So, I will be having my MVD done on 6/18. I think that I have thought through most things, and have asked the serious questions. However, a few technical questions remains:
1) In the days and weeks after you got home, what are you wanting to eat,if anything? (have to go grocery shopping ahead of time).
2) ladies: how much hair do they actually shave off?
3) Does the hair grow back over the scar?
4) Do you need day and night care/monitoring (mostly for the first few days to week)?
And any other tid bits of wisdom you want to throw in about those days of recovery would be so welcome. Thanks,
Somebody to stay three nite min… Week better…my hair grows like molases…I take biotin for it…really scar and hair non issue…but took my slow hair more than year to put back in pony tail… I was going to dye that section a cool temp color…but grown out now… Ate little…slept much. Designate somebody to tell everyone your progress…
Good morning Kassie,
…had my MVD April 12 of this year (8 weeks ago):
DEFINITELY want someone to stay with you for at least a week after you get home
DO NOT push yourself; keep your perspective that you have just had BRAIN surgery and whatever it is that needs to be done will be there later or someone else can do it for you this time!
the hair that was shaved off was under the other hair, so it looked a little thinner (I have shoulder length hair), but was not an issue … Mine is growing back fairly well!
you will be able to eat almost anything, but won’t really want much; you will still be on meds for a bit and will be weaning off your TN meds too…my main thing was the comfort foods that I like when I’m not well… (Wish I was close to ya! I’d bring ya meal or two for sure!!)
ice packs will be your best friend! I could never tolerate the cold before and then after it was the only thing to help with the incision swelling and discomfort.
I was in the hospital for 4 days, I had a severe headache the 3rd nite and was treated / watched closely. DO NOT let them send you home too early! It would have been a different story if I had been at home (we live 5 hours away from my doctor!!!)
PLEASE remember to be easy on yourself…rest - read a book - rest some more - eat - watch TV - rest - cry a little (amazing what a good cry will do for ya!!!) - rest again… Got the pattern?
I was a nervous wreck, but I have a faith in God above and know He was with me before, during and now. I’ll be praying for you and please keep us updated!
Cris
Just wanted to wish you all the best for your upcoming surgery!
I posted all about my mvd in the Group MVDs if you’re interested, but everyone has answered similarly to how I would.
Take good care of you, please update us on how you’re doing when you’re able too.
Positive vibes!!
Mimi
Wow, I had never seen anyones pics before and all I can say is wow!! Thank you for sharing them as I am now more prepared,because I really did not have a good picture in my mind of how it would look. I have to say the incision is bigger than I imagined. But you are right about the hair....which is a good thing. Hope you are well and enjoying the results of your surgery!! thanx again.
aligal9802 said:
Here are a few pics - - the one with the "crusty" stuff is from 2 or 3 days post-op The one with the staples is probably 10 days post-op
I hope everything that you have gone through has given you the results you have wanted. Thank you for the insights into recovery and the offer of the meal. In spirit I graciously accept as I love comfort food.....I know that asking about hair seems like a trivial thing, but I am sooooo looking forward to being "normal" again after this surgery that I want even my hair to reflect that.
I will be looking for ice bags this weekend. Are you just talking about the gel packs you freeze? And, how long did you have to be on pain meds once you were home (if I may ask)? Thank you again. Kassie cris said:
Good morning Kassie, ...had my MVD April 12 of this year (8 weeks ago):
- DEFINITELY want someone to stay with you for at least a week after you get home - DO NOT push yourself; keep your perspective that you have just had BRAIN surgery and whatever it is that needs to be done will be there later or someone else can do it for you this time! - the hair that was shaved off was under the other hair, so it looked a little thinner (I have shoulder length hair), but was not an issue ... Mine is growing back fairly well! - you will be able to eat almost anything, but won't really want much; you will still be on meds for a bit and will be weaning off your TN meds too...my main thing was the comfort foods that I like when I'm not well... (Wish I was close to ya! I'd bring ya meal or two for sure!!) - ice packs will be your best friend! I could never tolerate the cold before and then after it was the only thing to help with the incision swelling and discomfort. - I was in the hospital for 4 days, I had a severe headache the 3rd nite and was treated / watched closely. DO NOT let them send you home too early! It would have been a different story if I had been at home (we live 5 hours away from my doctor!!!!!) - PLEASE remember to be easy on yourself...rest - read a book - rest some more - eat - watch TV - rest - cry a little (amazing what a good cry will do for ya!!!) - rest again... Got the pattern? ;)
I was a nervous wreck, but I have a faith in God above and know He was with me before, during and now. I'll be praying for you and please keep us updated! Cris
Oh yes! I am now pain free; just dealing with the post op healing and the lingering tiredness… The ice packs are reusable bags from the hospital…didn’t know it would need them soooo much for sooooo long, but, HIGHLY recommend!
Oh hon, I know what you mean about feeling normal again… depends on how your hair grows now as to how it will be after-
I took the pain meds on a taper down cycle until all I needed was Tylenol – that probably took 2 weeks or so. I’m not one to hurt, but HATE to take any more pills!!! Ugh… Don’t let yourself hurt; it makes the meds not work efficiently and makes you miserable! (Been there, done that, ummm no.). Listen to your body and DON’T PUSH YOURSELF - let others help y with everything for as long as you need it!!!
Feel free to ask whatever you need; MSG me if you need to!
Here for ya,
Cris
Kassie said:
Hi Cris,
I hope everything that you have gone through has given you the results you have wanted. Thank you for the insights into recovery and the offer of the meal. In spirit I graciously accept as I love comfort food…I know that asking about hair seems like a trivial thing, but I am sooooo looking forward to being “normal” again after this surgery that I want even my hair to reflect that.
I will be looking for ice bags this weekend. Are you just talking about the gel packs you freeze? And, how long did you have to be on pain meds once you were home (if I may ask)? Thank you again. Kassie cris said:
Good morning Kassie, …had my MVD April 12 of this year (8 weeks ago):
- DEFINITELY want someone to stay with you for at least a week after you get home - DO NOT push yourself; keep your perspective that you have just had BRAIN surgery and whatever it is that needs to be done will be there later or someone else can do it for you this time! - the hair that was shaved off was under the other hair, so it looked a little thinner (I have shoulder length hair), but was not an issue … Mine is growing back fairly well! - you will be able to eat almost anything, but won’t really want much; you will still be on meds for a bit and will be weaning off your TN meds too…my main thing was the comfort foods that I like when I’m not well… (Wish I was close to ya! I’d bring ya meal or two for sure!!) - ice packs will be your best friend! I could never tolerate the cold before and then after it was the only thing to help with the incision swelling and discomfort. - I was in the hospital for 4 days, I had a severe headache the 3rd nite and was treated / watched closely. DO NOT let them send you home too early! It would have been a different story if I had been at home (we live 5 hours away from my doctor!!!) - PLEASE remember to be easy on yourself…rest - read a book - rest some more - eat - watch TV - rest - cry a little (amazing what a good cry will do for ya!!!) - rest again… Got the pattern?
I was a nervous wreck, but I have a faith in God above and know He was with me before, during and now. I’ll be praying for you and please keep us updated! Cris
Hi Kassie,
After surgery I wanted to eat soft foods constantly to distract me from the mouth pain. My surgeon shaved my head but he did it underneath the first layer of hair so I couldn’t even tell it was shaved. The hair is growing over the scar and you can barely see it now, 11wks post op. I could not lay down for the first week. I definitely needed someone with me for the first week. You’re in my prayers. Please keep us posted.
Thank you all. I am soooo happy nobody had horrible hair stories. The pre-op nurse actually asked me if I wanted it all shaved (because some people do that?- Men?) or would I just get the field shaved. Hmmm.
I though of two more questions if you all are still out there:
1) How soon after can you swim in a pool? In the ocean (I just have the dirty Gulf Coast, but its really warm)?
2) How soon after can you fly on an airplane?
Thanks again for your help with all of this. T-minus 4 days to go!!!!
Best of luck with your surgery Kassie! I get mine next month. Thanks for all the questions because I was wondering the same things. I wish you a speedy recovery!
Hi Kassie,
I flew home 5 days after my surgery, as my surgery was in a different province here in Canada. The flight went well, no issues. I just needed a wheelchair to and from the gates, as I was still weak.
This past week at 9 weeks post op I flew 5 hours to my hometown of Montreal to visit with my best friend and I found it a bit uncomfortable ONLY when we would hit some mild turbulence.
Things are still healing so the motion really made me uncomfortable. It was do-able, just didn’t feel great during the turbulent times.
As for swimming it depends on how you’re closed up, I had staples and was allowed to wash my hair and shower normally after 3 days, however swimming in a pool, lake or ocean I would be concerned about infection. Ask your NS .
Good luck! I’m sure you’ll find as most of us do that the worst part was the nervousness before the surgery. Wishing you a pain free outcome ((( hugs ))) Mimi
PS. I’ve attached a photo of my incision a day post op. 307-image.jpg (46.5 KB)
