ANA Discussion Forum
Treatment Options => Microsurgical Options => Topic started by: Sobes on November 16, 2009, 08:57:08 am
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Hello Everyone!
I have been working like crazy trying to get all my hours in and make some $$ before surgery Dec 22 so have not been visiting here as much. It doesn't take long to get behind on everyone's posts...wow :(
I was wondering if anyone could help answer a few questions for me...all input appreciated :)
My surgery is scheduled for Dec 22. I have been working with my manager and our LOA people in preparation (who've all been wonderful so far). My doctor has me going back to work only 3 weeks after surgery. I find that wonderfully optimistic and yet a bit worrisome :( . Perhaps it is a bit too soon to be concerned about such things but the LOA committee told me that it is better for them and me if the LOA is for a longer period of time rather than not being long enough. Does anyone have an opinion or advice on this?! It is literally keeping me up nights thinking about it :(
Another question I have is for those of you out there who wear contact lenses/glasses. I have spoken to a few people who have not been able to wear their contact lenses after surgery (ever) due to a lack of moisture in the eyes. Have any of you experienced this? Both people I spoke with had also had the middle fossa like I am having.
I appreciate any of you taking the time to answer these questions. I wish I could just turn off my mind for a bit and not let all of this consume me :( Luckily while at work I don't have time to think about it! :D !
Hoping to catch up on some of your posts soon! I miss being here with all of you! Today is a day off and although there is much to do, I am sure most of my time will be spent here catching up!! lol :)
Hope all of you are doing well!
Bren~
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Bren ......
December 22 will be here before you know it and then you will have all of this behind you and on to recovery. Glad you seem to have a good handle on things and are keeping busy getting everything in order.
I do not know what type of work you do ..... and that does make a difference on how soon you will be able to perform the duties required in your job. That said, recovery is such an individual thing and no one really knows until post-surgery what length it will take. Assuming you have a sedentary job and you have no complications, other than the fatigue, you probably could return to work in three weeks. If you have balance issues post-op or a need for hearing well in your work, you very well may need to extend your LOA.
In my mind three weeks would be pushing it. Any possibility this can be flexible? Say, ask for six weeks, but return in three if you are OK with it? Or, can you go back part-time at first? Do you have Christmas week off anyway so you would have actually more than three weeks?
Regarding the glasses/contacts. I do not wear contacts but many people find contact wearing post-op to be a problem, at least at first, because of the AN side eye being more dry. I did not have the dry eye issue but because of double vision for several days and major balance problems I don't think I would have been interested in trying to negotiate inserting a contact for awhile.
Enjoy your day off today!
Clarice
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Another question I have is for those of you out there who wear contact lenses/glasses. I have spoken to a few people who have not been able to wear their contact lenses after surgery (ever) due to a lack of moisture in the eyes. Have any of you experienced this? Both people I spoke with had also had the middle fossa like I am having.
Hi, Bren,
I wear contact lenses and started wearing them immediately upon release from the hospital following my translab procedure. I didn't bother with them in the hospital because it was just easier dealing with my glasses at that point. I had no problems whatsoever with my contacts. I should also add that I had no occular problems whatsoever -- double-vision, dry-eye, etc. -- either before or after my surgery ... so that was obviously a big factor. As with all things AN, each person can only speak for himself/herself when relating their experiences.
Best wishes as your surgery date approaches!
Catherine (JerseyGirl 2)
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Bren~
Good Morning!
I agree with Clarice that if you have a desk job, you might be able to get away with 3 weeks (didn't Jan go back after two...but she was a CPA); however, if the powers that be say that it is easier to get more up front, I would do that. Again, you would rather have more time than you need than not be able to work & have problems when you are feeling crummy. Unfortunately, you are probably going to have fatigue any way you look at it!
I also can comment on the contact/glasses thing. I have never been able to wear a contact in the AN eye since I had surgery, but I know that MANY people do. I will advise that if you are blind like me but would like to see a little after surgery, you will need to take an arm off of your glasses - it won't fit because of the bandage....
Don't don't if that helps any...
K ;D
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Hi Newbie, As someone who just had surgery October 19th and I believe I could the AN poster person for the surgery. I have to say that going back to work in your 3rd week is pushing it. While today is the start of my 4th week of recovery. I am a morning person so I have lots of energy in the mornings but come afternoon and I am still wearing down. I nollonger take naps since the first few days I was home. I am just fatigue and would find it hard to work even in a desk type job. Of course, everyone is different. I was driving 4 days after coming home, taking walks with my dogs at the end of the first week. Everyone's tumor is difference, my tumor size was 1.6 cm by .007. I think by allowing yourself a few more days, it wouldn't rush you back to work before YOU were ready too. Take care and you will be in my thoughts and prayers, Debi
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Hello Bren,
Going into surgery, my husband after consulting with his surgeon told his office he would be back in three months, sooner if he was able. As it turned out, he needed every day of that leave. His recovery was difficult and it wasn't until week 8 that he could make it through the day without napping. By the time he went back to work the first week of November his stamina had improved so that he was able to make it through the day. Based on Ken's experience, I would encourage you to plan for more than three weeks of leave.
Mandy
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Thank you so much for your replies! All of your responses are very helpful. I spoke with the doctors secretary about going 5-6 weeks to start and she seems to think that will be fine and is going to check with the doctor. Keeping my fingers crossed.
I will describe for you my job: I am a CORE registrar for a hospital. I am the only registrar (with the exception of the ER dept.) from 3-11:30pm and keep very busy. I register all "moms" in LDRP on 4th floor, all MRI/CT/Lab/Sleep Study patients on 1st floor, all surgical patients on 2nd and 3rd floor and all direct admits (mostly transfers from other hospitals as we are a trauma center) in ICU on 2nd and 3rd floors. My job entails a lot of running and keeps me very, very busy and I love it!!! However, it is sometimes difficult for me to keep up as it is and that is my biggest concern about my return...keeping up and not passing out from exhaustion after surgery :( I think most people think of hospital registration as sitting at a desk but my role is very different from that. I know that when I told my manager the doc said probably 3 weeks before return to work she was STUNNED to say the least. Perhaps things will go very well and I will be able to return that quickly but I would much rather be prepared in case there is more time needed :(
Thank you Debi, K, Catherine, Clarice, and Mandy for your very helpful input!! It is so good to be able to get info and advice from those that have actually "been there" :) I know each person and situation is unique and that's why I like to be prepared for the worst but hope/pray for the absolute best!!!
You are all so wonderful and thank you so much! :)
Bren~
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Hi Bren
I echo the other input that 3 weeks maght be appressive. I have a desk job and I did not go back for 6 weeks and that was at part time for the 1st week. I know that you do not want to inconvience your work (I know that I didn't) but your health has to come 1st! If you feel like you are ready to go back earlier I'm sure they will take you but if you have longer you will not stress about being ready to go back and you can take the time to heal.
I do not wear contacts so I cannot offer any advice on that. Good luck with your upcomming surgery!
Erin
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Thank you Erin! I also know they will work with me at work but it may be difficult as all my PTO is being used up for surgery, etc Sad I thank God for all of you and this site!!! Where else could we all go for such support, encouragement and answers!! Thanks again!
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Bren ~
If you'll accept a late entry I'd like to attempt to answer at least one of your very pertinent questions.
I think returning to work in your busy job at 3 weeks post-op might be a bit premature. 6 weeks seems to be the norm and even then, part-time hours/days may be necessary. Remember, you're having major surgery in a very delicate area and this requires some time to heal and adjust. Your innate sense of caution in this matter is justified.
I wore glasses at the time of my surgery in 2006 (cataract surgery last year obviated my need for glasses) but I never wore contact lenses. Your ability to wear your contact lenses will depend on whether you have any 'eye issues', which is unknown at this point. Of course, the hope is that you won't. I had a very mild case of 'dry eye' (no drops needed) but my ophthalmologist couldn't find any problems with my eye on the AN side and had no qualms about performing the cataract surgery on that eye.
Your attitude of hoping for the best while preparing for the worst is prudent. If your employer expects you to be out for 6 weeks and you can return, even part-time, in 4 weeks, no one will complain. However, should you tell your employer you'll be back in 3 weeks and actually need 6, that could generate problems and quite likely, some resentment from your employer. Who needs that?
Jim
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Jim ~
Thank you and there's no such thing as an entry that's too late as far as I'm concerned! ;) If that were the case none of my entries would count lol !!
It sounds like your cataract surgery was a success?! That is wonderful! Do you still have any problems with dry eye?
It was the HR person at work who questioned the 3 weeks and said to talk with the doctor as it will be better to have more time than needed then to not have enough time and then have to extend the leave and have my supervisor struggle to find a replacement, etc. So I completely agree with you. I think 3 weeks sounds so...short :( I have a great relationship with my supervisor and manager and would hate to have that affected by being unprepared- I don't want them to have me gone unexpectedly...so far they have ample time to prepare for my absence.
Oh...and also...I hope this is posted in the correct section?! Never quite sure where to post, etc. :(
Thanks again, as always I value your input! This is so helpful... :)
Bren~
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Bren,
I know I sent you a PM already but I can't remember what I said. :D Anyway, your situation sounds like mine only worse. At three weeks, I would definitely not have been ready. Of course, everyone's different and you might be just fine, but more like 6 to even 8 or 12 weeks sounds a lot better. My doc wouldn't even fill out work paperwork until after surgery when he could have a better idea of the outcome.
Sounds like your employer is pretty understanding, so that's good. Do you think you could tell them "My doctor has me signed out for three weeks, but from what I understand about this surgery I'm expecting to really need ___ weeks (however much you want)." If your dr won't change his recommendation after surgery and you're really not feeling like you can /should go back, you can try to talk to your PT if you get one or PCP or anyone else more sympathetic who can sign the papers for you.
Good luck!
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Hi Bren
Just wanted to add one more thing that worked for me: I had my surgery 3,000 miles away from home so I asked 1 friend at work to take responsibilty for letting my boss and coworkers know what was going on until I was out of the hospital and could communicate on my own. I orginally thought I would be out 4 weeks but after my two week checkup to clear me to fly home, my surgeon pushed my return to work date back two more weeks based on how I was feeling. As soon as I knew that, I emailed my boss and continued to keep him posted on my progress (like "watch out on the roads" I'm starting to drive again!) Because I had established good communication from the start, my boss worked around my needs and when it came time to go back to work, there were no surprises that I needed to start back 1/2 days. The return to work thing can be so fluid so be sure to keep your supervisors up to date so there are no surprises and they can adapt to your needs.
Erin
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Hi Bren,
Welcome to the forum, it's a great place, isn't it?
You mentioned you have a small AN so hopefully surgery will be a piece of cake, and you will be good to go in _______weeks. (Fill in the blank a couple of weeks after surgery!)
Everyone is sooo different. The fatigue is the big obstacle for most people, and the brain gets a good bit of manipulation I'm sure, even though the surgery isn't IN the brain.
Try to stay as active as possible with exercising if you are an exerciser. That helps tremendously. I did very well post op (don't count the nerve cut). I have always been an avid exerciser, and it really made a difference. But the fatigue came and went for quite a while. just plan rest periods (ha) once you recover.
Let us know of any concerns, questions, what to bring to the hospital (chap stick, bathrobe, slippers- that's about it!), what to expect (first three days don't count- this is brain surgery)-Hey I'm answering the questions~
Really ask away, we're here for you ;)
Maureen
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Bren -
as others have said, the 6 week mark is the typical timeframe for returning to work. However, a lot depends on your job and how physically taxing it is.
I work a desk job (accountant) and returned to work part-time (half days) @ 2 1/2 weeks and full-time at 4 weeks. My biggest issue at work was fatigue - and once again, I stress I have a desk job.
Everyone is different and everyone recovers differently - and it's possible you may not be able to return to work 3 weeks post op. But, I'm confident that your doctor will not let you return if he - or you - don't think you are ready for it.
Just take things as they come, and go from there. As they say, man planned - God laughed!
Jan
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As they say, man planned - God laughed!
Jan, that is great! I've never heard that before. lol ;) Thank you for your reply and the chuckle!
Bren~
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As they say, man planned - God laughed!
Jan, that is great! I've never heard that before. lol ;) Thank you for your reply and the chuckle!
Bren~
Yes a great Yiddish adage "Mensch tracht, Gott lacht."
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As they say, man planned - God laughed!
Jan, that is great! I've never heard that before. lol ;) Thank you for your reply and the chuckle!
Bren~
Yes a great Yiddish adage "Mensch tracht, Gott lacht."
Neal, my father would be very proud of you (he speaks fluent Yiddish!)
Phyl
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Actually I think it's technically supposed to be "Man plans, God laughs" and I just heard it myself very recently.
I couldn't help thinking "how true" ;D
Jan
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Hi Bren! I just wanted to chime in on the contact lens issue - I never even thought about it prior to surgery. But for some reason afterward, wearing contacts became a big issue for me. I think it somehow symbolized returning to "normal", whatever that is :)
Even though I still have an incomplete blink in my AN side eye, I switched to daily wear disposable lenses, which are very, very thin. They don't seem to get as dry, and have been working fine. I had to try a couple of different brands, and they do cost a little more (about $30 for a 30-day supply), but I have been thrilled to be able to wear them again. I was able to start wearing them about 6 months post surgery (3 months post GK).
I wish you all the best for a speedy recovery!!
Martha
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Hi Bren:
Hope you don't mind me chiming in a little late here :-) Even with a great recovery, heading back to work 3 weeks post op would be pushing it. I would give yourself at least 6 weeks and then head back part time.
It's been 8 years post op for me now - it was six weeks before I was able to handle things on my own at home (SAHM of five boys :-) and then I found fatigue to be a huge factor. Everyone recovers differently but I would still aim for taking at least six weeks off from work to give your body a lot of time to heal. Wishing you all the best!
Cecile
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Bren,
Just read your thread. I am currently 8 weeks post op and have had an remarkable recovery. I had middle fosa and since about the first week, I have not needed (or been able to for that matter) nap in the afternoon. I have not, however, ever been a good napper so genetics may play a part in this. My surgery was only 4 hours so I am also thinking that I didn't experience the brain fatigue because of the duration of surgery. That being said, I would find myself very tired around 7 pm. It looks like your hours are late afternoon/evening so this may be an issue with you. Any possibility you can take an earlier shift in the beginning days? I think if I had a low key, desk job, I could have gone back easily about week 5. I do not, however, as I am a teacher, so I have a little more time. The main issue for me right now is building up stamina so I can be on my feet all day and getting used to noisy environments as I did end up SSD and middle school is very noisy. It does not look like you have a low key job, either, so I am betting you are going to need more time too. I would get the dr to give you 6-8 weeks and then you can see how you feel and go back earlier if you are up for it. Any chance you can go back initially part-time? That seems the best re-entry for most people. I do not have that option so the dr. wrote a note for me for longer since it will be 100% once I return.
Hoping your surgery goes without a hitch and you are back on your feet before you know it!
Cheryl
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Hi, sorry to hear about your upcoming surgery but yes everyone is different what I didn't do which I should have is started out with more time off you do have FLMA for 3 months they have to keep your job, if you want to go back earlier than you can do so. What I did was kept extending it and that wasn't good either with my place of employment and also the doctor had to keep writing disability papers. Best to plan for a longer recovery period then sooner I had other complications other than from the surgery that set my recovery back a few weeks more. But definitely go back part time at first I went full time and that was not a good. Also I think for most of us the memory and concentration seems to affect alot of people with you position both mentally and physically you need time to heal... my prayers will be with you..
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I was able to start wearing them about 6 months post surgery (3 months post GK).
Martha- thanks for the info about contacts ...very good to know and good advice. So you had GK and surgery??
Cheryl, pbjork, and Cecile- thank you for the advice and input... it is all very helpful to me. My mind seems so chaotic right now. I am an "information junkie" but feel my mind is overloaded right now. Hearing words of encouragement and others' experiences seems to be very helpful...helps "sort" things out...thank you!
Bren~ :)
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Bren,
I never officially welcomed ya to the forum, so welcome. I'm always a day late and a dollar short. :)
I was able to wear contacts maybe 2 months or so after retrosig surgery. I was itching to wear them but didn't until I got the all clear from my surgeon and my eye doctor. It was in my top 3 of questions at every follow up.
I documented my "story" from just before diagnosis until well into recovery with all of the ups and downs in between. If you're looking for more information, please read mine. It's a long read, but it's pretty detailed from the patient's (me) perspective.
Regards,
Brian
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Hi Brian,
Thanks for the welcome! I too am usually a day late and a dollar short! lol ;) That's great info on the contacts. I only have 1 pair of cheap glasses and haven't had them "updated" in a very long time as I only wear them right before bed...maybe a few minutes! I am anxious to read your story...thanks :)
Bren~
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Bren,
Given that your glasses are old, if your prescription has changed much since you got them it may be worth your time now to get them updated before treatment. If you do, I would recommend that you get the kind of frames that are expandable beyond their normal range (not sure what you call them). If you have to wear them post surgery, then you'll be in a headbandage for a little bit after surgery and wearing traditional glasses can be problematic at best. If you're like me and have to wear a head bandage for an extended period of time (I was in one for a month or so after surgery), then you'll go nuts not being able to wear your glasses right. The expandable part will make it easier to wear.
Just a thought if you had the inkling to update them before treatment.
Btw, didn't say it, but the link to my story is in my "signature" below..
Happy reading!
Regards,
Brian
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Hi Bren,
Sorry I am very late in coming to this thread. I wanted to weigh in too on the contact lens issue. I also wear contact lenses and although I found them uncomfortable directly after surgery I did eventually start wearing them again early this year and actually could have done so sooner, i was just too lazy to go for another exam so get a new prescription (the old one was outdated). I wear them all the time and even (shame on me) sleep in them for a few days at a time without a problem. Of course, everyone is different. As Brian suggested, if the prescription in your glasses is not current, I would get them upgraded for just in case purposes. No being able to see properly is very annoying.
Wendy
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Hey Bran-
Well, since Pooter and I had our surgery 8 days apart, I will blame him for me not seeing this thread until now! (How do you like my thinking on that Pooter? :D)
I agree with everyone that 3 weeks may be optimistic. I went back to VERY limited hours at a little past 2 weeks, but I am a coach, set my own schedule, and work from home. I did not get back to full time until about 8 weeks. Never wore contacts, so can't comment on that. Much will depend on whether or not you have eye issues after surgery. My eye is completely dry, so contacts are probably never an option - but its okay because I like my glasses. ;)
I guess the answer to all your questions is ... it depends!
Hope you are enjoying some family time this weekend.
Debbi
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I'm posting mainly so that Debbi doesn't have to be the latest to get to this thread (ok, not really).
One thing I haven't seen mentioned (could have missed it) is the potential balance issues. I had my surgery on March 5th of this year and was home on March 6th! I had a great outcome, some headaches now, but easily managed with OTC meds. If my memory serves me, I was still out of work for 5 weeks. For me, it was the balance/light-headedness issues that kept me from driving. If your AN has not yet had any negative impact on your vestibular nerve, then you could very well be battling some vestibular deficiencies for several weeks. One part of my commute involves a tight loop to get on the interstate. This really threw me for a (dare I say) loop :). It has gotten much better now, but I still get light headed, especially with up and down motion of my head (it's easier to shake my head side to side than up and down, so I say "no" a lot more than "yes" now :). )
Did they test your vestibular system yet? I had some degradation, but not enough to be noticeable by me, or enough for my left side to begin taking over for my right.
Ernie
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Hey Bran-
Well, since Pooter and I had our surgery 8 days apart, I will blame him for me not seeing this thread until now! (How do you like my thinking on that Pooter? :D)
Debbi
I'm a man; it's ALWAYS my fault. I've learned to accept my role in society. ;)
Love ya, Deb!
Regards,
Brian
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I'm a man; it's ALWAYS my fault. I've learned to accept my role in society. ;)
Good answer. Jenni sure trained you right! ;)
Jan