ANA Discussion Forum

Post-Treatment => Post-Treatment => Topic started by: Tod on March 13, 2010, 02:46:57 pm

Title: 2 weeks home, four weeks post op
Post by: Tod on March 13, 2010, 02:46:57 pm
I celebrated today by walking a mile walking through the neighborhood.

It has been good to be at home, just hard to adjust to being so limited. Double-vision  is still bad, but improving. The inability to really  taste foods. The wonkiness and all that goes with it. The extreme dry mouth, which makes eating difficult. Plus I have had an upper respiratory infection has had its own challenges.

It is all good though, eventually it will all mostly pass and I still have time at home and in another week I may be ready to start active teleworking a couple hours of day.

My sister sent me photos of myself in ICU. It was difficult to look at them, but they served to point out just how far I have come these past weeks.

It is a good day.
Title: Re: 2 weeks home, four weeks post op
Post by: Jim Scott on March 13, 2010, 03:04:55 pm
Tod ~

Thanks for the update.  Although you're not done with some of the common post-op deficits, you seem to be recovering at a good pace.  Your positive attitude is commendable and will make your recuperation much easier, I can assure you. 

I believe that, for the most part, we decide whether it's a 'good day' - or not.  I'm pleased to see you've chosen to remain in the affirmative. 
 
Jim
Title: Re: 2 weeks home, four weeks post op
Post by: jaylogs on March 14, 2010, 02:53:03 am
Hey, you are upright, walking around AND you are able to use a computer....all good things in my book!! It is true, little baby steps are indeed good steps so don't push it!  You just had brain surgery, so you got a very very good excuse.  Take care and keep us updated!
Jay
Title: Re: 2 weeks home, four weeks post op
Post by: lawmama on March 14, 2010, 06:29:47 am
Tod,

You have come very far, and you will go farther!  I know the recovery from an AN is slow and sometimes difficult, but keep the faith.  At 4 weeks I was still very woozy and dizzy and tired.  I am 3+ months past my surgery and I feel much, much better. 

Congratulations on your hard work and good luck moving forward.  The worst is behind you.   :)

Lyn
Title: Re: 2 weeks home, four weeks post op
Post by: nancyann on March 14, 2010, 06:46:38 am
Hi Tod:  oh boy,  do you bring back memories.  As everyone has said, you will feel better as time goes by.  You're doing great walking 1 mile already. 
You might want to try Biotene gum & mouthwash for the dry mouth - helps to fight bacteria build up + I use Listerine strips & drink lots of water (make sure you use the Listerine strip AFTER you drink water, otherwise it can get stuch to your lips, palate, etc (done that too many times !).
Remember,  you are only 1 month after brain surgery - continue to rest often, walk & eat healthy.
Always good thoughts,  Nancy
Title: Re: 2 weeks home, four weeks post op
Post by: Mei Mei on March 14, 2010, 10:49:33 am
Dear Tod,
You've come a long way from those days in the hospital just out from that 32 hour monstrous surgery.  You're a positive trooper and we're all impressed and proud of you.  You're really strong to be doing a mile already!   Keep up the good work and keep drinking lots of water!
Mei Mei
Title: Re: 2 weeks home, four weeks post op
Post by: Tod on March 14, 2010, 03:23:10 pm
Thanks everyone. I do feel good about my progress and it is usually easy to be very positive. Not always, but those moments tend to pass quickly enough...as long as I choose to make them pass.

-Tod
Title: Re: 2 weeks home, four weeks post op
Post by: ppearl214 on March 15, 2010, 05:43:14 am
Hey Tod! :)  The glass is 1/2 full, I believe you know my mantra "day by day, inch by inch....."... and wow, you are just doing great. Remember that "not so good" days are certainly allowed but also remember, that sooner than later, may the good outweigh the "not so good". Hang in there... major congrats and continued wellness wishes your way!  Well done! :)

Phyl
Title: Re: 2 weeks home, four weeks post op
Post by: moe on March 15, 2010, 08:53:50 am
Tod,
You continue to do VERY well, for all you went through. That's all you can do it just keeping going one step forward. It just takes a while for the body/brain to settle after your   surgery.
Just the fact that you were under anesthesia for "forever", you have to take that into account also. I THINK I remember reading that it it takes one day for every hour of surgery for your anesthesia to wear off, so you are still burning off your anesthesia! :o
Expect to feel better, there is still a lot going on.
Maureen :)