ANA Discussion Forum
AN Community => AN Community => Topic started by: yardtick on July 22, 2008, 05:27:49 pm
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Just to let everyone know I survived today's procedure. And what a day it was! We arrived at the hospital 1 hr before my check in time because the traffic was amazingly light. They were very happy to see me at the reception desk since they just called my 10 min earlier to see if I could come in ASAP because the person scheduled for the first surgery of the day did not show up.
I'm changed, banded and in my bed waiting. The nurse is asking me all of the routine questions, than the anesthetist comes over with an IV pole and IV and proceeds to tell me he is starting my IV for the anesthetic. Wait a minute anesthetic....this is a local procedure! NO,NO they all inform me I'm being put under. Well I tell them I ate breakfast at 5:15 am, cappuccino and raisin toast. Dr Rutka told me I can have breakfast. The head anesthetist came over and told me my surgery will now be delayed by 6 hrs or cancelled. She was very nice but not happy.
My nurse is reading my file and as she turns over another page she sees Dr Rutka printed in bold capital letters LOCAL anesthetic. I have two nurses, and two anesthetist with their mouths hanging open, scratching their heads and couldn't understand why Dr Rutka would request this since he is using a drill. The nurse walked over to her desk and paged Dr Rutka, he assured them he knew what his was doing and it will be done with a local.
I'm in the OR at 8:00 am he comes in chuckling knowing I'm slightly freaked out. I say slightly because the Ativan has started to its thing. The operating team introduce themselves to me, all the probes for the monitors are in place, the Drs scrub and the local anesthetic begins. A few areas were a little hard to handle, but remember I'm strong like bull!! An incision is made I felt some of it at the bottom of my neck so they give me more freezing. At this point my legs are shaken a mile a minute. One of the nurses rubs my legs, another one rubs my shoulder. The operation continues and few more times I needed more freezing and a bit of oxygen.
So they removed several small nodules, scrapped down the mastoid bone because of calcification and the old scar. They stitched me up, wheeled me back into recovery, called my husband. A nurse escorted me to the ladies room and 30 minutes later I was on my way home. The nurses in OR nand recovery nurses all congratulated me and said I did very well. Hearing the drill wasn't a highlight that's for sure. Dr Rutka said that he doesn't preform this surgery very oftern so that's why everyone was in a tehter.
Louie and I drove made the 1 hr trip back to our city, stopped to get the Tylenol 3 and more toradol. I came into the house relaxed on the couch, drifted off, woke up took some pain meds and went to bed. I had a light dinner and here I am. It really wasn't bad. The pain is manageable with the meds. I hope I sleep tonight! Tomorrow I have to make an appointment for next week for a follow up.
See I told you all I STRONG LIKE BULL! ;D
Anne Marie
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Anne-Marie,
Glad you survived but I feel like you left the story with a cliff-hanger....what happened next? Will there be another installment to your story?
Tammy
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Wow, just wow. Pretty amazing stuff. You are an amazing woman! I would have passed out!
Hugs,
Brenda
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I did something and thought I lost my post, but I saved it had to go back in and modify.....its the meds ::)
Anne Marie
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Ann Marie -
Wow -- I am so impressed that you had this surgery under LOCAL anesthesia. I can tell from your post you were scared (not without reason) but you are one brave cookie! I hope your recovery goes well and that this will be the end of your problems.
Best wishes,
Wendy
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Anne Marie-
You ARE strong like Bull!!! Wow - I am totally amazed. Heck, I nearly passed out just reading it.
Seriously, I am so glad that you are already home and that it wasn't too bad.
Sending you big Italian hugs!
Debbi
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I cannot even come up with the words for what amazement I am feeling for you. I cannot fathom doing this procedure with a LOCAL!!! I just reread all my surgery paperwork and was glad to see that I will have a general. I think I am strong, but just strong like cow! Take the time to heal and to recoup after the stress your body went through today. Congratulations and I am eagerly waiting to join the posties!
Kathleen
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Anne Marie -
Phyl isn't around to say it, so I'll do it for her "YOU RAWK!!!" ;D
I had my BAHA implant with local (drill involved there too) but I think you are even more impressive than I am ;D
I'm so glad that things went so well for you.
Jan (strong, but not as strong as "our bull") LOL
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Anne Marie,
You are indeed "Strong like Bull" Wow girl, I am in awe..... It scared me just reading it. You are amazing! I am so glad this is all over for you and pray this really helps you! I am a quarter Hungarian myself but evidently you have more Hungarian blood than me. I join Kathleen in saying I am only "strong like cow" ;)
One of your fans!
Glenda
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You rock, Anne Marie. I've been thinking about you today and I don't know what more I can say. I truly hope this is the answer for you and that you're an inspiration for others.
David
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Okay, tough lady, now get some rest, for goodness sakes!
I'm delighted to hear that you are doing well. You will certainly have a great story to tell in the future.
Take care,
Steve
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WOW! What a great story of your procedure! I'm glad that you "survived" and that you are doing well! Congrats!
Brian
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Hi
God bless you, I would have thrown up and passed out, you are strong like bull!!!
LisaP:o
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AnneMarie.....
HUGGLEZ!!!!!
You rawk, hun! You truly do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
xo
(Heck I knew you were strong.... pffft!) ;)
Phyl
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AnnMarie,
Here's hoping you have pain-free days from here on out! I look forward to hearing about your progress! I too opted to "stay awake" for my most recent translab surgery, where he went through the canal on this approach and yes, the drill and scraping were a bit unnerving! Pretty awsome girlfriend and cheers to you!
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Annemarie. Wow! There is no way I could do what you did. I am so glad that you did so well and even could tell us about it so soon. I hope you do well today now too and stay comfortable. Hopefully this is going to be a good outcome for you and helps how you have been feeling!
Cheryl R
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Thanks my AN family for all of support and well wishes. I still can't believe I laid there for 90 minutes well they worked on me. The look on the nurses face was pure amazement.
I actually slept deep and well last night. My neck hurts this morning from laying mostly on my right side. I get to remove my lovely head dressing today. My girlfriend Pauline came over last night while I drink a bottle of water and her and Louie had a glass of wine, she said I should just tell my neighbors I had a face lift. You see we were sitting on the porch and most of my neighbors are foreign and elderly.
I'm just relaxing to on the couch today...no laundry, housework or cooking dinner. I'm going to get caught up on the Young & Restless and watch whatever I want for a change!
Thanks again everyone for you support and well wishes,
Anne Marie
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So when do we find out if it worked? Can you tell a difference yet?
I know, patience, patience. But I wanna know!
Steve
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AAAARRRRRRR!!!!!!!! We wenches be tough as cannon balls! We don't need no wimpy anesthetic! Just give us an ole bullet ta bite on and drill away, right-o!!!!!! Bzzzzzzzzzzz.................. Good on you fer showing your pirattitude wiv them nursies and grittin' yer teeth and gettin' through the whole shebang still afloat. Enjoy yer time in sick bay. Your deck chair and brelly drink awaits..........
Hugs,
Capt Deb 8)
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Okay, you have to see my lovely hair do!!! No forget that, I look like the "Bride of Frankenstein" not the bride of "Luigi"!
Thank goodness my girlfriend Chris who is a professional hair dresser can work wonders on me. I'm seeing her Friday for a gentle but a deep cleansing wash.
Gosh I wonder what type of gel they used on my hair so I can buy some form my sons....they use more hair products than I do ::)
Anne Marie
P.S. Some pain today but the tylenol 3's are working. Cheap drugs are so wonderful :P
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Hip Hip Hooray! Yeah!!! Yahooo
Way to go my Canadian Sister 8)
HUGS
DHM
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Ann Marie:
Great story - now that you've survived the procedure.
You certainly are a tough lady and I admire your fortitude in the face of this scary situation. I'm so glad you got through it O.K. and trust that it will mean an improvement in your well-being from this point on. Good job! :)
Jim
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Anne Marie- You are one rockin' lady!
Debbi
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Anne Marie -
I'm so glad to hear that day 2 is going well. You sound marvelous - even if you don't currently look like yourself with that lovely new hairdo ;)
You are one tough cookie and I'm sure the boys and Luigi are taking good care of you.
Make sure you get enough rest and keep us updated on your progress.
Jan
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Ann Marie,
Glad to hear you are doing well today. As everyone else said YOU ROCK!!! I am still in awe taht you had this surgery under local anesthesia. Keep us posted I am anxious to know if your problems with your facial neuroma (hopefully now gone) are over. I may be out of touch fof a while myself as my surgery is the day after tomorrow.
Sending you healing thoughts and energy,
Wendy
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Oh, I had a lovely snooze this afternoon. I had a CHEAP fluffy pillow I bought awhile ago that was sitting my closet and it was so divine to rest my head on it. I was actually able to carefully place my left side of my head on the pillow. I floated of to sleep once a was comfortable. I feel refreshed and the left side of my neck isn't as sore or stiff as it was this morning.
I have my follow-up appointment for next Wed at 10:45am. My girlfriend Pauline and my friend/hair dresser Chris and I are going to make a day out of it in Toronto. For me this is a win win situation. LUNCH and SHOPPING with the girls.
The weather system here in Southern Ontario has been very wicked with severe thunderstorms and hail. Prior to yesterday I'd be in bed with a major headache. Today I was in bed because I was tired. I know I'm still on the t-3's and the toradol, that might be a factor, but I feel amazingly better.
Once again thank-you my AN family for your well wished and support. What great news Marci is doing really well. Now Wendy's operation is on Friday.....good luck and the best possible outcome for you my dear. Remember Friday is a special day....my hubby birthday's so the stars are all aliment and your surgery is going to very successful!
I love all of you.........the silver lining to this journey!!! AN amazing group of people.....HEROS in my eyes.
Anne Marie
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AN amazing group of people.....HEROS in my eyes.
Anne Marie -
I'd say you're one of the biggest heroes among us ;)
Some of you guys have been through so much.
Jan
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Hi Anne Marie -
I hope today is another good day for you. Thanks for you good wishes I hope you are right about hte star being in alignment for a goo outcome. I do feel pretty confident this will be the case. Tell Luigi I said "Happy Birthday!" You have been through so much yourself that I truly hope you are now, finally on the road to recovering and it will continue without further incident. I look forward to reading your posts and hearing good news from you when I get home and am up to going on line again, hopefully by the end of next week. For now I am sending good healing thoughts your way.
Hugs,
Wendy
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Nothing like a soft, comforting pillow, is there?
I think the whole eastern seaboard has been miserable this week - hot, humid, thunderstorms - whew. Doens't help the wonky-headedness for any of us.
Anne Marie, I still can't believe how good you sound! A great atitude (not to mention a great husband, family and friends) really does help - and you are a shining example of that!
Happy birthday to "Dr. Louie" tomorrow!!
Debbi, off to see Dr. Roland today...
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I'm hijacking this thread to say Cheryl R nice to see your profile photo :D
I know you were having trouble getting it to work; glad you finally did.
Jan
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I'm running in to give AnneMarie a healing huggle! :-*
(btw, nice pic, CherylR! ;) )
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You can say thank you to Phyllis for finally getting it figured out and see that it got on right. I much appreciate her effort. I have my share of not so good pics with having had my share of facial paralysis and I don't have the best movement on the right but look ok just at rest.
This was taken 2 days before my April surgery.
My Michigan daughter is back and now over to her sisters so she can spend time with her little nieces so I am off to there and will be the next few days alot.
Cheryl R
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Great picture Cheryl, its so nice to put a face with the names and comments.
I just got a call from the Dr office, I have to bring my CD's from the CT scan and 2 previous MRIs I had done before he was my Dr. Could the result be back from pathology all ready? My tummy just did a flip or two....
Anne Marie
P.S. Wendy thanks for Louie's birthday wishes....he's smiling!!! :-* to you!!
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Anne Marie
"My tummy just did a flip or two...."
Think positive thoughts and don't flip out- yet.
Hang in there!
DHM
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Oh Daisy,
Thanks for the words of encouragement.....I can always count on you :-* Dam I do not nderstand why I didn't sleep last night. I was up until 4:00am, today I feel yuckie, but I good nap this afternoon should help.
Anne Marie
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Hi Anne Marie-
Keeping fingers crossed that all the news from here on out is GOOD NEWS! Hey, after all, Louie deserves nothing less - and neither do you!
ARe you on any meds post surgical? If so, they may be disrupting your sleep.
Tell Louie I had a nice grouper in olive oil and lemon and herbs at a little Italian joint in NYC today!
Debbi
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Anne Marie -
I'm hoping the call from the doctor's office is the beginning of some good news for you.
As I'm sure you know, it's very normal to have "good" and "bad" days post op - even in the case of sleeping or not sleeping or feeling "yucky" or not.
You did so fantastically the day of your surgery, you're somewhat "entitled" to a less than stellar day today. I'm sure you'll be back on track soon; just give it some time.
Jan
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Hi Ann Marie,
I hope the doctor has only good news for you -- you deserve it. Please wish your hubby a "Very Happy Birthday" for me tomorrow. Hoping each day gets a little bit easier and you feel a little bit better. Even if a bad day comes now and than as it probably will, I hope the rest of your recovery is without further incident. II'm sending lots of healing thoughts your way!
Best wishes for a smooth recovery,
Wendy
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Thanks Wendy,
All the best for you tomorrow!!! I can't wait to read your progress reports. Safe operation and a speedy recovery!
Anne Marie :-*
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8) My neuromuscular facial retraining therapist and my neuro ophthalmologist finally met in person today. 8) We were all in the same state at the same time. (She is based out of San Diego and he in Portland OR). I introduced them via e-mail and we all came together and today I "braved the botox"…
(Actually I hardly felt it being injected 8))
Remember when I made this post for help?…
http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=5846.0
Well I found one! … And she came to me (by coincidence she was already coming to Portland for a different reason to visit) Thanks to Jackie Diels telling me about her successful graduate... It was a successful visit - and she is now willing to come here (Portland) to help others, on quarterly bases, in addition to me. So today she returned and met my neuro-ophthalmologist (in person :)) … and a partnership was made. ;D We hope to have them both present to our Portland ANA group -later this fall.
I survived the botox injections :) (so far anyway) even to write to tell you-all about it.
My success on getting help would not have happened if it was not for all my AN buddies input here… thanks to those who hover around the “ facial issue � button on a regular bases- (hey Anne Marie. ;)) Thanks to vcschaub especially – in my survival story here.
Keep moving forward!
DHM
P.S. OH...My new neuromuscular facial retraining therapist is ... drum roll please..."Wanda Crook"
http://www.bellspalsy.ws/centers.htm
&
http://www.feldenkrais.com/practitioners/find/browse/USA/CA/San%20Diego/
This is my neuro ophthalmologist ... Dr. John Ng
http://www.ohsu.edu/health/meet-our-staff/doctors/doctor.cfm?id=11302
IE in the Pacific Northwest we now have a "neuro ophthalmologist AND facial retraining therapist team" TOO!
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Way to go Daisy!!! You're strong like Bull too ;D
I asked my Dr about botox as I was leaving the OR on Tues because I've been having hemifacial spasms. He just laughed and said one thing at a time Anne Marie!
YES, I felt EVERY injection I received prior to surgery on Tues and even the top ups.
I slept very well last night and later today my girlfriend/hairdresser is going to wash my hair.......HEAVEN!!! I'm even going to apply a bit of make up too. Since its my hubby's birthday I thought I give him a treat. I'm sure I'm looking pretty scary at the moment!
My face is hurting a bit today and the incision is itchy....I good sign I hope.
Anne Marie
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Lucky me I had my hair washed today and gosh did it feel good. This was my first outing since my surgery on Tues. I'm exhausted!! I walked to my girlfriend's house which is three blocks away. Pauline drove to our girlfriend's to get our hair done. I got back home and had to have a nap.
Louie came home and we took our youngest son to driving school than to the grocery store to pick up a few thinks....phew....you would think I've worked a 20 hr day. I managed to season and put a few chickens in the oven and poor Louie has to do the rest and it's his BIRTHDAY. Poor bugger, I'll have to make it up to him later..... when I've got my energy back.
Who know day surgery with a local could be so taxing on my body....or am I getting "old"? I even turned down a trip to the mall ???
Oh well my oldest son did pick up a nice Italian rum torte for Louie's birthday. I have energy to eat that ::)
Anne Marie
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Happy Birthday Louie!
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Who know day surgery with a local could be so taxing on my body....or am I getting "old"? I even turned down a trip to the mall ???
Anne Marie -
you most certainly are NOT getting old. Actually I think that's Louie's job today ;)
Surgery even with local anesthesia, as opposed to general, is still surgery and does take a toll. In addition to the surgery, you probably had some anxious moments - and dare I say stress - leading up to the surgery so that probably plays a role too.
Try to get some rest the next few days and you'll most likely feel better.
Hope Louie had a great birthday,
Jan
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Hey, did I hear someone say "Italian Rum Torte?" I'm on may way!! :D
Anne Marie, hopefully a nice dinner with Louie, followed by the afore-mentioned rum cake made you feel better! And, I hope you wake up this morning feeling refreshed (and that there is some rum torte left for breakfast!)
all the best and lots of hugs,
Debbi
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Thanks Jan & Debbi for the words of encouragement! We had company last night and it was midnight before they left.....poor Louie was up at 6:00 am for work. As soon as they left I run for the computer, I wanted to check in to see how Wendy was doing. Sounds like she is on her way to recovery. What a relief!! I think we all hold our breath collectively until we hear our friends are doing.
I slept until 10:00 am..............I was really tired, I'm normally up before 8:00am. No plans for today, except a piece of Italian rum torte or two and NO company tonight!!
I need a cappuccino ;)
Anne Marie
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I need an Oregon hazelnut caramel latte... ;)
Yawn
DHM
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Oh, could you have one for me, DHM - and Anne Marie, you'd better have a piece of that rum torte for me as well!
Debbi
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Hi Anne Marie: Congratulations to you ! (I haven't been on the forum much, so I notice I'm a bit late). So glad to hear all went well.
Always good thoughts, Nancy
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Come on up Debbi......
I've got just about half left. I'll see you in about 10-12 hrs. I'll leave the light on and the key underneath the flower pot ;)
Anne Marie
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Nancy Ann,
You are back!
I missed you...
Hopefully you have been off somewhere fun?!?
DHM (the old "4")
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Hi there '4' I've been lurking around but I have so much difficulty keeping up with everyone on the forum, I don't know why, I just find it overwhelming alot of the time. I had my platinum weight put in 2 weeks ago, have had some cornea issues that are clearing up, along with blood pressure problems, unfortunately nothing fun.
I'm always glad to see others are doing so well (including you !).
Always good thoughts, Nancy
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Nancy,
I noticed also you hadn't posted in awhile. So sorry to hear about your BP problems, are you on med's or are you watching it with your diet? I hope this new platinum weight does the trick for you. Good to hear your cornea issues are clearing up.
So glad you are on the road to recovery. You have been missed!!
Anne Marie
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Hi Nancy,
I am also glad to see you are still around. I hope the latest batch of issues clears up soon; I think you have had your share already.
Always good thoughts back at you.
Steve
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Hi guys: Yes Anne Marie, I was on then off now on again with the blood pressure meds, had an echocardiagram yesterday, so I'll see what's up.
& this eye weight is PERFECT ! ! 1.6 grams
I tell ya Steve, between work & doctors' appts. lately, I'm pooped !
Always good thoughts, Nancy
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Okay this is a inquiry for all of the medical staff out there. My incision is driving me crazy, tender, itchy and it feels really tight, so do you think it would be all right for me to put some polysporin on it. Even the area where I was buzzed is irritated. Its like I can feel my hair growing in. Sounds weird....I know ???
Anyone suffering today from weather related headaches? Violent thunderstorms roller through again! I had to take 2 t-3's and go to bed this afternoon. I can't believe I slept since I slept for 10 hrs last night. No dinner tonight for my family...it was leftovers and lots of torte.
Anne Marie
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Anne Marie -
I'm no medical person, but I think polysporin would be okay. I put polysporin on my BAHA incision and it wasn't a problem.
Nancy -
nice to hear from you. You've been missed!
Jan
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I survived another hectic day!!! My stitches are out, thankfully and of course the Dr was admiring his handy work. The pathology reports are not back, but once they are he will call me. I really do not need to see him for another three months, unless something comes up. I'm also to wean myself of the neurontin in two weeks. He wants me completely healed from this surgery before I think about returning to work.
So I'm hoping that after I'm off the med's I will not have the killer headaches and the back of my scar will no longer hurt. I'm also hoping to drop the weight I gained from the med's!!! I'm not a fan of the extra lbs I've been accumulating. I also hope the fatigue will dissipate. I have never slept more than I have slept in the past week.
Well I'm off tonight to see Momma Mia.....
Anne MArie
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great news, Anne Marie.. at when you see the movie.... look for C. Baranski and J. Walters singing to M. Streep... check out their "microphones"... you'll know what I mean! :) Saw it this past weekend... enjoy!
Phyl
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Hi Anne Marie -
Just wanted to stop in and thank you for your good wishes about my surgery. Tell Louie he brought me good luck and I hope he had a wonderful birthday! If any of that rum torte is left have a piece for me too -- it sounds heavenly!! I'm glad you seem to be doing so well. I'm sure waiiting to get the pathology report is not easy. I am hoping to see Mama Mia too and hope I will be up to it while it is still playing in the theaters. Let me know how it is!
Best wishes and crossing all figners and toes for you,
Wendy