ANA Discussion Forum
General Category => AN Issues => Topic started by: scarriegirl on September 21, 2008, 01:01:20 pm
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finally! i am having retrosigmoid on nov. 17. i am so relieved. freaking out a bit about being under anasthesia for that long...but otherwise so happy to finally have a plan!
x
carrie
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Carrie,
Congratulations on getting your date for surgery. Try to keep busy and occupied with other things and you'll find November 17 is closer than it seems. If you can, please have someone update us afterwards on how your surgery went as we are always anxious to know. Be sure to post your surgery on the AN calendar so we can all remember to wish you well. I hope now that things are more settled you will find you are not quite as anxious as you have been.
Wendy
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Hi Carrie good luck with the opx
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Hey Carrie,
Big step getting the surgery scheduled - congratulations! I do know it feels good to have that phase of your journey taken care of. I'll be right in front of you with mine - I'll try to set a "good example" for you to follow ;)
Hope you'll keep us posted,
Cindy
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Carrie,
Retrosigmoid worked very well for me, so I'm a fan, as if anyone could be a fan of brain surgery! :D (Time under anesthesia seems to vary so much between people--I was under for about 6 hours but I've seen posters out for as little as 4 hours to more than 12 hours.) Try not to worry, it will soon be over, the tumor (or most of it) gone, and you will be on the road to recovery.
Best
Marci
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Hey carrie,'
One major hurdle done! Good for you! :) Where and by whom is doing the surgery?
Congrats... time to get you well!
Phyl
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Carrie-iwish you well..keep us posted i am in N.H. you can call me at 969-6694.Are you having surgeryat Mass.General?
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Carrie,
Now you can take a deep breath and relax. You have just made your big decision, let the doctors do the rest. Hope you can keep us posted. We are sending you our prayers your way.
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Carrie,
I am also having retro-sigmoid on Nov. 17th in Indianapolis. This will be the day we say goodbye to our AN's. I wish the best for both of us and we can always chat about how we are feeling afterwards!!!
-Amy :)
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Carrie & Amy -
congratulations on making your treatment decisions. And good luck with your Double-Header (no pun intended) on November 17th.
I'm also a retrosigmoid "alumnae". I wish you both the best.
Jan
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amy...we are brain twins!!!
i am having surgery at boston medical center. i am so lucky to live in mass as my health insurance is provided by the state and is covering the whole thing. i am being treated by dr. lawrence s. chin. he is head of neurosurgery at boston university amongst other amazing credentials. my husband and i felt immediately comfortable with him. he said everything i needed to hear and then some. my tumor is 2cm wide at the largest point...it has been causing me horrible problems for years including headaches, dizziness, numbness and finally hearing loss. i guess i am just backwards compared to others!! but dr. chin seems very positive that he can reverse some of my symptoms. he has done about 100 AN surgeries and many other brain tumor surgeries. i will also be attended by dr. jalisi who is a head and neck specialist,..ontlysosomething.....
i am so excited and confident. again..just nervous about anasthesia....i don't like the thought of waking up hours later with no feeling of time passing....anyone who can share their experience with anasthesia will be greatly appreciated.
thanks for all the kind words!!! i hope i will be able to give back as articuately as you all have when i am past the worst.
xxx
carrie
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Hey Carrie,
Great hands at BMC... rumor has it they also just broke ground on a new Cyberknife unit there.... will get the updates later today from some CK gang I am meeting. You are so correct about many of us lucky enough to live in a medical mecca (Metro Boston)... and glad to hear that the state is helping with costs. That is great news and should lift worries off your shoulders.
Please consider the brunch in Worcester 2 wks before your procedure (you and your husband). If possible, we'd love to have you both join us and you will be able to meet many that have had surgery here in town.... and a great way for your husband to meet other spouses that walk along side so he can be well informed as well as to expectations as you go through the AN processes/journey. He's an important part of the journey as well and we'd love to have you both join us, if possible. You can learn more about it in this thread:
http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=7255.new#new
Again, congrats to you......hang tough until then...... and glad to hear things are all set.
Phyl
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Carrie,
I am so happy for you that you feel so confident in Dr. Chin and Dr. Jalisi -- could otolaryngologist be the word you were looking for when you tried to type Dr. Jalisi's specialty? You can imagine how long it took me to remember that title -- it took even longer to be able to spell it. Having confidnece in yoru doctors makes all the difference. As far as the effects of anesthesia go,this once again seems to be very individual. I really have never had any side effects from anesthesia and have had several operations -- I've never had any sense of the time that had passed during surgery though -- it has alway sseemed one minute I was wake and the next minute I was being waken up adn the surgery was over. Thankfully no nausea or anything for me which some people do experience. I hope it goes well for you too.
Best wishes,
Wendy
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Carrie,
I agree with Wendy's assessment of anesthesia effects -- they seem to be so very individual. My AN surgery (about 5 hours) was the third time I had general anesthesia (other two times were for a routine colonoscopy -- about 20 or 30 minutes, and surgery for a pilonidal cyst -- probably about a 45 minute procedure). I had no ill effects from the anesthesia any of those three times -- no headaches, nausea, nothing. My sister also had a routine colonoscopy and pilonidal cyst surgery (these cysts are very hereditary and usually "attack" folks in their early 20's) -- she experienced a lot of nausea and headaches after both procedures. I assume from your message that you've never been anesthesized before, so it's hard to predict what your reaction will be, and this is one of those instances where "thinking good thoughts" isn't going to be a factor -- it's going to be what it's going to be. So certainly hope for the best, but be ready to expect something less. And, most importantly, rest assured that however the anesthesia affects you, your ICU staff will definitely know how to deal with it and will make you comfortable as quickly as possible!
As far as the passage of time, as Wendy says, one minute you're awake and the next minute they're calling your name to wake you up after surgery. You might have sort of a "wow, it's over!" reaction and will hopefully experience a lot of relief at that thought, but other than that I'm not sure that the "passage of time" issue is much different from just sleeping through the night.
Best wishes as your surgery approaches!
Catherine (JerseyGirl 2)
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Amy & Carrie,
I have had many surgeries including a knee replacement 2 years ago. I have always gotten very sick afterwards until I had my knee replacement. I explained how sick I get and I don't know what they did but the outcome was great. No nausea........The morning of my AN surgery I explained the same thing and I must say I had nausea but so little, especially being in surgery 10 hrs......I don't remember anybody waking me, all I remember is that right after surgery I was brought for a CT & MRI. I was so glad they brought me to my room after all of that.
Good luck to both of you, our prayers are going your way....
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phyl,
they did indeed just put in the newest version of the cyberknife at bmc. dr. chin is a very experienced radiosurgeon and has written a book on the subject. he feels as well as i do that radiation is not a good option to start because i have so many symptoms, but if in fact i need follow up radiation i will be getting the best on the market!!
as far as my fears on anasthesia, i have been under before but for small times only. i just really hate that feeling of no time passing. i feel like it is "stolen" time. i guess i could be upset about far scarier things...and i have to freak out about something or i will start thinking about those scarier things! ah well...this is not a little thing and freaking out a bit is normal. and this is a good place to have found.
i will try to make the brunch. sounds good to meet others with the same experience.
today and yesterday have been not so good. my face is REALLY numb and the tinnitus is about to make me nuts....my ear feels so full i want to stick a knitting needle in there and pop the damn thing!!! (oh if it were only that easy) and my balance has been so off....i fell over putting on my shoes!!! oh boy.
i am so looking forward to the surgery and being on the getting well side of things instead of the being sick side!!
people think i am nuts to look forward to brain surgery...but i jut want the damn thing out of my head and to stop hurting me!
thanks again for everyones great words of encouragement....glad we have this club...even if its not a nice price to pay to belong ;)
xx
carrie
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Carrie and Amy,
Good luck to both of you! We'll all have to double up on our prayers and good wishes that day, but I don't think that'll be a problem! Plenty to go around!
Carrie, the anaesthesia shouldn't be too bad. I remember having surgery back when I was in high school and I got sooooo sick from the anaesthesia. When I have had to have it for anything recently, I make sure to tell the anaesthesiologist my concerns, and I haven't had one problem since. Things are a lot different now than they were when I was in high school. I've always told them I could deal with pain, but I can't deal with throwing up. They assure me that they will make sure I don't have to deal with either. I usually request IV Zofran, which is an anti-nausea drug they give to chemo patients and it works very well. They can also use IV phenergan or a patch that goes behind your ear (your good ear in this case!). Just tell them and they'll do everything they can to prevent any problems.
And on the bright side, it'll probably be the best rest you've gotten in a long time! I know it was for me!
Oh, and put down the knitting needle.
Lori
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Hi, Carrie:
Belated congratulations on having a surgery date! I realize this is sort of a double-edged sword because you've definitely moved forward and will have the tumor removed - a good thing - but the actual surgery and, for you, the qualms regarding anesthesia after-effects are not-so-good.
FWIW: I had the 'retrosigmoid approach' surgery and it was both successful and complication-free. Of course, your mileage may vary. ;)
I was under the anesthesia for almost nine (9) hours. I was borderline-nauseous afterward (no appetite and the smell of food made me feel ill) but that passed after about 48 hours. Actually, the lady I called Nurse Rachet (behind her back) refused leave the room unless I ate something from the tray of near-inedible hospital food she placed before me. I ate, she left, my appetite began to return and it was all good from there. I was discharged a few days later and 'celebrated' by sharing a pancake brunch with my wife and (adult) son on the way home. I had a mild headache immediately after waking up from the anesthesia-induced sleep but that passed by the following day. As for 'missing' the time spent under the influence of the anesthesia: don't be concerned. You won't really notice it because time becomes distorted when you're in the hospital having brain surgery. No routine to follow and one can hardly tell daytime from night in some instances. You're in good hands and I think you'll do fine. :)
I've taken the liberty of adding your surgery date to the AN Treatment calendar. http://my.calendars.net/an_treatments/d17/11/2008?authenticate=&display=M&style=B (http://my.calendars.net/an_treatments/d17/11/2008?authenticate=&display=M&style=B)
Jim
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thanks jim!
i am anxiously awaiting the arm and leg trainers and new swimsuit so i can get back in the water and start practicing my balance for a speedier recovery!! doc said i can workout in the water after surgery too as long as i dont get my head wet. i was in the water everyday before i had ear issues and now having the all clear i ordered some fun new toys to motivate me! hopefully i can focus on fun swimming and not worry about anasthesia. and have an easier recovery from balance practice. i guess we all need to worry about something and i have focused on anasthesia...so i am going to refocus on swimming. i hope i have the same experience as you had and will be too disoriented in general to feel that uncomfortable loss of time. i'm also trying to schedule new tattoo time so i willl have a wanted scar to go along with the unwanted one. although a scar on my head is pretty badass ;D
thanks for adding my to the calender...keep you all posted. in the meantime just trying to laugh, have fun, and feel pretty despite the freeloader in my skull!!
xx
carrie
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Good Luck Carrie,
I agree with Lori, it is the best sleep ever and the drugs have changed. I've had three surgeries in the past few years where I've been put under and I never felt any nausea upon waking. Of course that was one of my greatest fears because as a kid and in my early 20's I was put under for a few minor surgeries and I was sicker than a dog :( When I had my tubes tied in 1993 I was sick for days, every 15-20 minutes. It was terrible! My husband had the nerve after being home an hour or so and continuous vomiting, to tell me that I didn't look too good. He said I was kind of green. He's dam lucky I didn't grab the butcher knife and perform the snip-snip.
Now for that freeloader in your brain that's a good one.....I only have family as freeloaders for holiday dinners!!! ;)
Take care and good luck,
Anne Marie
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Yes, I also weirdly looked forward to surgery, or rather, being done with the surgery and starting recovery.
M
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Carrie,
So glad you have your surgery date, it must be nice not thinking about the decision. Sounds like you are in great hands in Boston, that is where my doctors are also and I feel very confident with them (Mass Gen/MEEI). We are lucky to be near such a awesome medical mecca. I am leaning toward surgery as well due to my symptoms, I can barely stand the ear pressure so we will see at the end of Oct what the new MRI says. Good luck carrie.
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Carrie, Amy and Cheri,
Congrats on making your decision. Getting to the decision felt like torture to me, but now that it is out of the way I can breathe a sigh of relief. I have my GK in two weeks, and I have been waiting for four weeks now. I am definitely getting a lesson in patience. It is important to keep busy--my closets are so clean! But, I must admit that I have my moments when I feel my mind overflowing with anxiety. I just try to tell myself that whatever emotions come up are normal in a situation like this. It's not every day that one has to worry with having a brain tumor removed, or in my case radiated.
I have had anesthesia several times, and I can tell you this much. I have bad insomnia, and I have actually looked forward to having anesthesia just because it makes going to sleep so effortless. Of course, I have never been out for more than an hour so I can't relate to the amount of time you will be down under. I haven't ever had any real problems with anesthesia, but like it has been mentioned here by many, it is different with everyone. Easy for me to say, but I hope you can take it one step at a time. At the end of the day, I just think--one more day out of the way.
I wish all of you the best. Looking forward to seeing positive updates here on the board.
Nancy
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Carrie,
Yep, we are on the countdown. I too am excited and looking forward to brain sugery so we can be on the road to recovery. Everyone had great suggestions about anesthesia. I am a surgery nurse, so I help put people asleep and wake them up everyday. Anesthesia affects everyone differently. The medications used now have come a long way to reduce nausea (the number one effect). You can always ask for something ahead of surgery when talking to the anesthesiologist. Some give it routinely. You won't have a sense of passed time. You may have a sore throat for a day or 2 from the breathing tube (which you probably won't ever remember being there), but some people wake up without a sore throat. If you have never been put to sleep, the anesthesiologist will ask you if any of your family members have ever had trouble with anesthesia. What they are looking for are major problems like heart attack, unexplained HIGH fever up to 48 hours post-op, death durging surgery, etc. If you haven't heard anything like that, then your family history is most likely fine. It doesn't hurt to ask a few relatives (blood-related of course) if they know of anything. Even though anesthesia has it's risks (so doesn driving a car), they are very low. Have no fear....we will fly right through this day....
Take care,
Amy :)
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Wishing you all the best! My surgery is tomorrow and I too am MORE THAN READY to have this thing removed - my ear feels SO full this week it's feels like it is ready to implode! Good luck to you and all the others with upcoming surgeries :) ((((HUGS))))
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Denise,
I'm sending good thoughts your way. I know you will be just fine.
Best,
M
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Woo hoo Carrie!
You are on the calendar! I am very close to deciding where I am going to have mine-have talked to Houston and Arizona and both can arrange for the first part of December. I know you will be relieved that you are done with the waiting. Good luck and keep positive thoughts. The decision and date are the hardest part, I think.
Maggie
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Denise,
Haven't been on the thread in a while.... hoping you a wonderful recovery and please post a little when you can to let us know how things are going.
Take care,
Amy :)