Update - post-MVD appointment with Neurosurgeon

General General TN & GPN (Old Site)
1

Well, I had my post-MVD appointment with my wonderful neurosurgeon today. First I had yet another CT scan, (third since surgery), which he is very happy with. He answered a few of my questions regarding some of the niggly things I've been thinking of.

For example, I asked if I should rule out rollercoasters and bumper cars now forever, just in case. He said, no, I am able to do these and even go bungee jumping if I wish - he said it's life as usual from now on. He said he would be very surprised if my TN returns. I asked why is it then that it returns in some patients and not others. He said it all depends on how much damage has been done to the myelin sheath of the nerve before surgery. Obviously the more damage, the more risk of the TN returning. He has advised me to keep taking B12 supplements, which I will do.

I also asked him about the little ice-pick pains i get in the right side of my temple occasionally - he said this is from internal stitches and would be nerve related and should settle down in the next couple of months.

I asked about the sensitivity all over my scalp, particularly in the evenings, when touched. He said this is also nerve related and should settle down.

I need to return to see him in August, and after that he said I'm "all done"! I was so happy that I had a few tears in the car, just relief that it's all over.

I really had the best neurosurgeon in Sydney for this surgery. He is so empathetic and knowledgable about TN. He kept me in hospital for 8 days after surgery, visiting me every day with one of his registrars to check on me and answer any questions I had. As I was so nauseous for every day I was in hospital, he even offered for me to stay an extra day if I felt I needed to. He does on average one of these surgeries per week, so really knows what he's doing. And the nurses therefore care for post-MVD patients also. This is very important!!!

If anyone in Australia is after a Neurosurgeon, see Dr Mark Dexter, he operates out of Westmead Private Hospital, where he also has his consulting rooms. I can definately recommend him!!

I hope you can all find a dedicated and experienced NS like him. We all deserve this special care!!

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Thanks for the information. I suspect that those of us who are post MVD have had questions about life after surgery and it is good to read answers here. I was afraid to resume exercise for fear of moving the teflon pads so it is good to hear what your doctor said about resuming life. My surgeon has never seen me since the surgery but I have seen his assistants and he has a nurse who is always available and answers emails promptly. I don't particularly like that he did not feel the need to see me again unless I had a problem, which I don't, but I tell myself he is off helping others. He is a professor teaching about skull based surgery at a nearby large medical university and performs several MVD's every week. I would, and do, recommend him to others. Your doctor sounds wonderful. We are among the fortunate ones to have been blessed with pain relief. I wish that for everyone.

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It's heartening to hear good things like this. I"m glad you are doing well..

Happy for you

~Mistee

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Gen!! YeY!
Soooo immensely happy for you, and very grateful for your detailed post about your post op appointment. Sounds like a really caring doctor!
I wish you continued well being! ((Hugs))

MimiK, my neurosurgeon is in a different province than I and he sounds like your neurosurgeon, teaching and performing 1-2 mvd a week. As long as you have someone to follow up and call if you have issues I think that’s good! ((Hugs))

I will be hearing within the week when my mvd is…

Hope you both get better and better each day! Mimi xx

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Can you click on Doctor Tab above and put his name and area--- it will get lost in the regular forum threads!

So happy for you -- but I'm not bungee jumping LOL

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Happy, happy dance for Gen xxxx

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Sure Kc, will do. And there will be no bungee jumping from me either!!! Lol

mimiK, I too am a bit worried about moving those Teflon pads, despite what the doc has said. I think it’s just human nature wanting to protect yourself when you’ve been through so much pain for so long.

Mimi, keep us up to date if you get a date for your surgery !!

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Congrats I am very happy for you.

He does on average one of these surgeries per week, so really knows what he's doing. And the nurses therefore care for post-MVD patients also. This is very important!!!

I could not AGREE MORE. I believe this level of activity and experience increases the chances for a successful outcome

Rick

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So happy for you!!!!!!! (((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))