ANA Discussion Forum
Useful Information => Physicians => Topic started by: SML on February 24, 2009, 11:12:09 am
-
Hi everyone,
I’m new here, scared, and scheduled for surgery to remove a 2.5 cm acoustic neuroma in March at MGH in Boston.
I’ve read good things on one of the doctors who will be doing my surgery (Dr. Fred Barker), but has anyone any info on Dr. Daniel Lee from MEEI? He is in the same office as Dr. Mckenna.
Thanks
-
Hi, SML and welcome ;D
It's normal to be scared, but try to remain calm. Recovery from surgery takes a while (I've been there, too) but in the end everything will turn out okay.
What surgical approach are you having? translab or retrosigmoid?
I've heard of Dr. McKenna, but not Drs. Barker or Lee, but that doesn't really mean anything since I'm nowhere near Boston (I'm in Illinois).
I'm betting that one of our moderators (Phyl) who is from the Boston area will be alone shortly and she'll most likely know Dr. Barker and/or Lee.
Hope to see you around the forum. Hang in there :)
Jan
-
I'm betting that one of our moderators (Phyl) who is from the Boston area will be alone shortly and she'll most likely know Dr. Barker and/or Lee.
Jan, you know me too well, Jan! :) Thank you!
Hi SML and welcome. Oh, you are in the cream of the crop of hands for New England for microsurgical treatment of AN's (I had radiation at Beth Israel approx 3 yrs ago on my small AN). Too many users on this site that can share first hand experiences with Barker/McKenna/MGH/MEEI. Some of the many patients here (on this site): kbonner, CrazyKat, jcinma just to name a few. Now, I can also share that I have met many of these MGH/MEEI patients face-to-face at brunches we have in Worcester a couple of times per year (next one in April). To look at these folks, you would have no idea they had an AN or microsurgery with the MGH/MEEI team. They all look absolutely fabulous and get along now post-surgery.
Go to the home page of this discussion forum... do a "Search" option on the top left for either Mass General Hospital or MEEI or Fred Barker (who I believe spoke at the 2007 ANA Bi-annual Symposium in Philadelphia) or McKenna. Look for posts/threads by many users here that have been patients of the team.
Too many for me to count with many having fabulous outcomes... you are in... truly, the best of hands for New England.
Again, welcome.
Phyl
-
Perfectly normal to be scared. I was terrified before my surgery!
I had surgery in Sept 2006 with McKenna and Barker. If Dr. Lee is in McKenna's office, too, I'm sure he's also excellent though I have no personal experience with him. You're in the hands of some very skilled surgeons. I wasn't too impressed with Dr. Barker's office persona but, quite frankly, that wasn't my primary concern when picking a neurosurgeon! LOL!
At the time of surgery, my AN was 2.3cm. I came through surgery (11 hours) with flying colors and have no lingering issues - other than being deaf on that side, which was a known outcome of translab surgery. One of the things that impressed me about MGH was that they have anesthesiologists who only do neuro surgeries (quite a sub-specialty!) and they had developed specialized protocols for how to best manage anesthesia for AN patients. To me, that says they have all the right experience.
Please ask if you have any specific questions. Many of us have been exactly where you are and completely understand the whirlwind that's going on.
Katie
-
Hello SML
I also was evaluated by Dr. Lee and Dr. Barker back in 2006 for my AN. I cont to be in W/W mode on mine. Both of these physicians were wonderful in explaining every detail to me. I met Dr. Lee on several occ. and he was very caring and professional . He will e-mail you and return phone calls promptly. I wish you the very best in your upcoming surgery . Helen
-
Thank you all for your help.
In dealing with the office help, I was starting to get concerned that I had chosen the right hospital. I’ve made endless phone calls trying to get more questions answered, and I still have not talked to either doctor (except for the very first consultation). I had to call repeatedly to find out what my second MRI showed and when my surgery was scheduled for! Shouldn’t they have called me? I go for pre-op tests this Monday, and still have not received an information packet I was told I would get to tell me where and when. When I call she tells me she is very busy and she will get it out to me. Is this normal behavior for such a large hospital? I’m praying they get their act together soon, because I’m not getting a warm and fuzzy feeling about this. Could it be just nerves???
I’m glad I found this forum. It’s a good thing you do helping us newbies deal.
I don’t feel so alone.
By the way… I’m having the translab surgery (cut behind the ear). I hope I feel well enough to attend the meeting in April in Worcester.
Thank you all.
-
By the way… I’m having the translab surgery (cut behind the ear). I hope I feel well enough to attend the meeting in April in Worcester.
SML -
if you aren't up for that meeting, please consider the ANA Symposium in August in Chicago. It's bound to be a great time and hopefully you'll meet a lot of forumites there.
I totally forgot that Katie had Dr. McKenna - sorry, Katie! I'm old and can't remember everything anymore ;)
Jan
-
Milli in Dr. Barker's office can be hard to pin down. Many of us have had similar experiences and it definitely is frustrating. I found the most effective way to deal is to make her (or whichever staffer you're talking to) complete the task you want from them while you're waiting on the phone.
MGH is a world-class hospital. Of course, that doesn't excuse poor job performance, but don't let yourself doubt the skill of the physicians because of it.
Katie
-
Thank you for the reassurance. It’s helped tremendously.
I’m still learning my way around the forum, and it’s been fun reading all the posts.The knit hats look very nice!
I see there is a lot I can learn from all your experiences.
I’ll probably be chiming in from time to time.
SML
-
The knit hats look very nice!
Thanks! :)
Steve
-
The knit hats look very nice!
Thanks! :)
Steve
He does good work
http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=8837.0
ok, back on topic all!
-
SML,
My surgery with Barker and McKenna was supposed to be today, but I got bumped to April 8, so I'm jealous of your date. That should make you feel better.
I have had the runaround from Milli since November. I call her constantly with no results. It is very frustrating. She suggested I could be bumped again, and I am very worried that the rapid growth that occurred in the last year after seven years of MRIs is continuing. So, consider yourself fortunate to get in there in a timely manner.
Good luck! I hope you'll pass along your travelogue post-op for those who follow you.
Nancy
-
Apparently Dr. Barker is a very busy man. Millie told me he also had another surgery that got bumped mid-February. My pre-op was to have been this coming Monday, but it just got postponed until March 9th. Surgery is still scheduled for March 18 as far as I know.
I will certainly let everyone know how things go.
I hope they let your April 8th date stand, and wish you all the best as well.
-
SML, glad you are NOT going on Monday...another Nor'easter heading this way... rather have you safe.
I've been bumped by docs many times... and I try to understand the situation. I know its frustrating, esp. when you have made your decision and you are ready to "rock and roll" and move along/forward... hang in there....
Phyl
-
SML,
I just called Millie and asked if we could schedule the pre-op testing for my April 8 surgery. She gave me April 2 and said she's be mailing out the package. Did you ever receive yours?
Best to you,
Nancy
-
Hi Nancy,
I haven’t received anything from Millie yet. When I talked to her last Thursday she said she would be mailing it out. As far as I know, pre-op is still set for March 9th. I’ll be stopping by the post office to see if it’s there today.
In an earlier post I said I was having the translab surgery. I think I got my surgery types mixed up. Dr. Barker described the cut as looking like a question mark. That is retrosigmoid right? I can’t recall him saying the name of it, but that day I was in a bit of a fog! I’ve just been trying to put all the pieces together from reading on this site.
Thank god this forum is here!
Do you have days when you can’t wait to get it over with and days when you dread it coming? I’m having a “dread its coming� day! :-[
I wish all the best for you and hope all your delays are over.
Scarlett
-
Scarlett,
I suppose dread dominates my thinking, but of course, as soon as my surgery was cancelled, I was all about getting it over with. ::)
I am a total control freak (you can read my rant in a previous thread and all the comfort the forumites poured on my wounds), and the change of date ruined my plans to visit my son in Scotland for his 21st birthday, so that was my major focus. Like most, I know my life will be impacted by the surgery short term in some degree that is likely to prevent long term impact of a greater degree. Therefore, I must proceed. But I often wonder if perhaps the tumor never would cause any problems other than the loss of hearing, tinnitus, and balance compensation that I experience now.
It sounds as though translab is the approach Dr. Barker is describing. Do you have any hearing? My test showed that none was left, therefore, translab would be the preferred approach to save facial function.
Do you live near the hospital or at some distance? I have a two-hour drive and require housing arrangements for my friend, further complicating scheduling.
I hope all goes well with your surgery. Please share your experiences going forward.
Millie sure adds to the stress level, doesn't she?
Nancy
-
Nancy,
I called Millie Tuesday to ask if she mailed my papers yet. She said she had them in her hand and was going to get them right out!
Maybe this is just a test for patience. ??? From what I read, that is a major requirement in recovery!
At the time of diagnosis (Nov.12th), I had 80 % hearing left. I know I don’t have that now. I can’t hear much out of it at all. I live about an hour and a half from MGH. My husband plans on driving in and out every day. I hope we are done with the snow by then!
I will keep you posted and I hope you do the same.
Scarlett
-
Hi Scarlett,
If the date is confirmed, you should put it on the AN Calendar, so we can wish you well. See the link in my signature line below. Same goes for Nancy as well.
You both seem to like Millie! ;)
Steve
-
Steve,
Personally I would hate to jinx my latest surgery date by carving it in stone. Jim had to deface the calendar when I was bumped. I couldn't muster the courage to do it. I was crushed. Millie . . . well . . . It must be a volunteer position.
Scarlett,
I have the huge advantage of a rehearsal through you. Please let me know if you ever receive the package ;) and what it contains. Are we supposed to get the Rxs for eye gel, etc like other patients have reported? I'm really not a last minute sort . . . patience of a 2-year old. I live in the boonies with few retail outlets close at hand and a health insurance policy that requires I drive 2 hours for health services. We'll have snow until May again this year, but I'm feeling pretty good about the Boston weather by April. Enjoy this weekend's warm-up.
Nancy
-
Nancy,
Any prescriptions I needed were given to me before being discharged from the hospital. But I didn't get any before the actual surgery.
Katei
-
Nancy,
Here it is Thursday night/Friday morning and still nothing from Millie. I’ll wait till I stop by the post office (I have a P.O. Box) tomorrow and call her again if I have nothing. I believe it’s just a when and where I should report paper. No eating after midnight etc.. etc.. etc…
I'll let you know.
Millie is pleasant enough, but I think a bit (a lot) overwhelmed at times. I think they need to hire more office help. ;)
I will add my name to the list, thanks Steve. Surgery is set for March 18th barring any complications.
Scarlett
-
Complications? What's that?
I think my papers were going to relate to the pre-op schedule for MRI, chest xray and bloodwork. Do you know when to be where next Thursday?
Thanks for the info, Katie.
Nancy
-
Hi,
That pre-op package that Millie said was in her hand and was on the way to mail to me on Tuesday never came. I called her again Friday, and was informed that my pre-op tests have been postponed until 3/16/09. I lost it, and read her the riot act! She was all apologies, and said she’d make it up to me.
This is the 2nd time they postpone pre-op and waited for me to call them, they never called me to tell me when my surgery date was either, I had to call them, she forgot! I am the one who has been doing all the calling!
Millie finally e-mailed the instructions to me late Friday afternoon.
It’s pretty basic:
1. 7:00 a.m., report to the Pre-Admission Testing Area in the Jackson Bldg. for a urinalysis.
2. 9:30 a.m., MEEI for a Hearing Test.
3. then the Yawkey Bldg. for a Chest X-Ray.
4. and finally to sign the consent forms with Dr. Barker, still in the Yawkey Bldg.
5. Surgery scheduled for 3/18/09 at 6:00 a.m., Wang Bldg., no eating or drinking after midnight the day before.
I’ve have had surgery once before, and they were all over me. Read this information, go give blood on this day, stop taking aspirin, load up vitamin C, etc… I felt they cared.
This time, no one calls, no one seems to be one top of anything, and no one seems to care!
I know I have the right surgical team, but the lack of correspondence, and their nonchalant attitude has me feeling very uneasy.
With this life altering surgery only a week and a half away I’m wondering, Is this normal ???
Scarlett
-
In the pre-admission testing, that's when I met with a nurse to go over my history and get all the information about prepping for surgery. That's also where they did an echocardiogram and a couple other routine tests.
Katie
-
OMG! Well, that's the same experience I've been having. Did you read my thread when I was cancelled? Lori's drop everything and drive by for brain surgery comment hit the target! Really, with all the highly skilled people out of work out there, she could be replaced. If I treated my clients as an architect in that manner, I would have been fired!
Thank you for losing it with Millie. That may help my situation . . . unless she thrives on being lambasted. Don't you have to have another MRI pre-op? I guess mine was so long ago in October that he wants a newer version and in his tube not the wide body that I like up here. I wasn't planning on being there at 7:30 for testing, but I suppose it's possible if we get up at 4!
Ai!
Thanks for filling me in Scarlett.
Keep me posted.
So, is she still going to mail that package that's been in her hand for five days?
Nancy
-
Hi Nancy,
How close to your surgery date were you when they cancled? I’m thinking I will not call the office between now and then so that they can’t cancel on me! ;D
Don’t know if I will get anything else in the mail or not. I chose the 7 am time. I’m sure you will be able to choose a time that works better for you.
Thanks Katie,
I need to relax a little about this huh? I had a friend come talk to me this weekend about how different the big hospitals are compared to the local ones. She is an ICU nurse at Brigham and Woman’s. She also told me I’m in good hands. I guess I need to hear that often, as time gets closer! :-\
Scarlett
-
Hi, Scarlett.
It was about ten days. Here's the thread. http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=8765.0
I think you have a plan there!
I was considering calling Millie to beg her not to change my date again.
Unfortunately, I watched the Oprah regarding hospital mistakes yesterday. Don't watch it, but the bottom line is to be in a hospital like MGH where they are likely to have all the belts and suspenders necessary, i.e., backup plans out the wahzoo. But do be sure to mark yourself. Dr. Barker said the patient makes the mark on the correct side.
I believe we are at one (two) of the best facilities available.
I'm right behind you.
Nancy
-
But do be sure to mark yourself. Dr. Barker said the patient makes the mark on the correct side.
In the pre-op area, the morning of surgery, the nurse asked me about 47 times which side was being cut open! LOL! And I had to sign several pieces of paper saying I agreed that it was the correct side. And then the nurse wrote "YES" behind my ear with a Sharpie and I had to sign a paper saying she wrote on the correct side!
Regardless of all the drama that's going on now, that surgical wing at MGH is a well run, well oiled machine. I remember being wheeled from pre-op to the operating room through hallway after hallway after hallway of operating rooms. It was truly amazing.
Katie
-
During my Pre-op on operation day, they came around with their little sharpies and said lets see...nope, you don't need marking. I said "Mark me!". That's all I would have needed...wake up with the wrong side operated on.
I let her mark it, but I was fully aware that she was marking the right ear.
Ernie
-
Nancy,
Say hi to Milly for me! I just dropped in to say say hello to her a few weeks ago while in the Yawkey building for something else. Tell her Paul says hi!
If you'd like, check out the surgical report I got from Dr. Barker's office given to me by Milly.
http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=5342.msg48050#msg48050
-
Paul,
I will! There are several names that I can mention to her now. I wonder if she knows that we talk about her. ;)
I'll read the report when I get back tonight. Off to Boston for a day of culture.
Nancy
-
Okay, just read the surgical write-up. "Copious hemmorhage" is of concern. Otherwise, it sounded like smooth sailing. I'm glad I don't have to be in the waiting room, though.
I do trust these guys. I do hope they are all in good health and having happy lives when my day arrives, however. :D
Nancy
-
You're in the best hands you could be in around these parts Nancy! Any other person who has had that surgical team on this forum will tell you the same thing.
You'll be meeting a few of us at the brunch and see for yourself!
-
Paul,
I'm sitting in Dr Barker's waiting room this minute, so no turning back now!
Nancy
-
My overall MEEI / MGH experience
Dr. Lee and Dr. Barker were both FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!
I consider myself extremely fortunate to have had such talented surgeons.
The results of my AN surgery as of today: no facial paralysis, SSD in the right ear (which I knew would be the case), and the usual balance issues.
I could not have asked for better care at MGH from the time I arrived for my surgery to the time of my discharge. The nurses were just the best!
If I had it to do over again, I wouldn’t change a thing, MEEI / MGH would still have been my choice.
Scarlett
-
I honestly have to note this..... for all of those that I have met face-to-face at the brunches (or ANA Support group meetings) that had their surgeries at MGH/MEEI... and for the results I have seen (from CrazyKat Paul's "softball" AN to KBonner to jcinma, to too many for me to count).... I have seen fantastic results. Most do not have hearing, post surgery, in the AN ear but facial issues, balance issues, etc... all seem to be very minimal. I have to honestly note that MGH/MEEI has done a fantastic job for all those I have seen, long-term post surgery to fresh, post-surgery, I am not surprised... truly. Great AN work coming out of MGH/MEEI and I'm honestly trying not to be biased (as a Bawstonian)....
.. and all this from someone who was treated further down Storrow, around the corner from Fenway by the other Haa'vard Teaching Hospital! :)
Continued wellness to all those treated at MGH/MEEI! Nothing but great results and what a terrific team of docs!
Phyl
-
I'm a hopin'.
-
Nancy I hope everything went well. I'm sure it did. Scarlett great to hear they exceeded your expectations. We all were in great hands although Millie is either overwhelmed or totally unorganized. I heard this from other Drs. offices that dealt with his office as well as patients on this board. I said before the surgery how can a Dr w/this kind of profile have such an inept office. Millie is very likeable but unorganized. I'm surprised Dr Barker puts up with it. I never ever tell her once and expect the job to get done I always follow up w/a phone call or email.
I remember having to go get film the day before the operation from Shields MRI because someone forgot to order it. I decided to go down in person to pick them up in the morning. They told me we can't get you that film in one day! I had to go back @ closing to get the film.......... they came thru for me. W/o the film there would have been no surgery the next day. ??? I was blown away by the lack of organization but the surgeons were 1st class. Barker has done over 500 AN surgeries I'm sure there is little he hasn't encountered. I almost went with Heilman (over 200 AN's) at B&W he also came highly recommended and the hospital ranks right there w/MGH. I don't think I could have gone wrong with either.
-
Joe,
It's amazing we all survived with Mili at the helm, wasn't it. You have to be proactive. She forgot to order my surgery MRI while I was sitting in the waiting room to have it done. She scheduled it but did not send the order over. My experience at MGH was that there were perhaps twice or three times the number of employees on board for the work being accomplished, but who am I to say. Perhaps they are waiting for emergency instructions.
Of course, they could hardly be bothered to answer my call button, but I suppose they get tired of getting up and down all day and night for stupid stuff like the need to vomit!
The docs are gems though.
Nancy
-
Nancy,
I’m so sorry to hear they didn’t answer your calls. With me it was immediate. Although I have to admit the only two times I needed to vomit, they were already there with me.
Joe,
I was wondering why Millie made such a big deal about telling me she had my films there!
Scarlett
-
For my post-op appointments, I worked with Mili in Barker and Helen in McKenna. Guess who got back to me and guess who still has not in 30 hours.
-
I'm so confused!
I got an appointment with Dr. Barker for the 27th, but I was not told I need to see Dr. Lee again???
Scarlett
-
I was told Barker likes 6 week follow up, McKenna's office does stitches on day ten to fourteen.
-
I had great service @ MGH overall. I had one night time nurse that if I could have reached up and choked her I would have. My catheter overflowed, she didn't answer my calls for 45 mins during what was the worst night of my life. I was in a lot of pain coming off the steroids partially delusional. All I could think of was being woken in the OR with Dr Barker telling me you have extensive paralysis w/a look of complete shock on his face. My mind was racing from childhood to how badly the operation went because I hadn't spoken to anyone. When the nurse finally showed up she was annoyed. I told her I needed more morphine it was out, my IV was killing me and my mind was racing like I was on LSD. I told her I hadn't heard how the operation went and all I remember was being told I had complete palsy. She said well we all just have to accept changes in our lives and that I would learn to adjust. Just what I wanted to hear :-\. It took about 2 hours to get everything I needed, I almost lost it. It was pretty bad but I made it thru w/my mind intact. Overall I'd give MGH high marks. The one downer was that passive aggressive nurse.
Millie needs constant reminders. She was supposed to get me an appointment w/my pain specialist. She didn't get back to me until I send a reminder via email. She got me the appointment that day so it worked out. I had to go see Dr Gopen at the last minute because Dr Barker's office didn't notify me until the last minute. I almost forgot about that one.
-
Joe,
Did you really remember being woken up in the OR like that? They told me before going in that they would be waking me up in the OR when they take the tube out. I said “oh no your not�! All they said was that they have to! I told them I had better not remember it then! I don’t remember it, thank god!!!
I guess as with anything, we can expect (although hospitals should have higher standards) the good and the bad. I was lucky enough to have all good nurses during my stay. I remember once after being moved from ICU, I did have to call during the night because the catheter didn’t feel right. They came right away and readjusted it saying sometimes it gets tangled, but did empty it while she was there.
I found my pain was worse while on the morphine. When they switched me to Percocet and Valium, it was better. I find myself still taking ½ pills of the percocet to help with the nightly headaches I’m getting. I’m hoping the headaches will diminish with a little more time. I hope, I hope, I hope!
I didn’t see your name on the list, but maybe I missed it, will we be seeing you at Maxwell’s?
Scarlett
-
Hi Scarlett, No one believed I remembered a thing. I told Barker I remembered him waking me up in the OR and repeated what he said to me. He said it thinking I'd never remember it I'm sure. I was told I'd remember nothing. I only stayed awake for about a minute and then it was off to lala land until I woke in ICU. I remembered it because it made such an impression. He was saying you have extensive palsy. I could see he was upset. He had a look of disbelief in his face. I was so out of it it didn't register until later. I remember looking around being amazed at just how many people were in the room all looking at me.....lol. I said to myself who are you people and why are you all staring at me.
Then I woke up in the ICU w/a very attentive pretty blond nurse who took great care of me. I humiliated myself several times by accidently hiking up my Johnny....LOL I'm a lot of things but not a flasher. I'm sure they've seen it all. I'm also sure it was the last thing she wanted to see. I hate those johnnies. I was scared to death one of my sisters would have to suffer that indignity. They didn't and I blame it on the Morphine and all the tubes sticking out of me. The Morphiine was awesome it made me very comfortable. I only had to ask for more once w/nurse Ratchet >:(. There wasn't enough morphine that night in the hospital to suit me.
What where and when is the gathering at Maxwell's? I attended the meeting last summer in Waltham and met my surgeon Dr Gopen who recommended Barker. That trip made a huge difference. I'd love to go if I can make it.
Barker wanted me to go see Gopen after my surgery. I did and he answered a lot of my questions. I didn't choose Barker for his bedside manner ; ) Gopen was young enthusiastic and answered every question I had thoroughly. I'm glad I went but it wasn't mandatory.
-
Joe,
What a horror story! I couldn't respond at first. That nurse should be fired. Do they even request evaluations? I did have a letter soliciting for the annual fund appeal when I returned home from MGH. There were good or at least adequate nurses around, but they were inattentive to patients in a neuro ward if you ask me. I'm sorry you had to hear and remember Barker's comments. I'm going to request my surgical report on Monday to learn what actually happened in there. I guess I got lucky in the OR, less lucky on the floor, but nothing unpleasant.
Ask phyl if you can have the bloke's spot for brunch. He has to work. Go to the Maxwell's brunch thread and PM her. Hope to see you there!
Scarlett,
Do we have a follow-up MRI at six weeks? I'm just worried I won't get all the info necessary to plan the trip down and have last minute surprises requiring chauffeuring another 4 and a half hour roundtrip life-threatening drive plus parking.
aka Nancy
-
Joe, here is the thread for the brunch at Maxwell’s in Worcester Ma this Sunday 4-19-09.
http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=8592.90
PM Phyl (ppearl214) and see if she can fit you in. There is a link for Maxwell’s somewhere in there for directions. It would be great to see you there.
Nancy, as far as I know the 6 week check up is just to see Dr. Barker. I wasn’t told I’m going for an MRI. That’s a good idea about getting our OR reports. Who do we ask? Millie?
Scarlett
-
Who do we ask? Millie?
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Surely, you jest! No, Helen. Did a nurse just take out your stitches and tell you that you're good to wash and drive and etc? Or did you see Lee or his fellow?
-
She said a few very inappropriate things. I forget most of them. But she said them so sweetly. I chalked it up to..... this woman is clueless. Everyone else couldn't have been better. The staff on that floor was outstanding. I'm a fairly laid back guy. I went into the operation w/o any fear. I was joking in the pre op area w/all the nurses. If I hadn't been in such an agitated state that night I think I wouldn't have given nurse Ratchet a second thought. In fairness to her she may have had her hands full that night and agitated herself. I think they may short staff the floor at night, dunno? I saw Dr Barker the next day and he explained the nerve was intact and in time it would come back. I stopped worrying from that point forward. All I needed was info. Anyway I did make it thru. Now I can focus on my pain, balance and eye issues.....yippy
You have to call Millie for OR report. I believe I only had to ask her once for that! Poor Millie, I'm going to buy her a Franklin Planner for xmas.
I posted Phyl I'll PM her as well. I think I can make it. My sister lives right down the street I can visit her as well or bring her along if it’s possible.
-
Who do we ask? Millie?
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Surely, you jest! No, Helen. Did a nurse just take out your stitches and tell you that you're good to wash and drive and etc? Or did you see Lee or his fellow?
Nancy (no more FatHead?),
I thought that might make you laugh!!! ;D
I saw Heather Whitley to take my stitches out. She is just coming on board with Dr. Barker’s office. She was just getting set up the day I went in, so there was a bit of confusion as far as which room to go to.
She told me I could wash my hair the day after stitches are taken out. As far as driving goes, no one has told me I could or couldn’t (except for no driving while on the prescription meds of course). I have been doing little drives to the grocery store and back. Hasn’t been a big deal except at intersections. I take much longer now making my move out into traffic. The looking left to right still gets me, so I do it nice and slow. I may be aggravating people behind me, but… oh well!
Joe,
Glad you going to Maxwell’s. See you there!
Scarlett
-
Heather is the one I've been in touch with since home about post-op questions. She is the most reliable, knowledgeable person I've been in contact with during this adventure. But I'm going to McKenna for stitch removal, so not sure who I'll get. No problem.
Can you believe we had brain surgery?
What's new on the job front? You've been mighty quiet, and I don't want you going back to that place. There must be new green jobs out there for which you would be perfect.
NancyMc (I got yelled at.)
-
Hi Nancy (I must have missed you getting yelled at),
I might be calling Heather tomorrow myself if my (AN) earache doesn’t go away by then. I’ve still been getting severe headaches at night too, but they dissipate within ½ hr or so.
I have contacted my personnel dept and asked if they can “find� another position for me till I’m able to go back to my regular job. They have been very nice to me and if it’s possible I’m sure they will help me out. I know at this point I am not ready to do my QA job. Hopefully Dr. Barker will agree and give me the documents needed to extend my short-term disability. I will also ask him on the 27th if I can go through the PT evaluation to see where I stand. Maybe with documentation listing my limitations (hearing, balance, “wonkyheadedness�), they will be able to find a position more suitable for me in the meantime.
Scarlett
P.S. sometimes I can’t believe we had brain surgery, but all I need to do is touch my head or lay on that side and it feels like just yesterday.
-
Great news on the job. I'm glad they are sympathetic to your situation.
I do notice the numbness around my ear, but I'm functioning almost totally. I am a little worried about my different facial appearance, but I rarely see anyone, so it doesn't bother me too much yet. I'll be seeing all my old acquaintances soon, so that should be interesting.
I have no pain, and it makes me wonder why. Just lucky, I guess. But I do have the facial asymmetry, eye issues, same SSD and tinnitus as before, and a sense of leaning to my good side when seated that is new. I have this amazing feeling of being given a new lease on life as they say. I didn't believe that I would lose mine, just thought that if it did happen, I had had a good one.
I am very happy with my results, almost enough to wish I had done it sooner when the tumor was much smaller and easier to deal with perhaps. But then my children would have been less independent.
This was good.
Nancy
-
So, Mili just called to tell me I have an MRI on Monday morning at 8:30. I don't need an MRI for a year!
-
What is with this girl? Did you talk to her directly? Did the Dr’s say they wanted one Monday? Dr. Barker told me one MRI every year for the rest of my life!!! :-\
How did the stitch removal go? I bet your feeling so much better being able to wash your hair today. I know I couldn’t wait!
Don’t know what going on with me, but I had a continuous headache for the past three days. :( Nothing is working to take it away! Yesterday it was on the right side of my face and today it’s kind of an all over deal. I was hoping this surgery might take some headaches away, not give me more! Ah well, I guess it’s still early in the game.
Scarlett
-
Hello,
Nice seeing you both Sunday. I'm so glad I went. I had a follow up MRI in six weeks. They just wanted to see if everything was healing up okay.
Scarlett I hope your headaches go away. They should as time passes.....unless you're me of course. I have gel packs that I wrap around the back of my head/neck it takes the pain away most of the time. Some respond to heat that doesn't work for me it as to be iced. My new pain medication of choice is Excedrin Migraine with Acetaminophen 250mg, Aspirin 250mg, and caffeine 65mg. I love the stuff I take it at night and it doesn't keep me awake although I am taking two 1/4 tabs of Diazepam and Cyclobenzaprine muscle relaxants that may counter the caffeine. Are you having any muscle spasms?
Since Dr Feel Good put me on Lyrica I haven't had a any train wrecks. Not sure if its working yet but I do feel better. I'll keep you posted. It is for inflamation of the nerves. He loves the stuff. We shall see.
Nancy you looked great. Don't worry your face will come back to life. Mine looked like that for months. I wore it proudly. You're one tough cookie.
Ps Molly sent me those Red Sox tickets!! My son will be away that night :( but I'll take my friend or my brother both are rabid fans like me.
-
Oh, poor Scarlett. I'm so sorry. I was just wondering where you were. And for you, too, Joe. I guess I should be more thankful about my pain free life, well, except when I look in the mirror.
I posted about my stitch removal on spa day thread.
Mili called me. Took me totally by surprise. That woman upsets you coming and going! Maybe she actually plans to do that!
I asked McKenna specifically about MRI follow-up, and he said one year, etc. (See thread.)
-
Hi Joe,
It was wonderful to meet you too! I had such a great time.
I’m glad you’re getting some relief with the new meds your taking. Please do keep us posted with your progress. I was at the store and had the Excedrin migraine in my hand, but didn’t buy it. I thought the meds I had just taken would kick in at any minute. I had the icepack going yesterday to no avail. Maybe I’ll pick up the Excedrin next time I’m at the store.
Nancy, I’m off to your thread to read all about your stitch removal.
Scarlett
-
Hi all,
I am new to this...first time writing. I was just told yesterday by Dr. Lee MEEI that I will need to have surgery in the next 3-6 months as my AN has grown over the past 2 years to a point where he feels its better to address it now rather than wait. It is currently 1.4cm and was less than 1cm 2 years ago.
Questions: Has anyone else had the Drs. Barker/Lee team? Good results? I have read much about Dr. Barker, but not much about Dr. Lee and would like to get impressions from others who have had both operate.
I'm hoping to wait until early October to have the surgery, but I'll have to wait to see what Dr. Barker suggests when I meet him on July 16th.
I appreciate any and all input.
Thank you,
Rob
-
Hi, Rob - and welcome ~
I can't offer any information on Dr. Lee but Dr. Barker has a sterling reputation around here.
Frankly, a 4mm growth in two years doesn't seem all that threatening but I won't argue with the doctor. Please keep us updated. Thanks.
Jim
-
Hi RobL,
Sorry to hear your tumor is growing. Lee and Barker were my surgical team. I highly recommend both. I was diagnosed ~1 year ago with a 1.4 cm tumor which extended out of the IAC. I had a sucessful retro-sigmoid surgery this past September. They got all the tumor with no facial nerve issues. I have 80% word recognition in my AN ear with is slightly worse than pre-surgery but I feel lucky that I have hearing. I had some mild headaches for a few months post surgery but that was really it. I was just slightly wonky post surgery. Feel free to PM me any specific questions.
-not so new girl