Scarlet-Ladder

Yep. It's about a finger's width across at its thickest point (at the back of my skull). When I was little I used to get really freaked out by it, but now it just feels natural, like an over-sized tendon or something. I can also feel it in my neck and chest. I generally hate scarves/turtleneck jumpers because they push against the tubing and make it sore. But in answer to your question, yes I can feel most of it.

1) I've actually had no revisions at all, but don't be surprised if your son needs them. From what I can tell, they're fairly common.

2) I'm restricted from doing boxing (which I don't want to do), rugby (which I want to try, so that's annoying) and skydiving (which I'm not keen on either). Diving may be a no-no, I'm not sure yet. But if you're worried about your son, I can tell you from experience that regular swimming, football, hockey, running, and basketball are all good :)

3) My social life's pretty rubbish, but I suspect that's because I'm an introvert. I have a group of really close friends who all know about it, and they're totally cool with it. They didn't even notice til I told them.

4) I haven't had any issues with my studies at all. I was supposed to be lucky if I could learn to walk and talk after the op, but as you can see, I did. I'm above average in all my studies, and I'm applying to be a vet next year. So all in all, I can say my schoolwork hasn't been affected that much.

5) My coordination's a bit pants, but I have a feeling I'm just clumsy.

6) it was a constant embarrassment when I was little having to tell teachers. This was in case I got an infection, and passed out at school or something. But since I've been at high school, there've been no problems.

7) I haven't, but I promise to check it out. Sorry for the late reply - I've been swamped with messages! D:

I'm not sure...as a general rule I don't like them. But thanks for the thought :)

My thoughts are with you and your sister :( I guess I need to be thankful that I survived. I know it's relatively common, but not everybody makes it through, and I need to remember that.

As for the surgery, no. I'll see if I can find some baby photos though - you can see it way clearer on them. However, seeing as the biggest part of the tubing is at the back of my head, covered by a stupid amount of hair, it's quite hard to see on any photos. It's times like this that I wish the internet was a physical thing. People usually only notice when I guide their hands on my head! (By the way, I don't just go round making people touch my head. It's usually people who are just curious/want proof that I actually have plastic in my brain)