Hey guys, just wanted to say yesterday was my 3rd week anniversary post MVD and things are still going great.
I lowered Oxcarbazapine from 1200mg to 600mg/day and nortriptyline from 100mg to 75mg and still feel great, in 2 more weeks I'll try to lower them again.
I haven't been back to my neuro since having the MVD cause working full time 40 minutes away takes most of my day. It's probably time to reconnect with him.
I have a little ache in a couple spots every now and then but nothing like it was. I'd do the MVD in a heartbeat again. Sadly my scar healed up and doesn't look nearly as awesome as it did...
All in all the MVD was a piece of cake. I spent 2 nights in the hospital, got my staples out after 8 days and went back to work starting a new full time job 9 days post-op (also driving 40 min each way) as a programmer. From the moment I woke up in ICU I felt like a million bucks, mentally fine, and still do 3 weeks later. Work has been awesome, I feel awesome, what can I say?
It's terrifying going in for surgery, I'm the last person you'll find in a hospital under any circumstances, I faint at the site or thought of needles and IV's. But it was a breeze. Last thing I remember was the prep nurse saying "Lets go meet your surgical teem" as the anesthesiologist put something in my IV and I don't remember meeting anyone lol
All I remember was waking up in ICU to them saying to stay awake and they were getting my girlfriend (which took 2.5 hours to wake up after 4.5 hr surgery). The pain management was fine. The worst thing was sore muscles around the incision where he peeled them back from the skull, but muscle relaxers helped a ton and everything else was just plain numb for a week after surgery which is better than hurting.
I was pleasantly surprised by the ease of the whole thing and waking up to a mountain of relief. 3 days after surgery I was walking to the store and felt like a million bucks.
YeY Shindig! Glad to hear how well you’re doing! Are you loving your new job?
I had to laugh about your “awesome scar” comment, lol
Glad to hear the med reduction is going well too, as you know mine went too quickly causing me some unpleasant (to say the least) TN pain days!
Happy to report though that I’m doing well.
I’m staying at 1200 mg Tegretol for now (partly for my right side TN as well as to give my left side nerve a little more time to heal)
Energy levels are picking up but still Low. I do find I am feeling better each day.
I’ve noticed even still being on Tegretol, that my brain is clearer, feels like I’m coming out of that fog of “dumbness” just by removing the Baclofen and Dilantin.
I have mild discomfort around the incision, more of a pressure type feeling as it continues to heal inside, on the outside, it’s healed well, hard to see as the hair grows in.
The biggest surprise for me has been the low energy levels…I assumed I’d have more by now. My husband keeps reminding me that I had brain surgery, not to rush etc etc…ya, I know…
It’s exactly a month today since my MVD. Happy anniversary to me. I have NO regrets, although the fear of pain returning lingers behind every shadow, I’m trying hard not to think about it too much.
So pleased for your incredible recovery! Continued well being my friend,
Mimi xx
Hey Lee, so glad your recovery is right on course. This is wonderful news! As my doctor and I always say there is lite at the end of tunnel. How is your new job going? If your happy at work thats positive on your continued recovery. Wishing you the very best and letting you knkw we all still think of you. You have begun a new life for yourself and girlfriend.
My Best
Joannexo
I'm sorry I didn't write to you sooner. I was telling Mimi today that I have a hard time maneuvering this site (finding new and old posts, etc.). I hope you're doing well after your MVD and that you're healing quickly. I'm sending thoughts and prayers your way today. :)
Your job sounds amazing!! Are they hiring (I live in Kirkland, but I'm a photographer, not a graphic designer)? lol
It’s just great to know you’re doing so well and have been able to jump right into a super new job that looks like fun.
Let us know when you check in with your NS.
I have some idea of what you’re doing. One of my daughters was a producer for an on- line children’s game with a smaller studio. Now she’s gone over to Ubisoft. Her partner is a designer. Anyway, you’ve got some really cool stuff to work on and your boss sounds terrific!
Hi. Glad that you have been feeling so great so soon after MDV. It is nearly two months since I underwent MDV. I agree with you that I feel better than I have for a long time however I think that to describe the operation as a piece of cake could be quite disconcerting for people who have a different outcome. My medication is very low now and I have no face pain however the right side of my face is numb and feels as though I have had injections for tooth removal. It needs to be remembered that no two people have exactly the same type of operation, are the same age, and recover at the same speed. Nevertheless It is wonderful that you are one of the lucky ones.
