ANA Discussion Forum

Post-Treatment => Post-Treatment => Topic started by: BostonBill on June 20, 2011, 05:10:42 am

Title: I made it and things really could not be better!!
Post by: BostonBill on June 20, 2011, 05:10:42 am
Good morning all!
My 10 hour surgery was performed last Wednesday, MGH Dr Barker & Lee. I left the hospital Friday at 1pm!! Tumor ended up being slightly over 2cm. Staff at MGH was great.
It was a very sticky tumor. The hearing nerve was destroyed during the initial drilling and entry. Dr Barker extrated the 1st half and Dr Lee the 2nd. So SSD (left), bad metallic taste for almost all foods and drinks and very stiff in the surgery area. Have been on Percs during the day, 2 every 5 hours going to try 1 starting today, 1 Valium at night.
Walked outside both Saturday and Sunday, Sunday about 1 mile. Will look to increase today. Definitely holding back on all other activities as I do not want to screw this up! PT Wednesday.
Thanks for all the prayers as I truly believe it was a combination of my current health (aside from tumor) and all the prayers!!!!

Oh yeah, WE WON THE CUP!! WE WON THE CUP!!! I have not seen the game yet  >:( But it is on the NHL network this week.
Title: Re: I made it and things really could not be better!!
Post by: Desilu on June 20, 2011, 06:02:33 am
Hi BostonBIll,

Most of what you are experiencing is normal for such a long surgery. Walking is really good for you and helps your body adjust. But don't over do it. Your body will let you know. So glad to hear that things went well for you. I will keep you and all AN patients in my prayers and wish you a happy and healthy recovery! Ann (Congrats on the Stanley Cup!)
Title: Re: I made it and things really could not be better!!
Post by: leapyrtwins on June 20, 2011, 06:06:14 am
Welcome back postie!

Glad things went well for you  ;D

Jan
Title: Re: I made it and things really could not be better!!
Post by: Jim Scott on June 20, 2011, 02:30:28 pm
Hi, Bill ~

Congratulations on having a successful AN surgery.  Another 'rapid release' (from the hospital)...good job!  Some easy walking is usually good for recovery but I think you're cognizant of the dangers of 'overdoing it' so soon.  Like you, I believe in the power of prayer and I'm pleased that you give them credit, along with your good state of pre-op health.  Now, welcome to 'Postie-Land'!

Jim    
Title: Re: I made it and things really could not be better!!
Post by: cameragal on June 20, 2011, 03:20:37 pm
That is wonderful.  I did well with surgery on Fri and out on Sun. But no 1 mile walk for me yet.  Prayers that you will continue to heal on an unbumpy trail.
Title: Re: I made it and things really could not be better!!
Post by: RichB57 on June 21, 2011, 09:44:26 am
Welcome back Bill.  Sorry about the hearing, but glad everything else went well.  Boy, you got out of the hospital in about the same time as it took me to get out of the ICU!  I've got some metallic taste of the right side of my tongue (the AN side) but if I try to chew on my left, it's not as bad.   I take it you're not using a walker if you're going a mile.  Sounds like you made out great in the balance department.  I've found I can push the walking, but anything much more strenuous (even now at 8 weeks post op) is a no-no.  Your head will let you know pretty quickly when to stop. 

Even though you know the outcome, the game will still be fun to watch.  It was a great game.  Enjoy!
Title: Re: I made it and things really could not be better!!
Post by: Seal on June 21, 2011, 07:05:18 pm
Nice work Bill!!!   I had Barker work on me for 9.5 hours two years ago, and he is very persistent, not to mention a great surgeon.     I also was out the door in 48 hours after the surgery; they must be doing something very right up at MGH !!  Good luck on the recovery this summer, and let your body tell you when its ready to push things.    I saw improvements even past 12 months which at the moment seems long, but now it's just a blink of the eye.   Good Luck!!!
Title: Re: I made it and things really could not be better!!
Post by: cin605 on June 22, 2011, 09:49:06 am
Great NewS!
and yes...We won the cup,We won the cup...woootwwoot
Title: Re: I made it and things really could not be better!!
Post by: BostonBill on June 24, 2011, 06:50:19 am
Good morning,
Yes the walking is going well.
The Doctors stated they found considerable damage to the nerve and I very likely began compensating some time ago.
I definitely have the wonky head, soreness in the surgery area and have little balance on unstable areas or with my eyes closed.
Otherwise all is good!
I hope this provides encouragement and helps others!!!  :-*
Be well,
Bill
Title: Re: I made it and things really could not be better!!
Post by: Desilu on June 24, 2011, 03:30:59 pm
Hi Bill,

Glad to hear that the recovery is going well. Keep up the walking, it will help. All of your symptoms will get better in time. You have a great attitude which will help in the healing process. Positive out comes after surgery are always "Great News" to hear. I wish you continued success on your recovery. Ann
Title: Re: I made it and things really could not be better!!
Post by: moe on June 25, 2011, 10:18:08 am
Bill,
congratulations on your successful surgery! Love to hear those positive stories. Take it easy now, and watch the bending over so you don't get headaches, Keep walking :)
Maureen
Title: Re: I made it and things really could not be better!!
Post by: kenneth_k on June 26, 2011, 01:21:21 am
Hi Bill.

Sounds like you're doing just fine. A great idea to continue posting positive progress.

Kenneth
Title: Re: I made it and things really could not be better!!
Post by: Rivergirl on June 26, 2011, 10:10:45 am
Wow, you sound better than me and I am 3 weeks post op.  I have no energy have to force myself to do everything.  I have increase pain and the swelling along the incision has not abated. I am in my fiftes so I attribute my slowness to my age.  MGH was great, the nurses and aides were amazing, thankfully they got me moving when I didn't want to.........I could use them now...lol  Glad you are doing so good, the walking is best and sounds like you conquered that.
Title: Re: I made it and things really could not be better!!
Post by: LisaP on June 26, 2011, 01:14:05 pm
Hi Bill,
Congrats sounds like you are doing well,  Cindy, hang in there, things have got to get better.

LisaP
Title: Re: I made it and things really could not be better!!
Post by: Rivergirl on June 27, 2011, 07:33:19 pm
Wondering how your are doing Boston Bill?
Title: Re: I made it and things really could not be better!!
Post by: BostonBill on June 30, 2011, 06:51:20 pm
Happy 4th of July everyone! 15 days post and not doing all that bad. Last few days facial paralysis more noticeable. More so than first 10 days. Unable to eat things that require me to open wide. Wonky head comes and goes, along with some end of day head pain.
Seeing my Neurotologist Wednesday hope to discuss hearing aid options for my right ear.
Otherwise fighting the good fight. Still feeling like I am ahead of schedule and looking forward to the Holiday!
Be well!!
Bill
Title: Re: I made it and things really could not be better!!
Post by: Rivergirl on June 30, 2011, 07:00:27 pm
Sounds good Boston Bill, I am 4 weeks and finally feel like it might have been worth it afterall.  Have a great 4th, take it easy keep on the recovery road!!
Title: Re: I made it and things really could not be better!!
Post by: jaylogs on July 01, 2011, 02:39:00 am
Hello Bill, sorry for jumping in so late, but congrats on the recovery.  I remember those first few weeks after surgery things didn't seem to be happening fast enough, but the body is amazing and before you know it, you realize that you are closer to normal and you don't remember when it happened, it just did.  I had middle fossa surgery and part of that requires the cutting of a jaw muscle on the scalp to get to where they need to.  I couldn't open my mouth wider than a half in for a long time, but then one day I realized that it had pretty much gone back to normal and I hadn't remembered when that occurred.  So anyways, here's to your continued recovery and positive attitude. Happy Fourth! :)
Jay
Title: Re: I made it and things really could not be better!!
Post by: Desilu on July 01, 2011, 06:46:06 am
Hi Bill,

I had the same problem as you and Jay. Could not open my mouth very wide, but I didn't let that stop me from eating the things I wanted. While I was out in L.A. we went for lunch at this really neat hamburger place, when they placed the burger on the table it was about 4 inches high. I smashed the burger down with my hand and then ripped it into small pieces, I enjoyed  every bit of it. It will get better, it just takes some time. Most of your symptoms are normal and temporary. Your doing great!  Ann