I am having my MVD February 10th I was wondering what I need to know about when you wake up from the surgery and about the recovery and the do's and don't's
Thank You I am really excited to finally get it done and nervous also
Hi Kat,
Here is my MVD story... if you have the patience to read it! It's long... sorry. I haven't quite weaned off all of the meds and I am going great. No pain. The nerve does make itself known... that's the best way I can explain it. Meaning I am aware of it and sometimes feel sensations, but I haven't felt any pain at all in a long time. Praise the Lord!! Best of luck to you!
The doctor said I would be find in 2 weeks although I have read on here it may take longer. My family seems to think I will be all better in 2 weeks What do I tell them If I mention it may take longer they think I am a drama queen. would like some brief information Please sorry Juliet
My Family is against the surgery. The surgeon Told me it is my life not theirs I agree but tell your family that they get mad
No one has any responses Please
Kat..you had asked whether you would be fine in 2 weeks and I will say everyone is different. I had my surgery 31 years ago.5 days after surgery I noticed what looked like a blister near my incision. Turned out it was a spinal fluid leak so went back in hospital for 5 days. After that it was clear sailing with thankfully no setbacks. I would doubt you will be 100% fine after 2 weeks. I would say after 2 weeks I was taking walks in my development and feeling stronger every day. After a month I was ready to go back to work but my wife wouldn't let me with my strange haircut. When I look at others recoveries I think I was fortunate as it was rather quick and easy. Don't rush it. Get plenty of rest and don't overdue anything. Do as much as you body lets you and your doctor allows. There are no gold medals for the fastest recovery so take your time so you have no setbacks. If anyone thinks you are a drama queen tell them you would switch shoes with them any time because anyone who has been around you should realize how debilitating a disease this truly is. Good luck!!!
How long can you not wash your hair for I know it varies from doctor to doctor? Do you have to wash your hair with special soap before surgery how much hair do they shave off ect. where you in a lot of pain when you woke up from surgery Just a little nervous
Has anyone heard anything about closing with your bone and cement, that the bone can grow back and seal itself which is a good thing and sounds like it may be better and preventing CSF leaks? I also understand that titanium and screws are fine but you may be sensitive to the cold weather or air conditioning and maybe other side effects. It would seem logical that bone and cement would be preferable but I'm not sure how long the cement will hold, obviously they would not be using common cement I would think it would be something special for this.
That is what my doctor is going to do it should be like any bone graft the bones should all mend together
Jenny2 said:
Has anyone heard anything about closing with your bone and cement, that the bone can grow back and seal itself which is a good thing and sounds like it may be better and preventing CSF leaks? I also understand that titanium and screws are fine but you may be sensitive to the cold weather or air conditioning and maybe other side effects. It would seem logical that bone and cement would be preferable but I'm not sure how long the cement will hold, obviously they would not be using common cement I would think it would be something special for this.
I had MVD surgery with the cement. I did have some issues. I was in the hospital six days. After that I was told I could was my hair with baby shampoo and a little bucket instead of letting shower beat on it. I use one of my kids buckets but don’t have to now. Before surgery I had to wash my hair and whole body in that medical antibacterial soap. I can’t remember name. I actually showered with it at hospital because I was admitted through ER.
Hi Carrie, what kind of issues? All information is helpful and appreciated as I will be having an MVD surgery also. I guess that's why you had to stay six days in the hospital.
Carrie Ann Shafman Hyman said:
I had MVD surgery with the cement. I did have some issues. I was in the hospital six days. After that I was told I could was my hair with baby shampoo and a little bucket instead of letting shower beat on it. I use one of my kids buckets but don't have to now. Before surgery I had to wash my hair and whole body in that medical antibacterial soap. I can't remember name. I actually showered with it at hospital because I was admitted through ER.
Thanks. That is good to hear.
KATTHOMPSON4 said:
That is what my doctor is going to do it should be like any bone graft the bones should all mend together
Jenny2 said:Has anyone heard anything about closing with your bone and cement, that the bone can grow back and seal itself which is a good thing and sounds like it may be better and preventing CSF leaks? I also understand that titanium and screws are fine but you may be sensitive to the cold weather or air conditioning and maybe other side effects. It would seem logical that bone and cement would be preferable but I'm not sure how long the cement will hold, obviously they would not be using common cement I would think it would be something special for this.
Come to think about it he did say something also about some little screws also I can not remember stupid drugs I will have to ask him again
Jenny2 said:
Thanks. That is good to hear.
KATTHOMPSON4 said:That is what my doctor is going to do it should be like any bone graft the bones should all mend together
Jenny2 said:Has anyone heard anything about closing with your bone and cement, that the bone can grow back and seal itself which is a good thing and sounds like it may be better and preventing CSF leaks? I also understand that titanium and screws are fine but you may be sensitive to the cold weather or air conditioning and maybe other side effects. It would seem logical that bone and cement would be preferable but I'm not sure how long the cement will hold, obviously they would not be using common cement I would think it would be something special for this.
I think most of us on average, stay in hospital two nights
And i always heavily suggest do nothing but sleep for THREE weeks.
Have meals frozen
Stretch your neck
Get sleep in a recliner
No taking care of house, pets, laundry…dont want to bend head down for three weeks… Many have regretted not resting long enough. ; (
I was in the hospital for 3 days then checked out AMA. I spent a couple weeks taking it easy. I slept a lot. It took about two months before I had my energy back and no dizzy spells. I washed my hair within a week but I had glue on my incision. So getting it wet wasn't an issue. I can't stress enough how important it is to take it easy. I fell a few times because of dizziness. I had the support of my family. I think people tend to get a little too wrapped up in their own fears when they hear what kind of procedure you are having done. When people made comments about how I was over reacting or "it was all in my head" I just laughed and agreed with them. Unless you have lived with this awful pain, you can't fully understand. Good luck. You will do great.
Here is my MVD recap, in case you haven't read it already. I attached a photo which shows how much hair was shaved. http://www.livingwithtn.org/forum/topics/my-mvd-oct-15-2014
It's been just over 3 months and I'm doing great. NO PAIN! Still gradually weaning off meds... now down to just my night-time dose, and within a couple weeks I'll be off all meds. Message me if you have any specific questions. Good luck to you!
http://www.livingwithtn.org/group/mvds/forum/topics/my-experience-with-mvd
Hi Kath,
Sending positive thoughts your way! Posted a link to my experience with MVD, hope it helps.
Huge (((( hugs ))))), Mimi
Hey!
I just had an MVD and one of the worst parts was not being able to wash my hair for 10 days after. You end up with a lot of the betadine solution sort of chunking up your hair around the wound site. It's really annoying and uncomfortable for sleeping.
I highly recommend using "dry shampoo" which is a spray in product that you can use to get a lot of the mats out.
And I agree with Kc Dancer - spend the next couple of weeks getting your neck (and body) loose with a lot of stretching. It really does help with the recovery.
I also think it is important to let people know that you really can't be expected to be at full-steam for a while. I am finishing week 3 post-op, and I just get tired. I can't quite keep up with my kids' normal busy schedule.
Give yourself as much time to get back on your feet as you are able.
Sue
KATTHOMPSON4 said:
How long can you not wash your hair for I know it varies from doctor to doctor? Do you have to wash your hair with special soap before surgery how much hair do they shave off ect. where you in a lot of pain when you woke up from surgery Just a little nervous
Hi
Really a case by case basis. One thing, most of us have had some residual numbness in our face. It goes away in most instances over a few weeks. Otherwise what everybody else has said. Do what they ask and at your own pace. Look forward to a "rebirth", best of luck!
KATTHOMPSON4 said:
How long can you not wash your hair for I know it varies from doctor to doctor? Do you have to wash your hair with special soap before surgery how much hair do they shave off ect. where you in a lot of pain when you woke up from surgery Just a little nervous
I woke up in no pain at all. Had headache for days because they got me up too soon after my spinal tap but I woke up pain free. In my case they shaved half my head don't know if they still do that today. Small price to pay and if they did it today there is a lot less to shave.
Wow great news! Everyone is very different- I woke up to a horrible headache and I was in the hospital for five days. Recovery took over 6 months because complications with cerebellum. Again, this was my odd experience You will be fine with loving support
~E