on the road to recovery

[MAlegant]

Hi all,
4 days post-op and I'm still in somewhat rough shape. I've forgone the percoset for a double dose of Advil hoping that I'll at least be steadier on my feet. I think the muscle relaxant is a placebo however.

Much gratitude to Debbi for keeping everyone posted.  Anne Marie, I hope you are doing ok.  Any word on Wendy?? 

Marci

[Pembo]

Good for you Marci! I lived on extra strength Tylenol for a long time. You'll be amazed at how quick the pain disappears! Stay strong..........

[Debbi]

Good morning, Marci!  Glad you are able to make the transition to Advil - hopefully that will work.  Some of us seem to have more problems with pain after this surgery - hopefully yours will pass soon.  If not, you can always take a percoset if it really gets bad!

Meanwhile, take lots of naps and don't forget to eat! 

I'm waiting to hear from Rob on Wendy's update.  I've got my blackberry with me so I won't miss any updates. 

Be well, Marci.

Debbi

[Jim Scott]

Hi, Marci and welcome to 'postie land'! 

You seem to be doing splendidly.  I was just getting on my feet (for brief walks in the hospital corridors) at 4 days post-op - and I had a very quick recovery.  Getting off the Percocet is a good idea that I hope works out for you.  For now, focus on getting stronger and regaining normalcy while doing whatever you have to do to handle any pain, which should be transient . 

We're all thinking about you and sending good vibes your way, Marci.  Thanks for posting.

Jim

[Syl]

Marci,

How'd you get home so fast? I'm happy for you, but amazed at how fast this happened.

I understand your tumor was not an acoustic neuroma. Can you explain TRIGEMINAL to me?

Rest well.

Syl

[Kathleen5306]

Marci

I think you are doing amazing!  To think you are already home and only 4 days after.  I have been told to plan on being in Los Angeles (I live in Denver) for 2-4 weeks.  So, I don't even have any expectations to be home as soon as you.  Take it easy.  Take care of yourself.  Enjoy the fact that it is over.  I can hardly wait to join you in postie land!

Kathleen

[yardtick]

Marci,

So glad to see that pretty smiling face of yours!!!!  I'm doing pretty good myself.  I've just had way too much company this week.  Yesterday was the killer, we celebrated my husband's birthday.  Today I'm doing nothing and DITTO for tonight!

Debbi did such and excellent job keeping us update.  Nothing like your own bed eh?  I hope the next few days and weeks go just as smoothly for you.  When is your first follow up with the Dr?

Rest my friend,
Anne Marie

[MAlegant]

Hi Anne Marie, you are a warrior princess from what I can tell.  Follow with my doc sometime next week, the sooner the better. 

For Syl, a trigeminal schwannoma grows off the 5th cranial nerve.  And in the end it was pretty big-3x4 cm.  Mine had wrapped itself around the trigeminal nerve.  That's nerve gives you sensation on your face.  Who knows, I may be able to save money at the dentist office on novacaine. Pain is much better today, though I looking for my "sea legs" which seem to have also gone away.

I'm sorry to say that I'm not a very patient patient.

Am I officially a postie now??
Marci

[Kathleen5306]

Marci

My understanding is you are officially a postie.  Being a newbie, tho, I would wait to get confirmation from the veterans.  I, however, am going to gladly proclaim postie status as soon as surgery is over on Wednesday.  I am glad you are feeling better and getting stronger day by day.  You have been an inspiration to me this week before my surgery.  In fact the whole team from last week is an inspiration--way to go Anne Marie and way to go Wendy!

All the best,

Kathleen

[sgerrard]

Wait, wait, Marci, first we have one more task:

http://stevegerrard.home.comcast.net/applause2_x.wav

Okay, now you are an official postie. 

Congratulations on getting through so well, by the way.

Steve

[MAlegant]

Hi all,
Last night was pretty rough--I think I gave up on Percoset too soon--but this morning seems better.  The right side of my face is still mighty numb but I'm still smiling!
With a little more clarity today I just wanted say yet again to all, thank you, because being a part of this group has given me strength I didn't know I had.  Now if I could just wash my hair....
Marci

[Debbi]

Hi Marci-

Ah, the hair washing...  when are you able to get that first wonderful shampoo? 

Sorry you had a rough night.  It may be that you will need something stronger than advil in the evenings.  I find, even now, that the pain escalates later in the day.  I hope you can find the "happy medium" that works best for you. 

sending you hugs,
Debbi

[MAlegant]

Had my hair washed this morning and had my husband hold plastic wrap over my sutures.  We kept it pretty dry.  It's amazing how small things can make such a big difference.  Tonight I will switch to Percoset earlier for sure. At least I got a decent night's sleep. 
Now if I could just feel my face....
M

[Debbi]

Enjoy your clean hair, Marci!  That was one of my post surgical highlights, for sure.  By the way, Glad Press 'n' Seal works great for covering any kinds of sutures or holes in the body. 

Take it easy, and listen to your body.

BTW, I just posted some pics on Wendy's thread - she looks great!

hugs,
Debbi

[yardtick]

  Hi Marci,

Did they give you a new "DO" in the surgical suite?  My Dr told me at my pre-op he won't be cutting my hair........WRONG he buzzed me all right.  Thank goodness I have lots of hair!!
I'm so glad you enjoyed your first hair wash, for me it was divine.

If you need to nap later today do so.  This entire weekend I've been in and out of sleep.  Listen to your body.  Sleep is part of the healing process. 

Keep smiling my surgery sister! 

Ane Marie