It has been exactly 1 week since surgery and let me tell you it has not been an easy road. The facial pain is completely gone however the pain in my head first from the incision site and then the cervical spinal fluid was too much to bare. I had too much fluid building up and caused my brain to swell. They had to do a spinal tap to release the pressure. It stopped the pain in my head and I felt better. I actually went home only 2 days postop. BIG mistake! 3 days later my parents rushed me back to the ER with horrible head pain. I could not hold my head up without excrutiating pain. I was re admitted and had to have a blood patch to stop the dermal leak in my back. At first they said it would take no more than an hour for the pathc to work and for the pain to go away. At first I thought was happening but later in the day everything went down hill. The pain was terrible. They gave me a steroid IV with Benedryl and that actually really helped the pain. The pain was starting to abate and I felt better. I was released back home this afternoon and tomorrow I am flying home to Oregon.
I think the biggest thing other than the pain is the sheer exhaustion from this whole event. I can barely go to the bathroom down the hall without having to go lay down. I did not realize how much this was going to take out of me physically.
I hope this does not deter anyone from doing this surgery if it is what you truly want. I can say that the facial pain is really gone and that is great! It is weird but I feel like something is missing, I guess like if I lost a limb or something. I know when the pain goes away and I can regain my strength I can see this surgery as a blessing. I will say that UPMC is an incredible center and the neurosurgeons are amazingly supportive and compassionate. (All three were pretty darn cuteys too I must add!!!)
Anyway, thank you to everyone for all of your prayers and good thoughts. I know that I could not have made this huge decision withou each and everyone of you so I say God Bless all of you!!!
I will keep in touch as often as I can
Tamara
Hi Tamara,
I’m very glad to hear you are doing better. I am sorry that you had so many challenges to overcome…I admire you courage and strength…And as we shared in the past now it the time to …REST …REST…REST…! Listen to your body and allow yourself to heal. It it is worth it…“Take it from Ms Workaholic, I’ll be back in 2 weeks” uhmmm… I am at week four, with no complications, and I am very glad to be at home… still resting .
Peace ,lots of TLC and many blessings sent your way. Sending angel wings to carry you safely back home!
Aleshia
SO glad to hear you are now going home. We missed you hear, and were all quite anxious for an update. thank you for posting!
Now, take yourself home, put yourself to bed and VEG OUT for a few weeks. The tiredness takes a while…I am 7 wks post op and can only manage 4 hrs/day at work before I need my “nap”. So take it easy and let your brain heal on it’s own timetable. You can’t rush it, just follow its lead…
I am glad you are finally being able to fly home. Take it easy. It sounds like it is going to take time. I am looking forward to surgery (if a candidate) but I have learned something. There can be complications and the healing time is slow. I really thought I would be back to work in 2 weeks but that sounds optimistic. Keep in touch when you can. And the worst part is over. I am glad you are pain free. But I know what you mean about missing something. The few days I have had here and there with no pain it is like suddenly you don’t feel your face. It is an awesome feeling. You are still in my prayers. Liz K.
Hi Tamara…So happy that you have this surgery behind you. We will certainly look forward to hearing from you while in the"recovery room". Take care and God bless…Judy
So happy that its overwith good for you and that you are doing better!!!
What kind of surgery did you have? I’m having MVD in less than two weeks and I’m petrified…more than petrified, I can’t even describe what I’m feeling…
You are in my prayers and I’m so glad to hear that the pain is gone!!!
I am so glad to hear from you, but haven’t been on lately so missed your post. I was so worried about you. REST is the best advice. Take care of yourself and let us know how you are doing as soon as you can.
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