Was finding out my sibling has to have surgery terrifying? Yes, it was. I had no idea what any of it would entail. Initially, we were both little kids when he had his first one. I don't remember much of his surgeries back then, but they said it would help him. There were, as there are with many things, risks. But those were far overshadowed by the benefits. Then, at least. But now that we're older and know more, there's the knowledge that risks and complications could happen. Does that mean I'd much rather he deal with the consequences of his conditions? No, never. It's just that I understood more than what I did back then.
When he first had surgeries, my brother was understandably scared about what was to come. It's hard to explain to children that getting cut open will help them feel better. So, the adults decided how to help him not be as scared. Thus, Saggy Baggy the elephant and Zipper the monkey became his new friends. The doctors even gave Saggy Baggy a hair net and patched him up. That way, my brother didn't feel so alone.
I can't remember the time frame in which Saggy Baggy and Zipper were introduced, but they have been inseparable ever since the first few surgeries. I didn't blame him, after all, how could you not feel brave having a monkey and elephant by your side?
In total, in his 18 years of life, my brother has had 14 surgeries. And I remember how lonely it was having my parents be up at the hospital with him for most of that time. There were times I got to be up there but they didn't want me worried. So, I stayed with my grandparents when he had the surgeries.
YOU ARE READING
Zipper's Adventures
Non-FictionThis is a story of my brother's surgeries for scoliosis and heart issues. This will have advice and information from me, my brother, and my parents to help child patients and their families with the scariness of hospitals and surgeries.
