Hello my friends and TN family! It has been at least a couple of months since I updated on how my MVD surgery went (April 12th) and how doing since… WELL:
First: the surgery went well, my neurosurgeon (the BEST doc EVER) found one artery and two veins were the culprits…he was able to perform the surgery without ANY invasive complications to the surrounding nerves (ear, eye, etc). I thank God above for guiding his hands!!
Second: been off ALL meds for 6 weeks now (was on LARGE doses of Trileptal, Tegretol, Lyrica and Clonazepam)…dude - had forgotten how it felt to actually carry on a normal conversation!!! I thank God for that!
Third: was on medical leave (I’m a teacher) since February - about to return to work next week! I’M FREAKIN’ OUT (just a bunch)…not sure how the stress / hours / all of it will affect my recovery - but am excited that the option of being able to return to work is even there!!! Thank God for my job!!
Fourth: please don’t think it has been easy street…I love to talk of the positive and how blessed my family and I have been - BUT - the road I’m traveling is far from done.
We all know it will take a year to heal and I understand why…the TOTAL EXHAUSTION, the RECURRING LOW GRADE FEVERS, the FEAR that every time I have a ‘ping’ of pain or a headache or an earache might mean my worst nightmare is returning…are all things that I know will gradually improve as time goes by; so far so good!!
It has been a little over 3 months and LIFE IS WORTH LIVING AGAIN!!!
THANK YOU MY LORD ABOVE!!
If you are considering the surgery - please feel free to ask me questions…vent your concerns…I get it! I whole heartedly recommend it (but do your homework and get the best doc’s you can - they are worth it!!)
I was wondering about you! I remember back when you had to make the wrenching decision that it takes to do this and the courage to leave your life on hold - with TN and with MVD
I"m happy that you will be able to dive into the chaos of a new school year --- BUT - don't over do it 1st semester especially!
Try not to work overtime, take on extra projects, etc.
When I had my 5% pain come back - I was glad I had a soft place to land here.... twas all worth it!
Hi Cris,
So pleased for you that the surgury has been successful, it sounds like you had a wonderful surgeon who has really been able to help. It must be a relief to be off the medication, it can be so debilitating.
Good luck returning to work and don’t forget to still take time out for you. Best wishes for the rest of your recovery and enjoy being back in the classroom.
Hi Cris, great to hear from you, our mvds were just a few days apart, so happy to hear how well you’re doing!! I hear ya on the exhaustion!
Incredible to think how far we’ve come!
I hope as you prepare to get back to work you’re able to find a balance and still rest.
I’ve been off work since Nov.2011 and at my last doctor appt. he said no to my returning back to work this fall…I was a little disappointed, but also somewhat relieved as the exhaustion has been overwhelming. We’re just going to play it by ear for now.
Continued healing,please update again soon, (( hugs )) Mimi
Glad to hear your MVD went well and you are recovering. No one can understand how exhausting this is unless they have experienced it personally. As a fellow teacher, I wish you well returning to the classroom. Remember to take care of yourself and let others take on the "extra" projects and workload. If your experience is anything like mine, it will take all you have just to meet your teaching requirements and the needs of your students.
Cris I remember you and Fred being on here together both teachers and both suffering so much. I am so pleased for you what an answer to prayer it has been. I now pray for your return to work and I continue to pray for Fred. xx
Thanks for the advice brownkat…it’s gonna be ‘real’ for sure! I’m not real sure how its gonna be, but I’m hopeful - how are you??
Thanks for the prayers elstep…I haven’t heard from Fred in a while; gonna have to MSG him! Hope your doing well!
