4 weeks post op with many questions

[wendysig]

I also forgot to mention that before closing the skin, many doctors, mine included will place titanium mesh and/or plates over the cavity and secure them with with titanium straps and screws.  This replaces the mastoid bone and places constant pressure  on the surgical site, which also helps prevent CSF leaks.

Wendy

[leapyrtwins]

Wow!  The docs did all that during my surgery! 

Thanks for the detailed explanation of the surgery.  Although I read my operative reports, they certainly weren't as clear as that.

And "a scar is born"    Very cute, Wendy!

Jan

. . . sorry for the hijack, Phyl 

[lori67]

Jan,

I think they also stopped to clear the cobwebs out of your head while they were in there.     They may have missed a few! 

Lori

[leapyrtwins]

Gee thanks for the compliment, Lori. 

I know I can always count on you!! 

OH NO!!!  A double hijack - Phyl is going to kill us 

Jan

[wendysig]

Hi Jan --

I'm glad you liked my description of the translab  approach.  I'm sure I left some things out, it's been a while since I discussed thsi with my doc and I know some I left out some of the details.  I actually remember reading about the retrosigmond approach which I found equally interesting although I don't remember it as clearly.  I remember that while there were some similarities although  it was a little different, starting with the incision being a little further back.  If you're interested, I'll send it to you.  All in all, I'm pretty sure I remembered the general jist of what my doc told me about translab though.   I thought my "a scar is born" was rather clever too so I'm glad you liked that too!     I haven't yet gotten a copy of my operative report but plan to ask for a copy eventually.  I really find this stuff very interesting. 

Hexe --
Sorry for yet another hijack!     I hope my explanation answered most  of your questions.

Lori -- Cobwebs huh?  They must have been hanging out in the arachnoid meatus (somewhere around the dura I think -- do I sound like I know what I'm talking about?).   

Phyl - Forgive my sidesteps, just trying to cover all the bases!

Wendy 
Sorry Phyl

[Hexe]

Ok guys, thanks for all the information, support, and insider jokes. (in side'r head jokes?)
I love your scar is born too!
Do all the Dr.s put in all that metal stuff?
How do I get a copy of my operative report? just ask for it? I find this stuff very interesting too.
I don't get ''hijacks" jokes... Who you saying "hi"to? Jack? ..... I'm lost....
So, they made a C shaped incision behind my ear, then peeled my ear back?,....driilled a hole in my head...how big?...and then took a very small amount of belly fat (I told them to take lots more but they didn't listen)?...so do I still have a hole in my head? will it grow together again?...
I give up, all this info makes me dizzy!
Hexe

[ppearl214]

tsk, tsk, tsk... didn't think I'd find this eh?   Back on topic folks... thanks!

[wendysig]

Hi Hexe,

A hijack is when you ask another question or answer someone else's question on a thread originated by another person.  It can also be joking around too.
 
Not all docs use titanium mesh and plates and people who don't have this  eventually form an indentation behind their ear since there is no bone to put back when the translab approach is used and the bone that's been drilled away doesn't grow back. There is nothing wrong with this and is standard procedure for some docs.   I think most docs put the bone plate back for retrosigmoid and some will also use titanium mesh and straps to suppor it and apply pressure to the operative  site. I remember my doc saying that pretty much everyone  puts the bone plate back for middle fossa.  He didn't mention anyone using titanium mesh or plates for this approach either.  Only your doctor can tell you if you have titanium mesh and/or plates.  If you'd like a copy of your operative report you can ask you doc and I'm sure he will provide you with a copy.  I don't know if there is a standard size for the operative site.  I remember when I got statements from my insurance company my doctors both mentioned the repair of  a six centimeter defect in my skull, so I assume this is the size/area  of the hole that was drilled in my skull.  I seem to also remember someone mentioning that their doc used some kind of plastic instead of titanium.  Maybe someone else will have something to say about this.

Wendy

[MAlegant]

Yeah, I had something like spackle.  Or at least in my drugged haze that's the explanation I remember.  I will ask at my next follow-up.
Best,
M

[lori67]

Hi Hexe! 

I see you have a good sense of humor!  You'll fit in well around here!

I had translab and have no spackle or mesh or bungee cords or anything else fancy.  Just a hole in my skull.  My doctor doesn't (or at least didn't in my case) put the piece of bone back - just filled it in with the abdominal fat (he didn't take enough of that either, if you ask me!).  There is an indent there, but it's completely behind my ear so you don't see it.  I like to think that I not only got free liposuction, but I probably lost a few ounces with that hunk of bone gone now.    I like to try to put a positive spin on things!

As far as  your operative report, just ask your doc for it.  Or more likely, the nurse that will be doing the photocopying.

Lori

[leapyrtwins]

Damn, Phyl found us faster than I thought she would 

Hexe -

I have "all that metal stuff" in my head, plus a BAHA implant (a titanium rod sunken into my skull).  Lori and Wendy have the implant, too.

I am also a fat-head - which means I had the fat graft from my abdomen.

My operative reports were somewhat over my head (lots of medical terminology) but I found them fascinating.

Jan