I didn't have headaches after my first surgery either. After my second one I did. It was probably day 3 or 4 and my head hurt so bad I couldn't move... it lasted for 2 days. When I called the dr his nurse told me it was probably just a migraine (keep in mind I had never had a migraine before). If I end up having a 3rd surgery I am going to talk to the dr about this, because I would rather stay in the hospital and extra couple days hooked up to morphine than have to deal with that again - thanks for the response!
Heather Calkins said:
After my first surgery I had mild headaches, but I don't remember them being too bad. They kept me pretty doped up at the hospital so I don't remember them being bad at all then. After this one I had pressure headaches so bad. I had my surgery on a Monday and then they sent me for a spinal tap on the Friday the week after surgery. When I got home from that my headaches were 1000 times worse I couldn't move my head without screaming and crying. I was like that all weekend until I could go see my doc on Monday. They shuttled me over to the hospital (thank god his office is in the building next to the hospital!) and sent me back in for a blood patch. My spinal tap speaks was leaking all weekend and that's what caused the headaches to get worse. So I had people in my spinal cord are two times after my surgery on top of the already bad recovery. If you ever have a positional headache like that don't waste time. Get right to the hospital. They can fix it right away. I can't believe I waited that long!
I agree. If I had to do this again I would definitely make sure they would keep me longer. They had a misunderstanding with one PA that was leaving the office and did my first surgery, and the new PA who did my second surgery. I was supposed to stay longer, but once I was home it was too late. Ideally I’d have stayed 4-5 days at least. How long we’re you in for yours?
I agree. If I had to do this again I would definitely make sure they would keep me longer. They had a misunderstanding with one PA that was leaving the office and did my first surgery, and the new PA who did my second surgery. I was supposed to stay longer, but once I was home it was too late. Ideally I'd have stayed 4-5 days at least. How long we're you in for yours?
Yeah, my hair grows really really fast to so it’ll be hidden in just a couple of months. Only issue I had with the incision site last time were just a few ingrown hairs. The follicles get trapped when they put the two sides back together. My dermatologist LOVES hearing about my TN and fixing my ingrown hairs up (they were really deep and my mom was too afraid she would hurt me to do it). Figures, you have to go to the dermatologist to find a doc who takes my TN seriously! Lol Anyway, my dermatologist told me he could show my mom how to properly get the deep ingrown hairs out properly and safely, so if they happen to you this might be a good option.
I thought I would upload a pic of my scar. Mine looks closer to my ear than yours does I think... My dr didn't put my skull back just the mesh. So it's kind of sunk in now..
I think it might just be the angle of the picture. Mine doesn’t have a bend in it, that’s the only difference I see. You have a lot more stitches too. Mine are all spaced out!
Congrats on getting the MVD scheduled. Best wishes on a speedy recovery! I hope the doctor/hospital gives you more specific instructions, especially about drugs and what to bring to the hospital. Lifting/exercise/working instructions (everything actually) need to come directly from the doctor/hospital.
Hospital stay length - I think 2 nights is the minimum and have seen 3 nights in many cases.
Minimum - have someone in the hospital to be with you after you come out of the O.R. You need someone to help communicate with the doctor/staff. Have someone visit you every day for at least a few hours in the hospital. It really helps to have someone in your room to help track down the nurses and doctors. You may feel the need for someone to do an errand for you that seems small but will be important for you. For example, you may feel that you really must have some gum or throat lozenges.
As far as getting back to work. Try to warn your employer to the possible range of your sick leave absence.
Prepare for the possibility of a long recovery. You could be fortunate and be back to functioning very well after a week. Going outside and doing errands, taking care of yourself. But have definite contingency plans. Have a nurse aide or trusted caregiver at the ready. MVD recovery is both mental and physical. My mind was very foggy for days because of the surgery and the drugs I was given. Don't be surprised if this makes you homebound for a couple of weeks even a month or two, prepare for the possibility.
Your girlfriend or caregiver should really plan to help you for at least a week. Of course there is a possibility you could gut out taking care of yourself after a couple of days. I would definitely consider a nursing/home assistant. At least have one on call. If your insurance approved your surgery, it is very likely they will pay for the assistant. Even if insurance does not cover it, home aides are pretty cheap, it would take any potential stress off your girlfriend to have one part-time, because a few days of taking care of someone 24 hours can be taxing. The hospital should have their own list of approved nursing/home aides and a social worker office to help arrange it.
Congratulations again, and I plan to congratulate you after surgery.
Hey Shindig, glad you made it through your semester and big congratulations on getting your MVD date. Wishing you a speedy recovery and I hope you get out on that fishing excursion pain free to celebrate.
Bellalarke
I went back to work at 6 weeks post op, but I had a csf leak and spent week 5 in the hospital. Once back at work (I stare at a computer all day) I had to take many half days. I am now 9 weeks post. I bought a pair of computer glasses (I just Google them) suppose to alleviate headaches and whatnot…they do work! They help a lot. I haven’t been able to start working out yet but hoping to soon.
I'm really glad I clicked on this thread, it is full of great info! I go in for my MVD on April 29 and even though the Doc was very descriptive, it's nice to read some first hand experiences to try and prepare myself as much as I can.
Thanks! It still seems a little surreal, I guess I never really expected it to happen so soon. I just went in this past Monday to see the Neurosugeon and he was actually ready to do it next week. I on the other hand, am not, lol. I need a couple of weeks to prepare myself and my home, even though my husband will be here for the 2 weeks of bed rest, he can't clean the house to my (OCD) standards :-/ So I need enough time to get everything done around the house so that I won't be stressing about it during my recovery.
Lol Sarah, I’m OCD too!
I’m hoping tomorrow I’m well enough to start the big clean…we fly out on Sunday, surgery Tuesday…it is surreal! Although to be honest I didn’t start feeling anxiety until 2 days ago.
It doesn’t help that everyone is coming out of the woodwork calling, emailing, texting, visiting etc…it’s nice to feel the love, but I find I’m reassuring everyone and it’s taking a toll.
I’m meditating a little more and trying to calm myself…it’s all good.
Mimi
Sarah, my dad swears by transcendental meditation. You can google to find a group near you that will teach you how. I think it’s just a one day course. He says it changed his life though and has urged me to go learn also. As soon as I’m up to it I’m going to. I already found the group in my area.
Mimi: I decided to sell my house while I was recovering this time. Talk about stress. Luckily my best friend is my realtor and my parents took care of everything for me. It sold in about a week and my parents packed everything up and put it in storage for me. I am sooo OCD also so I really needed everything to be set before surgery.
