ANA Discussion Forum
General Category => AN Issues => Topic started by: sgerrard on August 06, 2008, 09:09:52 pm
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Looks like I got Debbi's job, she must be on break. :)
This is an emailed update from Lynn on Sue L's surgery, sent half an hour ago:
Hey everyone!! Good news!! She made it out of surgery OK. She is in critical care and will be there overnight as they have no beds for her in the hospital. They got the whole tumor out, she lost her hearing permanently in her left ear, but her facial nerve seems fine. Of course there is swelling from the surgery and she will have partial facial problems until the swelling goes down. She is all wrapped up with a turban on her head. She was mumbling and trying to open her eyes but still tired, sore and queasy. So she hopefully is sleeping it off. The surgery took 7.5 hours and was recovering for 2.5 hours. We didn't get into see her until 7:30pm. I apologize for it taking so long to write, but we are just getting back to the Inn. Don't hesitate to write back I will try to update you daily. Lynn
Steve
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Steve:
Thanks for passing along Lynn's update on Sue L.'s surgery, which was basically good news.
I hope the various issues Sue is dealing with will be temporary, even if her hearing loss is not.
Looking forward to further updates.
Jim
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Thanks Steve,
Hurray for Sue! Hope they find a room for you soon.
Syl
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Prayers sent up for a quick recovery
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Lynn-
Thanks so much for the updat on Sue - and glad she got through the surgery okay. If history is any indicator, she is going to feel like "poop" today, but it gets better! Give her hugs and well wishes from all of us!
Steve, thanks for taking this on! I was out of away from my office when Sue was looking for a scribe, so thank you for jumping in!
Hugs to SueL.
Debbi
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Thanks for the update. I'm glad to hear that things went well with surgery. Rest is in order.
Brian
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Glad to keep hearing good news today!
Cindy
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Fantastic news. Thank you.
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Sue,
The first couple days can be devastating, surgery is tough on us. Remember with each passing day you will have improvements even if they are small and this is always a good sign. I'm glad you are through the toughest part and that all went well. Sorry to hear about your SSDness and don't be surprised if you feel blue over what you have lost. Try to embrace the "new you" and hoping you more days of a speedy recovery so you can get home! Thank you to Steve for passing on Lynn's message.
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Good news! I'm glad it's over for you Sue L! Get lots of rest and feel better soon!
God Bless!
Glenda
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Steve,
Thanks for passing on Lynn's message about Sue. I've been wondering when we would hear something.
Sue, sorry about the hearing loss but I hope will will soon be feeling better in every other way. The first couple of days are the tougher ones, but once you get the head wrap off you will feel much better. I hope whatever facial issues you have resolve soon, Lynn didn't say what they are. If you have the magic AN scarf, and I hope you do, we'd love to see a picture when you are feeling up to it. Don't forget your idea about the notebook too, it was a great idea to chronicle your experience and pass it along to the next person. In the meantime, get lots of rest and buildi up your strength, be patient and kind to yourself. Above all, let yourself be pampered by your loved ones -- it does them as much good as it does you.
Wishing you all good things,
Wendy
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Thanks for the update Steve and Lynn.
Welcome to postie land, Sue ;D
Jan
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Lynn is apparently one of Sue's daughters; her sister Karen will be taking over the updates shortly.
I think this latest is from this morning. It sounds like Sue is having a little trouble settling her stomach - because she has no bunny slippers, I guess (sorry, Sue). I'm sure she will be doing better soon, it is not even 24 hours yet.
Today we went to see her in the morning. We called her before going into the hospital and believe it or not she spoke to us on the phone. That was a shocker!! So, we made our way into the hospital and she in now in the Neurological Intensive Care unit. She may move again out of this unit and into the "normal" hospital tomorrow if all goes well. I just got off the phone with her and she is sitting in a chair. She didn't really walk b/c of the dizziness but she is sitting. She still is not able to eat. Still vomiting. Trying to sip Ginger ale. She will definitely be there until Monday, but we are not sure what after that. Lynn
Steve
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Thanks again for the latest update, Steve.
The stomach problems are annoying but will likely pass fairly soon. I called it the 'anesthesia diet'. Sitting up in a chair is a major accomplishment, so soon post-op.
I'm very encouraged by this news and foresee a rapid recovery for Sue. I hope I'm right.
Jim
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Thanks for the update on Sue.
Hi Sue -- Sorry about your stomach problems. I guess I should have gotten you your own bunny slippers since I couldn't part with mine. I hope your stomach issues pass quickly and that you will soon be back home. I know sitting in a chair is a major accomplishment -- things start getting better once you've done that. I just realized I had surgery just two weeks ago today. You'll be happy to know that the time between then and now passed really quickly, with what I considered major milestones. Walking with assistance, walking with a cane but otherwise unassisted (I hated the walker). I am able to walk around my house withoutmy cane but use it outside and am looking forward to getting rid of it completely. Take one step at a time though and go at your own pace. Hope the magic AN scarf continues to work its magic for you.
Wishing you all good things,
Wendy
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Hang in there Sue, I know exactly what you are feeling and it's difficult at best to get through the day! Know that tomorrow will bring more healing in the area of nausea and dizziness (it might be small, but it will improve)! All my best to you and your family.
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I'm thinking Sue is feeling a bit better, here is the latest news, somewhat edited, this time from Karen:
Well, I just got back to mom's from the hospital. She was sitting in a chair when Lynn and I arrived a little after 10 am. We sat and chatted...Lynn went and grabbed lunch then I did. She was eating lunch when I got back ... She went for a couple of walks today with the physical therapist and then with her nurse and I. She will be moving to a regular room on the same floor...Hopefully, tomorrow she can be in her own pj's versus the lovely b*tt revealing hospital johnny.
Karen
and a bit later:
Just to let everyone know...just talked to mom and they are discharging her Sat. AM
WOW Karen
Good going, postie Sue.
Steve
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Steve:
Sue is apparently doing extremely well. Up and chatting, being discharged on Saturday. 72 hours in hospital and home. Way to go, Sue!
Jim
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Steve,
Thanks for the update on Sue!
Sue --
Congrats on being discharged today!!! I am so happy for you. Obviously the magic AN scarf did it's job!!! Seriously though, I am so happy for you that you're going home after just three days. I'm sure it seemed like an eternity. Rest, nap, relax and let yourself be pampered by your loved ones -- you need and deserve it. I hope you are on the road to a smooth and uneventful recovery.
Wendy
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That's great news to hear she's going home after 3 days! I did some of my best healing at home...nothing like it.
Brian
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Congrats Sue! Wishing you a speedy recovery :)
kimberly
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Congratulations and a big, gentle hug to Sue! There is no better place to convalesce than one's own bed.
Sue, here is wishing you peaceful rests and steady walks...
Debbi
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Keep it slow and steady, Sue. The recovery is wonderful as long as we don't push it. I am 10 days post op and every day feeling better, stronger, more able. I am so very glad to be in my own home with my own "stuff" and my own routine of taking care of me. Do the same for you.
All the best,
Kathleen
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Well here I am!!!! Came home today, 3 days after surgery. Yes, I did get a room finally in the mean time they sent me for a CT/MRI.
They did a retrosigmoid and I can't believe how I feel. We the right information givien by all of you made my going into surgery feeling calm.
Yes, I did get very sick for the rest of the day, then the following day. Now I have dizziness, balance and tasting issues. But I can deal with a
all of this for awhile. My doctor TEAM were great. I do have to return to have my stiches out. So I'm waiting to hear from them, I presume Monday
to set up that appointment. As you can see I have a vision problem so forget my mispelling.
Steve, thank you for being there to pass along the info.
Wendy, This was truely an AN Magic Scraf. I'm trying to learn to post the picture on this forum. I will decide any day though. Can't deal with it
right now. I'm also mailing it with the notebook ASAP. I will write all of your information first, then me.......Thank you and AU REVOIR!!!!
Sue L/NH
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Welcome home Sue! Can't wait to see pictures of the magic scarf!!
Hope you are getting lots of rest and taking it easy. I know it will feel good to sleep in your own bed tonight! Enjoy!
Lori
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Hi Sue,
You sound great! I'm so glad things went well for you and you made it home so quickly. Rest, relax and let your body tell you what you need to do. I'm glad the magic AN scarf helped keep your spirits up. Thank you to Debbi for her generous donation and great idea! I'm sure others will appreciate the sentiment and the notebook idea Sue came up with.
Wendy
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Great that you're home, Sue, and that you came through it so well. Take care for a while.
Steve
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Sue-
So glad you are home and resting!! And, that the Magical AN Scarf is doing it's magic. LOVE the notebook idea, by the way! I told the friend who gave me that scarf when I was in the hospital about it's journey and she was so happy!
Continue to rest and let everyone wait on you hand and foot!
Debbi, sending you lots of hugs from NJ
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Thank you all!!
Debbi, oops I made a mistake and said Wendy instead. Sorry, it must have been the drugs doing this.......Hope you can forgive me......
Back to resting, I still can't see enough to type too long.
SueL/NH
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Hi, Sue:
I'll make this succinct: Welcome back!
Now, get some more rest. We'll all be here. :)
Jim
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I'll keep it brief too. Welcome home! Get back to resting! :)
Brian
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Hi eveyone, I have been trying to put that picture on with the "magic AN scarf " and I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I know that was explained before but shame on me for not following at that time. I know about going into your profile, but the address you have to enter I don't know what address I have to use. My pictures are on My Pictures File. I know I will get directed with this. Thanks!!
Surgery, retrosigmoid 1.3 cm
Darthmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
Lebanon, NH
Dr. Erkmen, neurosurgeon
Dr. Morrisson, Neuro-otology
7.5 hrs. MRI/CT showed all taken out.
Left transtemporal skull base approach to the posterior cranial fossa.
Resection of left vestibular schwannoma, intradural lesion,left posteirior fossa
Harvest of abdominal fat graft
intraoperative microscopic technique
Cranioplasty, less than 5 cm.
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It's so good to hear from you, Sue! I've been thinking of you.
We had a great weekend in NH despite all the rain. You can thank your cousin at Storyland for us. :-)
Katie
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Hi Sue-
Posting pictures is not an intuitive process! Jan sent me wonderful instructions awhile back which I will try to recreate here (and Phyl or Jan can correct me if I'm wrong...)
Open an account (free) atwww.photobucket.com (http://www.photobucket.com) and upload your picture/s from your hard drive. To update your Profile picture:
Once your picture is uploaded to Photobucket, click on the link below your photo that says "HTML Code" and right click to copy
Open your profile in the forum and click on the link on the left side that says "Forum Profile Information"
Click on the button that says "I have my own photo"
Right click to paste the HTML code link where indicated on the profile page
That should work.
If you want to embed a photo into a posting on your thread, you open the photo in PhotoBucket and copy and paste the "IMG Code" right into the posting.
Hope this works - cant' wait to see your photo/s!
Debbi
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Sue -
looks like you did fine with Debbi's photo instructions.
Nice scarf ;D
Glad to see your recovery is going well.
Jan
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I had my nepheu from Boston come and visit and I knew he could help me with this picture....I guess my BRAINS weren't working at the time. I have been overwhelmed with company, phone calls a death in the family etc.......Now hopefully I can breath easier this week.......My AZ daughter had her plane flight cancelled at 11:00PM last night and my NY daughter had to drive her to Boston airport at 3AM this morning.......So much for these airlines!!!!
Things are progressing very well, my balance is still an isssue, taste (very glad) lost 8lbs.....Can we keep that one!!!!
Today I will call the hospital because I still don't know when I can take this HOT, Itchy, Smelly Hat off.....They told me not until I go and have my stitches out and I haven't received my appointment yet....Hopefully that's this week sometime.......
It is nice to have surgery behind and move forward .........Take care!!! That's All Folks!!!!
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Sue, if you're feeling well enough to complain about the airlines than I think you're doing GREAT!! Keep up the good work and enjoy the first shampoo. I have compared it to a religious experience though I mean no offense.
Best,
Marci
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Hi Sue,
I'm so glad to hear from you, you've been on my mind! It souinds like you're doing great and the picture is wonderful. I'm sure that as much as you've enjoyed the company you'll be happy to have a littel peace and quiet again -- everyone wears you out with their well wishing! Stay in touch!
Best wishes,
Wendy
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Nice Scarf, Sue! Take care...
Steve
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Sue - I agree.. if it's enough that you are complaining about the airlines, then you are doing great! :) Be well. Take frequent walks, frequent naps and just be pampered all the way around.. ;)
Take care,
Brian
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LOVE what you've done with the scarf, Sue. Hopefully you'll get the all-clear to shampoo this week. I agree with Marci's analogy that the first shampoo is akin to a religious experience!
It is odd how much the bonnet removal/shampoo thing varies from one surgeon to the next. I got my bonnet off before I left the hospital - day three - but others have had it much longer, and some even less time.
Continue to rest and take care of yourself, Sue.
Debbi
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Hi, Sue:
My congratulations on your recovery but I'm sorry you still have to wear the head wrap, as attractive as it may be. ;)
The airline hassles are really aggravating these days. I hope your daughters finally get to you.
I also hope, with you, that this week is a lot more calm and conducive to recuperating from brain surgery. I've found that too much attention can be a hindrance to healing and I think you've learned that, too. Remind folks that you love 'em but that you need your rest (the truth!) Perhaps your daughters can 'run interference' for you and 'screen' your phone calls, etc. Frankly, If it weren't for my caller I.D., I would have been pestered with calls I would have rather not taken. My wife also served as my 'buffer' my first two weeks after being discharged when I really needed and wanted my rest - without visits and calls to deal with - well-meaning as they may have been. Fortunately, my friends and family were understanding and I was back among the active within two weeks. I have a suspicion that you will be too. Keep moving forward. Sue. :)
Jim
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Very happy to hear your good news and soon you'll be able to shower your head! What a joy that will be! I'm glad all is well with you and I love your scarf! GROWL! Hope you are feeling better faster!
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Hi again Sue,
Everyone is right --that scarf looks great on you!
Debbi -
The Magic AN Scarf is a hit!!
Wendy
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Hey Sue,
I agree, grumbling about airlines is a good sign that you're recovering! You do sound good in your post. As others have said - do get your rest! Love the scarf photo!
Cindy
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Well, it's official, the bonnet if OFF.......The stitches are OFF.......Shampoo is wonderful!!!!!!!!!. I called to see when my appt was and to my surprise it was today at 1:30pm. My daughter and I drove 1 1/2 hrs. and I'm really on my way. I have vision problems, balance, taste, but the doctor is hopeful that all will clear eventually.
I felt so good coming home and my daughter gave me a long shampoo, we went out to celebrate for dinner.....Thanks for eveyones support.
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Hi Sue,
Congratulations on all your wonderful news and your shampoo. I know how good that felt! I hope your taste returns and other issues are soon a thng of the past.
Wendy
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Whoo-hoo!! ;D
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Hi Sue,
I was so happy to read your post - stitches gone, the shampoo, AND dinner out! What a great day!
Wishing you continued healing!
Nancy
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As was said earlier, woo hoo! Congrats! That first shower, even for us guys, is great!
Brian
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Your doctor is right in saying in time these other symptoms should resolve and I hope they go by the wayside relatively quickly for you. You sound very positive and this will help in a speedier recovery. Be cautious of the "brain fatigue" we have all suffered with by taking either 5 minute eyes-closed relaxation or longer as this really helps and if you are not seeing a PT for vestibular therapy then lots of vestibular exercises have been posted here under "balance issues" should be practiced to speed you on your way to better balance and less fatigue. Good luck.
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Sue - HOORAY for you!!! I was thrilled to read your post!
Debbi
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So glad for you, Sue! Know that shampoo felt great! Hope things continue to move forward.
Cindy
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Sue -
no bonnet, no stitches, and shampoo!!! Three very important milestones - congratulations! ;D
From my experience, the vision, balance, and taste will take some time, but you'll get there.
Patience, patience,
Jan
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Sounds like the scarf worked even though it was late getting there. It really is a magic scarf! :D
Steve
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HooRay!!!!!!!!!! Congrats!