My MVD was on the 21st, last Wednesday. I went in at 6am, and surgery started at 8. While cutting, they tore my vertebral vein, so it took a little longer than expected. But, they did find a large vein wrapped around my trigeminal nerve! I was so incredibly scared that they wouldnt find anything because my MRI was clear. In fact, I woke up in the PICU and the first thing i could say was "did they find anything?" My mom said they did and I repeatedly said "Im so happy" for a good 5 minutes! I havent had any facial pain since before the surgery now! :)
I was in the hospital for much longer than expected - 7 days. For the first few days, any movement made me dry heave or vomit. After that passed, my neck was in so much pain from all the dry heaving. I had to be on high doses of valium (for muscle spasms), lortab, and morphine. Now that I'm home though, i am feeling so so so much better! I am walking around (sort of), sitting up for longer periods of time, and taking so much less pain meds. I havent started to wean off of my tegretol yet though:\ I am still in a considerable amount of neck and incision pain, but i know that will go away. I get my staples out on thursday. the incision is 3 inches long and i have 22 staples. I will post pictures later...
I am just so so so so so happy words cant even describe! I would recommend this surgery to anyone! and to anyone who has hesitant doctors, just be persistent!!! My doctor was so against me having this surgery, but after trying everything else possible and me constantly asking about it, it is done! I know it is really early to be saying this, but i think im cured. I think my battle with this awful and terrible disease is done. I am so happy. I hope that everyone with tn can feel this happiness someday too! You just have to keep hope!!!
A quote that kept me going through rough times is "And once the storm is over, you wont remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You wont even be sure, in fact, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain.. When you come out of the storm, you wont be the same person who walked in. Thats what the storm is all about."
I love all my tn friends so much and without all of your support, i dont think i couldve done it. This support group is a blessing <3