ANA Discussion Forum
AN Community => AN Community => Topic started by: allegro17 on April 27, 2009, 06:07:41 pm
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Hi Everyone!
Just really quick.... my mom will post updates here during my surgery. I will check into my new hotel in a bit and can't wait to have the magic scarf around my neck! I'll post more here tonight.
There's a lot to do to get ready for surgery, apparently.
:)
Laura
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Good Luck to you Laura! Cant'wait to see you on the other side. You are in my thoughts.
Kathy
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Laura~
Prayers to you & yours. Hope you get a little rest tonight!
K
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Hi Laura and Laura's mom,
I'm glad you and your mom are settled in. I hope that she feels support and encouragement as well from this group.
I so hope and pray everything goes well for you tomorrow! I know you're in great hands.
Keri
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Laura,
Best of luck to you! Hope everything works out as planned. You will look really chic with a scarf around your neck! With this type of surgery, bandaging is very small, almost like a bandaid. So you won't be able to use the magic scarf to cover it because it will be invisible to begin with!
Eve
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Hi Laura and Laura's mom,
We wanted to let you know we are thinking about you and praying for you today.
Scarlett & Rich
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Good luck, Laura ;D
And many thanks to your mom for agreeing to keep us in the loop - you know how we worry.
Are you going to post pictures of yourself in the lovely magic scarf?
I'll be among the group thinking of, and praying for, you.
All the best,
Jan
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Best of luck. Soon it will be behind you with recovery as your main agenda.
Jo ;D
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Leave it to me to be here 45 minutes before surgery :)
Just want to let you know that I also have a "the status" site:
www.thestatus.com
patient ID: Barbieri
password: marathon1
there are some updates and pics there, too.
Laura
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Wow, Laura! Thanks for the link.
I had NO idea things like this existed. www.thestatus.com What a concept! ;D
Jan
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Wow again, Laura!
Positive Prayers for a successful surgery and recovery.
Will keep posted.
Maureen
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Checked out the website and looking forward to reading that you are on the other side of the procedure.
Hang in there, Mom and Dad!
Nancy
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Laura went into surgery this morning at 10:30. There's about an hour prep in the OR, and then about 3 hours for the procedure. I will keep you all updated as best I can. Thanks for all the prayers and support!
Rhona, Laura's mom
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Hi Rhona,
I met Laura last week in Boston. We went to the AN brunch together. I think that it was great for her to see so many people who were recently post op doing well. Monday I parked myself on the final stretch of the marathon course and looked for my husband, friends and Laura. I never saw her (though I know she ran right by - just difficult with so many). She did so well! The experience made me wish I could qualify - what great crowd support!
We will be praying for Laura and you today as you wait.
Oh, I drove her around Boston, through the tunnels, etc. What an experience! If she survived that with me, brain surgery should be a piece of cake!
Take care, and thank you for posting. In the short time we've known Laura, we've come to admire her and care about her.
Keri
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Best wishes Laura, I'll be keeping up with updates.
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Hi Mom Rhona and Laura!
thank you SO very much for these updates. Another one here that Laura met at the Boston brunch before the marathon. If she can conquer Heartbreak Hill during the marathon, then sending wishes that this is a skip in the park! Thank you for the updates... will check in later for updates.
Hang in there!
Phyl
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Laura/Rhona ~
I visited the linked website ('thestatus.com'), signed the guestbook and left a brief message. Great idea! Laura should be out of surgery by now and on her way home by Thursday. Good job!
Jim
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I got a phone call about 20 minutes ago -- they are inside her head and everything is stable so far. :-) I think we still have about 2 hours to go.
Thanks for all the wonderful messages! I know how important it was to meet many of you last weekend in Boston -- the whole weekend and the great race she had were wonderful boosts for her.
I will keep you all posted, and thanks again for all the good energy you are sending.
Rhona
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thanks for the update Rhona! I also visited Laura's site for updates and yeah, I may have left a message there as well! :)
Please remember to take care of yourself as well. Pls try to get a little something to eat or maybe a short stroll or such. You are just as important and we want you well, too!
Phyl
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Rhona,
I was one, and the most recent post-op (11 days at the time), who met Laura at the brunch. She is a beautiful, young woman, and I am glad that I had the opportunity to get to know her. You must be a very proud mom. We'll all be here to help you get her through this and on with her future. Call on us whenever you feel the need.
My heart is pounding right now for her and for you.
Be strong.
Nancy
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I am heading over to the hospital now -- just got the call for a 3:30 meeting with the doctor. They are almost done :-))))))))) and the word is it is a benign acoustic neuroma, and everything is going well.
You all bring me to tears. Thanks.
Rhona
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Rhona -
glad to hear Laura's surgery is almost over ;D
I'll have to check out status.com a little later and leave a message there.
Our prayers are with Laura.
Jan
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Echoing everyone else here - sending prayers and good wishes to you. Sounds like the early report is positive - now the healing can begin ...
Debbi
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Just want to add my wishes for a great outcome and speedy recovery, also met Laura at the brunch, and SBI is my primary choice, too. I have been thinking about Laura all day and will be checking in with the upate site. Hard to type with my fingers crossed.
Lots of love to you, Helga
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ALL DONE and laura is in recovery. I met with dr. shahanian (forgive my spelling i am too relieved to care) and everything went very well. the tumor is gone and the facial nerve responded well, so weare all hoping for a totally good outcome. i can go back to see her at 5, when she will be in intensive care! oh my, it has been a long day -- thank you all for holding our hands from everywhere you are. I will post later when i get back from the hospital.
i just want to see her smile.......
rhona
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Bravo! :D
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Yea! I'm SO happy for Laura! I'm sure that it's been a hard day for you.. This is definitely the hardest part for the family/friends. Tell Laura welcome to Postieland! Thanks for the updates!
Regards,
Brian
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Thanks Rhona for the outstanding news...I know it's a big relief to know Laura made it through in great shape.
Tell Laura we'll give her a few weeks before we expect to hear about her running exploits again.
Patrick
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our Laura is now a Postie! (post treatment!). Rhona, thank you SO very much for these updates and I know you can feel the energy from us all. That is what makes this place so very special. Please get some rest... give Laura our congrats... and truly... thank you!
healing hugglez to Laura! wishes for a speedy recovery!
Phyl
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Rhona,
Please tell Laura that if she gets the euphoria that overwhelmed me (No, Steve, it's not just the steroids!) when I realized I had survived brain surgery, just go with it. It's a high like no other. Let us know when we can see her smile, too, and where (this site or the other).
Ask about any post-op concerns as they may arise.
We're here for you.
Congratulations!
Nancy
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Hi Rhona!
I'm here to add my congrats for Laura! You will find that you both need a bit of rest now for a couple of days :). I will say a prayer for her recovery.
Ernie
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We saw Laura for just a little while tonight when she was in intensive care. She's looking a bit on the pale side, is very dizzy, and not feeling well at all. Nothing we didn't expect. The doctor ran down the whole list of normal post op conditions. She's getting antibiotics and steroids and fluids. All her vital signs look good, and she doesn't show any signs of damage to the facial nerve. It feels like a miracle to me, and I hope she gets the I survived brain surgery in Postieland; and that she doesn't run her next marathon too soon!
It has been a very long day, and I do think we all need some good rest, or a week in Aruba.
Thank you all again -- I don't think I will be able to get back to you until we see her tomorrow morning. You are all a gift.
Rhona
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Please tell Laura that I send my best and warmest wishes for her recovery. As her mom you are no doubt in "pain" as well. I have a saying..."we are only as happy as our least happy kid". Everyone hang in there, the worst is over, the best is yet to come.
Best,
Marci from Ohio
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You are all a gift.
Naw . . . this is easy for us (except the expectant waiting) . . . been there, done that . . . we're pros.
Ecstatic that Laura has no facial involvement. The medications wreak havoc with all your bodily functions. Until she's off them, and they're out of her system, she's going to have all kinds of temporary symptoms. I was so scared to get up and sit in the chair and walk that I hesitated to do so. That was a huge mistake. I learned that those tasks were not at all challenging in my particular case, so if at all possible, encourage her to get out of bed as soon as the doctors will allow. I had double vision for five days, but my worst post-op symptom was dehydration. I was drinking everything in sight and eating ice chips and lemon ice as much as they would allow.
I can say that just shy of three weeks post-op, I'm doing everything I was doing pre-op, and I'm hoping the same for Laura.
I'm so glad we can all welcome her to Postieland.
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So true Nancy! I remember saying something like "get out of bed as soon as you can, eat the bad food" or something like that. Knowing that Laura is a runner, if you tell her that her first step out of bed to walk (even with a walker) is the beginning of her training to run again, she will do it. I'm a runner as well and was extremely motivated to get out of the hospital and get on with things.
Bset,
Marci
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Thanks. I will give her all your messages when we see her this morning. I know the doctor has plans to get her up and walking today, and she has plans to start training sooner than later. I got her some beautiful fresh strawberries yesterday at the farmer's market here, so hopefully if she feels like eating these will give her lots of good stuff. I am OK -- yes us moms worry but we always get done what we need to for our kids, and I am going out for a good walk for myself before today really starts.
Thanks again from both of us, and I will be in touch later today. No wireless, I hear, in the hospital, so I will pick up a network as soon as I can.
Rhona
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Rhona,
thank you SO very much for the continued updates... great news and hoping Laura is in the mood to enjoy those strawberries! If not, save some for us... :) Don't you worry about access to the wireless. Give Laura healing hugglez please.. and keep a few for yourself as well. She's very blessed to call you and have you as her "mom" :)
Phyl
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Hi Rhonda -- Echoing the sentiments of everyone else -- thank you so much for the updates on Laura. She has a great mom. As a dad of a young daughter, I think I can appreciate what you've been going through. Give Laura our best -- and see that she gets rest. She has been in my prayers.
David
PS So glad the weather here in LA has been great for your visit. 8)
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PS So glad the weather here in LA has been great for your visit. 8)
care to send it our way, David? Huh? :D
Sorry Rhona.... gotta harrass him every now and then... :D
Phyl
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Send Laura our best wishes for a gradual easy recovery. Walk, rest, eat & drink, sleep, Repeat CYCLE ;) She'll be running before she knows it!
Thanks for all those updates Rhona!
Maureen
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ditto ditto on all the best wishes for laura and for you as you are her support!
keri
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We may be eating lots of strawberries, because this is the last thing on her mind. Unofrtunaely, she is so dizzy and nauseous that she does not want tp eat or drink. I got a little applesauce into her, and she has begun having some juice and water. She is out of bed, but not walking much at all. Tomorrow is still discharge day, so on all counts, the more she walks, eats, drinks, the better.
I have relayed all your messages to her, and she says thanks!
I'm headed back over, armed with strawberries.
Rhona
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Best wishes to llaura in postie land.The first 5 days after surgery don't count.try like hell to disregard them!
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OH MY GOODNESS...WAS THAT A HIJACK BY PHYL???????? :o :o :o
K
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Hi Rhona,
My husband and I also met Laura at the Brunch in Worcester. She is so nice, and obviously a tough cookie! I’m sure she will be up and around in no time! We will be keeping you both in our thoughts and prayers, and hope she feels better real soon.
Scarlett and Rich
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K
I do believe it was a Phyl Hijack :o.
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We may be eating lots of strawberries, because this is the last thing on her mind. Unofrtunaely, she is so dizzy and nauseous that she does not want tp eat or drink.
Rhona -
as resistant to eating as Laura currently is, please encourage her to eat something.
I had major nausea issues post op and I literally didn't eat for days. In the end I ended up not getting out of bed and walking around because I was too weak. It cost me an additional day in the hospital.
Great call by my doctor, but there's no place like home - and being in mine would have made me feel much better than being in the hospital.
Jan
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OH MY GOODNESS...WAS THAT A HIJACK BY PHYL???????? :o :o :o
K
Yes, it was :D
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I'm late to the dance as usual... :(
Please tell Laura I'm glad to hear everything went well. I'm sure with her physical conditioning her recovery should be swift.
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I'm sorry this is so late in coming, but I was at the hospital most of the day, and there is no wireless signal there.
I went back to the hospital after lunch today, magic scarf in hand. It could not have arrived at a better time -- Laura was awake and put it around her neck. It made her feel so good to be surrounded by you all. 20 minutes later she took her first good walk. :-)
And had a few strawberries ...
She didn't eat too much today, but started to drink more, and graze a bit into the evening She was still nauseous, dizzy, and had a bad headache. Her eyes don't want to focus too well but she managed to take a few walks just the same. I gave her all your messages about the days post op, and I think it helped her resolve to just do it. The doctors said she is doing just fine, but has to eat and move!
So she is still scheduled to be out of there tomorrow and we will be changing hotels as the elevator here is broken.
I will try to get back to you as early as I can tomorrow.
Rhona
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Hi Rhona and Laura!
Thank you for the wonderful updates, Laura's mom!
Please send her our best, and tell her the magic scarf will help her move and eat. ;D
My thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Sue
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So, Laura has begun to train for her next race already? This is good news and the right attitude. Laura, you are doing really well. I know how bad hospital food is and how much you would rather just close your eyes but use your runner's determination to move and to eat. How well I remember taking my first few walks immediately post-op, wondering how I went from a runner to someone who needed a walker! Just get yourself home and your recovery will start to go much faster. We're all thinking about you.
Marci
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Rhona -
thank you for the update. It sounds like Laura is moving in the right direction and on her way to a good recovery.
Patience is key, but with that and some time she'll be doing 100% better.
Continuing to wish her the best,
Jan
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Hope today goes well with the transition from hospital to hotel!! Each day should get better...but remember that if there is one thrown in there that is not so good, that is OK too...listen to your body and hopefully the next day will be better!!
K
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here we are at the hotel. Since this is the first update I am doing when we are together, I asked her to tell me what she wanted me to say. She said tell them we are in the hotel, and then she fell asleep! It has been a tiring day, but we are comfortable, and doing OK. She is still dizzy and obviously tired, not focusing too well, but she is starting to eat a bit more. We got a walker at the hospital -- we thought it might be helpful to steady her so that she would perhaps walk a bit more. The dressing is off, we've got all her meds, and we will take it easy here until we go home on Saturday. Ill try to post more later.
Rhona
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How big is the scar? Be sure to take a photo of it to share. Did you get some fashion shots with the scarf? When do you go to NY? Please PM me your address there so I can have Laura send the journal on to you. Keep trying to walk and eat and rest. I know you are suffering post-op discomfort, but I hope you are happy to be on the other side.
Happy for you,
Nancy
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Know you are so glad to be out of the hospital! Things will get better each day, some days by leaps and bounds, and some days a bit slower, perhaps. But moving as much as possible will help...while still napping, of course!
Cindy
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Elevator!...I figured Laura would be running the stairs by now... ;). JK of course....glad to hear she is out of the hospital and getting some rest. You're doing a great job....no better medicine than having a caring Mom around.
Bob
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Laura,
Glad to hear you are out of the hospital. One step forward.
Hopefully each day will be a wee bit better. You may not think so but then a week later, you will think back and go
"Yea,I rocked this.!!!"
Eat, drink, sleep, rest, walk :)
Maureen
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Hi Everyone,
It's Laura.
I still don't have much patience or focus to type! Wanted to post up some pics but I can't figure out how right now - any help? I will go try on the status site. Im still REALLY dizzy.
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Hi Laura
Welcome to the postie world. So sorry to hear about your dizziness -- maybe someone on the Forum who dealt with it has some tips. Hope you're getting some rest and that you heal quickly.
David
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Hi Laura,
Welcome back! I do hope you keep getting better and better. Being on the computer a lot doens't always help, but receiving all the nice messages does.
I just read this from Jan on a post to Greg about BAHA's... anyway, there's a lot of detail about this picture thing. I hope it helps.
Keri
thanks, Jan... this is your helpful quote:
couldn't find my thread, but here are the instructions I PM'd to someone recently.
Go to http://photobucket.com and sign up - it's free.
Once you move your photos to photobucket, it's easy to copy the image. Look for a series of boxes under each photo that say "email & IM", "direct link", "HTML code" and "IMG code" Position your mouse on IMG code and left click. A yellow box that says "copied" will appear.
Next go to the forum and create a new subject. In the text of the post, just right click with your mouse and chose "paste".
You will see a set of brackets with the letters IMG in them and the address of your photobucket photo inserted between the brackets.
If you have numerous photos to post, just copy and paste each IMG code.
If you want to check and make sure your image(s) copied correctly, just "preview" your message before you hit "post" and you should see your photo in the preview box.
Good luck,
Jan
PS - if you don't want your pictures to be large, you can resize them in photobucket and make them smaller.
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Hi, Laura.
I just checked thestatus. The steroids really messed me up, but I was eager to stay on them as long as I did (two weeks) because brain swelling is not a good thing.
I can't believe it has only been three weeks and two days since my surgery. I'm totally fine except for the facial weakness, and I know you will be, too. Just relax about it, don't stress. One baby step at a time.
Lots of love and healing vibes,
Nancy
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Hi! This is Rhona. I thought it was pretty amazing that laura could even try to sit down at the computer -- that says lots for how much better she is doing. Although very dizzy and not focusing well, she is moving around and looking better -- even went for a walk outside with her dad and walker -- a good addition to our medical supplies. She had some great oatmeal this morning -- we are next to a quality food store/restaurant and lots of water. She also took a pain killer today -- yesterday she took straight tylenol.
We have abeautiful picture of laura in the scarf in the hospital, and a great picture of the scar too. I'd try to post them, but i am bit of a technological dinosaur.
She is off the steroids, and just on an antibiotic, pain meds and antivert as needed.
Thanks for all your encouragement! She is better day by day.
Rhona
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Great to hear!! Keep it up, Laura!! ;D
K
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Hi, Laura and Rhona -
I also met Laura at brunch in Worcester ... what a great achievement in the marathon and even greater driving around Boston with Keri!! ;D
Sorry I'm so late to wish you good luck, but now that it's over, continued well wishes!
Laura, you'll be out marathoning again soon, I'm sure.
Elaine
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Rhona/Laura ~
So pleased to learn our 'postie' is having a good recovery! Thanks for the updates...looking forward to the photos. :)
Jim
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Hi, Rhona and Laura,
I have seen pictures on thestatus and Laura looks fantastic! In fact, in one picture with the scarf she doesn't look sick at all. What is she doing there at Brotman? ;D
Seriously, great to hear everything is going well as expected. I am sure it's quite a change for Laura to be so weak and dizzy but in a few months she will be back to marathons! Nobody doubts it even for a second.
Thanks for keeping us updated, Rhona. Give my best to Laura.
Eve
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Hi Laura, Your pictures are beautiful ! I had alot of dizziness, balance problems initially also, & the fatigue IS incredible for most of us.
Your body is expending so much energy trying to 'right' the imbalance, visual focusing, post op healing, & with the decreased appetite, your body
needs so much more sleep then usual. I remember 'conking out' at the strangest times !
You'll gradually begin to feel like yourself again.
I chose not to use a walker when I got home after my friend (neurologist) said I would have to get use to not using the walker next;
so, I was lucky that I have a catwalk outside my condo, I would walk up & down & only if I felt I was 'going over' did I grab the railing.
I remember telling my mother it feels like I'm walking on a suspended solid surface hung by steel cords & it's windy out !
Continued healing, keep a peaceful heart,
Always good thoughts, Nancy
ps: remember to look straight ahead when you walk...
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Wow! Your incision is tiny! Thanks for the photos and the great smile. Home soon.
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Hi Laura,
I’m so glad you’re out of the hospital and on the road to recovery. I’ve been in the background following your progress, but my work schedule doesn’t give me enough time to post, once I’ve done the reading. To run The Boston Marathon you are obviously in very good shape, however, you have just gone through h---, and your body needs to rest. As other’s have said already, you have to listen to your body!
I am also very happy to see you sporting The Magic Scarf, very sharp 8) and your scar actually looks very small, that’s a good thing ;D
You are in our thoughts, and hope your recovery is smooth and steady,
Rich & Scarlett
P.S. Hi Rhona, you have done fantastic with the updates. As a caregiver also, I know it is emotionally draining. I hope you’ve been taking care of yourself, eating and getting your rest. Thank you very much!
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Laura -
although your mom has done a wonderful job of updating us, it was great to hear from you ;D
Rhona -
I'm technically illiterate, so if I can figure out how to post pictures to the forum, I'm confident you can too. It's not as hard as it sounds.
If you can't get it to work, we'll all just have to head over to the status - sounds like they're posted there.
Jan
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It's the end of our stay here, and tomorrow (today for lots of you) we head for New York. It was a hard day today -- Laura was very tired out, still dizzy with vision problems. We spent some time outdoors on the patio of the hotel, napped, and walked some. Then we went out for sushi at a wonderful place by the hotel. It was the first time I have seen her dig in. LOL She is sleeping now, tired out -- very much to be expected. But she will push to do what she can , and I pass on all you good advice and enthusiasm for her recovery.
Hope to write you all tomorrow in daylight savings time fromNew York. We don't arrive until 7:30 pm , so it still won't be too early!
BTW, I'm not sure if I mentioned how good the care was at the hospital. Because Laura was in the ICU the entire time, it was one on one nursing, and the staff was very good and very caring.
Rhona
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Just checked out Laura's pics on thestatus site. She looks amazingly wonderful - nice scarf ;)
And her scar does look tiny :)
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Laura and Rhona,
Sounding just great. I hope all the issues resolve soon, and I'm glad you're soon home. BTW, what/where is the status site?
Marci
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Marci -
see Laura's post on page 1. It gives the site address, her last name, and the password you need to access Laura's "file".
Jan
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We're back in NY. Everyting went very smoothly -- Skull Base Institute gives you four rides for your stay in LA. The limo drivers are very nice, and very accustomed to transporting post op patients. They are very reassuring and kind! So they picked us up at the hotel and took us and all our baggage, which grew daily, to the airport. Of course we had a wheelchair, but Laura did a good deal of walking today. Also, she had 3 good meals across the continental US. :-) I think she is looking pretty well, and seems to be having longer wakeful periods with more energy, but the dizziness and headaches and poor vision still persist. We are not really worried, but impatient for them to lift, and I think that if it doesn't get much better tomorrow, we'll check back in with the doctor on Monday.
We are all heading to sleep now, trying to get back to NY time. Thanks again, and we will be in touch tomorrow.
Rhona
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I just went and checked, and the other Laura (Lauralynn) had surgery on the 14th, and her double vision cleared up the morning of April 27th, or 13 days later. So I'm sure Laura's will clear up one of these days too.
Being home will make a big difference. I would plan on lots of sleeping and napping, eating well, and gentle walking. In another week she will be feeling much better.
Best wishes.
Steve
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Laura and Rhona,
My surgery was on a Wednesday. I thought I would never drive again due to the double vision. I couldn't tell which were the real trees. The double vision vanished on Monday. Have hope.
I'm sorry you are having to deal with headaches and dizziness. Maybe all those steroids I was on kept them away. But I paid in other ways . . . no sleep, bouncing off the walls, and driving my caregiver (as well as many on this forum) nuts. I hope those symptoms vanish with the double vision.
our baggage, which grew daily
Did you do some shopping in LA? Shoes?
Be well and enjoy the glorious spring in NY,
Nancy
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Hi everyone :)
I am sort of back in the land of the living. I still feel really dizzy! Its crazy, I guess i expected progress a lot faster than this. Its 5 days post surgery and I feel like I should be home free!
All in all things aren't too bad besdied the dizziness. I have no facial issues which I amn so thankful for. Still can't sit for very long a t a computer. Sleeping is rough - how did you guys handle the whole 45 degree angle thing? I havent figured it out yet. My neck is still really stiff so i am gettting headaches - I am taking darvicet for it but thinking maybe this is making the dizziness worse, even though it does take the pain away!
Ok, thats all I can muster for now :) Thanks for all of your thoughts! What do I need to do with the scarf? I would love to keep it, but I know there are many in need :)
Laura
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Laura!!
Welcome back. Please be patient with yourself (I know it's not easy). Recovery has its own pace, and other than trying to eat right, sleep well (hah!) and get exercise, there's not much you can do to move it along. 5 days post-op is so early! Finding a comfortable position to sleep was my biggest problem post-op and took a few weeks to resolve. I even used a pregnancy pillow (surgery at 48 ;D) so that I wouldn't inadvertently turn onto my surgery side, which caused me to wake with horrible head pain. I know folks on this site can tell you plenty about pillows! Some have even slept on recliners.
Take care of yourself.
Marci
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Hi everyone :)
I am sort of back in the land of the living. I still feel really dizzy! Its crazy, I guess i expected progress a lot faster than this. Its 5 days post surgery and I feel like I should be home free! .....
Laura
Hi Laura,
Welcome back to the land of the living!!!
Time will be the operative word here. You just had a major surgery and your body needs time to recuperate.. Think about progress as what you can do today that you couldn't do yesterday ( e.g...walk for longer spurts of time, sleep for "X" number of hours versus "y" number of hours, eat...etc.. eventually less dizziness should enter that list)
My dizziness came and went. I remember thinking I was "past" dizzy about five or six weeks out and was getting my haircut only to stand up and veer right into the wall:-) This was after just remarking to my stylist how good I felt---We laughed...
I agree, the sleeping part is hard particularly if you are used to sleeping in a position that is impossible after the surgery. I remember thinking I can't wait to sleep on my right side again.
All the best,
Kate
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Hi, Laura ;D Glad to see you're home.
I can relate to your "I expected progress a lot faster than this" comment - I felt the same way post op.
Now you know why we always say patience is key. As Marci and Kate said recovery takes time; your body has been through a lot.
From your mom's reports, and from yours, you sound like you're doing great. A few months from now you'll be amazed how far you've come.
Keep the faith,
Jan
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Hi, Laura.
From the AN treatments calendar it seems there is no hurry on the scarf. Alicia and Carolyn are up next on the 19th and 20th. So, when you get a chance, chose one and PM her to see if she'd like it as I did you and get her mailing address. Better yet, wait until Lauralynn sends you the journal, fill in your page and then ship them together. You could PM Lauralynn with your address so she can send the journal to you later this week.
As you saw, my only symptom has been facial, so I can't advise on any of your current symptoms. I did not sleep for two weeks as a result of the steroids, so sleeping on an incline also was not an issue. :-[
Try to relax, be patient, treat the pains, eat well, and enjoy this time with your parents and friends. You'll be back soon.
Nancy
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Laura,
I had major neck issues after the first surgery, and, knowing what tension headaches they can cause, I tried to keep the neck muscles loose after the second one. It can be done by massage (either by hand or a personal massager) and by turning your head from side to side a few times a day. Any muscle knots in the neck are best broken by massage. The reason you have neck problems is because your body tenses it in response to all the balance problems and dizziness as it tries to compensate. Just make sure you are sitting while you are turning your head, otherwise, you might fall. Also, if you use a massager, make sure you do not massage the scar. I guess you can ask Dr. Sh if you have any doubts.
Anyway, 5 days are still too early after surgery, so no marathons yet! ;D
Eve
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Happy to hear you are home and doing reasonably well. I can only imagine how you feel. After researching all the options, you finally choose the one that sounds least terrifying to you. Less invasive = quick recovery and less symptoms, right?, and now you are disappointed that it is too much like "traditional" surgery, after all. I guess there is just no easy way to remove an AN, have brain surgery one day and be back to your before-AN self in less than a week. Try to be amazed by all you have been able to do already! The massage ideas for the neck pain sounds promising, give it a try. Wishing you well, thinking of you all the time, glad we had a minute to chat at the brunch.
Helga
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Oh yes, the neck! You can try warm compresses--they really helped me. I had one of those wrap around things that you heat in the microwave which I kept on quite a bit. I also turned my head gently from side to side several times a day for many weeks. I think that got me back to driving faster, as the doctor said I could drive as soon as I could turn my head. I was motivated.
Marci
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Hi Laura,
I'm glad you're home. I too think you're doing great for 5 days post op. It's really rough for a few days, can be for a few weeks, and off and on sometimes for a few months. I hope you are trying to take it easy as well as walking. I did get some awful headaches; seemed to be due to tension in my neck as well. I hope you can find relief soon - I do think you'll just keep improving. I don't want you to get discouraged. You did have major brain surgery! I still get fatigued and a bit tipsy at times and I'm 3 months post op now. I still really believe that running helps with this, although some people think I'm fatigued from running - it makes me feel better overall. You'll be there soon. I did my second post op half marathon yesterday. You'll be doing those in no time as well!
Take care,
Keri
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Hi Laura,
Best wishes on your recovery, think of you often, hope you get stronger eveyday. You are in all of our thoughts and prayer, keep writing when you can.
LisaP ;D
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Laura, I'm sure that you'll soon start to see the improvement you expected. Somebody already said it here, but you did have major(brain) surgery....it takes time to recover from this. Everybody's case is different. I really didn't like it when people told me to be patient....but you really have to be. Try to keep walking every day and before you know it, you'll be jogging and running again.
Keri, congrats on running another half.....you said that in passing like it was a walk in the park. I know it's not that easy. Good job.
Patrick
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Yeah, seriously, Keri, you are making me feel like a real slouch.
NancyMc
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Thanks for all of the encouragement :) Keri - amazing job on running ANOTHER half!!!
I woke up today feeling a bit better but the dizziness is baack in full effect! My spirits are imrpoving a bit though :) I know it is only 6 days post op. I need to find a way to stretch some - these muscle aches are spreading down my legs now and thats definitely not good! I am doing ok on just tylenol now which is a big improvement over the pain killer that I had been on, and I have already gone for a walk around the block and a HALF today :)
Laura
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Dear Laura,
I'd say you are doing pretty darn well! Remember, baby steps...Before you know it, it will be a distant memory....
Just takes time. I enjoyed books/CD/nature music on CD or tape when I was recuperating.
Maureen
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Laura~
I think it would be OK to do some basic stretching. Can you take a bath and stretch in there when you are all warm & relaxed anyway??
K
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Hi Laura,
Good for you and your 1 1/2 block walk! I think I did a very slow walk holding onto a stick at about 1 week post op - I called it 'training.' I hope your dizziness subsides soon. I didn't seem to have any at all post op - I have more now! How long will you be in NY? It was so nice for all of us to 'meet' and talk to you mom on the forum. Plus, it was helpful to check the status site. That was a great idea.
Patrick - thanks for the congrats on the half! And happy late birthday. I'm right behind you - will be 49 in October.
Nancy - you're no slouch!!! how are you doing these days?
OK, for this half marathon I just did I had to drive an hour and a half away on the highway (don't like highway driving in general). Well, I never would have done it if I hadn't done all that driving up in MA. And, true to form, I accidently got lost and went into Pennsylvania (only i seem to get lost with GPS) but still made it to the race in time. It was me (age 48) and maybe a handful of other middle agers and a bunch of college students and other 'youngins'. So I came in about 10th to last place! But I thought 'hey, maybe for ONCE, there's hardly any other 40+ aged people running; maybe I'll place 3rd or something in my age group.' Well, my age group was 26 - 49. What a range! Needless to say, I didn't place, but I got my finishers medal, and that's all that matters!
Laura, don't push yourself to much (pleeease), and rest, rest, rest, but I KNOW you will be doing half's, marathons, etc sooner than you think.
Keri
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Laura,
I'm glad you're off the strong stuff. All the meds can really take a toll on your systems. Are you walking free of assistance? Just keep keepin' on, and you'll make progress.
Keri,
Thanks for asking. I'm doing fine. I don't use eye drops or gel, mostly because I'm lazy about any kind of self care. I've been doing a lot of gardening, spreading loam and bark mulch, and hoping the work will shed the ten pounds necessary to get into my bathing suit. My face may be improving somewhat. I'll take a comparative photo one day soon. It will be four weeks on Wednesday.
Nancy
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Hi Laura,
It sure sounds to me like you're making great progress. I'm sure for someone as active as you its tough but this will be a dim memory before long. BTW...I like Brutus as a name. My wife named mine Norbert... ;D
Best,
Bob
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I have to give credit for "brutus" to my friend melissa, but as soon as we said it, we knew that was the name! RIP, Brutus :)
I am walking free of assistance, yes. Still dizzy. How long until I can expect this to go away?!! It is so crazy to me how no one's experience is like another's with this.
Today is one - week post-op :)
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Happy one week anniversary!
Are you dizzy sitting /standing and walking or does it subside a bit with movement?
I thought mine was attributed to my pain meds as well, but still there off and on even after tossing the Percocet. Usually sitting I'm ok, walking after sitting I may stagger sometimes a bit (also depending on the environment I'm in), running or walking seems to make it go away (once i get going).
How will you do follow up doctor visits?
Have a great day!
Keri
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Hi Laura!
Grats on the 1 week anniversary! :) Sounds like you are doing great to me! Believe it or not, I still have issues and I'm more than 8 weeks post op. My scar has not really healed yet. I still get some oozing in one spot, and hair has refused to grow there!
I don't get to post as much as I used to since starting work, but know that I will continue to pray for your recovery!
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Hi Laura,
Everyone has different post op courses, but I would say you have to give yourself 6 weeks minimum for healing/balance issues/dizziness to correct itself.
You had brain surgery! Some are fortunate and go right back to what they were doing.
Others have to be a little patient. But you are doing great for one week post op!
Hang in there, baby steps, keep looking forward (literally and figuratively)!
Maureen
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wellness wishes, Laura! "Day by day, inch by inch....". Pls give mom my best and thank you's to her for the updates. And as for you, counting on seeing you at the next yr's marathon. Should I hold a dumplin for ya? :)
Hang in there! Continued wellness!
Phyl
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Hi Laura,
Just went to your 'status' site to see how you're doing. Read that you watched a movie. I hope it was a relaxing, peaceful movie. I think about 2 weeks post op I decided to watch the 3rd "Bourne" movie. Wow - watching action and all those chase scenes - does not go well with recent brain surgery! I think I had a headache the whole next day.
Glad you're getting out and around some.
Keri
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Hi everyone :)
Just wanted to check in since it's been a few days! Believe it or not, I walked a total of almost 3 whole miles yesterday! (Broken up into smaller bits, of course). Today I have been feeling lazy and just going with it.
The dizziness is improving...somewhat. I don't feel anything close to normal but I know I am much better today than I was 4 days ago. That's enough to keep me satisfied, for now at least! And, I can tell that my energy level is coming up a bit again, which is great. I am contemplating an overnight adenture to my friend's apartment in NYC sometime early next week :)
I am already planning on Boston for next year - hopefully we can coordinate the brunch!!!
Laura
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Laura ~
It's great to learn that you're seeing some satisfying improvements as time goes on. Walking 3 miles is quite an accomplishment! I think you're going to be fine. :)
Jim
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Laura,
You'll be running in no time. Congratulations on your good progress.
Best,
Marci
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You're making my plans seem possible Laura...Thank you. I'm hoping to get my surgery scheduled for no later than mid-June. I'm hoping to be back on the water by mid-July and if everything goes well paddle the 28 miles in the CCBC on Aug 15th. I'm not sure if I'm delusional but that's what i'm hoping for anyway. We're going to have a bunch of kids with much graver issues than I have watching and I feel like I HAVE to do it.
Even if the regular brunch isn't near that date I'm sure we can scare up a bunch of us willing to help you carb load... ;D
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Laura -
sounds like you're making great strides in your recovery - no pun intended ;)
I'm glad things are getting better for you every day. I found the same thing post op.
Keep up the good work ;D
Jan
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Hi Laura,
Just caught up on your progress, sounds like the first week was rough but that you are getting better day by day and thats all you can ask for. I was so happy to read that your Facial Nerve is all intact and working properly. Stay well, keep walking and getting better, soon you will be jogging again.
Tell your Mom I said Hi.
Talk to you soon
Dawn