Dent in Incision Site

[PastorKenny]

I had my Decompression on 10/24/11  This evening My wife noticed that that at the top of the incision site is a pretty big dent maybe 1/2 inch or so- I shave my head daily so its pretty noticeable and its not normally there.
I have definitely had an uptick in symptoms the last few days including some pretty bad headaches
Is this something that has happened to anyone else?

[selmaS]

  That is great...so many drop us like hot potatoes....but so glad urs is willing to work with u and help guide u to figure this out,

  Good luck with the MRI and do post an update : )

[PastorKenny]

My Surgeon said that after my MRI, this thursday, that we would talk. I'm very happy with him, I understand he did his job and his job is done.

If the MRI shows something I need to address I know he will help point me to someone who can help me.

[selmaS]

  Well that is typical...and unless u require more surgery there is no need for the surgeon to see u...but, u do need someone that knows about all the related issues...make sure u r looked at for all the related issues as they can account for feeling worse post op....

And if u need a new NS that is well experienced with these related issues do use our list to research the drs.

[PastorKenny]

He hasn't  addressed the return of pre-surgery symptoms, Actually I have more symptoms now than before. My main symptom pre-surgery was the horrible headaches- my HA's are better now than before surgery but I have added all the other sx's listed above.

I have an MRI scheduled for this thursday, but I think my surgeon is done with me and is ready to hand me off completely to my pain management doc.

[selmaS]

  Ok....so u have an indent there  that is not uncommon....in fact I had an indent there b4 surgery with whip lash and the loss of cervical lordosis....

As long as it is not causing pain u should be ok....

Some Drs use a titanium plate, some use a mesh...however, not all of us can use these additional appliances bcuz of the possibility of rejection of the  item....ur Dr will do what is best for u and as long as it is not affecting u, u should be ok.

  U did mention u had some symptoms crop back up...what did ur NS say in regards to that?

[PastorKenny]

I shot an email to my surgeon and he quickly replied (he is really good about this!)
"This is where bone was removed to make space in your posterior fossa"

[selmaS]

  The dura patch can fail if u have EDS and is another reason y I asked but u also mentioned having issues with flexion of ur neck.Those with EDS should have their own pericardium harvested for a patch.

Are u taking ne NSAIDS for the HA's? If so, that could add to the ringing in ur ears....

  

[PastorKenny]

I forgot to mention that my patch was a bovine pericardium

My symptoms that have increased over the last few weeks are
Severe Headaches
Poor balance
Constant Ringing in ears
Tingling/burning in hands and feet
increased Memory Loss

[selmaS]

  Not that the dent has nething to do with this question, but were u checked for Ehlers-Danlos?

  The reason I ask is bcuz of cerviocranial instability....????

[PastorKenny]

The "dent" just appeared over the last day or so, I have had an increase in symptoms the last few weeks.  

I met with my Surgeon last week for what I assumed would be my last follow up, when he asked how I was doing I told him about my increase in symptoms including poor balance and neck pain- he  had me stand with feet close together and tilt my head back as far as I could. I had to grab quickly grab the table to keep from falling over- He ordered another MRI which will happen this thursday.

[Sexybare]

Hey there. I had pfd in aug 2011 and within weeks noticed my scar is noticably indented from my hairline on my neck up a couple inches. It hurts even to touch or move my hair. Dr oro told me theres a gap there and that my muscles did not heal back together. May not be your case but figured id tell ya mine. Does it bother you at all?

[selmaS]

  Hi...we have had several members ask this same question....and if u r having an increase of symptoms and or and issue at that site...

This can be the result of scar tissue forming, other then the HA's, what other symptoms r u having?

  Also, do u know if u had a laminectomy and duraplasty with ur decompression and if so, what type of dura patch was used?

[Rylanesmom]

Sometimes the muscles cause a sunken spot on the head.  My NS uses a mesh titanium plate to keep hat from happening.  I dontknow that everyone with the spot has added issues but some do.  Sexybare just went to see Dr Oro and I know she has complications from this.  She may give more info.

[Viva001]

Not sure if this relates at all, but my hub had brain surgery for a pituitary tumor, & he has a dent at that spot.  I have to say that sometimes it seems much more noticeable than at other times; it varies in shade too , weird.