1 month post op

[Rahe28]

Here I am today, a month post op and there are lots of things that I have noticed.  I have NO ringing in the ears, no numbness...exccept on the back of my head by my incision. My eyes are still a bit blurry after surgery , but NO double vision. I have head pain from the surgery ,but have only had one NORMAL headache due to lots of noise(kids playing and a blarring radio) , plus a normal headache...I never thought I would have one of those again. I haven't fallen once due to chiari...I did get knocked off my feet by a boxer doggie though...lol. I really haven't noticed any of my symptoms. My word recall is still sort of lacking but getting better. My short term memory *****, but my NS warned me that because of the surgery it could take a few months to regain. Overall, I would do it all over agian. I have more energy too even though I still hurt alot !! I know that most of my pain is due to having to return to my normal mommy housewife duties within 2 weeks of surgery. My NS is keeping me out of pain though with proper meds. I just wanted to give you all an update. I have more energy, but I tire very easily. One chore...like dishes, wipes me out and I have to sit and wait a long while before tackiling another task. Love to you all, and thanks as well...for being there for me, through this entire process that is still going on. There is no way I would be at this point feeling so much better if it were not for you all and the sweet support you have provided. I know I still have a long recovery ahead, but I definitely feel it was worth it already.
Love and hugs,
Sheila

[linnielou232]

You are an awesome momma, but please try to rest more.  I had 2 more head surgeries due to not listening and over doing it.  I would hate for you to have this regret.  Being on med's does help us feel a little better, but it also makes you think your feeling better than  you actually are and then we over do it.  Please remember what your Dr. suggested and only do one thing at a time ecspecially the lifting of laundry, and pushing that vacuum. I was exactly like you and I thought Yeah cool I can do this again.  4 surgeries in 4 months later I learned my lesson the hard way.  One thing and 1 day at a time my chairian friend.  I know having children makes it hard, but I'm sure things will get done.  Blessings to your family for being such a big help to you.  This is one big lesson I learned through all my experience.  "It's O.K. to ask for help", and being patient.   Thanks to all of you here for the suggestions.  Rest, Rest, Rest.  
Linda:)

[Rahe28]

oh....sigh. I know. I try to sit as much as possible, but sleep rest is saved only for night time....I can NOT rest during the day...but I sit...as much as I can, in my recliner...with my computer to amuse me...lol. At night when my DH gets home is when I get my rest. Poor darlin' , he works all day and then takes over my duties when he gets in at 9pm. He makes sure that while I am here...I get as much rest as possible....bringing me my heating pack, bringing me my drink, medicine....whatever it may be, including showering me, and putting me to bed. He is the sweetest. I know he is exhausted though.
Too bad about that bag of magic beans...lol...those would be worth a pretty penny

[selmaS]

  Ice never worked for me either,...only heat....and it worked great : )

  The only thing u can do is rest...and heat....and do the exercises for the neck...it will help.

I wish I could say here is a bag of magic beans...but there is no such thing, rest, rest, rest is what u need.

[Rahe28]

Thanks selma. It is extremely hard. Trust I am not doing what I would normally be doing, but I know that I am over doing. I normally do it all in one day, and then it takes me three days to recoup after doing so. My poor helper, San....was working so hard taking care of me and my famiy that she herself wound up in the hospital.My NS told me one chore per day...but it just stacks up too fast to do it like that. MY kids help out as much as possible, butmy oldest is only 7 and so the things they can do are limited, but without them I would be really up a creek with a paddle. I know I need to rest, but if my little ones won't nap....I canot allow them to be up with supervision. Today has been very painful....I cannot seem to relieve the pain in the back of my neck and head...it almost feels like the severe right after surgery pain, and I have found that ice makes it worse...I have to have heat for amy type of relief! They put me on the highest formof percocet that it comes in 10/650 _10mg oxycodone, and 650mg of acetomeophin, It works but it wares off in three hours and I am only suppsed to  take it every 6. Any suggestions other thanr rest, amd heat...and painmeds???

[selmaS]

  I had comp issues earlier today and did not get to post a reply b4 I went to the pool....I wanted to share that u really need to slow down and I pray u can get some help with those house chores u r doing far too soon !!!


Keep in mind there will be ups post op as well as downs especially if u do too much,......try and rest as much as u can and sitting btwn each chore is not uncommon.,..do what ur body needs,.

[JESSICAH1230]

Thats si exciting!!! Im only 7 days post op and the energy is like crack as before it was hard to get out of bed. im glad ur a success story! Even though im onky seven days I am a success. Almist feek like u could return to work tomorrow abd be normal but I know I have to relax and recover. God bless you!!

[lynnbrook177]

Yes, you are making me feel very lazy sitting here on my computer as you clean your house after decompression surgery, haha! The house can wait!

[cash242]

Am so glad you are getting better! Have thought about you alot the energy will come but it takes awhile I remember how frustrating that part is keep going slow and if you have to let the house be a mess it is ok. Take care!

[Rahe28]

Aww...thank you. I am trying to post updates as much as possible. I am glad that my experience is encouraging :) I was very lucky to find Dr. Walsh. He is awesome. I drive...not far though. I have driven to the walgreens here which is about 6 blocks from my house or 3 minutes. I refuse to go any further yet, and my DR is getting me a handicapped sticker so I do not have to walk far in the 104 degree heat here in La. I started driving last week. Just to pick up milk or bread...lol. But, it gets me out of the house and makes me feel progressive.I am still using my cane, mostly at night when I am more unsteady, but I seem to be walking better. Every now and then I still get light headed but they said to expect those things to happen as the flow has regulate itself after yers and years of being blocked. Overall...I feel so much better, just want to be able to use my new ENERGY !!!!! LOL

[Mazie1209]

Thank u for ur updates, I've been wondering how you were! Your post is encouraging to those of us who haven't had this surgery yet! Hope you continue to feel better and better! Are u driving yet?
Mazie :o)

[Rahe28]

It has for the most part until I over do it. About every three days I have to do a total house clean..you know dishes, laundery (4 loads), sweep, mop, vaccume....I spray down the bathrooms and the kids scrub the tubs, but you those are things that have to get done. My hubby helps as much as he can, but he is only off on Sundays and he doesnt get home at night until 9. Thank goodness all of my children are old enough to bath themselves. I still have to provide 3 meals a day for them though. I am doing better but the days when I have to do all the house stuff...that night and day after are really awful. I am having alot of back of the head and neck pain, but I assume that is part of having your neck and head ripped open and dug in !!! LOL. Thanks so much for your thoughts. I am on the forum everyday...just don't post a whole lot.

[lynnbrook177]

So good to hear you are recovering well.  I have been thinking of you and your recovery often. Has the severe pain you had right after surgery subsided?

[Rahe28]

Oh, thank you honey. So sweet to post something to me while you yourself are in the hospital. You have been on my mind constantly and we have been sending up lots of prayers for you my dear,
Lots of love and hugs !!!

[irislita]

This is amaaaazing!!!! My memory was horrible after surgery...i repeat 3months post op oh what a difference!!! Hugs sweetie