I know many of you have had MVD surgery done.
I have MVD coming up on the 28th, it will be done on my left side.
If that is a successful procedure, I will also be having my right side done.
I'm a single mom, also have Fibromyalgia, have my own business, and have four weeks planned off of work.
A successful recovery period is absolutely essential for me, and wondering if you guys may have any words of wisdom for me.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Here are some tips that might help . . I had MVD surgery on my left side 9 months ago so I can remember it all well (BTW . . 100% pain free and med free!!).
1.) Sign up for meals at www.mealtrain.com and have a friend manage it for you. I was overwhelmed with the meals that came to my family. I had meals coming for 6 weeks plus treats dropped off for the kids here and there.
2.) Talk to some of the parents of your kids friends and ask if they would be willing to pick up your kids to have them over to play with their kids, spend the night, etc. Also, ask the parents of your kids activities or an extended family member if they would be willing to drive your kids to their events, practices, etc. Give them a schedule.
3.) Make a few smaller meals or freeze some leftovers for you. You can just pop it in the microwave for you then. This is great for lunches or a night when the meal given to you might be too rich, etc.
4.) Start today on an anti-inflammatory diet. I did this for the 2 months before and after and I believe that my recovery was so easy because of this. It doesn't need to be exact, but the basic principles are . . . eat no meat but lots of fish (the types with high fish oil content like salmon), eat no or very little dairy, eat lots of fruits and veggies. There are a few foods you should not eat the day or two before surgery as they will have an effect on either the anesthesia clearing out of your system or will thin your blood, which isn't good right before . . . onions, garlic and eggplant are what I remember.
People want to help. I couldn't believe the number of people that stepped up to help in all sorts of ways. I also learned that prayer does work - I think I knew this but my experience with TN and MVD were proof for me. I will be praying for you!
Make sure you ask your own option of having catheter or bedpan…
I was just strong enough to use bedpan…
First 36 hours is killer headache…ask for ice chips for dry mouth and more pain in iv if needed… They also give anti nausea pills
If you need …ask for stool softener…pain meds can constipate…the last thing you want to deal with!
You will only
be there two nights…so rest!!
Dont bend your head down or pick up things below your waist for THREE WEEKS…also stay in bed keep neck comfy… Stay in bed minimum 2 weeks
I had to return to low meds at week 12…THEN week 24 all pain was gone…
Almost three years now,
and was lucky with great surgeon.
It really can take a FULL YEAR for your head and neck
To all get back to normal
Let us know!
I found it most comfortable to sleep in a recliner for the first two weeks. I also wanted to mention that after both my MVDs ( right and left side) I experienced a feeling of fullness, and diminished hearing in the ear on the surgical side, as have many others who have had the surgery.It does resolve itself, but in my case it took a few months to be completely gone.
Best of luck with your surgery!
Thanks so much! Fortunately, of my fibromyalgia, I'm already on the digestive meds and anti inflammatory diet! You guys have been great, as I've looked a bit at what others had to say about recovery, it's always so negative! That just made me appreciate your responses even more.
I'm a strong believer in prayer, so, any and all of them that I can get, thank u!
all the best with your upcoming surgery. i will pray for you, the surgeon and your family. wishing you many pain free days ahead.
Good luck Blueeyedgirl, My MVD should happen on 8/26 if everyhting goes well. I've had to postpone twice now because of stuff. Keep us updated and let me know how it goes...