ANA Discussion Forum
Post-Treatment => Post-Treatment => Topic started by: jaylogs on June 11, 2010, 05:59:25 am
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Well, for any of you newbies going into this, just know that there are many extremes to the outcome of your particular surgery. I guess I am what you would call the good extreme (not EXTREMELY good, just good!) Six months ago, on Dec 9th, 2009. I was being wheeled into the operating room at St. Vincent's Hospital in Los Angeles with Dr.'s Brackmann and Schwartz waiting at the helm to give my brain its very first peek at the outside world in 45 years (via Middle Fossa). I had complete faith in my decision going in and I stand here today feeling very grateful for all that has been given me.
Aside from the occasional wonky head syndrome, the nerve endings reawakening (ouch!), a little louder tinnitus, hearing at about 60%, and my stamina not quite right up there where I want it to be, things could never be better. I do not suffer from many headaches anymore and have never had any facial issues. My sleeping is still problematic, but then again, I am a night shift worker, where I work from 6pm to 6am W-Fr, and every other Saturday. That fourth day on my long week I can truly feel it. I have been very active and my positive spirit seems to have survived this whole ordeal. I will be getting a one year MRI done in December but with my tumor being as small as it was, they did get it all out so hopefully no surprises will await me.
I still read this forum from time to time and try to offer some words of encouragement where needed, because I believe in paying it forward as I really appreciated all the kind words of comfort directed at me during my own trip to become a postie. For you newbies, take heed to all those who've been around here a while...sometimes they are better than doctors! For all you a not so newbies, :) I want to thank you all for your wisdom and all the help I received. Life is INDEED good! :)
Jay
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Jay,
Congrats on reaching your 6 month mark ;D
It seems you are doing really well and dealing with any deficits with panache...hee hee.
here's to another 6 months and a clear MRI
This forum really is amazing and I only discovered it a few months ago, surgery was 11/08. Everyone on here is so fortunate not to have to go through the scary and unsure times alone. I am in such a better place with my recovery because of this forum, mentally and physically. Its like having an extended family that knows way too much about brain function and tumors ;D
Liz
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Jay ~
Great post! Your appreciation for the forum members is humbling and a testament to the value of these message boards. I'm delighted to learn that your recovery is moving in the right direction and that you're getting back to normalcy. I can tell you that it probably takes a solid year to regain complete normalcy and you'll always have a few small 'reminders' that you had brain surgery. Well, I do. Of course, I'm quite a bit older than you so you may be able to 'bounce back' even faster than I did. In any case, thanks for the update - and the kind words.
Jim
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Congratulations Jay on your halfway point in making it through the first year Post Op. As Jim said the first year brings us to normalcy. I just can't wait till then. Keep on working on getting strong! I'm so glad that you don't have headaches...that's great!!!! ;D
Mei Mei