ANA Discussion Forum
Treatment Options => Microsurgical Options => Topic started by: kixit on May 28, 2012, 03:51:52 pm
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I must say the first 24 hours were pure hell. The room spun and then the nausea started...for 24 grueling hours. Post op day 1- slept for most part of the day, even if I attempted to open my eyes I would get sick. Post Op days 2 and 3- walked the halls and showered. Appetitite started to return, I only wanted liquids, no sweet drinks--cranberry juice was my friend. Post op day 4, more walking, started to focus a little better on the TV but stll just wanted sleep. Post op day 5-homeward bound. The bandage came off, I was able to actually see what lurked under the bandage all those days. The pain wasn't anything to deal with really but the nausea was absolutely the pits.
My medical care was outstanding and would do it again (only if I had to, lol). I'm still loopey from the meds and will be for a few more days. I'm not back to normal. Far from it, but I do feel..different. Well, I'm off for a nap. Thought I would update everyone.
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Congratulations, and welcome to the post-treatment side! Rest, walk, be good to yourself.
-Tod
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Kix ~
Congratulations on becoming a 'postie'! Hope your recovery moves briskly. Thanks for the update.
Jim
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Kixit,
Glad you are back!
Sorry you had such a rough 24 hours, post-op, but you have made it through the worst. I hope to get continued updates on your progress.
I'm not far behind you. My surgery is scheduled for July 3rd, at House.
Liz
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I wasn't afraid of having the surgery itself, just being put under for some weird reason. I still have the tinnitis and was told it it will not go away. My surgery site is perfect. Dr Kesser did a great job as hairstylist as well as surgeon. I can't express enough how well I was treated and treatment received at UVA.
I am still in appeals for the BAHA. I was told that will be a long drawn out process.
Thanks to everyone for the concerns and prayers. I don't believe I could have made it through this ordeal without the great information and support. Thank you guys soooo much 8)
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Hi kixit .....
So glad you are post-op and in the recovery phase now! Believe it or not, the worst is over. Now it is a matter of being patient as your brain and body adjust to the new inputs. Remember to walk, rest, rest, walk, rest, rest, walk, etc. Listen to your body and walk in safe environments as much as you can ..... but this is not a time to be heroic and push yourself beyond your limits. Take short rests or "power naps" when needed and drink lots of fluids ..... water is good!
Thoughts and prayers continue.
Clarice
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So glad to hear from you. I am glad to know you received excellent care at UVA. I'll be there in just a few more weeks. Our prayers were answered for you. YEAH!!
Take care and keep us posted.
Jan
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It's nice to hear from you so soon after your surgery. You sound very positive and upbeat and that's always nice to hear. Good luck on your road to recovery.
Lisa
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You are over the worst part. The rest of your recovery is a slow process. Don't try to hurry it along...it will just happen. Sounds like you did very well getting up and walking so soon with all that wonkiness.
James
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YAY! You did it--welcome to the "other side!" Sorry to hear that those first 24 hours were so rough. Sounds a lot like mine did, but it looks like you're definitely on your way! Good luck as you start the recovery process and I can't wait to hear more updates. :)
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Pain is really not an isssue. I get an ocassional sharp pain in the post AN ear but it's mostly balance. I have to walk with a walker ( my kids tell me I'm a true grandma now, lol). I walk to the corner of my street and and back or to the end of my backyard but thats it, I'm wiped out after that. Only took pain meds once today but slept off and on all afternoon and evening. I keep my surgeons words in my mind- "it will only get better from here on". Believe me if those words didn't ring true after the first 24 hrs I was going hunting for a surgeon! lol
All and all it hasn't been bad, I really expected more pain wise. The loopyness--it's got to go!! Dr Kesser said it could last 2 weeks, 2 months or 2 years depends on the body compensation factor. I wish I could do more but I know it will come with time. 8)
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Hi there .....
That's great that pain is not an issue. I had the same experience ..... the initial pain meds in the hospital, plus the steroids kept the pain well under control ..... it was the loopyness (or wonkyheadedness, we sometimes say on here) that was the most annoying post-op.
I used a walker for a couple of weeks post-op ..... gradually trying walking with a person on each side, then one person on one side, then a cane, and then finally totally on my own. By a month I was mostly on my own, but I did have regular physical therapy for awhile first, then vestibular rehab for months. (Reminder: I have no vestibular function on either side so my situation was quite different.) It is kind of weird, but even holding the hand of my toddler grandchildren gives me a sense of stability ...... but I always firmly hook my gaze on objects that are not moving when I am walking.
For me fatigue, stress, and too much caffeine still make me very wobbly so I do try to watch all three of those factors, as much as possible.
Yes, it will only get better from here on. I have some balance exercises I can send to you, if you'd like. Just PM me and I'll send them to you.
Best thoughts and prayers continue for a speedy "Look Ma, I can do it myself" recovery.
Clarice
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@Clarice..if you could send those excercises that would be great. I ventured out today (I had a designated driver, lol) but it was too much..had to come home and take that all important afternoon nap before the official afternoon nap..lol
Wonkywooness is the problem at hand now. I was told it will go away..eventually, just embrace it for what it is..it's all part of the healing process. My kids laugh at me because I stagger with a smile. Have to have fun with it!!
I will admit, I have never slept or felt like sleeping this much in my whole life (and that's without any meds). Is my body that starved for rest and recooperation? Has the stress of thinking about surgery, the BAHA caught up with me? It's crazy :o
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Glad your back and doing well. I don't remember much of the first 24 hours other than being nauseous. I'm back to my old self again pretty much and you will be too. Rest and recover.
Mindy
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Just sent you the balance exercises I used in a Private Message. I also have some good gaze stabilization ones if you are having difficulty holding your eyes steady on an object.
I have found locking my gaze onto something that is not moving when I am walking is an absolute necessity (in my case with no vestibular function on either side and hence a lifelong balance issue).
After my first surgery I had significant difficulty with first double vision, then pronounced nystagmus so coupled with balance exercises, I also did gaze stabilization exercises. Now I do not think about it much unless I am really tired, really stressed, or drink waaaaay too much caffeine.
Let me know if you would also like the other exercises.
Clarice
P.S. If you do not begin to see rapid improvement in your balance soon, I would search for a trained vestibular therapist. I had great success with the work he did with me.
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I concur with Clarice. My vestibular therapist has been so valuable in helping me to conquer my wonkyness. I'm still not a 100% but I'm getting there and the exercises really do challenge your vestibular system and give it a good work out so it can get stronger.
Keep up the good work! ;D
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Glad you're back and things are good, postie!
Like you, I had massive nausea post op - but surprisingly some don't have it at all; not sure why that is.
No pain whatsoever for me, but balance issues. My doc gave me some vestibular exercises to do - not sure if they are the ones Clarice sent you or not - but they helped immensely.
Best wishes for a continued recovery,
Jan
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10 days post surgery--feeling a little better. Still having balance issues but so far today (it's 930 AM) better. I made my bed for the first time in a week. Took the laptop back into the living room, I decided I'm not going to live out of my bed anymore. I swiftered the floors, dusted, did dishes and took care of my zoo. I'll probably be pooped for the rest of the day but I did NORMAL things for the first time since surgery. I went out to the phone store yesterday (my daughters phone died - a major catastrophe, lol) and that's all I could do and get back into bed.
I stated before in another post that I haven't had any pain--I jinxed myself! I have been having, I guess what's called- post-surgical headaches. My forehead and the back of my neck will hurt, especially on rising so I try to get up s l o w. Friday it stayed with me all day and for the most part on Saturday. Today, so far so good.
Anyway, I can tell things are improving minute by minute. My mind wants to run but my body says nooo just crawl, lol.
I return to UVA tomorrow for suture removal and recheck. I looked at my (AN) ear, it looks like it sticks out further than the other one :P
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Sounds like you're doing well, but personally I'd lay off the housework. Your surgery wasn't that long ago and you shouldn't overdo it.
Just my opinion, but if your daughter is old enough for a cell phone, perhaps she's old enough to take over the housework while you recover.
Jan
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I totally agree with Jan even if you feel up to doing certain things this was major and your body needs time to heal if a fractured ankle takes 6 weeks I am sure the brain will be a lot longer...Please do not overdo it I know I had and was sorry afterwards.
Best Wishes,
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I wanted to do the housework because I needed that feeling of normalcy again. My daughter took care of things while I was away.
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Kixit,
Glad you seem to be recovering nicely,, but I have to agree that you can overdo at this point and risk slowing complete recovery.. I'm pretty sure Jan did not mean to insult you in any way with her comment to lay off the housework,, but you have to give your brain time to adjust and heal.. it is working extra hard right now to compensate for the lost hearing/ balance nerve on one side,, I had translab too last Oct. and STILL get very tired at times especially when "overstimulated" by outside activities... loud noises, flashing lights, too many people talking or just overdoing physically... I think you may have "jinxed" yourself by doing the dusting and sweeping... that much movement of your head up and down,, side to side,, is really hard on the brain trying to "keep up"... I know you want to be and do "normal" things again,, and you will,, but not necessarily less than two weeks after major brain surgery.. anyway,, not to lecture you,, far from it,, just some advice from those that have been there and are still recovering... please take it for what it is worth,,, our "two cents"......Good luck and sounds like you have a positive attitude towards recovering well.. Jane
P.S. ,,, except for the incision area, which your hair probably hides,, you have "no" outside signs of what you have been through so it is easy to get restless and want to get up and do (unlike having a cast on say,,),, and others will "forget" what you have been through too and see you as "your old self" except maybe a little shakier,, so that may hinder you from getting the rest you need,, however,, you will probably find that your BRAIN will slow you down when needed,, often,, as I know sometimes I still feel as if I can hardly put one foot in front of the other until I lay down and nap even for just 15-20 min.. to give my brain time to rest and recoup... so give in when needed and don't feel "bad" about it right now,, plenty of time to get on with life after some recovery time.... again,,,,,,, just two more cents worth....
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Thanks kids for the advice. And I am listening but it's so hard for me because I am a go go go person. I went for recheck and suture removal today. Dr Kesser and Dr Nicolas couldn't believe it was just 10 days ago and I'm almost walking straight. The nystagmus is gone. I told him about the headaches and Dr Kesser said they sound like tension headaches (and I went on about my job) I have been released to go back to work next week (just 4 hrs a day to start to see if I can handle it) for 2 weeks then 8 hrs after that untill the next recheck July 30th (Happy Birthday to me, lol).
I think we are trying to stretch it out so hopefully by then I will have won my appeal for the BAHA. If I don't get that precious device I WILL lose my job no question (public safety) but would be placed elsewhere within local government. So I am hoping and praying Anthem listens to Cochlear and READS my personal letter about what it would mean to my life to have it.
All the information and advice I read on here has and will continue to help me through this journey in my life. The support is outstanding as well as the information.
Thanks so much for everyones thoughts and advice, I really do listen. ;D
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I think ''being normal" is important for your recovery. If you wear your self out, just take a nap. No lifting. Walking, dusting...good stuff.
James
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Adding my two cents here ..... the need to feel "normal" is hugely important in the recovery process. Just watch the bending over and/or standing up too fast and trying to walk too soon upon standing. Get your bearings first before walking or your brain will rebel with a headache. Bending over is a "no no" for a month post-op (I was told this after all three of my craniotomies.) Let someone else pick up what falls on the floor or sit down on a chair to reach and pick it up.
For what it's worth ..... my ear stuck out for several weeks after my translab. It distressed me greatly at first, but once all of the swelling went down and things shifted back to their normal positions, the ear was back to normal. At 13 months post-op, the area around the incision, still feels weird, but that is partly because of no sound is captured in that ear anymore.
Good luck ..... it really sounds like you are doing well.
Clarice
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@Clarice-
Excellent advice. No bending over for me. I squat to get the dogfood out of the bin and into the food dishes. If I drop something and I try to grab it with my toes (comical) or if that doesn't work I'll squat or impatiently wait for someone to get it.
I also have to remind myself to slow my pace down (I walk fast) so my brain can catch up. Believe me I don't want to fall on my face or other parts and get them broken while my head is healing.
I am attempting to return to work next week. Just 4 hrs a day. If it's too much then it's too much and I'll take more time off. Believe me, I am in no way being pressured by anyone. ESPECIALLY my employer who has an exclusion in the Anthem health insurance for MY BAHA (yes said with anger!! lol)
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@Clarice-
Excellent advice. No bending over for me. I squat to get the dogfood out of the bin and into the food dishes. If I drop something and I try to grab it with my toes (comical) or if that doesn't work I'll squat or impatiently wait for someone to get it.
I also have to remind myself to slow my pace down (I walk fast) so my brain can catch up. Believe me I don't want to fall on my face or other parts and get them broken while my head is healing.
I am attempting to return to work next week. Just 4 hrs a day. If it's too much then it's too much and I'll take more time off. Believe me, I am in no way being pressured by anyone. ESPECIALLY my employer who has an exclusion in the Anthem health insurance for MY BAHA (yes said with anger!! lol)
Thinking about picking up things they have that gadget to assist forgot the technical name. I had bought my dad and son one and now truly realize how convenient those gadgets are...
Good luck with going back to work.
Best Wishes,
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Don't tell my husband about that gadget! :) I'm hoping he and my son will do all the picking up.
Lisa
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Lisa I promise I will not tell.....hahaha....What gadget ????
Best Wishes,
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To no ones surprise, they're called 'grabbers' or 'reachers' and look like this....
(http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/7wd43.db7jq/v/vspfiles/photos/MDS86031RCEH-1.jpg?1335964582)
My wife still has the one that we bought for her following her spinal surgery in '05. It's very handy.
Jim
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My mom has one of those grabber things. It's like her 3rd arm..errr hand.
I have a question. I have had since surgery a moment or two where I just want to ball (and I have). Is this normal? I still have a lot to deal with (my job is in jeopardy without having the BAHA and I'm fighting Anthem over it) even though a successful surgery is over and my recovery is going well. I don't feel depressed or anything, I think I'm thinking too much and it infuriates me of what could be such simple resolutions is being so difficult to resolve. ARRGHHHH!!!
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I have not gone through the surgery yet, but I've heard people go through ups and downs after their surgery. Heck, I've done it during the time I spent trying to make a decision. Bawling can be good for you, but then try to think of the positives. One might be that your insurance covered the AN surgery. I can't imagine the people that have had to pay for it out of pocket. Have you had any feedback from Anthem? (sorry, I didn't go back and read all your posts to know for sure)
Lisa
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Cochlear sent in the appeal paperwork to Anthem on my behalf the day after my surgery. I had written my own letter to Anthem for Cochlear to include. Cochlear said it could take 30 to 60 days. I have until July 30th for an approval or I will lose my job.
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Cochlear sent in the appeal paperwork to Anthem on my behalf the day after my surgery. I had written my own letter to Anthem for Cochlear to include. Cochlear said it could take 30 to 60 days. I have until July 30th for an approval or I will lose my job.
kixit,
What does the Americans with Disabilities Act say about this? Is there no reasonable accommodation that can be made for your hearing loss? Will you at least get disability pay?
I'm sorry you are going through that anxiety and frustration.
I'm concerned about my upcoming surgery and especially the fact that I have no disability insurance in place. Not short-term, not long-term. Nothing. And I just went back to work in April after being unemployed for a couple of months, so money is already tight and now we have to make the trip to LA and I have to be off work again, for who knows how long.
I, too, break down and cry once in awhile. Actually, fairly often. I don't always bawl, sometimes I just shed a few tears, but I let myself do it. It passes and then I can be positive again.
I am grateful that I have insurance coverage for the surgery. I don't know what I would do without that.
Keep us posted on what Anthem says. Fingers crossed for you!
Liz
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@LizAN,
I am in public safety therefore I have to be able to hear from both sides. Anthem has said 3 different excuses: exclusion in policy, not medically necessary and they don't cover hearing aids. Sounds like Inkin', Blinkin' and Nod need to get together and go over policy before making a denial, lol.
If I don't get approval for the BAHA I will lose my current job but will be placed elsewhere within city government. I love my job (even after 5 1/2 years) and it would be devastating if I lost it.
Thanks for the well wishes and support! 8)
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Feeling like you want to bawl is common; so is depression among us ANers.
It it doesn't get better in a few weeks, don't be afraid to seek help.
Jan
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Jan,
While drifting off to sleep last I got the nerve to touch gently behind my ear to "feel" where the surgery had taken place. I felt a soft spot where bone had used to be. Tears flowed, just for a minute. I think just then it hit me- I had had brain surgery. All this time I had been focused on what happens past the surgery and what happens to my job and so on.
I don't know what I had been processing in my mind the past 2 1/1 months about the surgery. I guess at that moment last night it hit me. Then I thought, I made it through the surgery, recovery is going well--no worries, let it go and I drifted off 8)
I went into work yesterday to get paperwork faxed to UVA for signatures so I can return to work on Monday. Just so happens it was time for yearly evals for my job. My supervisor couldn't believe I was sitting there bright eyed and well..a lot off balance. Anyway to make a long story short he told me that he was glad I was coming back but to take care of me and NOT worry about my job or anything. It will work out.
This is hilarious (but wasn't at the moment): I went to grab a bite to eat with 2 co-workers. I ordered my fast food, (the price being 6.19 for combo) I wanted the #11 but ordered #6. When they brought me my food I said I didn't order this. I went back up to the counter--they showed me I ordered #6. Ding ding me was thinking the 6 in the price was the number. I felt like an idiot but my co-workers got a kick out of it!! ;D
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kixit,
That is funny, although I am sure that it was not when it first happened.
I'm already dingy and on anti-depressants, pre-surgery, so it's a little scary what I may be like afterward. :)
I do have to say that I have done a LOT of work on my attitude over the last few years. I used to get suicidal very easily and drag along like that for months at a time, despite medication (I went through some serious back-to-back traumas a few years ago). Now, when I start to spiral downward, I am able to catch myself. I don't stay down for long these days. The fact that I am going through this crisis without a major bout of depression is pretty amazing to me. I have learned to take responsibility for what I tell myself. It's not just our experiences that determine our emotions - it's our interpretation of them that can make the difference, in some cases, between life and death.
Okay, remind me of what I just said, if I spiral downward after surgery. :)
Liz