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Author Topic: Post microsurgical libido  (Read 10743 times)

Gennysmom

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Post microsurgical libido
« on: March 30, 2007, 01:31:25 pm »
OK, I'm diong it, I'm opening the can of worms.  For you post microsurgical patients, did you have a loss of libido, and if so, how long did it last?  I'm working with my doc and we can't seem to get it back up and running, and now I'm wondering if I'm dealing with perimenopause too.  I've tried meds, B-6, multivitamins, exercise, lost 20 lbs, and it's still deader than a doornail.  It's not depression.  I'm running out of ideas and I don't think stealing anyone's viagra will work since I'm a girl.  Thoughts?
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ppearl214

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Re: Post microsurgical libido
« Reply #1 on: March 30, 2007, 01:39:42 pm »
Gennysmom!! :o

Ok, folks... keep it clean....


GM, I think it happens to most folks that have run into medical issues... but going to sit back with my martini and popcorn and lounge chair to see how others respond to this... and make sure everyone keeps it on track and not *ahem* out of line, ok?  remember folks, young eyes (such as Taylor, Chelsea and all...under 21 years) participate here and since this is a USA based website, all internet USA rules in affect.

GM, very important topic, I have to agree.....

Phyl
(lordy, who signed me up for this role around here ???   ;) )
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Omaschwannoma

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Re: Post microsurgical libido
« Reply #2 on: March 30, 2007, 02:09:51 pm »
Okay Mother!  Sheeesh.....(responding to Phyl)

My libido normal before surgery and normal after.  No loss after surgery and I do mean closely after (one week?!) and I really did have a headache!  Perhaps it's a "being tired" issue as brain fatigue sets in heavy in the late afternoon (lots of stimuli all day you know).  Glass of wine might help (smiling sheepishly)? 
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Gennysmom

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Re: Post microsurgical libido
« Reply #3 on: March 30, 2007, 02:59:58 pm »
Thanks Karen, yeah, Phyl already called me and suggested many things I can't name here  :D  I did try the nip of alcohol tip, and it's just not there.   I do think it's because I work 40+ hours a week and keep up a home and all I want to do is get to sleep, but still have that nagging something else is wrong feeling.  We're going on vacation in a month, our first since surgery, so we will see if that helps.  If it doesn't, then I think I'm going in for a blood test to run iron, hormones, calcium, etc.

We also talked about if there might be a little PTSD in it...I had brief trauma coming home from my CSF leak lumbar drain, and I'm very skiddish about any pressure, be it intra-cranial or anything else.  And I don't like anyone touching my head much either.  Which drives me nuts because I was soooooo  not like this before surgery. 
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3.1cm x 2.0cm x 2.1cm rt AN Translab 7/5/06
CSF leak 7/17/06 fixed by 8 day lumbar drain
Dr. Backous, Virgina Mason Seattle
12/26/07 started wearing TransEar

nancyann

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Re: Post microsurgical libido
« Reply #4 on: March 30, 2007, 03:13:54 pm »
Didn't effect me one bit....   Since much of libido is in the brain anyway,
have you had things going on in your life ?   Increasing worries, problems, etc ???
Just another thing to think about.....
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Gennysmom

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Re: Post microsurgical libido
« Reply #5 on: March 30, 2007, 03:29:49 pm »
Hi Nancy!  Actually no, which is another weird thing post surgery.  I will be riding in the car and my boyfriend will ask "what's wrong?" because he thinks I'm staring out the window stressing over something.  Post surgery, I have nothing that worries me, I'm simply looking out thinking "look at the pretty flowers, or sky, or whatever it is".  I have no worries other than just day to day "step carefully or you'll fall over" kind of stuff.  I have purposely left my plate open so I can recover, so other than work and keeping up the house, I don't have to do anything.  I try to play a lot, and don't agonize over my "new normal" too much, so ?????  I'm not stressing over this, it would just be darn nice to be interested again.

I'm a right side AN, and I've been looking into that and the differences of what right side brain injury can do (mine was over 3.1 cm and distorting my cerebellum pretty good).  It's interesting, much different from left. 
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3.1cm x 2.0cm x 2.1cm rt AN Translab 7/5/06
CSF leak 7/17/06 fixed by 8 day lumbar drain
Dr. Backous, Virgina Mason Seattle
12/26/07 started wearing TransEar

nancyann

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Re: Post microsurgical libido
« Reply #6 on: March 30, 2007, 05:21:31 pm »
Well, I'm stumped GM.   Maybe you're just in a lull for awhile. That I can relate to !!
I wouldn't worry too much about it, that in itself would cause problems.
I was watching a TV talk show a few weeks ago while recuperating from my eye surgery,
& I was happy to hear from the MD who specializes in menapause, that it should have no
effect on libido (wish I could remember her name, it was a great show, she's written a book on menapause).

I'm a believer in candles, lighting, bubble bath, a long massage, a fine bottle of wine,  chocolates of course.....
Just shutting out the rest of the world.....     Now, if I only had a man to share THAT with.....
Good thoughts my friend,  Nancy
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2.2cm length x 1.7cm width x 1.3cm  depth
retrosigmoid 6/19/06
Gold weight 7/19/06, removed 3/07
lateral tarsel strip X3
T3 procedure 11/20/07
1.6 Gm platinum weight 7/10/08
lateral canthal sling 11/14/08
Jones tube insert right inner eye 2/27/09
2.4 Gm. Platinum chain 2017
right facial paralysis

Gennysmom

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Re: Post microsurgical libido
« Reply #7 on: March 30, 2007, 05:33:12 pm »
Thanks my friends.  I don't want to stress either, it's just that my sweetie is such a good caretaker and I love him to bits, and selfishly I wish I could enjoy it like I used to.  At this point though, I'm thinking I'd have to quit my job, win the lottery, buy a tropical island and live a life of leisure for a bit to get back to those days.  I'm tired, so I'm headed home from work to sleep this weekend  ;)   

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3.1cm x 2.0cm x 2.1cm rt AN Translab 7/5/06
CSF leak 7/17/06 fixed by 8 day lumbar drain
Dr. Backous, Virgina Mason Seattle
12/26/07 started wearing TransEar

ChelseaR

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Re: Post microsurgical libido
« Reply #8 on: March 30, 2007, 10:47:19 pm »
just wondering...


... what is libido?
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tony

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Re: Post microsurgical libido
« Reply #9 on: March 30, 2007, 11:15:27 pm »
Darn - I looked here and was expecting some dark insight
- all I got was more questions.......
Anyway I definately noticed about 3mths post OP that I actually
lost my temper with someone - only then did I realise that
I hadent done so in the previous 3mths
(in my pre-op state, 3 hrs between tantrums was a long time)
In time I came to realise that there is a relationship between
spare or surplus energy and anger and tension etc.
ie you almost need to have that energy in order for the
emotional state to exist.
So Post-Op, energy levels are lower (so no tantrums)
But also sadley rather less gasoline for "makin woopie"
(this does change as the energy levels return)
If you add the sense that "sense of self/value/appearence"
may have changed in some way - then confidence
may also be reduced as well.
So deep stuff - but basically energy levels
and confidence are key issues here.

And finally to answer Chelsea :
"Libido" is something  that women talk about alot
- but you never get to see it.....
Best regards
Tony
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Sue

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Re: Post microsurgical libido
« Reply #10 on: March 31, 2007, 12:45:53 am »
Tony!  Sheesh.

Chelsea - Got a dictionary?    ;D 

Sue in
Vancouver USA
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Sue in Vancouver, USA
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Sue

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Re: Post microsurgical libido
« Reply #11 on: March 31, 2007, 12:50:09 am »
Oh, and Gennysmom......Seems like the vacation would help.  The working and being so tired doesn't help much.  You're still a young and vibrant woman....it ain't gone yet, honey!!  ;D

Sue in Vancouver USA
« Last Edit: April 01, 2007, 12:12:46 pm by Sue »
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Sue in Vancouver, USA
 2 cm Left side
Diagnosed 3/13/06 GK 4-18-06
Gamma Knife Center of Oregon
My Blog, where you can read my story.


http://suecollins-blog.blogspot.com/2010/02/hello.html


The only good tumor be a dead tumor. Which it's becoming. Necrosis!
Poet Lorry-ate of Goode

ppearl214

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Re: Post microsurgical libido
« Reply #12 on: March 31, 2007, 08:06:24 am »
Hi Chelsea... it's um.... when you feel "amourous" with your partner, to put it mildly.  Will leave it at that.

Phyl

Quote from: ChelseaR on March 30, 2007, 10:47:19 pm
just wondering...


... what is libido?
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ppearl214

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Re: Post microsurgical libido
« Reply #13 on: March 31, 2007, 08:07:12 am »
Quote from: Sue on March 31, 2007, 12:50:09 am
Oh, and Gennysmom......Seems like the vacation would help.  The working and being so tired doesn't help much.  Your still a young and vibrant woman....it ain't gone yet, honey!!  ;D

Sue in Vancouver USA

What Sue said! :)

... and Gennysmom, gave you my suggestions offline... :D

xo
Phyl
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ChelseaR

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Re: Post microsurgical libido
« Reply #14 on: March 31, 2007, 11:58:56 am »
haha wow can you say DUMB question on my part? lol i asked my mom (quite embarrassing after she told me and then i understood her shocked look)


well to answer you question:
even with how young i am and dont have much experience in that field i had no drive AT ALL to have a boyfriend or to even look "good" when i went out to the store or anything. i just didnt have the energy to care i think.
but in this past week i have seen myself being more interested in that area. like i have been more interested in going out or looking good or even trying to impress.
and i totally agree with the fact that it all comes back as your energy comes back.
the other day was the first time post op i have gotten mad! or wanted to prove to someone that i WAS right. and i really think that is energy coming back. before i REALLY just DIDNT care whatsoever, but i see myself caring more and more. but in a good way.

and i think as energy comes back the libido will come back haha
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Diagnose in June 2006
6+ cm
20-25% still there
Removed after 2 surgeries
went to UCLA in California
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