3 week's post op now...

[timelordess]

Well I did have my surgery, and everything appeared to be straight forward, was home 4 day's after surgery.  Since then though, I've been readmitted 3 more times, due to 5 CSF leaks through the op site.  I've just had 8 day's in hospital with a lumbar drain, and came home again on Monday.  Although, I do have to admit, I am still paranoid about the leaks.  Everytime my hair touches my stitch (still have 1 till Friday), I think it's more leaking out.  I'm also terrified that come Friday, when they take the stitch out, it'll start leaking again.  
I've been up and down with the pain, as before the op.  Although, whilst the drain was in, the only pain I had was low pressure occasionally, as they can't totally control how much fluid comes out, and sometimes it came out too fast.  BUT. when it came out not too fast, I had no pain 's at all.  It was taken out on Friday, and still had no pains till Monday, since I've come home everytime I move positions (sitting to standin, lieing to sitting etc), I get horrendous throbbing pains. Worse than before I had the op, part of me wishes I'd never had it done, but it's too late for that now.
So for now, I'm home...and hoping I'm here to stay. Finger's crossed !
Love Em's

[Shane99]

Be aware that recovery is better noticed on a weekly, rather than daily, schedule. Pick a day and make notes on how you feel, then on the same day of each week, chart it. You will probably start noticing a general upswing in your recovery.

Good luck and as selma said, get plenty of rest - make sure you listen to your body, get plenty of fluids and take care of yourself - remember that your immune system is pretty much shot right now - avoid being around sick people.

[selmaS]

We all have to remember there is no cure, and I know that sounds harsh, but it is true...surgery is to help slow the progression for this condition.....it may relieve some symptoms and it may not.

But, I truly feel that if we do not rush into doing things we want to do and listen to our bodies we may experience many benefits from the surgery.

I pray u continue to see benefits : )

"selma"

[timelordess]

Thanks for your words.  It is comforting to know that I should hopefully continue to improve.  I have noticed a couple of things that are better, like actually not having the constant pain in my head.  I guess it's just having the continuation, and worsening other pain's (and speech), it put's a bit of a downer on it.  Kinda like, I've had the op, why am I still like this, even though my NS was openly honest and said I may have absolutly no change at all, and best case scenario was that I wouldn't get any worse.  So it's all down to my own optimism, and nothing to do with what I was told to expect.  Anyway, I do really know it's too early to notice too much of a difference also, so I'm gonna sit down and continue to do very little or nothing, and hopefully this time I won't have to go back into hospital.  
Love Em's xoxo

[*Stormy*]

I really sorry to hear you having such a bad time!!

I have to admit that there were times after the surgery where I was in such pain that I wished I hadn't done the surgery either (I didn't even have half the problems you did). BUT...once I got through that I know it was so worth it and I don't regret it at all! So...Hang in there..I pray things get better for you soon and you will see positive results :)

Carolyn

[selmaS]

HI so sorry u r having the issues with a leak..until that is resolved u will not be aware of the benefits. I had a leak and I know it can make u feel worse than ne chiari HA.

Try to lie flat for 5 days...drink plenty of water and have some caffeine as well...if u still have a small leak this should help it close.The main thing is not to be active during this time of healing as u already had a set back.....be patient : )

Hang in there

"selma"