What to Expect

[amysroommate]

My roommate just went in for her Chiari surgery about an hour ago.  She is scheduled to return home some time next week, so until then, I have her 8 year old and my 6 year old.  Is there anything that I need to be doing to get ready for her to come home, and what do I expect once she gets here?

[selmaS]

Hi..thank you for the progress reports on Amy....I am glad to hear she is doing well.
I agree with Shane, please warn her to not overdo it.

"selma"

[Shane99]

That's wonderful. Sounds like she's doing great!

Warn her not to over-do it though. She needs to give herself time to get better.

[amysroommate]

Amy had her surgery on Tuesday, went home, to her mother's house, on Thursday, and we brought her home on Friday evening.  We went to the boys soccer games on Saturday morning and have had a full weekend of parenting ever since.  Yes, there are times when she needs to rest, but for the most part, she is doing really well!  The only real change we have had to make has been to force the boys to take off their boots at the door.  Cowboy boots across a hardwood floor can make anyone's head hurt, though.  Hopefully, I will have many many more good reports for everyone.  I know this surgery has been a complete blessing for her.  

[Shane99]

Hello amysroommate,

Everyone is different, but I can tell you how mine went and maybe it'll give you an idea:

I was able to walk into the house and walk up the steps to my bedroom the day I came home. I stayed most of the first couple of days in bed - I was able to get up and go to the bathroom and even come downstairs and sit on the couch for short periods of time, but I was hurting or at least uncomfortable most of the time. My sister was able to stay with me during the day so my wife could go back to work.

After a couple of days, I was able to take care of myself during the day - I could make sandwiches or microwave things as long as I didn't have to stand too long.



In general, she'll start feeling better after about a week. She'll still be very weak though. It took me about a month before I could go anywhere for more than maybe an hour. At about a month after coming home, my wife and I went out to dinner with some friends - I was gone maybe 2 hours and it wore me out!

Usually after 6 - 8 weeks she'll be able to resume her job, school, life etc. But she'll still be pretty weak for awhile.

The first couple of days will be the hardest on everyone. She'll be in quite a bit of pain, sounds like you'll be the one running everywhere and doing everything, and the kids will mostly be confused - oh, you might want to explain things to them. They will need to be extra quite and can't hug on her for awhile - no hugs around the neck! If possible, you might make arrangments for them to stay with someone for the first couple of nights.

[selmaS]

Hi...it is right here on the first pg of the forum...it is called How many zipperheads........
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/748389

If u have ne other trouble finding it please let me know.

"selma"

[amysroommate]

Where can I find the zipperheads thread?

[selmaS]

HI and welcome to the forum.

I have not had surgery and not sure what  to tell u as far as expectations and everyone will respond differently.
What a good friend u are Amy is lucky to have u.

If no one responds to this, please see the zipperheads thread, u will find the members that have had the surgery and will be better to offer suggestions.

I pray Amy's surgery goes well and that u will continue to post updates on her progress.

"selma"