Update:Decompression Surgery in 3 days! Advice, Thoughts & Prayers Welcome

[Angel1781]

I am really freaking out right now...lol.  Well it has been a long road for me.  After over 4 years of frustration I was diagnosed Jan. 31, 2010 and after a lot of research & visiting different Dr's & NS's I have finally found the one and I will be having Decompression surgery on Wednesday, May 11th at the University of Michigan.  For 4 months I have had mostly bad days and have almost grown used to living in pain.  I know I made the right decision for myself & my family but I don't know what to expect or even how to fully prepare for this.  I have 2 young boys and a very supportive family that are covering them while I am in the hospital but I don't know what to fully expect when I get out or after the surgery.  I would love some advice, comments, any information would be greatly appreciated.  

Thank You,
Angie

[kmk431]

I hope your surgery goes well. I am in the same situation as you. I am having decompression surgery and duraplasty in less than 2 weeks, so many emotions, fears, worries, anticipation. I have 3 children under the age of 4 so I understand those feelings as well. Good luck to you and many prayers your way.

[STL5]

I think that having younger children is harder than having older children because they understand a little less of what you are going through.  I found everyone's suggestions to REST and listen to your body to be helpful.  My children have learned to fend for themselves a little more and I received tons of help from others.I hope that your surgery goes well and your recovery does also.

[Sweetheartsluv]

Hi Angie,

I just had surgery May 3rd. I was feeling the same way. You could probably find my pre-surgical post it is very similar to yours. Like everyone said I think we all feel that way right before we go in. It takes a lot of courage and strength. But, if your body needs it and you and your dr's have already made the choice then all that's left to do is take the next step and put your faith in god and your dr. I have already noticed improvements since my surgery. Everyone has different experiences and I wish you the VERY best! I have a three year old daughter and one of the hardest parts of my surgery was that I had to travel to another state so I was very emotional. But, remember you are doing this to try and get some relief of your symptoms so you can live a more comfortable and happier life. As long as you are secure with your dr and your choice to have the operation the rest of what you are feeling is completely normal. Just remember to rest and take it easy after surgery... Things I am finding hard to do myself.

God Bless,
Krista

[selmaS]

  Hi...I did not want visitors as loud noise or volume was very bothersome both b4 and after surgery...even now I still have an issue if something is too loud!!

And too many people all at once can be overwhelming....so do let friends and family know how u r feeling and if u r up to having visitors.

We do have a list in the Health pages of tips for the hospital stay......here is the link-
http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Neurological%20Disorders/Tips-for-the-Hospital-Stay/show/1136?cid=186

  "selma"

[pamk5]

Hello... I just had my surgery on April 20 and am doing great.  I have a few bad days but mostly the pain is at this point being managed by ibuprofen.  I spent 3 nights in the hospital and was up walking the day after.  I cant say I was overly happy about it but I did it.  My doc used glue instead of staples so I was able to take a shower the next day which was nice.  I had some nausea but I felt they managed it very well.  If you have drug allergies make sure you address the pain management/ nausea issues before the procedure.  

I did make quite a few meals ahead of time and freeze them.  I think that was a great idea because it has come in so handy.  Make sure you take a good pillow with you to the hospital.  Maybe some headphones for your ipod or if you have satellite radio on your phone.  That helped me drown out some of the noise in the hospital.  I would def have someone help with the kids for a few weeks.  Next thing is you will run out of steam really fast... so make sure you dont try to do too much.  Get plenty of rest and dont be afraid to ask for help.  Another thing that I did was move alot of things to eye level so that bending and reaching wouldnt be required.  Another thing that has really helped me is a cold gel compress and a rice bag that can be heated in the microwave.  I have had to alternate hot and cold... the softer the better since your head and neck will be sore for a few weeks.  These are some things that have helped.  Please keep us posted.  

[*Stormy*]

Hi Angie,

My experience was a lot like Zygy's...I didn't have any vomiting either just some nausea (more when they tried to sit me up for the first time). However, I did find it a very painful procedure to undergo, mainly b/c of my drug allergies there was not a good pain management plan. So make sure that you discuss this with your NS and anesthesiologist to make sure you are covered.

It is frustrating and boring at first, I have 3 boys and I was wanting to jump back into my life to take care of them. The thing is that I did it too early and I suffered for it. I had someone there to help me with the kids for two weeks and I feel that was very necessary!! If you have friends or neighbors who want to do something.....frozen meals is a lifesaver!!!! It was so nice for my hubby when he came home from work to be able just to throw dinner in the oven. Driving took a long time for me b/c my neck was so stiff, I think I didn't drive for about 6 weeks.

One last thought....let your body take the time it needs to heal. I know firsthand how it feels to want to get going again but it really isn't worth it. Rest when you need to and accept that this is the way it is going to be for awhile :)

Good  luck, please let us know how you are!
Stormy

[Mazie1209]

Angie! How are u? I've been wondering how your appt. With dr.sullivan went!! So glad you are going to find relief! I have no.advice, as I'm still not sure im getting it! But my prayers are with you!! When and if I get my surgery, I will probably have sullivan do it! So u will.hafta let me know how it goes & updates!
Many prayers!
Mazie

[zygy2]

Good Luck and I hope all goes well!!!  The last days of waiting are the hardest!  I think everyone freaks out!  Think positive and know that it is something that you really want to do to try and feel better.  I was home after only 48 hours, I was lucky that I did so well.  IT is possible to have things go well.  I did not vomit at all EVER!  It was not a pain free experience and I did get frustrated with the ache for so long but I don't think it was as bad as I expected.  The hardest part was not being able to do things, not taking care of my kids, not cleaning the house, not being able to drive!  It got very boring and very frustrating at times.  My hospital stay was great, staff was so attentive in that department and that made it much easier.  It was all noise though for those two days and full of light, alarms and that was why I was so happy to get out in two days!  I am not a person to nap and at home I slept so much.  I was more tired than I had ever been in my life, lots of naps!  One of the icky things was the smell of my head until I could wash my hair! ICK!  I had my surgery a year ago and am headed in for my second surgery next month from complications, the good news though is that I felt great after surgery until this problem so I know it is possible to feel really good again!  If you have any questions just ask :)  It is such a crazy time those last few days before surgery!