I'll be praying for both your kids -- Joseph -- and what's your daughter's name, Laura? My daughter is 17 also -- she was the biggest kid in pediatric intensive care!

Keep signing on to this website. The folks who gather here are amazing -- particularly Nikki who is a source of great information and emotional support. It was such a comfort. And that's really what you need most these days.

Keeping you all in my prayers, Ann

Laura P

12-12-2005, 05:22 PM

Ann,

My daughters name is Jamie. She will not be in a pediatric hospital but everyone said they do many teens at this hospital. They said they take really good care of them and when we were there for pre-op everyone was so, so nice. I am a nurse talking about not doing anything that requires concentration and I told the girls at work to make sure I am doing ok. I loose my train of thought so easy. Work is fine but at home I am so scattered brain. This to shall pass. Thanks for the encouragement and I am looking forward to getting this behind us.

Laura P.

P.S. I can't wait to hear how David did today.

AnnLF

12-12-2005, 09:01 PM

Jaime. Jaime from Alabama. She'll be in our prayers from here on out. We're not even to the 2-week date yet from my daughter's surgery, but I was wowed by all these folks in this forum who were praying for my Liz. And I promised that as soon as I could, I would start returning the favor for people who were in that pre-surgical state of mind. So, I will tell Liz that there is another girl her very age who is at that point she was just a few weeks ago. We'll keep you in our prayers. Ann

Laura P

12-12-2005, 10:12 PM

Ann,

Thank you so much. How is Liz doing now? I know what you mean on wow from this forum. This has been a God send. Just knowing what to expect and what is normal and what might not be, and just developing friends over the internet that you have so much in common with. Thank you and I hope youall are doing good.
Laura
Daughter - Jamie from AL

nikyergen

12-12-2005, 11:50 PM

Ladies, I wish I could be there to hold your hands. You are so close to being through this surgery. You will be on the other side soon. And once you are there, you will understand what we mean by being on the other side. It is a whole new deal. Your concerns will be on your child's comfort and recovery. Don't be afraid to cry after you leave you child before surgery, it was probably the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. And, crying when you see them after surgery is normal too. You are just so releaved to have them back in one piece. My husband was so wonderful. He did everything he could to comfort me. Little did I realize how upset he was, but was using all his strength to hold me up.

Once on the other side, you have a whole new set of worries. The fights with siblings, wanting to be back to normal and then they will drive you absolutely insane. We have had the fist fights with the sisters, chasing dad through the house and jumping over the door to the dishwasher, and laughing at mom while she was in tears because she was afraid that the surgery child would get hurt doing all these antics. Now, what do I do. Well, I turn the other cheek. Ha, I've fixed them. I just ignore it now. It took a long time to get there, but I got there. I can't wrap her in bubble wrap, she'll just drive me nuts popping the little bubbles to get out of the bubble wrap.

As your child heals, you will always keep a keen eye out, but you will figure out that they usually won't do anything harmful to themselves.

I want you to all know that my love and prayers are coming in groves to all of you.

Keep us posted on how things are going. Remember to be your childs advocate in the hospital. Don't be alarmed when they don't want to eat. And don't get scared when they don't have a bowel movement. Crystal's doctor finally told the nurses to leave her alone and that once she got home a bowel movement would happen in the privacy of her own home. He was so right. But, we also used OTC stool softeners before hand and after we got home to help with this issue.

All my love and prayers and a Merry Christmas to you all and your families.

'til later,
Nikki

Cheryl M

12-13-2005, 06:23 AM

Laura and Renee,

My prayers to both families and your children. Being two weeks post-op I can assure you that the before is much much worse than the after. We had some pretty rough times in the hospital but once we got home the recovery is mind blowing. Youth!!! They heal so quickly. Yesterday at our post-op the PA was joking and telling everyone that I wasn't the least concerned about the surgery and I never called her with questions. I must have called her 50 times since August and she was so good to answer my questions.

When we said goodbye to Briann at 6:40 a.m. I couldn't believe I didn't cry. God does amazing things when we give it all to HIM. We went down to the cafeteria to get some coffee and there was her Dr. ordering breakfast. We all joked about who was operating on her. I told him that I trusted him to take care of my baby and to do a great job. He assured me he would. I made sure he got a healthy breakfast. Evidently the anesthesiologist and others have quite a bit of work to do before the surgery begins. Briann doesn't remember entering the OR and I don't think her surgery started until 8 o'clock.

Prayers and best wishes to both of you and I pray that both mom's will feel God and his amazing ability to give peace and comfort.

Cheryl

flowerpower

12-13-2005, 07:37 AM

Good morning ladies, and many thanks for all the kind words of encouragement and advice. I agree how amazing it can feel to give it all over to God. I have been much calmer (and no tears!) this week, even as I explain to friends and family the procedure, recovery, etc. After my iron pill "fiasco" last week, I realized just how overtired and panicked I was, have been making sure to get adequate rest and nutrition. We have the final pre-op with our surgeon today, and later this afternoon Joseph, his dad and I will each donate a unit of blood for surgery. I am kind of anxious to see how much Joe's curves have progressed since last exam in July. I am praying doctor will not decide to include any more vertebrae to fusion. Will post later tonite about appt. and blood donation. You guys are all awesome, I appreciate each and every one of you for being here :)
Gotta get these kids ready for school - talk to y'all later!

REnee

AnnLF

12-13-2005, 08:23 AM

Hi All,

Cheryl is so right--the before part, believe it or not, is the worst. Once Liz went into surgery, there was a sense of calm that overtook us. It was in God's hands then. Also, here's a little tip. We got a prescription for Xanax which helped immensely -- it took the edge off.

Liz was in surgery 11 hours -- she had anterior and posterior, plus the thoracoplasty. She's doing amazingly well. Walking around the house a couple of times a day and manuevering the stairs like a pro. She's somewhat tenative -- one of us is always there with a hand at her elbow. But I keep telling her she's doing all the work -- the hand is only there "just in case."

Just before they wheeled Liz away, I had a wallet-sized photo of her in her tennis uniform with her racquet-- smiling, healthy & happy. I handed it to her doctor who was so happy about it and he hung it up in the operating room. I don't know, for some reason that was very comforting to me...knowing that the whole surgical team could see that she just wasn't another "spine." You might want to do that.

During her surgery, we had friends and family popping in and out. At one point, we played Spades. It was all about diversions. We got about 4 phone calls from the operating room during her surgery, which also helped a lot. After the wake-ups tests, especially, since of course, it's the neurological aspect that's the most un-nerving.

Hang in there Renee and Laura. Please know that Joseph and Jaime are in our prayers here -- and you two Moms. You're getting closer to the day when you reach the "other side" and it's downhill from there. You're still climbing up and and that, my friends, is the hardest.

Love, Ann

Laura P

12-13-2005, 11:34 PM

Thanks again for the encouragement. Almost there. Ann, We have done something that Jamie dosn't know about. We made buttons that have her picture on it and say "Jamie's Recoup Troup". We are going to give several out tomorrow night at church and we will let her give some to her friends at school Thurs. Then we will take some with us to the hospital to give her surgeon and nurses. I am comfortable about her surgery just ready to get it over with. Still can't talk about it without shedding a tear it is just the anticipation. Thanks again for everything and lots of prayers are going up for everyone.
Renee, my thoughts and prayers will be with youall Monday. I am not sure if I will have internet or not. So I may not post again until after we get home.

Laura P.

dancermom

12-14-2005, 07:36 AM

Dear Laura and Renee, I will also be keeping Jamie and Joseph in my prayers as we were among the group that just had surgery a little over 2 weeks ago. I have to admit that I am very happy to be on "this side" of the surgery although recovery has been very hard at times. There will be improvement every day though and when you look at the big picture it is just amazing how quickly their young bodies heal and they move on.

The buttons sound like a great idea. We had the green scoliosis bracelets that she gave family and her close friends that we ordered from the National Scoliosis Foundation. That helped her friends feel like they were connected to her. It also does help when so many friends and church family come to sit in the waiting room with you and they call and just let you know they are praying and care. Your tears are very natural and I still cry fairly easily at times. Make sure to rest when you can over these next few days and remember that you have many people praying for your families.

I cried when they took Elizabeth from the preop room toward surgery as she was looking at me with some fear in her eyes, but then what I realized afterwards was that the drug they put in her IV made her not remember a thing and she doesn't even remember being prayed for in the room before heading to surgery or us walking her down to the surgery doors. Just know that the doctors will take very good care of your children and know that they are in God's hands.

Praying for Jamie (Dec. 16th) and Joseph (Dec. 19th).

Connie

flowerpower

12-14-2005, 11:22 AM

Hey everyone, we had our final pre-op with our doctor yesterday. Did the necessary x-rays and doctor determined Joseph's scoli had progressed to 60T/53L. His Risser still measures 0, but the doctor said something about the tri(ratial/radial??) cartiledge showing some maturity (now that I am thinking about it, Joe was called back to the x-ray room and he said they took a picture of his hand, so maybe the cartiledge thing had to do with the hand x-ray). due to the aggressive progression over the past few months, he will start the fusion at T4. Due to Joseph's age he was leaving open the possibility of a selective fusion, but curves are large & progressing faster than he expected so he will fuse to L4. Blood donation went ok, Joe was able to donate and he did an awesome job, the ladies all fawned over him. Its kind of funny, after months of reading through this forum and spinekids, I kind of "forgot" just how unusual it is for kids at this young of an age to donate blood at all, much less for their own surgery. They are all so brave about it, I look up to them! Thanks to everyone for the prayers, definitely helps hold me up and get through the day and hearing everyone's stories actually makes me look forward to getting this over with and on to the "other side". Ann, Cheryl, & Connie I am so glad to hear the girls are working their way through the discomfort and improving everyday. Laura P., heartfelt wishes to you and Jamie, your day is just around the corner. I pray for strength for your family, and an uncomplicated surgery and uneventful recovery for Jamie. Take care and please keep us posted when you are able.

Godspeed,Renee

Laura P

12-14-2005, 10:57 PM

Renee,

Thanks for the special thoughts and prayers. So many people are praying there is no way God can't hear. This is so encouraging. We leave tomorrow and I don't know if we will have internet there or not so may be a week before I get to post again. Everyone have a great week and good holiday. Look forward to being over the hump and home healing. We surprised Jamie tonight with special buttons that said "Jamie's recoop troop", with her picture. We let her youth ministers wear them while they went caroling. She went crazy trying to figure out where they came from. Then we met with our elders for a special prayer after church. She was excited and kind of overwhelmed but in great mood and such positive attitude. She is our little trooper as many of you mothers know. They are so tough to go through with this and be so brave. Thanks again to everyone. We have people all over town wearing these buttons on Friday and calling them her prayer buttons so everyone will remember to think about her and send up a special prayer. Just an idea if anyone is interested. Prayers to all.

Laura P.

Cheryl M

12-15-2005, 08:04 AM

Praying for Jamie and Joseph!
Cheryl

AnnLF

12-15-2005, 07:32 PM

laura, Jaime's Recoup Troop...what a terrific idea! I wish I had one...I'd wear all day long tomorrow. But even without it, she will be in my prayers.

Renee, this will be a tough weekend for you. Try to see a movie...or two or three! Remember, something mindless, nothing heavy. I'll be thinking of Joseph and praying that his surgery is a success.

Think about it -- by Monday evening you both will be on the "other side."
And trust me, it's a better place to be.

Keeping you all my in my thoughts and prayers, Ann

flowerpower

12-15-2005, 11:49 PM

Hey everyone, thanks for the thoughts and prayers. I'm waiting for Joseph to return home. Some of his favorite buddies got together today after finals and spent the afternoon/evening with him. I'm so glad he's got that to take his mind off everything. Tomorrow is the PFT and final lab work at the hospital. This whole week just flew by, and this weekend will go even faster I'm sure. I'm trying to finish up Christmas shopping, but if I don't get it all done, then oh well, I'm sure I'll be forgiven (this year only though, lol) for any belated gifts. Hope everyone's holidays are filled with peace, joy and the love of family and friends.

Renee