ANA Discussion Forum
Post-Treatment => Post-Treatment => Topic started by: largecat on May 21, 2009, 01:34:28 am
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This is continued from the thread "Now iit's my turn" http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=9587.0 (http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=9587.0) by Catlover and me, her husband Mats. Today she will be moved from ICU to the ward (is that the correct word?) and then we will see. I'm on the commuter train now, heading for Lund where the hospital is. A loverly pre-summer day here in Sweden. lilacs blooming, air filled with the smell of grass and fresh green leaves. Hope Helene soon will get the chance to smell and feel it again. I seems very promising so far.
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The 10:00 report. Actually spoke to her now, she could say something more than just unprintable expressions. She's got a bandage around her head and a pirates patch over her right eye. She's had problems with double vision and a nasty headache. Still, I felt she was much better compared with yesterday.
She did not want me to take any pics, but she smiled when I told here she was good looking in the pirates patch.
She could only talk a few minutes, she was very tired. I'll check in on her later today, when she is in her own room.
And I will take a pic, I know how much she looked at the ones you have posted here. There must be some justice in the AN-community! Give and take. :)
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Hi,
My first hello and congratulations to you both. Glad to read another happy story and trust these early days will breeze by and everyday will be better.
Trish in Toronto Canada
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Final report for the day - nothing much have changed, she is tired, wants to sleep, drinking mineral water, headache. Not much for me to do, so I'm on my way back home. I did not ask about hearing, seemed like it is not so important for the moment. I passed on all your greetings. Next update tomorrow.
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Mats and Helene,
So glad you are both on the other side of this. It sounds like all is progressing normally. I'm sending you my best wishes.
Marci
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Hi Mats & Helene!
So glad to read your updates here on the Forum!
Sounds like Helene is doing great, just takes time - and most other AN surgery patients say 'the first three days don't count.'
(I think i would have said those same first words if i had brain surgery!) :o
All my best to you and Helene!
Thinking good thoughts and saying prayers for you and your family.
Sincerely,
Sue
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All sounds very familiar...and, though not fun, normal - so glad!
Cindy
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Mats ....
Thanks so much for the regular updates on Helene! It seems like we all become one huge family on this site ....... As others have said the first three days after surgery are mostly forgettable days and then things usually begin to look better quite quickly. Until next post .....
Our thoughts and prayers continue.
Clarice
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Glad to hear she is moving through the legendary first-three-daysTM with brighter ones ahead very soon!
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Thanks for the updates, Mats. Helene will be home soon, hang in there. Glad to hear everything is okay. Best wishes to her.
Steve
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Hi Mats,
Tell Helene we are praying for her! The weather sounds lovely and I hope she can enjoy it soon.
Keri
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Good to hear she is doing great. As stated first three days dont count. I felt much better after the third day and once they got me up walking. Soon this will be a thing of the past. Dont forget to take care of yourself as well Mats.
JO ;D
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Thanks - yes, I think she knows about the F3D, and she just tries to sleep them away with as much help as possible from painkillers. Tenai98: "doing great"? I'm not so sure she would agree ;) - guess she will make a comment about that later... I feel confident in your belief that this is all "normal" - but I'm still nervous. Keri: I know she will fight to get out of that room and smell the lilacs, she is stubborn as a red pig... (Swedish saying). Steve, Clarice, Cindy, Sue, Marci and everybody else posting - thanks for the support.
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Hi Mats and Helene-
Just wanted to say that the worst will be behind you in another day or so, so have faith. I think all the drugs really take a toll during the first couple of days, then she should start feeling a bit more human. Keep us posted!
Debbi
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Hi Mats,
Just following along with your updates and wish the two of you the very best as you move through the recovery process. This is nice time of year to recuperate - sounds like you've got beautiful environment to heal in! A day at a time...a day at a time.
Take care!
Kathy
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Mats,
I know my husband was extremely worried about me and quite nervous in the first few days. When they released me he looked terrified, but he took amazing care of me at home. He was patient, supportive, kept track of my pills, drove me wherever, walked with me constantly, really, he was quite wonderful. We also had friends who came by and hung out with me so he could go running (he didn't want to leave me alone but I was fine), and do other things for himself. So take care of yourself!!
Helene,
Soon you will feel more like yourself. Sooner than you think! Being stubborn is a good trait to have now. Rest, walk, eat, and get out of the hospital.
Best,
Marci
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Thanks - yes, I think she knows about the F3D
Nice, I like seeing it boiled down to an abbreviation - very Internet-ish. :)
Mats, you might like taking a look at this thread: http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=9259.0
It is some posts from other caregivers, describing their experience before, during, and after surgery. You may even want to post your own story, it would be valuable for those who will follow.
Steve
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Steve, I just stole the idea from Lilan:
first-three-daysTM
I do think it's good to know that the F3D are really bad - and that it is normal. I sure gives me some peace of mind, I know I cant expect things to get better - yet.
About telling the story of a caregiver, yes - but not now, maybe later, in a month or so. I'm about to leave for the hospital now. We had our first summer thunderstorm tonight, I woke up at 03:00 with a bang. Funny how the human brain seems to process things while sleeping - I was in some kind of dream about surgery and hospitals and headaches when the thunder woke me up...
See you.
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So, todays visit is done. She does not really appreciate my visits as much as I hope - but I understand. She looked better today, some colour back on her cheeks, she moved hands and head a little faster and looked a little more alive, in general.
Still headache, double vision, nausea - lost of painkillers including injection of really heavy stuff. She heard "popping" sounds inside her head and the doctors had told here it was from small air bubbles and that it would go away soon.
She was not sure about the hearing, she told me she thought it was lost - but when I asked the nurse she could not find it in the journals. We'll see. Maybe it's not been examined yet, or maybe it is to early. Not so important
We talked (I talked) a short time, but she wanted to rest most of all, so I'm on my way home again. Maybe, maybe I can bring the kids to see her tomorrow - but I'm not sure. For friends and relatives reading this - she is not ready for visitors or phone calls, yet.
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Hey, Mats - I'm sure she does appreciate your visits, just tough to show any gratitude right now, probably. I know I did not speak or look at my husband or mother for three days, and didn't want them speaking to me either, but I was somehow glad they were there. I was out of state for my surgery, so no friends and family were around, but I would not/could not have had any visitors...
But, she'll get through this phase - know it's hard to see her suffer, though. Tell her to hang in there...you do the same!
Cindy
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Mats ....
Thanks for the update. How well I remember the double vision and not wanting to keep my eyes open and struggle to try and focus on my husband's handsome face. When I would close my eyes, he would stop talking, thinking I was drifting back to sleep. Because of the drugs and diminished hearing, it was a struggle to try to talk or follow conversation. But, as Cindy said, I was out of state for my surgery as well so I was grateful when my husband just sat and read a book and I knew he was there.
Our children are all gone from home but I am sure that is a struggle for you ..... needing/wanting to be both places at the same time. Our thoughts and prayers continue with your whole family. .... and it will be better soon!!
Clarice
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Hey Mats
thank you for sharing the updates with us. Sounds like she is doing ok... "day by day, inch by inch..." and she's on the way to wellness. I'm hoping that the kids will visit and hope that you are hanging in there ok. Please take time for yourself, as well.
Continued wellness wishes for speedy recovery!
Phyl
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Hi Mats,
on my way to work today I saw the blooming lilacs and thought about you, since you had mentioned them. Like everyone else has said here, the first few days don't even count - I am sure things will improve soon. Hang in there and give all my best wishes to Helene.
Marianna
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Ok, Helene has shown me a few scary pics on the net from and after AN surgery - so I think you can handle this. I think she is good looking!
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j171/nivahma/div2009/AN/AN/th_DSC00052.jpg)
This is from day two after the surgery.
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mats, she looks beautiful!!!! thank you for sharing this! She looks great! :)
Phyl
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Mats .....
Helene looks wonderful ..... even managed a smile!
Tell her we are thinking of her so much.
Clarice
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...and it is a smile that goes up on both sides!! YEA!! ;D Continued healing for Helene!!
K
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Mats -
I too experienced extreme nausea post op - and I had double vision. The good news is both these issues went away in time. Helene will progress a little bit day by day.
Her picture looks very good - and as Kay pointed out, the symmetrical smile is wonderful.
Thank you so much for the updates.
Please give Helene my best ;D - and take care of yourself; surgery is a trying time for caregivers too.
Jan
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Hi Mats,
I hope the visit with taking your kids to see Helene goes well. How old are your kids? I have three teenagers: 19, 18, 15 girl ,boy,girl. The oldest is autistic. I thought she would handle the hospital visit the worst and be more upset, and the other two (18 and 15) would be just fine. It was the other way around! My oldest wasn't faized; my other two teenagers were more upset seeing me all bandaged and out of it. They didn't act upset, they just sat there quietly and didn't want to return to the hospital when my husband tried to take them again. Anyway, you never know with kids - and that phase was short lived (too bad... they cleaned the house a lot better and were more hellpful then!) I hope your kids will be a comfort to Helene and it will help them to see her as well.
As far as not seeming like she cares if you're visiting... when I went in the hospital it was right before Super Bowl weekend. I love American football, and I was so sure that I'd make friends at the hospital and we could all sit in someone's room and watch the Super bowl together, and I'd be in party mode. Or I'd have a lot of my friends in my hospital room and we'd all enjoy the game together. I was sooooo out of it. I didnt' give a hoot about the stupid super bowl. And when friends visited for the first 4 or so days, I was so out of it, I just vaguely remember it. I'm sure they thought I didnt' care, and maybe I didn't seem to at the time, but looking back I'm so appreciative. I believe Helene will be better soon. Her picture is great! We're happy to see her post op.
Take care - thanks for keeping us posted.
Keri
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Life goes on, yes.... And with teenage kids it's an adventure everyday. This weekend, the kids in the age 14, 16 and 18 (boy, girl, boy) are doing the following:
Oldest son Tim (18) is on a VW-meeting http://www.bugpeople.se/airmeet/ (http://www.bugpeople.se/airmeet/) with his cousin and their girlfriends in his old VW-bus. Hippie culture is not dead! The VWs have a strong tradition in our family, and Helene actually got a VW Bug -65 Cal looker. She can tell you more about it when she's back online again.
Daughter Elinor (16) is active in a choir and also traning ju-jutsi. Today I'm with her, she is graduating for a new belt colour. Dont ask me to explain the system with colours - lets just say she is in the carreer. Anyway, I'm with her today. She is also training for her drivers license, and we did an hour of practice driving on the way here.
Youngest son, Oliver (14) is the rebel in the group. He's is testing the limits all the time... (Helene will say it's my fault...). Tonight he was in a LAN-party all night, drinking Jolt cola and playing Warcraft and other games with some friends. So, he came hom 07AM... and went to bed at once.
So, I guess this is "in the middle of life", right? The daily visit to the hospital will take place in the evening - and we'll see if it's just me or if one or two of the children will follow.
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Hi Mats! Great posts! Thank you for all the updates!
I am sure Helene will be back on her feet in no time - she sounds like a very determined person!
What a wonderful family you have! The children keep you busy, no doubt about that.
I LOVE the picture of Helene, she looks fantastic! ;D
All my best to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Sue
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Life goes on, yes.... And with teenage kids it's an adventure everyday.
So, I guess this is "in the middle of life", right? The daily visit to the hospital will take place in the evening - and we'll see if it's just me or if one or two of the children will follow.
It is a daily adventure...but interestingly enough within the next five years, your kids will be mostly young adults and the adventures change...and you know how fast five years goes...
Helene looks wonderful in her post surgery pic!
Kate
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Helene,
You're such a pirate! My mom got me an eye patch at my request, but I couldn't figure out how to use it. My son, who is in his third year of uni at Edinburgh, emailed, "Eye patch, cool!" as I warned him of my post-op condition (He will return home for the summer next Saturday.). My daughter, who is 22 and living in Chicago, when I showed her the scar photo, suggested I go for the full Mohawk. I thought they would be sympathetic and say "Poor Mommy." Instead I get jokes! So you never know what to expect from your kids.
Great posting, Mats. Be sure to take some time for yourself. Let your young adult children lift some of the burden of caring for Helene, the house, and certainly themselves when she gets home. My kids lucked out since I was able to wait until they were well on their ways before having my surgery.
Time will fly, and life will be back to normal, or almost, soon.
Nancy
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What a change! Today, just as me and Elinor was about to get into the car an drive to the hospital, the phone rang. Elinor took the call, and I saw on her face she was surprised: "Is it YOU?" I had told her about how tired Helene was and she did not expect to her her mothers voice on the phone. She wanted to know if we planned to visit and if we could bring some of her own pillows. That's more like my wife!
So, the F3D had come to an end - when we got there she had a walking chair standing by the bed, her glasses on, and the eye patch was over the other eye. She was so much better! We talked, we walked and it was amazing!
I will bring her laptop tomorrow - she must take over this by herself soon... Hard work to keep you info-addicts satisfied... ;)
Here are some pics:
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j171/nivahma/div2009/AN/AN/DSC00061.jpg)
Walking with Elinor
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j171/nivahma/div2009/AN/AN/DSC00060.jpg)
She must think she is in a commercial for eye patches... :)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j171/nivahma/div2009/AN/AN/DSC00059.jpg)
Nice view from the bed, 10th floor...
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Gotta love picture #2. Helene looks like she is enjoying her hospital stay. :D
It is great to see such a nice smile. The eye thing will probably clear up soon, and soon she will be headed home. Can't wait to see her on the forum again.
Steve
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Helene looks really very good. I'm so glad you all got to visit together. Hopefully you'll be on your way home soon!
Best,
Marci
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Fantastic! Such a relief for everyone . . .
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Great news! Soon these days will be a distant memory. She looks so good and such a wonderful smile.
Clarice
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Mats:
Thanks for the encouraging update on Helene. Great photos, too! She looks wonderful (and happy) for a lady who is only a few short days out of brain surgery. ;) Congratulations. Helene!
Jim
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Wow, the legend of the F3D grows!
What an amazing leap! Helene looks fantastic and happy and no doubt is so relieved, as you all must be too!
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Great Pictures. It is great to see that Helene is up and moving around too! She could be a poster girl for brain surgery:-)
Keep on smiling Helene. If you get your laptop tomorrow, we should be hearing from you soon.
Kate
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Hi everyone!
I'm sort of back, but extremely weak though. Yesterday I was up walking a bit, but get very easily tired. Suppose it's the way it should be.
Thousands of thanks to all of you for all your thoughts and the support to Mats. I know he doesn't admit he has been supported, but I know he has. :)
Sometimes I feel fine, but they couldn't save the hearing so it's a bit tricky to ony hear with one ear. The most annoying thng right now is that I have to have a
patch on one of my eyes. They eyes don't focus so I can't look with then at all at the same time. It is also hard to eat. I hasn't ever been an issue ever before in
my life, but now suddenly it takes a whole day to eat a single little sandwich with cheese.
Best to all of you
Helene
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Connectivity can become a problem - no wi-fi and the LAN is not open for patients. We'll see. She used my 3G-modem t send the previous post.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j171/nivahma/div2009/AN/AN/DSC00062.jpg)
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Helene .....
You look and sound wonderful ..... although I know you are dealing with post-op unpleasant things, like the double vision, etc. Hopefully the vision thing will quickly improve. I had double vision for several days after surgery but it was not severe enough to patch an eye. Just curious, do they not want you to use both eyes at the same time right now or is it just more comfortable that way?
Any idea when you will go home yet?
Take care and so good to hear from you in person ..... and thanks to Mats for the great pictures!
Clarice
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Helene,
Welcome back! (we truly appreciated Mats posts--as he called us information addicts ;))You are a living journal of the recuperation period. Wow, you've been up walking around, using the phone, using the computer, and of course resting. Day by day.... Listen to your body and rest as needed. I slept a lot those first five weeks.
It is good to see you up and about with your great smile!
Continued success for a speedy recovery.
Kate
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Helene,
Just take it one day at a time. Everyday it gets a little bit better. It is normal for you to get tired easily, I remember how it was for me. Don't fight it, if you feel tired take a nap. I know my first few weeks after the surgery I took walks and was very determined to recover as fast as I can. But I soon learned that while this was good I still had to listen to my body and when tired I would rest.
I am now 5 months past my surgery and while I am for the most part fully recovered, I still notice that I am still recovering every day. It is small things but still getting better.
SSD is something that takes time. At first I thought it was no big deal, now I find that this is my biggest issue as far as getting used to the 'new' me post surgery. I don't like it but I have accepted it, now I have to get used to it. I have found little comforts using my SSD as a benefit when possible. (for instance at a group dinner I try to sit with people of least interest on my SSD side and, of course, people I like on my good side. Also I can lay with my good ear on the pillow when I am going to sleep, blocking out all disturbing sounds.) I continue to seek and find situations where I can use my SSD as a benefit instead of a handicap.
I hope your recovery goes easy and steady, but don't hesitate to rest when your body tells you.
Cheers,
Neal
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Looking good, Helene ;D
Glad to see you back as a postie! Things will get better - it just takes time and lots of patience.
With Mats and Elinor taking care of you - in addition to the hospital personnel for a little while longer - you'll "get there".
Best,
Jan
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Helene,
I'm glad to hear you're doing well. I'm 8 days post op myself and feeling better everyday. You're pictures are great. Get plenty of rest and keep walking.
Take Care,
Ron
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Helene,
I'm glad to hear you're doing well. I'm 8 days post op myself and feeling better everyday. You're pictures are great. Get plenty of rest and keep walking.
Take Care,
Ron
Ron,
Forgive me for hijacking Helene's Post, but how are you?
Kate
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Ron - don't tell them anything... they will never stop asking for more info, and wishing you speedy recovery and being awful nice in general - and soon you find you just HAVE to give them info! ;D
Just joking... feel free to use this thread - ;) Helene is a generous person...
...and I wish you a speedy recovery!
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Helene/Mats ~
It was a real delight to see our 'catlover' (Helene) posting so soon. What a trouper! Double vision immediately post-op is not at all uncommon. I experienced double vision immediately after my surgery but it resolved within a few days - and I never got to wear a cool-looking eye patch. Rest - and then rest a bit more - and you'll be home and recovered before you know it! Mats has been a good sport about posting updates but I think he's ready to hand off to you now. :)
Jim
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Great to see you Helene!
Glad you're doing better.
Your kids are about the ages of mine - I have girl 19 ,boy 18, girl 15.
Keri
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Good morning! Just spoke to Helene by phone - she wants to go home! Tomorrow, after lunch, I will pick her up, if doctors don't protest...
We are sure healing works better at home - and with family around I'm sure time will pass much faster. There are some small useful things she can do, and she can train walking in the garden instead of a hospital hall. Let's hope for this!
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Not bad if we sum it up:
Tue: Preparations
Wed: Surgery
Thu: F3D No1
Fri: F3D No2
Sat: F3D No3
Sun: Improving
Mon: Want to go home
Tue: Going home?
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We are sure healing works better at home - and with family around I'm sure time will pass much faster. There are some small useful things she can do, and she can train walking in the garden instead of a hospital hall. Let's hope for this!
Keeping fingers crossed that she is sprung free tomorrow!
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Sure hope it works out for her to go home tomorrow. I know she will feel better in familiar (and much quieter!) surroundings.
Clarice
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Not bad if we sum it up:
Tue: Preparations
Wed: Surgery
Thu: F3D No1
Fri: F3D No2
Sat: F3D No3
Sun: Improving
Mon: Want to go home
Tue: Going home?
Not bad at all...actually between the pictures and the posts it is actually fantastic!
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Great news!
K ;D
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It would be great if Helene gets to go home tomorrow ;D
Wonderful news!!!
I hope this won't mean we "lose" you, Mats. Could you post something every once in a while? Your sense of humor has been refreshing ;D
Jan
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Hmm.. I'm not sure Helene will allow me to mingle here after she's back. She can be a bit jealous, from time to time... ;) and with all the charming ladies here...
Joking... or not?
Anyway, I will keep an eye on Helene here on the forum also in the future - make sure she is not making up stories about how hard her life is at home. We will take very good care of her... We all want her back doing all the household work like she's always done. It's very hard to do all the cleaning, cooking, washing ourselves... please Helene! Come home!
This time - definately joking! ;D
Seriously - I WILL pick her up and drive her home after lunch tomorrow! Pics to come - have patience..
(is there no moderator here to control people like me?)
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Mats,
What great progress! I'm so happy she is doing well and soon home. But, NO housework, especially vacuuming for, like, forever, ok? It's one of the few perks of brain surgery.
Best,
Marci
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Mats:
Splendid news that helene is coming home on Tuesday! :)
is there no moderator here to control people like me?
Yes, there is - 4 of us, in fact, and we're watching you! So far you've not broken any rules. You've been a fun guy and a good husband to our Helene. Thanks for your contributions here. :)
Jim
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NO housework, especially vacuuming
Hey, where do I sign up for that?!
Welcome Home tomorrow, Helene!
You're lucky to have such a fun guy around the house.
My lingonberry patch has blossoms this year! You just can't find information about how to make that happen, so not sure why it's been such a challenge. Any advice would be appreciated. And send a recipe that only takes 1/2 cup, please.
Tack så mycket!
Nancy
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Behind the jokes - of course I have worried, I know you see beyond the facade. I noticed today, the first day at work, that nothing seemed really important. I just could not focus on any of the projects that I have running.
I tried to listen to myself... A sense of relief of course, but strange enough also some kind of disappointment? Guess I was preparing for a worst case scenario, and when it did not happen it takes some time to get used to not living on the edge. Less adrenalin, less exitment - just a long road to help my wife back. Don't get me wrong, I'm very happy to get my wife home, but there is a strange feeling - something like a firefighter arriving to the scene finding it was a false alarm. Wierd.. and I have some problems finding the best words... I still think it's a good idea to share it - maybe there are others that have felt the same?
We talked before about how life goes on, with teenage kids... And before having dinner tonight we did a small family project... It's got absolutely nothing to do with AN, but I think some distraction from the usual can't hurt anyone here. It's definately not more OT than lingonberrries (I would put them in a small bottle and pour Vodka over them, and a lump of sugar)
This is what Oliver (camera and mixing), Elinor (stunt driver) and I (director) did:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ps6g_u1l8AA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ps6g_u1l8AA)
Just for fun... and that thing in the clips sure is a family toy... even for Helene - but she will never admit it.. :D
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Behind the jokes - of course I have worried, I know you see beyond the facade. I noticed today, the first day at work, that nothing seemed really important. I just could not focus on any of the projects that I have running.
I tried to listen to myself... A sense of relief of course, but strange enough also some kind of disappointment? Guess I was preparing for a worst case scenario, and when it did not happen it takes some time to get used to not living on the edge. Less adrenalin, less exitment - just a long road to help my wife back. Don't get me wrong, I'm very happy to get my wife home, but there is a strange feeling - something like a firefighter arriving to the scene finding it was a false alarm. Wierd.. and I have some problems finding the best words... I still think it's a good idea to share it - maybe there are others that have felt the same?
This is what Oliver (camera and mixing), Elinor (stunt driver) and I (director) did:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ps6g_u1l8AA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ps6g_u1l8AA)
Just for fun... and that thing in the clips sure is a family toy... even for Helene - but she will never admit it.. :D
Mats,
Cute video...Nice distraction... Elinor did well!
Your changed feeling is to be expected. We are all changed by our AN's. I remember thinking that "Life Happens and this kind of thing can happen to me too!" There is sort of this expectation when you are younger that it happens to other people. You have been through a lot and now all of the sudden you are regaining time...time to think...and knowledge that your wife has been through a major surgery. You sound like you are reevaluating what is important.
Kate
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Mats,
I think your suggestion of the adrenalin effect hits the nail on the head. It is a powerful drug. But you've probably already recovered from the let-down of relief. Now it will be the euphoria of a good outcome.
Nice film-making. Wish I could learn to do that. Maybe next winter.
Enjoy the homecoming party.
Nancy
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(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j171/nivahma/div2009/AN/AN/DSC00063.jpg)
Bags are packed!
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j171/nivahma/div2009/AN/AN/DSC00064.jpg)
45 minutes later - settled on veranda.
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Helene .....
You look wonderful! ... and standing upright with no assistance .... that's amazing! Now, just rest and relax and let your body heal.
Mats .... Thanks for all of the great pictures. Good job on the video ..... it was fun to watch, as well.
Clarice
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There is NO WAY on this EARTH that I looked that good when I left the hospital!!
Snaps for you!!
K ;D
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Helene,
absolutely unbelievable! You look absolute fantastic! :)
Mats, thank you SO much for sharing these!
Phyl
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Wow, Helene you look great. Keep resting and take good care of yourself.
Best,
Marci
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So glad to see that you are home! Do take it easy...but do walk some...nap...be as active as possible...yet be careful...something like that!
Cindy
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Helene,
What a nice veranda to recuperate on! Wow...what a recovery. The photo journal has been great.
Treat yourself well and make sure that you follow the doctors orders so that you heal quickly..like no vacuuming!!!
All the best,
Kate
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Yea!! ;D
Helene's home ;D ;D ;D
And looking wonderful, too ;D
Congrats, Helene!
Jan
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Helene, Welcome home, you look fantastic! I hope your healing continues this rapidly - and with the sun shining, you can enjoy the warm weather! All my best to you!
Mats, Thank you for ALL the updates and photos! We do appreciate them very much.
Take care and please keep in touch, both of you! :D
Sincerely,
Sue
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Hi there... just me again...
Helene is very interested to hear me telling her what you have written and talked about - but she has still not the energy to actually sit down by the computer. Maybe tomorrow. Things are getting better, she is eating better, sleeping better and bossing me around the house to work with with the mop and the vaccuum cleaner. Cooking is also on my list - but that I dont mind, cooking is fun, if there is time to do it right. My favourite meal is lingonberries with vodka... Nah, not really.
We take some short walks around our little field and along the river - maybe 300 meters. It's no problem for her. But she says her head feels funny, like it is not the same she had on when she arrived to the hospital. Double vision is almost gone - only noticable when she looks extremly right or left. No patch anymore. Hearing is still uncertain, she claims she can hear things if she puts them close to the ear, like the alarmclock ticking. We'll see. There are other tinnitus-like sounds in her ear, mostly music, big bumble bees passing by and the occasional electric chainsaw. Not very pleasant, but not a huge problem, for the moment.
I have tried to convince her how good training it would be to do some vacuuming or how stimulating it is for all senses to cook dinner. For some reason, she does not agree...
I think she is influenced by the cat - she does the same as he does... sleeping in the sofa, taking a short walk in the garden, sitting still watching the birds, grab a snack in the kitchen and back to sleep.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j171/nivahma/div2009/AN/AN/DSC00069.jpg)
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Mats:
Helene definitely looks like she is recuperating just fine. I commend you for your obvious concern and attention to your wife as she underwent this serious operation. I'm sure your support and that of the family were a major factor in Helene's positive attitude and rapid recovery, which I pray continues at the same pace.
The little film was fun - and well done! Kudos to all involved. I hope some day soon we'll be able to watch a similar video with Helene riding/driving the trusty Lada Niva! :)
Thanks again for the great (current) photos. Much appreciated as we all get to see what a good AN surgical outcome looks like, personified by Helene. Well done!
Jim
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The "head is not the same one I came in with" will last for a while, but it will get better every day. For me it is almost gone but if I'm very tired I can still feel the strange sensations. I also had lots of noise in my ear which receded over time. I still have my hearing but I know that is rare.
Best,
Marci
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Hugs to Helene!! Sounds like you are really doing great!
K
PS - i love your blue trim - my front door is that exact color!!
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Wow, Mat and Helene - I've been following your posts but not responding until now. Helene, your recovery is nothing short of amazing!!! It took me two weeks in hospital just to relearn balance, then five weeks at my parent's place in a quiet environment before heading home to hubby and sons, then ages 14, 12, 10, 7 and 4. Your head is going to feel 'off' for a while. Just keep taking short walks and mimicking the cat....sleeping, eating, sleeping :-) Bossing your hubby around is fine too - seems like he is enjoying it all anyway :-)!!!
Cecile
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Mats,
I'm busting my gut! Good thing my fat harvest incision has healed up.
Best to Helene,
Nancy
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Mats, you've been great -- both to Helene and to us, the information vultures! :D Thanks for keeping us fed! :D
I understand about the "letdown." Not in the negative sense, as the outcome is so positive -- but somehow "brain surgery" seems like this epic thing, like you're going to slam into a brick wall or wind up at the bottom of the ocean -- and then it's like, "oh, so you lie down on the table and a few days later you go home on your own two feet!" It somehow seems anticlimactic after a lifetime of "brain surgery" being the synonym for the most epic, drastic thing you can ever imagine!
And thank heavens that's the case. I notice from the questions people ask me that they expect -- I don't know, that a patient may be bedridden for months or something -- I keep saying, "No, you're up and walking within a couple days...." and people are so surprised. Of course, there's a longer road ahead for the more subtle aspects of recovery, but it has taken about five decades to refine the surgery to the point of being anti-climactic, and I sure appreciate it. :)
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very good point, Lilan.
Great to see your cat (I figured he'd / she'd show up in a picture one of these days)!
Helene, you look great!
Thanks, Mats for all your funny updates.
Keri
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I'm thinking it's about time for Helene to read this thread and see that vacuuming and cooking dinner are BIG no-no's. Won't help with recovery at all, Helene. Best to keep following the cat's example ;)
Nice try, Mats :D
The head thing Helene is currently experiencing is what we like to call "wonky head". It will pass for the most part, but may return on occasion when she's stressed or over-fatigued.
As I always like to say - AN, the gift that keeps on giving ;D
Jan
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sleeping in the sofa, taking a short walk in the garden, sitting still watching the birds, grab a snack in the kitchen and back to sleep
Sounds like Saturday morning to me. :)
I'm thinking Helene will be posting soon. Thanks for the updates, Mats. I know that you have been through a lot as well. Maybe writing it all up in that Caregiver topic would help.
Steve
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Nothing much to share today, I went home during my lunchbreak and Helene was resting on the sofa on the veranda. But to keep your attention, I share a walk around the house. some pics taken april 2008. "Kaybo" has to take the blame for this, she made a comment about our blue framwork. Actually, that glass wall is home built from welded 60*40 square tube, with a door i found on a second hand market. Is it called "flea market" in English too?
http://s80.photobucket.com/albums/j171/nivahma/div2008/Hus_april/?albumview=slideshow (http://s80.photobucket.com/albums/j171/nivahma/div2008/Hus_april/?albumview=slideshow)
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What am I getting blamed for now?? ::)
LOVE the pictures - can I come visit?? ;D
K
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Well, if Kaybo's visiting, I want to come too.
And you can't have me without Lori.
Thanks for the invitation, Mats. BTW, does Helene know about this?? ;)
Beautiful pictures.
Jan
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I wonder how long Helene will let me share the everyday life of our family here... Inviting strange people to our house and showing private pictures...
Yesterday evening we took a walk in the forest, maybe 2 kilometers. It worked fine, even on small trails. She also did the "window-viewing" training left-right and of course there is a difference from before the operation, but I think she does well. Some small stumbling steps while turning her head, but not much at all.
I have told her not to do that training when she is walking close to the river, I don't want her come home to the house all wet and drag in mud and water after falling into the river. After all - I'm the one responsible for cleaning, just as you have instructed. ;D
She asked me not to be so positive here, she is not feeling that well, she says. I try to describe the progress in a neutral way, and you say she is doing an amazing recovery. So, I think you are both right - she is not feeling fine - but she is feeling unusually good considering the short time passed since surgery.
Over and out from Sweden
Edit: Spelling...
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Mats,
It is always good to read your updates!
I hope Helene won't mind that you continue posting...you said it yourself that we always like more information!
I have not had surgery like this, but it sounds like Helene is doing GREAT! ;D
Even now, with no treatments yet, i still think i have to get used to the 'new' me. I hope Helene can, too.
And i would also worry about her falling in the river! How deep is the river?!?
Please give my best to Helene!
Sincerely,
Sue
Hijack --BTW - To K, Jan, Lori, et all - if you are going to Sweden, i want to go too! So, if we can't actually have the next Convention there, since Italy is being considered, perhaps we should go and help Mats start a support group - or just have a big swedish party! Game on!
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Mats & Helene,
I enjoy reading these posts on Helene's progress and I remember my recovery as I had my own issues after surgery. Yes, there are a few 'bumps in the road' but it seems Helene is doing great. Please keep posting and keep us informed.
Wishing you both well,
Neal
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I wonder how long Helene will let me share the everyday life of our family here... Inviting strage people to our house and showing private pictures...
Hey, who you calling strange?? ;)
Actually your update on Helene is right on target. While she isn't necessary feeling "good", her progress is on track and in those terms, she is doing quite well. One of the key things in the recovery process is patience - and it's often linked to taking baby steps. Hopefully Helene is feeling a little better every day - this was my post op experience - and eventually there will be a day where she feels "good". There will be good and bad days along the road, but she'll get there.
As Sue mentioned, the AN Journey often brings a "new" you. It's not necessarily bad, just different.
Jan
Sue, I have never seen Sweden - or Italy for that matter - but I think Helene and Mats would be great hosts. We'd have to con Phyl out of the moderator's jet though; money's tight at the moment ::)
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Helene, if you are taking 2km walks in the forest, we are going to call it amazing! ;)
So far the facts are great. Hopefully as the weeks pass, the feelings will catch up!
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Mats .....
I certainly hope Helene lets you continue with your updates! And, I hope she feels like joining in very soon. As others have said a big part of recovery from AN surgery is learning patience. It is not a quick fix. Each day she will be improving but she needs to look back a week or soon look back a month and then she will see how much improvement there has been. There will also be days when she feels like she is going backwards. This is normal in the recovery process.
As for visiting Sweden, I think we should charter a plane and all of us come for a big gathering in your gorgeous backyard! Thanks so much for the great pictures .... and for allowing us to share some of your lives.
Keep posting. Clarice
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Helene~
Just for the record - I, for one, am more concerned about YOU falling in the river than the messy floor that MATS would have to clean up!! ;D Be safe!
K
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The magic moment is getting closer.. I actually saw my wife sitting by the laptop reading! :o But, right now she is cleaning the aquarium.. Can you understand how she can place some stupids fishes before you in the list of priorities? I mean, fishes belong in the lakes and rivers, or maybe in the frying pan. Fishes in glass bowls are sooo out... and useless.. almost as useless as cats... but at least we can eat the fishes..
::) ;D
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The magic moment is getting closer.. I actually saw my wife sitting by the laptop reading! :o But, right now she is cleaning the aquarium.. Can you understand how she can place some stupids fishes before you in the list of priorities? I mean, fishes belong in the lakes and rivers, or maybe in the frying pan. Fishes in glass bowls are sooo out... and useless.. almost as useless as cats... but at least we can eat the fishes..
::) ;D
ROFL! Oh, Mats... whatever you are enjoying for liquid beverage, save me a glass, will ya? :)
How DARE Helene push us off for the fish.. esp. since there is a cat to oversee their *coff* activities! :o :o ;) ;D
*begins to whisper....*
Helene... Helene... over here... come see us... we miss you... oh, Helene.......
Phyl
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Dear Helene -
I don't know how you put up with that husband of yours ;) :D ;D
Accusing you of preferring fishes over us :o :D
Jan
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Ppearl - the beverage is : http://www.islaymist.com/ (http://www.islaymist.com/). I know this kind of whisky is not so popular on your side of the pond, is a completely different experience compared to what you call Bourbon or Scotch. The Islay Mist is however a good starting point to prepare you for the really heavy stuff, the Single Malt Islay Whiskys - these are the kings in the world of whisky, I think.
About my wife - I can see in the log that she was in here.. but probably she gave up... I mean, all the nonsens, jokes and off topic has completely spoiled a serious post-op thread. She told me this was a place for serious conversations, medical advice and support. But, what do I find? Complete anarchy! People talking about men in shorts paddling standing, alcoholic beverages, and renting aeroplanes for trips halfway around the globe - JUST FOR FUN? No, I understand if poor Helene will not get back to this forum. It's just not the same anymore... We all remember the good old days when... .... naahh...
Better stop now - have better things to do...
;)
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No, I understand if poor Helene will not get back to this forum. It's just not the same anymore... We all remember the good old days when... .... naahh...
Better stop now - have better things to do...;)
This place was usually serious and serene until a big Swedish fellow came along and upset the decorum, posting about fishes, malt whiskey and such. Such frivolity! ;) (We'll let it go, this time, for the sake of maintaining good international relations).
Jim
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Hello everyone,
A million thanks for all best wishes and incredible support from all of you :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) I can't say how grateful I am! :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)
As one of my collegues at work , who was visiting the forum to follow what Mats was writing, said "You have so many great friends and a lot of support out there. I can't believe that people who don't know you can be so kind och generous". That is also what is amazing me every time I log in to meet all of you. You are like a second lovely, big family of mine. Love you all a lot! :-* :-* :-* :-*
Today it's ten days since surgery and I'm feeling much better than I thought I would. I'm still quite dizzy and a have a very big wonky head on my shoulders. It feels like my head weights 30 kilos and that it is not correctly connected to the rest of the body. I'm also SSD, I think. It's a bit tricky to know if you hear something on the bad ear or if the sounds around you are picked up by the good ear, but when I put the telephone to the AN ear I hear nothing, so I'm no among the SSDs I suppose.
I was a bit shocked to notice that all sounds become so much louder now than when I was hearing perfectly with both my ears. Everything also sounds differently than before, even my own voice doesn't sound that it used to, but I suppose that the brain adjust sooner or later. But right now it is exhausting with all common sounds. My brain and body are still in some kind of ALARM level and it feels like every movement and sound that's coming to my awareness is threathening. I have to convince myself that I won't die if I take a walk with Mats althought there are a lot of movements and sounds/noices everywhere.
The tinnitus is just about as it was before the surgery and I'm very thankful about that. I've understand that it can be much worse after surgery than before for some people. I hope it will stay the way it is right now and not becoming worse. The two days following surgery day I heard some music and some bumble bees in the ear, but thank God, they are gone now.
I am also very, very grateful about that the double vision is more or less gone by now. It slowly disappeared the day I went home from hospital. I don't know if it was all the eye exercises I had to do when I met the eye expert before going home that corrected the double vision. In the afternoon I could quit being a pirate and I put my pirate patch away. I was so happy about that!
I have noticed that it is a bit difficult to keep the eye lubricated when I'm outside. Today, it was no problem, but it was hot here today, but yesterday evening it was a bit cold when Mats and I went for a half hour walk and then it was difficult to blink with the eye because it felt very dry. Hope this will correct itself by time and meantime I maybe need some kind of eye drops when I'm outside and it's windy.
What I am most impressed by is the incredible work made by the surgeons Dr Siesjö and Dr ... during and after surgery. Althought my AN was located at the end of the IAC and was very, very sticky, they could get it all outside and they could preserve the facial nerve. I have no facial issues at all!! I can smile and I can whistle and blow up my cheeks with air and everything!! I didn't count on that when I got informed about the location of the AN the day before surgery. I was sure I would get total paralysis after surgery because it was located so far away in the IAC canal. I can't describe how grateful I am to both the surgeons but also the rest of the staff that took care of me at the hospital. Without them I feel like I wouldn't be alive today. If you ever read this THANK YOU!!!
As a summary I can say that there are a lot of things to be grateful for. Of course I mustn't forget to be grateful to my dear, dear hubby Mats who has been (and is) an incredible support to me and he is also so good at computers and reporting on the forum. I think he does it much better than I do. I have been reading some of the threads about my post-op but I haven't finished them all yet, so maybe I'm repeating the same things that Mats told you about, but I hope you can cope with that.
Now, I'm beginning to get tired, I had better take a little cat nap again!
Best wishes from Sweden and from Helene, Mats, our teenagers and of cours our cat Stickan, :D
Love you all! :) :) :) :) :)
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Helene~
So great to hear from YOU!! Sounds like everything is going along really well and you are doing just fine! So glad that they were able to preserve your facial nerve too!! Keep on smiling that lovely smile!! ;D
K
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Yea, Helene ;D You're back ;D
We missed you!
While I love Mats sense of humor, it's so good to hear from you in person.
Sounds like your recovery is going well, some of the things you mention - like the loud sounds, the wonkyhead, etc., - will go away in time.
You're doing great! Make sure you get lots of rest - and no vacuuming!!
Jan
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Hi again Jan and K,
It's lovely to be here and now I have read all the threads from Mats and what can I say - this is the way he is! Just incredible and I do think you all understand why I love his homour and everything else about him. He is refreshing my life everyday! He's much funnier than I am, but I'll take that! It's very funny for me too, to read what he is writing. He has always been good at Engish and writing as well (and you all know by now that he is good at almost everything) so it's pure pleasure for me reading about your conversation as well. It's very nice if Mats will stay on the forum, I think. We can be here both of us!
Love you all! Have to go to bed. It's 11.40 pm in Sweden now so it's beginning to get late, but as Mats have told you I like the bed best in the morning. :D
I also have to admit that the phos were nice, but I have terrible hair. I hope that I'll get the stiches away on Monday and then I will wash my hair, let's say at least 10 times. :)
Helene
What a lovely idea to rent a plane and get to Sweden all of you!
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It's very nice if Mats will stay on the forum, I think. We can be here both of us!
We'd be happy to keep both of you. :)
You sound good, Helene. I'm sure there will be some lingering things for a while, but you are headed to a good recovery, thank goodness. Rest and be well.
Steve
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Helene ....
So good to read your own words ...... Mats, do not get me wrong; we love your humor and delightful story telling .... keep it up!
Helene, it sounds like you are on a normal course of recovery ..... disconnected wonky head and all! Did your doctor tell you you were SSD or are you just thinking that because you could not hear the tone in the phone? My doctor said I could expect improvement in my hearing for three months after surgery ...... although I did not see any additional improvement. I could hear the dial tone with my AN ear immediately after surgery but it was very soft and a different pitch from my other ear ...... rather disconcerting to a musician! I have ended up with 20% hearing in that ear, plus boosted with a digital hearing aid ..... not as before but enough to be better than SSD.
Just remember recovery is a slooooooowwwwww process and you will see improvement for months (maybe some will say years .... I'm not there yet.), so rest, rest, rest and be patient.
Still think we should all come to Sweden!!
Clarice
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Helene,
Welcome back...We get two (you and Mats) for the price of one AN ;D
You write English well too!
That first time you get to wash your hair will be here before you know it and that gross hair feeling will go away!
Soon.
Kate
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Helene,
It is great to read your posts. Though you still have some issues it seems like the worst is behind you. Take it a day at a time and keep us posted.
Cheers,
Neal
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Helene, You sound so great. I can't tell you how much reading your husbands post has meant to me ( mine is totally not typing savy) I'm in decision mode and i was keeping watch on those going into surgery because that will most likely be my decision. I was feeling your scaredness with you. and now adrianne just had hers and looks like another great outcome. I'm feeling more and more confident in my decision. I'll be keeping your recovery in my prayers. Love to you from New Jersey USA
Deb
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So, finally... She is back! Telling her own story. Precise, exact and never OT - the ideal forum member... ;) Law and order can once again settle in Anausa-land.
Now I can focus on the important things in life... cooking, cleaning, shopping food... I will change my signature to "Helene's maid". Is that what is meant by "AN - the gift that keeps on giving"? Jan? ;D
I will keep a look on things here, mostly to make sure that the plans to rent a plane stays in the fantasy section... Don't want a busload of halfdeaf medical cases from US stumbling around in our garden. :o
Ok - something serious: Thanks for listening to me - you WERE a great support for me the first week, to have someone to share the information with, someone that knew what it was like. Somehow "being part of a big group" gives strength to us humans. It is not something I often use or need, I'm kindoff a lone ranger, but this time it sure felt good to share with you. Being a caregiver is a mission, and it is a hard work, mostly mentally. For Helene and me most things went smooth and according to plan, but I can imagine what it is like if/when complications appear.
I better stop before I get sentimental...
As my old buddy Arnold said: "I'll be back!"
Take care!
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Hi Helene!
It was WONDERFUL to read your postings now that you are back! :)
What great doctors, and such loving support from your family and friends!
Best wishes for continued to healing. Before you know it, you will be back teaching at school!
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Mats - we appreciate all of your postings, so don't be a stranger.
Take care.
Sincerely,
Sue
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Helene, Good to hear how well you are doing even though to you probably doesn't seem so at times. The surgery forumites know well how up and down it can be and you have done well. I have enjoyed knowing you and hearing your pre surgery activity as the ear injections are not the usual way in the US. I have enjoying hearing of those from outside the US and seeing your pictures too gives us info on how it is in other countries. Plus so pretty. A group vist would be so much fun and we are pretty normal people in spite of your husbands funny description of us! Don't feel like we will actually get to but we sure wish we could. I have a good AN friend here in the midwest whose son is married to a girl from Denmark. They are living here though which is good as now have a son. I am sure very hard for the other grandparents.
You and hubby will have to keep us knowing how it goes as it has been so nice to hear from you both.
I wish you well, Cheryl R
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Now I can focus on the important things in life... cooking, cleaning, shopping food... I will change my signature to "Helene's maid". Is that what is meant by "AN - the gift that keeps on giving"? Jan? ;D
I will keep a look on things here, mostly to make sure that the plans to rent a plane stays in the fantasy section... Don't want a busload of halfdeaf medical cases from US stumbling around in our garden. :o
You know, that wasn't what I really had in mind when I made up that expression, but it's not a bad interpretation. Why should Helene have all the "fun" of those "important things in life"? ;D
Being a caregiver is a mission, and from what I gathered from your posts, you fulfilled your mission very well. You and Helene are lucky to have each other.
As Sue said, don't be a stranger.
Jan (aka as one of those halfdeaf medical cases from the US) ;) :D
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Hi, Helene! So great to "see" you back! You sound wonderful - know you are very glad to be on the other side of this AN trip!
Hope things continue to improve each day for you...they should :)
Cindy
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Helene ~
Please accept my just-slightly belated congratulations and welcome back to the AN forums. It will likely take a few weeks to sort out the various sensations and small deficits you're dealing with but I think you'll be fine, in time. AN recovery is usually measured in months, not days, and you seem to be recovering well at just 10 days, post-op. Your husband's updates, jocularity and genial persona were enjoyed by all. I think you should keep him. ;)
Now, get the rest you need and post as you're able. We'll wait for you.
Jim
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Hi,
Thanks again for all your posts and Jim I also think I keep my hubby :D He is very amusing most of the time and he is my best friend and has always a shoulder left that I can lean on. Often I don't need or want to, but if ...
Today, I've been walking to town (a half hour's walk) in the heat! It's 30 degrees centigrade* in the shadow here in Sweden today and I wasn't quite prepared for the heat! Luckily, I had water with me :P I went to three different places before I could get my stiches out. All had so much to do and I didn't think about making an appointment for taking the staples away. But now it's done and I hope the scar will keep on healing. I don't have the best skin in the world when it comes to healing scars. But we keep our fingers crossed that it will be okey :)
Another milestone today, I've washed my hair! It was so lovely and I feel so much better now! What a hair wash can do! Sending you some pics of my scary scar and my new washed hair later!
Love you all and have a nice day all of you. Million hugs from Helene.
* 86 degrees Fahrenheit. J.S.
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Helene -
two milestones in one day is certainly something to celebrate!!
From what I recall, being able to shampoo for the first time post op was definitely a big treat ;D
I generally wash my hair daily, and prior to surgery my mom told me that she didn't think I could make it 9 days without shampooing.
Well, although I proved her wrong, it wasn't something I enjoyed proving ;) It's amazing how great clean hair can make you feel.
It sounds like your recovery is right on track. Keep up the good work; you're doing great!
Jan
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Pic just after staples been removed:
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j171/nivahma/div2009/AN/AN/DSC00079.jpg)
Psst! Helene, you should update your signature...
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Helene
Looks great! That should heal very nicely and congrats on the hairwashing... nothing like fresh, washed hair to make you feel better!
Mats, next "cocktail" hour, make mine a double, ok? :)
Continued wellness Helene! Onward and upward and hoping the healing hugglez help!
Phyl
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Helene .....
Yup, that looks very familiar (via a mirror!). Keep it clean and dry and you should heal up nicely. Thanks to Mats for the picture!
Clarice
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Hi again,
Today I'm 14 days post-op and I tried to drive the Niva yesterday. It went just fine, but I drove like a granny, but anyway ... I think everything is bouncing around more when I walk than when I drive. Strange! I thought it would be the opposite, but it ony approves that I have to walk more than I drive! :D
I also tried by bicycle yesterday. It worked out, but it wasn't very comfortable. I felt very dizzy, but now I know I can ride my bicycle so perhaps I can wait a while before I do it on a daily basis. ;) Perhaps I'm a bit stubborn :)
I'm a bit puzzled about one of my nostrils, though. It is not the nostril on the AN side, but the other. Sometimes during the day I get a bit wet in it. It is not dripping, but I can feel that I get wet and I kind of feel like blowing my nose, but I haven't done that. I'm a bit afraid of that right now. What do you think, could that be a little, little leak or is that normal? My nostril on my AN side is very dry, so maybe it's the other nostril that gets wet sometimes that is normal and the nostril on the AN side that is more dry than normal. I can't remember how it was before of. I didn't think so much about my nostrils then :D The surgeons told me that it was uncommon with a leak, but I'm thinking of it anyway. Should I worry or what? Do we have any "leak experts" here on the forum?
Yes, Mats, I'm going to change my profile! Nice and easy!
Love you all,
Hugs from Helene
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hey Helene,
Hope you are staying cool and hanging tough! Bike riding, so soon after surgery!? wow! good for you but take it easy, will you? :)
Will you do me a favor please? Not sure if Mats will see this. He did a post here approx 1 pg back from here and he was thanking everyone for being there for him (but, of course!) and he briefly mentions about his "caregiving" role. Will you ask him please if he is willing to do a post in our "Caregivers" forum about how he, as a caregiver, handles the role and what works/not works in the role? Others in his shoes may gain a lot from it.... and pls tell him thanks.
as for you, m'dear Helene.... I can't answer your question about the non-AN runny nose but please keep a close eye on it and see if it continues at a steady pace. I know others here will chime in with thoughts as well.
Phyl
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Hi Helene.
I'm late to join in but congratulations on a successfull surgery, and you do have a lovely smile.
Krya på deg,
Kenneth in Denmark.
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I hear ya on the wet nostril thing. Mine was the AN side. Felt wet but not dripping. I asked the nurse (this was immediately post op) about it and as it wasnt dripping she said not to worry. But she did give me a container in case it did start to drip. That wet feeling lasted for about a week post op. I used vaseline in my nose at night as I suffered from dry nostrils at night. But now its back to being normal...
Wow bike riding already. I'm to chicken to try it but then again my balance is not so good. My doc wants me to use a cane just for stability.
JO ;D
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Hello? Anyone seen my wife around? Actually, I have been on a small, very, very small, business trip for two days. But today I got home and she had survived. I know I read somewhere that the human body could take three days without food and water, and it was true! She was in rather good condition, after some water and some stale bread I could make her hold the vaccum cleaner again.. ;) Nahhh.. just kidding.
What I really wanted to do here today, besides trying to make you upset, was to give Helene the link to here new post op avatar.
(http://s80.photobucket.com/albums/j171/nivahma/div2009/AN/AN/th_IMG_7368.jpg)
Lets see if she can figure out how to copy the URL... She is not so clever, but she is good with the kids... ;D
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Helene's lookin' mighty fine, Mats! thanks for sharing this and I have a sneaky feeling she'll figure out the link. If not, us Mods have speshal powers for it :D
BTW, not sure if you saw my note to you a few posts up from here;
"Will you do me a favor please? Not sure if Mats will see this. He did a post here approx 1 pg back from here and he was thanking everyone for being there for him (but, of course!) and he briefly mentions about his "caregiving" role. Will you ask him please if he is willing to do a post in our "Caregivers" forum about how he, as a caregiver, handles the role and what works/not works in the role? Others in his shoes may gain a lot from it.... and pls tell him thanks."
Phyl
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I saw it, Phyl. Give me some time...
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I saw it, Phyl. Give me some time...
got it Mats, no worries :)
Phyl
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Man, I just knew you'd somehow turf those vaccuuming duties to Helene sooner rather than later, Mats ;) :D
Very nice picture, Helene. Looking forward to seeing it as your avatar. I know you can figure that part out!
Jan
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Hi Jan,
Don't believe too much in Mats! I haven't done any vaccuuming yet! :D We let him dream on for quite a while, I think. ;)
Helene
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Hi Helene,
My nose doesn't drip but my AN eye side waters almost every time I eat. I used to be just for spicy food, but now it seems to be almost everything - if I'm eating, a tear on my left goes down my cheek! I don't know if that's related to the nose thing.
You're looking great!
Get the kids to vacuum!
Keri
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Hi everyone,
It's been quite a long time since I've been here on the forum. I don't know where all the days went! Time's just passing by when you're home with the teenagers and trying to recover and also waiting for Mats to get his summer vacation. Yesterday it was 1 month since my surgery and things are working just fine. Some balance issues are still left, some days it's better and some days it's worse, but I suppose it's the way it is. I hope it will get away completely sooner or later. I have no other issues and I'm getting used to the SSD (if it really is SSD, I don't know yet). I'm so grateful!
All the best to all of you from Helene :D
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Helena~
So great to hear that you are doing well. Keep healing and have a GREAT summer!
K ;D
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Helene .....
Glad you posted that all is well ..... I was wondering and hoping you were doing fun things! ;D
Clarice
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Helene,
Good to read your post. I hope you keep improving every day.
And remember : 'Ask not what your cat can do for you, but what you can do for your cat!'
;)
Neal
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lol
;D
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Hi Helene!
I continue to read your updates - sounds like you are doing very well!
Now it is time for summer vacation. Are you going away for vacation?
All my best to you and your family!
Sincerely,
Sue
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Belatedly -- I had the same issue with feeling like my non-affected nostril was a little runny when I brushed teeth, had a hot drink or ate something. So I specifically asked if a leak would show up on only the opposite side and Dr. Stefan said he's never seen that happen, so I stopped worrying about it. (Also, it was clearly a reaction to a stimulation, whereas a leak they said would be a more constant drip, like a faucet.) You may be right that the AN side is drier so the other side just seems more noticeable!
ETA: So glad you are doing well and biking. Your balance is not done improving at a month, more progress to come I'm sure!
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Hello dear wife!
Glad to hear you are still improving. Now that I have been away two days you have had plenty of time to do the exercises so I hope you are in good condotion when I get home, and that you will take good care of your husband. I'm on the train now.. one hour to go. You know you should ask your friends here when is is normal to do you-know-what after the surgery - but I can't see the question being asked anywhere? Am I right that it is normal to start you-know-what about the same time as one start vacuuming?
;D ;D ;D
For new readers: Dont worry - it's just for fun! The folks here are so easy to make upset :) But they know me - so I guess it will not make any big impact... Keep up the good work - this forum does a lot of good for many people (including me...!
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Six months should do it, Mats! ;)
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Well, well, well ...... men are the same the world over!! :o ;D
Clarice
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if YOU do the vacuuming (mats) maybe she'll do the ... :o ;)
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I would suggest trying flowers, Mats. While there is no guarantee, they seem to produce a good return on investment. 8)
Steve
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Dr. Stefan's handout mentions this topic: He says "Please wait till you leave the hospital!"
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Mats (and Helene) ~
I understand that the one-month surgery 'anniversary' is a good time to 'celebrate' a spouses recovery. We considered it to be 'therapy'. Assuming a complication-free recovery, as Helene has enjoyed, everything is pretty well healed and the only issue by then is fully regaining balance - which only counts when in a vertical position. ;) Dinner out is also good 'therapy'.
Jim
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I know you will have a better shot once the the steroids wear off! ;D
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Hi,
Oh, my dear Mats! I'm getting embarrased! I'm glad that most people on the forum know you by now!
Hi everyone,
It's been a long time since I logged in. I don't know what has happened to me! I've just had (and still have) summer vacation and I haven't been away, but I've been with the family, seeing friends, taking care of the cat (you know the cat is important to me! ;)) taking long walks in the woods and only been thinking of myself and about recovering as much as I can. Well, I've been thinking a little about Mats as well ...
I'm feeling very well and I feel like my balance is back at about 90% now. I don't hear very much on the AN ear, but that's not a big problem, anyway. I think life is back to normal and I'm beginning to long for my pupils, my collegues and the school. On the 13th August I'll see one of my surgeons. It's the first follow-up since surgery, but since I'm feeling "perfect" I hope everything is ok.
Summerhugs to all of you Helene :D
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That is just what we like to hear ::) !
Carry on with life.
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Helene .....
Really glad to hear you are continuing to do so well. Enjoy the rest of your summer vacation ...... and then it will be so good to be back with your students, teacher friends, etc.
Clarice
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Hi Helene,
I was wondering about how you all were doing. Glad things are going well!
Have a great rest of the summer.
Keri
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Helene,
Glad to read that your are doing so well. Keep it up and have a great summer.
Neal (another cat lover - I have 3)
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Hi Helene!
I have been thinking of you and wonder how your follow-up appointment went on August 13th?
The summer has gone by so quickly, but you have been doing so well - hopefully you have been enjoying this time with family and friends.
I am sure your are also anxious to return to your school, teaching, and most of all your students!
I worked at a preschool for 10 years, and now work at a university. It is always so much fun when the students come to start a new school year!
My best wishes to you for continued healing.
Say hello to Mats!
Keep in touch.
Sincerely,
Sue
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Helene -
I'm with Sue. We need an update!
Hope things are well with you and Mats.
Jan