ANA Discussion Forum

Post-Treatment => Post-Treatment => Topic started by: Laurief on September 30, 2009, 11:07:22 am

Title: One week past surgery
Post by: Laurief on September 30, 2009, 11:07:22 am
Hello all,

Today I am one week past my surgery- left side translab on 9/23 with Drs. Shelton/Yorgensen/McDonald at Univ. of Utah Medical Center. I must say thank you and how much I appreciate the concern and prayers on my behalf. Patty- you're an angel! The nursing staff at Univ. of Utah was top notch!

The surgery went as well as they expected, they didn't have to cut the facial nerve but I am still having some lack of feeling in the left side of my face, my left arm doesn't always respond like I expect it to (which makes it harder to type -nearly an hour for his message). I had some nystagmus immediately upon recovery, but it is improving and now seems to be worse when I am tired.

On Friday, after surgery, I began to have some CSF leakage from the incision, so they added about 10 staples, I will have someone here in Idaho remove the staples on 10/5. I came home from Utah on Sunday (9/27)

Even having been told by many of you on this forum about the dizziness & nausea I didn't think it would be so bad.  But the nurses did get me sitting up in the ICU and then my family was really insistent about getting me up and walking everyday which really reduced the nausea and spinning. Finally being able to get up and go to the bathroom alone was a big success!

I'm delighted to be home sleeping in my own bed and enjoying the recliner now! 

Laurie
Title: Re: One week past surgery
Post by: ppearl214 on September 30, 2009, 11:11:55 am
Laurie,

since you are now a "postie" (post-treatment), I moved the thread here so we can all celebrate your "postiehood!" :)

Sending you continued wellness wishes to you and so appreciate you checking in to let us know how you are doing.  For 1 wk post surgery and to have you posting.... well, a major feat and well done.

Speedy recovery to you! Hang in there!
Phyl
Title: Re: One week past surgery
Post by: Nani on September 30, 2009, 11:13:02 am
I had the same problem with my right arm.  I curled a 2lb weight daily.  For my hands I would open and close my first 30 at a time multiple times a day.  I also worked really hard to move each of my fingers individually as an exercise.  It took a couple of weeks, but it did come back.  Congrats on being home and getting through surgery.
Title: Re: One week past surgery
Post by: cindyj on September 30, 2009, 11:53:14 am
Welcome back, Laurie!  Know it's so good to be home...and yes, it's amazing how things like actually being able to get up and go to the bathroom become major achievements!  Keep on achieving! 

Cindy
Title: Re: One week past surgery
Post by: mellowrama on September 30, 2009, 11:56:48 am
Laurie,

So glad that your out, things went well and you're at home.....There is no place like home!
Title: Re: One week past surgery
Post by: Jim Scott on September 30, 2009, 01:22:06 pm
Hi, Lauri ~

Welcome back - and welcome home!  I'm pleased to learn that you're recovering at a fairly normal pace.  You should be past the worst parts of recovery - the dreaded First 3 Days.  I think Nani's suggestion about the light-weight-lifting to help regain your arm strength and mobility is worth a try.  Enjoy both bed and recliner - you've earned the rest.  :)

Jim 
Title: Re: One week past surgery
Post by: Vivian B. on September 30, 2009, 07:13:36 pm
Hi Laurie,

Great to hear that your surgery is over and you are home. Best wishes on your recovery.

Vivian
Title: Re: One week past surgery
Post by: sgerrard on October 01, 2009, 01:05:39 am
I'm delighted to be home sleeping in my own bed and enjoying the recliner now! 

This is what we want to hear. Glad you made it through! Now sleep and nap. Take care.

Steve
Title: Re: One week past surgery
Post by: LisaP on October 01, 2009, 05:16:38 am
Hi Laurie

Best wishes on a speedy recovery!!


LisaP ;D
Title: Re: One week past surgery
Post by: DR on October 01, 2009, 05:57:13 am
Laurie,

That is great news indeed!  Funny you mention the bathroom situation, that is one of my biggest concerns.  Silly, I know.

Keep us informed on your recovery.

- Dennis

Title: Re: One week past surgery
Post by: leapyrtwins on October 01, 2009, 06:03:44 am
Laurie -

great to see you back!

I was one who had major nausea - and a spinning room - but I found that I made improvements daily.  Recovery takes time - sometimes it's a snail's pace - but you'll get there.

Patience is key - although sometimes it's hard to find  :)

Get plenty of rest; and please keep us updated.

Best,

Jan
Title: Re: One week past surgery
Post by: Laurief on October 01, 2009, 03:00:23 pm
Thanks for the weight lifting and finger exercise suggestions Nani- one more thing to add to my daily routine!
Title: Re: One week past surgery
Post by: CHD63 on October 01, 2009, 04:27:20 pm
Laurie .....

So glad you are home and doing well.  Rest, exercise, rest, and then rest some more is the order of the week!   ;D

Thoughts and prayers for a continued uneventful recovery.

Clarice
Title: Re: One week past surgery
Post by: doctorb on October 01, 2009, 04:35:04 pm
All the best for a speedy recovery Laurie!

Doc