My surgery is scheduled for Oct 6th. I am looking forward/dreading it. I have had quite a few surgeries in the past so I know what to generally expect, also I am a non-working RN. However, I must admit the thought of someone in my head is very scary to me. I really am trying to keep my fears from my husband and family. I have always been the strong one, the glue, I guess. So that what's what this is about. Can you all help me with fear?
Thanks, I would really appreciate any help you could give me!
I am sorry you are feeling this way, but I'm sure it is totally normal and it should pass. The decision to have and carry through with a MVD is a big one. After 8 years of resisting a MVD, I have also made the decision to pursue it. My pain (while fine today, thank you) has reached a level that I cannot bear, let alone what the meds are doing to me. After doing a lot of research, weighing the pros and cons, and praying for guidance, I have made the choice to take my chances. Consider whether you have done the same and trust what you know in your gut/heart is the best decision for you.
Your fear is perfectly normal. I'm sure I will feel the same, the closer to the surgery I get... and I too, am very strong. Maybe it would do you good to talk with your family and let it all out, have a good cry and get the support you need. They might even appreciate the chance to be the strong one for a change!
That's my two cents, for what it's worth...I wish you all the best, Bels!
I would encourage you to take things slowly after surgery. Do not be surprised if you have a strange feeling in your inner ear, as they are working close to the inner ear, and that should go away as swelling starts to go down. As, I have a dreaded dislike of nausea, I really pushed for anti-nausea medication to combat the effects of what was used to put me to sleep, and not once was I sick from that. The pain meds did cause my bowels to shut down. so I would encourage a bowel regemin. After my 2nd MVD, I was taking Mira Lax with warm prune juice, while in the hospital. It was my pain pill chaser. Totally gross, but it did the job.
You are just over two weeks out and here is the advice that I would give you from my own experience . . change to an anti-inflammatory diet (no meat, no diary, lots of fish and veggies/fruit). I had my MVD last October and went on this "diet" about 6-8 weeks out and it made a huge difference in my recovery. I was walking on a treadmill 4 days after surgery and taking spin classes 6 weeks out (fyi - I'm a spin instructor for my job so I was in that great shape beforehand). The worse pain subsided in the first week and the headaches were never that bad. I did have very, very bad nausea the first 24 hrs out of surgery but only for that short time. My nurse kept telling me that it would end then and he was right. Know that that is very temporary as it will help you get through it.
Secondly, arrange for help. A good friend of mine set up a meal train that went for 8 weeks from my surgery date. It was a god send for me and my family. I did freeze meals for myself in advance to stay on that anti-inflammatory diet and also I ate small portions at first. Arrange for other help that you might need now too, such as rides for kids for their activities, friends that will pick you up and walk with you, etc. I was overwhelmed by the support that I had and I think this was also a big part of my successful recovery.
Finally, be at peace the day of surgery. I was and I believe you will too. You came to this decision with much thought and prayer I'm sure as I did. I was actually excited the day of surgery that I had made this awesome and right decision. I was right too because I am 11 months out and am med-free and pain-free!!
I'm glad you have come to a decision too. Mine was kind of made for me. Two neurologists told me there was nothing else to be done; I had to have the surgery. I have really been thinking about what you said, maybe I should just have a good cry and I would feel better. Let myself feel sorry for myself (something I never do) for an hour and get on with it!
Thank you and good luck. Keep me posted on what you decide!
Bels
P.S. Beautiful name!
Juliet said:
Hi Bels,
I am sorry you are feeling this way, but I'm sure it is totally normal and it should pass. The decision to have and carry through with a MVD is a big one. After 8 years of resisting a MVD, I have also made the decision to pursue it. My pain (while fine today, thank you) has reached a level that I cannot bear, let alone what the meds are doing to me. After doing a lot of research, weighing the pros and cons, and praying for guidance, I have made the choice to take my chances. Consider whether you have done the same and trust what you know in your gut/heart is the best decision for you.
Your fear is perfectly normal. I'm sure I will feel the same, the closer to the surgery I get... and I too, am very strong. Maybe it would do you good to talk with your family and let it all out, have a good cry and get the support you need. They might even appreciate the chance to be the strong one for a change!
That's my two cents, for what it's worth...I wish you all the best, Bels!
Thank you so much for the advice. I have a problem with anesthesia causing nausea so I will speak to the doc about it tomorrow when I have my preop appoinment. I also will keep the bowel prep in mind but I hope I won't need it, it sounds less than pleasant! Take care and I hope you are feeling much better.
Bels
saraiderin said:
I would encourage you to take things slowly after surgery. Do not be surprised if you have a strange feeling in your inner ear, as they are working close to the inner ear, and that should go away as swelling starts to go down. As, I have a dreaded dislike of nausea, I really pushed for anti-nausea medication to combat the effects of what was used to put me to sleep, and not once was I sick from that. The pain meds did cause my bowels to shut down. so I would encourage a bowel regemin. After my 2nd MVD, I was taking Mira Lax with warm prune juice, while in the hospital. It was my pain pill chaser. Totally gross, but it did the job.
Bels - Try to eat a high-fiber diet before and after surgery. I did that (still do) and never once had a bowel issue after surgery. Everyone told me to get and take Miralax so I bought it but never used it once. I was given anti-nausea meds but I think I could have gotten more. If you do find happen to find yourself in that situation right out of surgery just know that it is very temporary and short.
I'm already on a gluten free and anti-inflammatory type diet so that's taken care of. But I have found it harder to stay on it when the pain is really bad. Food that requires no chewing is rarely GF and the if it is, the taste is questionable.
I'm 50 so my kids are older; 24 and 27, they don't need me as much (just for advice and as a sounding-board). It would be nice if they were still home to help but they're both in grad school. My husband can cook so I should be fine!
I was up all night with terrible pain Saturday. In the greatroom with a washcloth stuffed in my mouth so I wouldn't wake my husband with my yelps and occasional screams. It was the worst pain I have ever had. Now, I am totally at peace with my decision. I needed that horrible night and am grateful for it.
Having TN while mothering young kids must be very hard. I'm really sorry you had to go through that. Be well and thanks again for the advice!
Bels
mybell said:
You are just over two weeks out and here is the advice that I would give you from my own experience . . change to an anti-inflammatory diet (no meat, no diary, lots of fish and veggies/fruit). I had my MVD last October and went on this "diet" about 6-8 weeks out and it made a huge difference in my recovery. I was walking on a treadmill 4 days after surgery and taking spin classes 6 weeks out (fyi - I'm a spin instructor for my job so I was in that great shape beforehand). The worse pain subsided in the first week and the headaches were never that bad. I did have very, very bad nausea the first 24 hrs out of surgery but only for that short time. My nurse kept telling me that it would end then and he was right. Know that that is very temporary as it will help you get through it.
Secondly, arrange for help. A good friend of mine set up a meal train that went for 8 weeks from my surgery date. It was a god send for me and my family. I did freeze meals for myself in advance to stay on that anti-inflammatory diet and also I ate small portions at first. Arrange for other help that you might need now too, such as rides for kids for their activities, friends that will pick you up and walk with you, etc. I was overwhelmed by the support that I had and I think this was also a big part of my successful recovery.
Finally, be at peace the day of surgery. I was and I believe you will too. You came to this decision with much thought and prayer I'm sure as I did. I was actually excited the day of surgery that I had made this awesome and right decision. I was right too because I am 11 months out and am med-free and pain-free!!
We are actually similar age :) . . I'm 46 (45 when I got my MVD). I have one older teen and one "tween" so I did need help shuttling around the kids to their many activities. I'm sure that bad day helped to remind you why you are going through with the surgery. I am so grateful that I took that leap of faith. I now have committed ongoing to support those with TN and doing all I can to help with my story, tips, support etc. I will say a prayer for you on October 6th.
That's wonderful that your husband can cook (mine really cannot). I will share a recipe with you for my "Three Bean Pumpkin Chili" that it my families favorite, especially this time of year. It has 22 grams of fiber per serving and I'm pretty sure it is gluten-free (it is all beans and veggies). It is also on the anti-inflammatory list with no meat or dairy. It is soft food too, which might be easier to eat now and afterwards. My passionate hobby (that I hope to turn into a food blog in about a year) is creating vegetarian recipes. I love to cook and now that I've had and recovered from my MVD, I'm back at it :). Here is the link to this recipe (I have this article blog that I'm using to post recipes now - not money to be made at this point so no benefit to me other than sharing).