ANA Discussion Forum
General Category => AN Issues => Topic started by: Melissa778 on May 22, 2008, 02:44:05 pm
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Thanks much for all the well wishes everyone. So far recovery has been a bit slow. LOTS of vestibular issues. Which I'm sure with time and exercixe I will overcome. As Jaime updated you my tumor was a messy one, tangled all over everthing in there. Total of about 7 hours, they left bit behind on the facial nerve to discuss at a later date. My nausea and dizziness have kept me down quite a bit, felling better every day. The incision pain is worst at night it seems, but is progressively getting better. I'll have sutures for 3 weeks as opposed to some of you lucky ones that got yours out sooner. No facial disturbaces as of yet. A small numb spot on the tongue, some taste issues, and a bit of eye dryness. :P
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Hi, Melissa!
Welcome back...as a 'postie'!
I'm sorry your recovery is a bit slower than you'd like but overall, you seem to have come through with few serious issues and should be getting better and stronger every day. That's our hope and prayer for you. :)
Thanks for the update...now, get some rest. We'll be here when you're able to post more. :)
Jim
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Welcome home, Melissa!
Yes, the vestibular issues will definitely improve over time. I didn't do formal exercises, but just the daily walks I took (initially with a cane) got me from limbs that didn't seem to respect gravity to my good old fairly sure-footed self. I'm glad to hear the nausea/dizziness and incision pain are improving steadily. And it's great that your facial function is OK!
Hope every day finds you a little stronger!
:)
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Glad you're home and on the mend. The vestibular issues truly improve rather quickly. I also relate to incision pain at night--and that is better, too. I had my surgery on 5/9/08 and can't believe how well I'm doing, though it was a rough start. Get lots of rest and accept all the help that is offered to you.
Take Care,
Nicole
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Yay Melissa! Congrats on being a Postie! Hope things continue to improve for you.
Tamara
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Glad to hear you are doing well. Vestibular issues do resolve, but it is so hard to be a patient patient. ;) Hang in there.
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Hey Postie Mel!
Ya did it. Way to go. And it's good to see you back. Hope you're getting some rest and at home support. Please tell Jamie she was great at keeping us updated. As for the balance thing - it does get better. But if the progress seems too slow -- you might want to check in with a Physical Therapist that specializes in vestibular training. I went six months before I saw a PT and realized that I was doing the wrong balance exercise stuff. I'm starting to see some improvement now. I am so glad you didn't have any facial issues -- I know that was a big concern of yours.
Remember, there is no question to this group that is too silly for a wise answer.
Have a good recovery, Melissa!
David
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Atta-girl, Melissa!
Things are looking up now. Just think: the first week is the roughest, and now you're done with that. :)
Once the dust settles, you can see if you need to do anything like PT for the vestibular issues. First though, take some long naps.
See ya later, postie!
Steve
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Hey, Melissa - good to see you back!
Jaime did a great job of updating us, but there's nothing like hearing from the postie herself :)
Things will get better each day. Rest as much as you can and have patience.
I'm glad things went well.
Jan
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Hooray Melissa...so good to hear from you! You have been in my thoughts! You go girl!
WOW Nicole...you are really doing well. I am so glad!!!!!! Hooray! :D
Mary
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daydreamer,
Congratulations on your out come it sounds you are on your way to recovery please take care and don't over do.
and
Nicole222 @ 5/9/08 Wow!!! Awesome to you too. You also take it easy, and get plenty of rest.
eve.....
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I love it! We have a whole "shipload" of new posties!! Congrats and best wishes and a speedy recovery to all of you! Remember to not over do and let your body and brain rest. Get all of the napping in that you can. Time to wash my pirate sox, for the next "batch"!
Hugs and Warm Wishes,
Brenda
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Hey Melissa!!
Congratulations and welcome home! Good to see you are back! Did you have the nurse "monika" in ICU - and if so, wasn't she a hoot! I hope you have a lot of help with your children and remember to take it easy, one day at a time. After a few days I was really anxious to get out and do things and that came back and bit me in the butt.
Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. :)
kimberly
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Good going girls!
Brendalu -
I had to giggle with the "shipload" reference....after the pirate sox are washed, no need to iron them. ;) - helpful tip o the day from this wench.
Mary
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Hi Melissa
Welcome back it sounds like your the road to a great recovery.
Sam
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Conrats girl, you made it,all will heal in time.
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Melissa and Nicole,
Terrific! :) No facial nerve damage for either of you!
This is very good news. I was expecting with DR. Kartush that facial never preservation would happen… glad to hear I was right there.
I am doing the facial retraining therapy now- but for some reason this whole synkinesis business has me down - this week… When I get in the� shoulda …woulda …coulda� :-[ mode – this happens. I did once interview Dr. Kartush and now I do sit and question,
“Would my face outcome been different if I had flown east - to see him?�
(Michigan is one heck of a long way from Oregon :-\ )
I had already had one major surgery as we barked up the wrong tree. The 3 different surgeries he advocated, on top of what I had been through (unnecessarily) - was overwhelming. I did not feel young and strong enough to go through what he advocated. Having me down with surgical recovery even before the AN surgery had proved hard enough for my family. Maybe because I am a tired Mom with busy school kids who is much anticipating summer -I am simply burnt out after starting the school year off with this incredibly wild AN journey ride…. Such a roller coaster it can be.
Nevertheless Melissa and Nicole- I am VERY happy that you both have had such good outcomes- particularly with your facial nerve preservation. Being able to smile at a child fully is part of communication. However this week I had a little 3rd grade tell me,
“Oh - I can still tell that you are smiling!�
It is the kids that get us through this. I am so glad that you young Moms have had such a good outcome. Cherish this time with your little ones- they will be teenagers before you know it. My teenager and her little sister started of the school year without both their parents. They stayed with a family where the Mom’s aunt had her surgery with Dr. Kartush – a decade ago. They were still pretty new to their school as they had only been there one year… this family that took them in were a Godsend to me… as was our school.
The 8th grade graduation turns out to be big ta-do here – and my teenager was chosen as the one to do the valedictorian speech. My smile may not be perfect or symmetrical but nevertheless I’ll smile at her with pride. Maybe as I cry through her speech the palsy side eye might finally produce a tear. Who knows…?
This whole AN journey has had me come to so appreciate my family.
Melissa and Nicole- keep those kids close to you and cherish them. They will see you smile in your eyes… It does my heart good to see you now posting at the other end- and smiling. The incision does hurt, the first month, but this dissipates. The balance eventually works out- but you have to work at it.
Keep moving forward fellow Moms (and Dads)... Keep moving forward.
Daisy Head Mazy
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Melissa: Glad to hear you are home and on the road to recovery. They had to leave a little of the tumor on my facial nerve as well. I have my first year follow up MRI the first part of August to see if there has been any change in the size of it.
That nausea is the sickest I've ever been in all of my 61 years, but thank goodness it goes away although it did take me quite a while to get my appetite back to normal.
Just listen to your body and do what it's telling you; rest when necessary and definitely nap as needed. After all of this trauma you brain needs a lot of quiet time. Even after one year I have days when I just have to lean back in my recliner in a quiet room and close my eyes to let my brain recharge.
Linda in WV
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Melissa,
Congratulations on such a positive outcome and best wishes for a smooth recovery.
Reading about all the recent success stories has been very helpful for me in preparing for my big day--knowing what to expect.
Just like all the others are saying, don't forget to listen to your body and get plenty of rest.
Syl
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Melissa
My prayers are with you. Have a speedy recovery with your new life.
Claire
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So glad to see you on the other side. All downhill from here, providing you rest. Boy sounds like you had quite a tangler. I bet you are glad you opted for surgery, and as soon as you did. My sutures were in for 2 wks and it was very hard to sleep. Part of that was the steriods buzzing me up, but the pain when I laid my head down relieved quite a bit once I got those buggers out...(btw, doesn't hurt removing them). I also switched my pillow and sometimes slept sitting up part way. Take Care, Melissa
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Hi Melissa,
Good to hear from you - sorry you're having a bit of a slow time w/ recovery, but the good thing is that you're on the other side of surgery and things will, hopefully, improve each day for you.
Keep us posted as you feel up to it,
Cindy
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good to hear from you.......
relax, take it easy.............yes easy lol :)
the way to not have more issues is tro not "push" it too much or as my Dr. said that means not at all for you. ;D
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Hi Melissa-
So glad to hear from you - and thrilled that your surgery went so well!! I am also thrilled that your facial nerve came through intact - that is wonderful news!! I didn't have the dizziness and balance problems, so can't comment on that directly. The minor balance issues went away very quickly for me.
Just remember to take it easy and learn to really listen to your body (something I am still working on!) It will tell you when you need to rest or nap.
Keep us posted on your progress - and welcome to postie land!
Debbi - nearly 28 days post op!
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Hi Melissa,
Congratulations on your recent successful surgery and improving progress.
As one of those facing surgery very soon ... next week if all goes to plan!... I look forward to these updates and hope you will keep us posted on your progress.
Sending best wishes your way...
Trish
(less than a week to go!
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Well I was having some nasty emotional issues, trouble sleeping, and horrible bouts of nausea.....I called the doc Sunday and they took me off of the Tylenol with codeine and gave me darvasete (sp?)...And I feel like myself again. I got up and went shopping with my family, I've been walking daily and I'm back to normal duties around the house. I still have the occassional bouts of dizziness....but overall I feel fantastic for it only being 2 weeks into recovery. I go see the doc on Monday for suture removal and to talk about driving. I'm hoping to be able to resume driving and to return to work part time by the end of next week. It's amazing how just switching meds has helped. I do fall asleep at times on my AN side, it hasn't bothered me much other than the occassional sharp nerve pains, and the itching from healing. should I not be laying on my AN side??
My children have been fantastically behaved and have enjoyed helping take care of mommy. THey were a bit leary when they came to the hospital to see mom (they're 5 and 2) but we went for a walk in the hall and I think that helped them see that mom was up and OK.....then all they cared about was making the bed go up and down :). My husbands major concern has been for my weight loss.....I didn't have any weight to spare really and I have dropped about 11 lbs. THe first week and half I coudln't stomach anything other than jello and smoothies. I'm working my way back to a normal diet....however.....nothing tastes the same.....frustrating, but I'm rebounding. Overall I feel wonderful and the SSD isn't as tough as I anticipated. I did have to get new eye glasses as my eye gets very dry so contacts aren't going to be the everyday norm for me anymore. Thanks all for your encouraging words. best of luck to any upcoming surgeries/procedures this week.
Melissa
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Melissa~
Sounds like you are doing GREAT!! Way to go! Good luck at your Dr. visit. I lost 50 pounds, but I had it to lose!
The taste will return...give it time.
So glad your kiddos have been being good - that always helps! ;D
K
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Hello Melissa
Sure is nice to hear you are recovering nicely. Just make sure you don’t over do.
Aren’t children great. They are the first ones to be so understanding and kind.
eve
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Melissa -
it sounds like you are making good progress. IMO it's okay to sleep on your AN side if you are comfortable that way. I'm obviously not a doctor, but I don't think you can do any damage.
It's fairly normal to lose weight post op especially if you have strange taste buds and have had a lot of nausea. Once you get back to your normal diet, you'll probably put the weight back on - if you want to, that is ;)
Jan
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Melissa,
Thanks for the update, we were wondering about you. It sounds like switching to Darvocet did the trick. I'm not sure why you are in such a hurry to return to work next week, though. :)
Take care and enjoy your well behaved little ones.
Steve
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Hi Melissa!
I was thinking about you last night - wondering how in the world I would have done it with 2 kids that first few weeks of being home. I take my hat off to all the people here who are parents and have to balance family life with recovery after coming home.
I too lost a few pounds and nothing tastes right to me, not sure when that turns around but I'm assured it will one day be normal. Most things taste like ocean water. The good part of this is that you can eat all healthy foods, some that you may not have enjoyed before and they will most likely taste exactly liike the junk food you used to love! :) There are a few things that taste kinda normal to me - they are grapes, oranges, apples, jello, popsicles - it would be interesting to find out what other people have eaten that seems to taste close to what it should. Let me know if you find some other foods that are worthy of tasting!
Wishing you the best!
Kimberly
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Hi Melissa!
I was thinking about you last night - wondering how in the world I would have done it with 2 kids that first few weeks of being home. I take my hat off to all the people here who are parents and have to balance family life with recovery after coming home.
It's definitely best to have help - family, friends, neighbors, etc - post op for the first few weeks if you can arrange it. I know it was great for me to have a family member move in with me and my children; and my children are much older than Melissa's. It's also an added bonus when the children decide to be fantastically behaved like Melissa's :)
Ocean water is a good taste analogy - lots of stuff I tried post op tasted like sure salt. Hopefully this won't last too long Kimberly.
Jan
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Hey Melissa,
With a 14.5month old daughter and heading for surgery on Monday, I was curious about how you are managing. I dont think Cali is old enough to understand anything (esp why i won't be able to pick her up :-\
but i expect she will like the bed movement too! ;)
If i can lose 11lbs, i would be super happy! I still have that extra 5-8lbs post baby that i could happily lose. Trying to look on the bright side!
Trish
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Trish~
Not a time to TRY to lose weight, but I bet you won't even think about it & it will just come off!! I would have the protein shakes ready like many suggested!
I will be praying for you and your family!
K
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Hi Melissa
It's so encouraging to hear how well you are doing. I too have a little one and i think about how she is going to handle it. But i think kids are alot tougher then we give them credit.
Thanks for the update I hope you continue to have great progress with your recovery. Keep us updated.
Thanks Sam
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Congrats! Now, nap, nap, nap!!!
Blessings, Yvette
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Can you give us an update?
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Feeling WONDERFUL at a bit over 5 weeks. Back to work part time. My vestibular issues have subsided, I really don't mind the SSD as much as I thought I would. I feel wonderful....no headaches, some minor tinnitus that I didnt' have before, btu other than that I am GREAT. I go for my MRI in August and they will then decide when to do the Gamma Knife for the remainder of the tumor that they were unable to get. I worry that because it was such smooth sailing overall with surgical recovery that the Gamma will be my downfall.....Crazy I know :)
Melissa
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Melissa-
SO glad to hear you are doing so well and with virtually no complications! You are a true success story! Hopefully some of the the folks who are in early days of diagnosis will read your story and be encouraged.
I can't comment on the GK, but I am sure you'll get some good comments from others here who've gone through it. I can't remember, is it the same surgeon who did your translab for the GK? Can you talk to him about any specific concerns re post radiation issues?
Again, Melissa - I am just thrilled to hear about your recovery!
Debbi
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Melissa -
all I can say is "YEA" ;D
You sound like you are doing great! Congratulations!
Jan
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Yahoo!
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What great news! You sound like you're moving right along in your recovery. I hope post-GK goes as smoothly, if it's decided you need it. It would be even better if you didn't!
Lori
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Melissa
Sounds like everything is going great. Congratulations. I admire the decision that your surgeons made to leave some of the tumor behind and not damage the facial nerve. I wouldn't be facing two years of Physical Therapy now if my surgeons had made the same decision. You may have some downside from the GK but nothing compared to what could have happened with microsurgery from what I have experienced. Keep up the good recovery.
David
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Meloissa -
Im glad to hear you're doing so well. It's great news that you have no major issues from the surgery. Hope GK goes well for you too.
Wendy
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Melissa -
Glad to hear how good you are doing! I've been following your recovery.
My surgery is in 3 days, and I hope I do as well as you have.
Congratulations.
Lacey
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Lacey -
your surgery is in 3 days! We'll have to start a Good Luck, Lacey thread :)
Jan
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Hi Melissa,
Glad to hear you are doing well these days. I think it is safe to say that having GK is easier than having surgery, so I would not fret about having radiation treatment if it turns out you need it.
Steve
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Melissa,
I'm so glad that your doing so well. It's always encouraging to read about someone who isn't having many problems. It gives me hope that my surgery and recovery will go as smoothly as yours. I'm sure the GK will go smoothly as well.
Rosalie