I am so ready and delighted that surgery is scheduled. I am wondering what recovery is like. Is there anything you would suggest to do to get ready? I appreciate any help.
Hey, congrats! I suggest washing your hair and showering the day before the surgery because you won't have the strength for it for at least a week and you can't wash your hair for 7 days. Recovery for me went well, I was mostly sore from the contraption they screw your head into but other than that, not a whole lot of pain. I was bedridden for 2 solid days in the neuro ICU but went home the second day after I was cleared. Oh, I remember my neck being very painful, so don't try to turn your head until your muscles loosen a bit (about 4-5days). Some hearing loss can be present on the side of surgery, but it comes back rather quickly. Really, it's not to terrible. Just don't rush yourself into recovery. I tried to return to work after 6 weeks but the pain returned full force so I needed an extra 4 weeks just to make sure I was clear and wouldn't fear passing out from moving around too much. Good luck!
Although my MVD was unsuccessful I remember needing lots of pillows. I had to send my husband out for some the day I got home. Recovery for me was long,lots of headaches. But, my health was poor going into it.
The faster u can get moving around the better off you will be. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables and take the stool softener they give u. I got so constipation from the pain meds I had to drink mag citrate. U don’t want to get there believe me. Best of luck my friend and keep us posted on ur progress!!
I'm 7 wks post surgery and free of nerve pain. I do have some numbness and skull is still tender in areas, but feeling very good otherwise. I will second the suggestion for pillows. I found it very hard to get my head comfortable the first two weeks. A neck roll pillow helped me a lot once I got home. After the first night in ICU I was able to get up and move around pretty much unassisted. Once you get home, you will probably soon have days when you feel like you can do more than you should. Don't push it or you will set yourself back in your recovery. Best wishes to you for a successful procedure!
I don't believe in the "move around as soon as possible"
I moved from the bathroom to the bedroom and little else for two weeks.
I had somebody in my local group that was out in the garden in less than 2 weeks and believes it brought her TN back.
Make sure you move your neck around a couple of times a day -- muscle relaxers helped - or it gets stiff from the contraption they hold your head with in surgery.
Major headaches for many days - Tylenol 3 was best for me - Hydrocodone makes me ill.
By week three I was out hanging in the livingroom and kitchen - not bending over till the fourth week -- paranoid
My Top surgeon to every question "when can I do _____" - answer on all of them - when you feel ready!!!!
Make sure somebody can cook for you for two weeks or make the meals now and freeze them - except week 2 you can probably make cup-of-soup etc.
This brain surgery is a "1" out of a 1-10 scale - a 10 being severely debilitating
for MOST- as far as recovery and toll on the system! You'll do fine!
Thanks everybody for your feedback. I have 2 weeks to prepare and you have helped so much!
Wishing you the best of luck.
Some recoveries quicker than others. Mine was quick
http://www.livingwithtn.org/forum/topics/a-positive-mvd-surgery-experience-and-outcome
I am glad that you recorded your good surgery results. It does encourage others. I have had two other surgeries in my life and I was slow in recovering. I am planning on this being the same. I am so ready and I look forward to being on the other side of pain, Lord willing.
RickRI said:
Wishing you the best of luck.
Some recoveries quicker than others. Mine was quick
http://www.livingwithtn.org/forum/topics/a-positive-mvd-surgery-exp...
I had surgery on June 1st of this year. I spent 3 days in ICU.. my neck was sore and my incision. The first 2 days I could barely move. Once I was up and walking around it seemed to get better quickly. Make sure you have comfortable pillow. I kept myself propped up, because if I didn't I would have a terrible headache. I still sleep a little up because if I don't my head will hurt in the morning. When I got home I felt pretty good.... I over did it and ended up because in the hospital begging to be sedated. It was 11 days after my surgery. My doctor does not know what happened, but everything had shifted and I was in the worst pain ever. On the 14th of June they went back in again. When I woke up this time I was better than the first time. I was able to get up for the bathroom and feed myself. I spent 3 days in the ICU and headed home. This time though for the first 10 days I stayed in the recliner. I didn't do anything.. I let everyone help me. The second time I had terrible pressure/headaches that I hadn't experienced before. I started slowing taking shorts walks, just around the outside of my home. By my 6 weeks I was feeling pretty good. I do get tired easy and the left side of my face is numb. My doctor says it could take 12 months for my face to be better and 18 months to feel really good. I'd love to answer any of your questions! best of luck
I am so glad you are feeling better. I have decided that I will take it easy no matter what. I am trying to prepare my house, meals, bill paying, or anything I can think of to make recovery go well. Thank you for sharing your story.
LeahL said:
I had surgery on June 1st of this year. I spent 3 days in ICU.. my neck was sore and my incision. The first 2 days I could barely move. Once I was up and walking around it seemed to get better quickly. Make sure you have comfortable pillow. I kept myself propped up, because if I didn't I would have a terrible headache. I still sleep a little up because if I don't my head will hurt in the morning. When I got home I felt pretty good.... I over did it and ended up because in the hospital begging to be sedated. It was 11 days after my surgery. My doctor does not know what happened, but everything had shifted and I was in the worst pain ever. On the 14th of June they went back in again. When I woke up this time I was better than the first time. I was able to get up for the bathroom and feed myself. I spent 3 days in the ICU and headed home. This time though for the first 10 days I stayed in the recliner. I didn't do anything.. I let everyone help me. The second time I had terrible pressure/headaches that I hadn't experienced before. I started slowing taking shorts walks, just around the outside of my home. By my 6 weeks I was feeling pretty good. I do get tired easy and the left side of my face is numb. My doctor says it could take 12 months for my face to be better and 18 months to feel really good. I'd love to answer any of your questions! best of luck