ANA Discussion Forum
General Category => AN Issues => Topic started by: Tamara on May 30, 2008, 09:45:52 am
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Good Morning -
I too have just been lurking lately - too much stuff happening to type coherently!
First, I am curious about the common surgical side effect. Why does everyone (or nearly so) have taste and eye dryness issues???
Secondly, I will likely have to wait on the BAHA - I'd hoped to have it "installed" at the time of my translab on the 12th. My drs office called and told me they are backordered (!?) :-\ They are supposed to be available in the middle of June, so it will remain to be seen whether the 12 is the middle or not.
This past week has been very challenging for my family: my FIL fell and fractured his skull on Monday. He was in ICU at first, but has now recovered and is at home, very crabby and unable to drive for 3 months. My MIL can't drive, so that will be interesting. Then Tuesday afternoon my younger son fell off his pogo stick and broke both (yes, both) of his arms. YIKES! He's doing remarkably well - has always reminded me of Tigger, the way he "bounces" back. We were evaluating whether or not to go ahead with my surgery and have decided it's a go, but please keep my family in your prayers, if you would, as my older son and my husband will be taking care of me, my younger son, my disabled daughter, and his family. Sigh.
Tamara
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Oh my goodness, Tamara, you have your hands full this week!
Just the son with the broken arms would be putting me over the edge, but you sound like you are handling it all very well. I'm glad you have a support system in place to help out during your surgery and recovery.
I had taste issues post op but they went away in about 6 months. It's not a wonderful thing, but it's not as bad as it sounds. Some things tasted perfectly normal to me, some things tasted very odd, but in my case it wasn't like everything tasted horrible. My biggest eating issue stemmed from the nausea - I found it hard to eat anything for a while which really sapped my energy. Keep in mind though that not everyone has nausea - some do, some don't.
As far as the BAHA goes, I'd just take it as it comes. I never contemplated having the implant at the same time as my AN surgery - didn't think I'd need it - but my doc said he wouldn't have been in favor of combining the surgeries anyway. From what I understand, combining them is usually the doc's preference. Prior to my implant I couldn't imagine having another surgery; I figured the AN surgery was enough for a while ;) But the BAHA surgery is nothing like the AN surgery - it's quite simple in comparison. A good number of patients get their implant after their AN surgery.
My advice is, don't stress about the BAHA surgery. If they can do it at the same time as the AN surgery, great. If they can't, do it another time.
I'll be keeping you and your family in my prayers,
Jan
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Hi, Tamara:
Wow! You certainly do have 'a lot of stuff happening'!
I assume your son's broken arms were 'simple' breaks with no complications and that he's able to cope with the casts. Your father-in-law's fractured skull could have been even more problematic but at least he's recovering, albeit unable to drive for three months, leaving both he and his wife without a means of transportation That may mean that you and/or your husband will be doing some extra driving for the next few months. Other than that, nothing much happening, huh? ;)
The reason many (not all) post-operative AN patients suffer with 'dry eye' and taste issues is due to the fact that the AN is adjacent to other cranial nerves that control or affect facial movement, including the eye. Some patients experience drooling problems because of this and in the most severe cases, facial paralysis, an inability to close the AN-affected eye and/or produce tears that lubricate the eye. Taste problems and even swallowing problems can also occur for the same reason: the nerves that control these functions are compromised or disturbed, either by the encroaching AN or by the surgeon when he operates to remove the AN - or both, as sometimes the AN is heavily involved with these nerves and avoiding them is simply impossible.
I experienced a very mild case of post-op 'dry eye' and still have it, two years post surgery. I had minimal facial weakness but I do have a tiny 'numb' spot on the side of my tongue which was there before the surgery. Prior to surgery, my sense of taste was completely compromised. I lost all interest in eating because of that. Food tasted like cardboard. The good news is that I lost almost 35 unwanted pounds. Post-surgery, my sense of taste returned and food tastes good again. I've also managed to keep my weight where it should be, so I'm pleased about that. :)
As we always say, to the point of becoming a cliché, 'every AN case/patient is different' so you may have a dissimilar experience than I did - or others had. However, as you noticed, 'dry eye' and taste issues are fairly common following AN surgery. I hope you're able to avoid them, Tamara.
I don't have a BAHA so I can't comment on that issue but I do hope your unit comes soon enough to have it implanted during your surgery on June 12th and that you find it useful, as I'm sure you will.
Stay connected and try not to worry too much. You'll have many people praying for and thinking of you in the days to come. :)
Jim
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Tamara~
Good gracious - when it rains, it pours, huh? Things are bad for you, but at least nothing life threatening. I guess it will be good to get it all over with at once!! :o
I don't really remember much of my eating habits after surgery -- I do know that nothing really tasted great and that I was very nauseated for a long time (but I was also pregnant - and then miscarried - result of postponed surgery, already done pre-op, and lots of hours to fill!). I remember Dave getting me Hot'n'Sour soup - probably b/c I thought that it would taste better than other things. I didn't have anything to compare it to or have others' experiences to draw on.
Hope things settle down for you -- will certainly keep you & your family in my prayers!
Peace,
K
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Oh Tamara - what a week you've had! I hope your son is okay. Strangley, my FIL fell the week before my surgery and broke his hip - he is just coming home from rehab tomorrow. When it rains...
In my case, the dry eye is because I have facial "numbness" and my right eye doesn't tear at all. So, I have a veritable cornucopia of eye stuff. However, I am told that this will be temporary. I haven't had any real significant taste issues with the exception of wine and vinegar, both of which taste off to me. Happily, chocolate still tastes great! ;D As a lover of red wine, I am hopeful that that taste will return as my facial issues resolve.
I'll be sending some positive thoughts your way this weekend.
Debbi
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Tamara
My heart goes out to you and family.
One possitive note is that kids heel fast and are capable of learning alternate ways while casted. My son broke his legs in an accident and got around famously on his skateboards. It was amazing.
Are there any resources that you can call upon for you aging in-laws? (i.e. Community bus-visting nurses-visiting volunteers for medical appointments?)
My prayers are with you all. God doesn't give us more than we can handle. He's always there when you need him. Stay strong.
Best Wishes
Claire
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Oh, so sorry, Tamara. What a time you're having. Glad it is nothing more serious, but the timing is pretty awful for you. Hopefully things will stabilize before your upcoming surgery.
About the taste problems after surgery, I wonder if some of it could also be related to the anesthesia...I have not had AN surgery yet, but have had many others (one this week) and my sense of taste is always off for awhile. May just be coincidence, though...But, like Debbi, I can still taste chocolate!
Try to take it easy these next couple of weeks...you know we're all pulling for you and your family,
Cindy
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Tamara -
I know you don't know me, but I saw your post and had to reply. Your family certainly has had more than your share of misfortune this week. Good luck with your surgery and everything else. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Best wishes,
Wendy
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Thanks for the replies! I'll be packing those special eye drops along with the Dawn, I guess, though I've ordered my surgery to be side effect-free ;)
Thanks for the support, and cybershoulders to cry on...we're all feeling better, taking a few deep breaths. My son originally had both arms in long casts, up above the elbows. We gave him a marshmallow fork to eat with. On Friday, he was able to get one of them reduced to a short cast, so now he can bend his elbow and feed himself, so that helps a lot. He's still got a terrific attitude, so that helps too. FIL is still a bit wobbly, but mostly crabby, so I guess that's ok too.
Again, thanks!
Tamara
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Tamara -
You know you're having a bad week when your brain surgery seems like the most normal and uneventful part of it!
Tell everyone in your family to stay put, off pogo sticks and wrap them in bubble wrap. I'm quite sure your son will find very creative ways to get things done until the casts come off. They always do.
Try to avoid any more "excitement" for a little while. I'd say you've got your share already. At least you'll get to take a nice nap once the anaesthesia kicks in. Sounds like you need it!
I'll be praying for a side effect free surgery for you too!
Lori
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Tamara-
Wow, just realized that you are three days away from surgery! I'm sure are in the final stages of getting things in order - just remember to take a little time for yourself. I'll be thinking of you on Thursday, and sending lots of good wishes and prayers your way.
If you can have someone post to let us all know how you are doing, that would be wonderful.
Be peaceful.
Debbi
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What an awful week you had--I'm so sorry for your son and FIL, and that you have so much on your plate right now! As Lori says, how ironic to have your imminent surgery seem almost like an afterthought!
I know you're probably swamped attending to details right now, but I wanted to echo Claire's suggestion that you explore any local resources you can tap into to help your in-laws get around while your husband is busy with you and your kids. Maybe check the front information pages in your local phone book, either for specific resources (ie a community van for seniors) or a senior hotline or council on aging that may be able to point you to them? At the very least, that might be a great number for your husband to keep handy "just in case".
Best wishes for a successful, complication-free surgery Thursday, and healing for your family--you will all be in my thoughts!
Carrie
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Debbi -
thanks for reminding us that Tamara is only 3 days from surgery. Time is just flying.
Good luck, Tamara. Did they ever decide if they are doing just the AN surgery or the AN surgery and the BAHA surgery? I lost track.
Jan
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Hello Tamara
1st I am so sorry FIL fell and fractured his skull, I sure hope he does well and no side effects from it. And when it rains it pours. Sorry about your son breaking both arms. My prayers are with you and your family.
2nd Good luck on your surgery.
3rd I was told it was a nerve that was affected in my case how I don’t know. But they have gotten better. I don’t have to use my eye drops any more as often. At first it was 10, 20 or more times a day. Also the bad taste has gotten better and almost no dry mouth.
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Tamara,
I just realized too that your surgery is only a couple of days away. I'll be thinking of you and crossing everything crossable. You'll be in my prayers. As Debbi said, it would be great if someone can post and let us know how you are doing too.
Wendy
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Thanks, all, for the thoughts and wishes. Yep, I'm getting my bag packed - though I have to say it's much more fun packing for vacation. Oh well. I have my preop appt this morning in half an hour, so after that, I'll be good to go. Mostly, I'm good with it, but sometimes the 2 am demons attack, and I think to myself, "I'm doing WHAT??"
My husband Don will probably be posting Thursday evening. Here's a secret: my name is truly Tamara, and I used it because there was a "Tammy" posting when I joined, but a lot of people call me Tammy or Tam. So if you see a posting with those names, it really is me.
FIL is doing better. My brother-in-law and his family are able to help out more now that they're back from vacation, so that helps. My son is doing really well, and is back to being quite useful, as his right arm just had the small fracture, and now he has some use of it, even though it will remain casted through the end of the month. YAY.
I'll probably post later,
Tamara, or Tammy or Tam
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T/T or T! :) Best wishes and thoughts sent from me to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) Will look for the updates! You're gonna do great!
xo
Phyl
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So, Tamara -
are they going to try to do the BAHA procedure for sure, or just decide when they are doing the other surgery?
Just curious,
Jan
Oh, and tell your husband thanks for agreeing to update us. You know how we worry.
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Hi Tammy
What? You're not having fun packing for surgery? ;) BTW, in case you have any questions on what to take, there is an old thread here with all sorts of suggestions. And please thank your husband for updating us. As Jan said, you know how we worry.
My prayers and best wishes for you.
David
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I guess the BAHA is still backordered, so that won't be on the schedule for Thursday. I can deal with that, I guess. Preop appt went well - dr seems to think I should have very minimal side effects, if any. He mostly advised about the dizziness & vertigo.
Strangely, I scored a 40% word recognition with my "bad" ear, while back in February I scored a whopping 12%. I think the first tech just had poor diction. He also found a conductive hearing loss. I pointed out that I had told him I'd had a hearing loss for probably the last 18 years. He thinks I might have another unrelated condition (which I've forgotten the name of). Regardless, I'd have to address the AN issue, it's just odd.
I did use the "What should I bring to the hospital?" thread to write my packing list, and I'll tell you those dark chocolate M&Ms were the first thing in the bag :D
Hoping to avoid the 2 am demons,
Tam
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I guess the BAHA is still backordered, so that won't be on the schedule for Thursday.
Well, looking at the bright side scheduling another surgery will give you another reason to purchase some dark chocolate M&Ms ;)
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Glad your FIL is doing better, Tammy (you are one of those lucky people whose nickname and full name are equally nice!), and best of luck in your surgery tomorrow.
Hope you will soon find yourself happily in postie-land and on the way to recovery--we are looking forward to updates from your husband!
Carrie
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Hi Tammy -
And don't forget to tell the hospital -NO soup for the first few days!! Even without facial numbness that would be hard to manage!
And, if you're getting the famous "belly tuck" while your'e there, don't forget to bring somethign to wear home from the hospital that won't rub that incision. That incision hurt a whole lot more than my head - probalby because I had no "belly numbness!"
You GO, girl!!!! 8)
Debbi - cheering you on from NJ...
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Thoughts will be with you tomorrow! Will be watching for the updates to let us know it's over and all is well.
cindy
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Hi Tammy,
My thoughts and prayers are with you tomorrow. Soon it will be over with!
I saw my surgeon today, and he said he doesn't do both surgeries at the same time.
BAHA comes later, so maybe it's good that they don't have it in.
My son fell and broke BOTH arms at the same time, also. It was 20 years ago, but he couldn't use either arm for doing anything. In fact, he had to go back in the hospital 2 weeks later to have the one arm re-broken and set again.....it wasn't healing well. All he could do all summer was kick a ball with his feet!!! I'm so glad to hear your son is doing better....and has the limited use of one arm.
I had to even unzip my son's pants for him, to go to the bathroom!! It was so embarrassing for him. He wanted to go back to school, and the principal offered to do that for him, but my son said "NO WAY"!!
Take care, Tammy, and know we are thinking of you.
Lacey
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Just letting you know that Tammy is out of surgery and doing well. She was in surgery for over 7 hours and the removed the growth along with the acoustic nerve and the two balance nerves. Her facial nerve is in pretty good shape although she has a slight paralysis that make her smile like a pirate she should be OK on that front in a few days. Her balance is of course screwed up and she is quite dizzy and has a lot of pain in her jaw and where they made the incision.
I will write more when I know more.
Don
(Tamara's husband)
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Thanks for the quick update, Don. I'm glad to hear Tam is doing okay. Rest, rest, rest, drink some water, and rest. :)
Hope her recovery is smooth and quick.
Steve
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Hi, Don:
7 hours in surgery isn't excessive. This is all good news and we thank you for posting it for our benefit. Please tell Tammy we miss her already and look forward to welcoming her back as a 'postie' (post-operative AN patient). :)
Jim
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Would like to repeat what Steve and Jim have said and add my "well wishes" to your wife. Thanks for posting Don!
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Ditto for me - and THANK YOU for posting, Don! Give Tammy lots of hugs (avoiding the AN side, of course) and tell her that we are all thinking of her. She should feel a bit better each day now. Getting the "bonnet" off in a few days will help, too. Take care of yourself, Don and post when you can.
All the best,
Debbi
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Don -
thanks for the update. Please tell Tammy we are thinking of her and give her our best.
Jan
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Thanks for the update, Don! So glad to hear Tammy is safely out of surgery, that they got the tumor out, and that the prognosis for her facial nerve is good.
Please pass along our best wishes to her for speedy healing, and please take care of yourself, too!
Carrie
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Hang in there Tammy.
Healing happens and it does get better. The 1st 3 month are tough as not only the surgery is hard on the body but so are all the meds they give you. :-\
Be sure to do all that your doctor and physiotherapists tell you to do. ::)
One thing I will talk about is “ poop � (bathroom humor always makes my kids laugh). Know that the bed resting and the painkillers cause constipation … and there is nothing in the recovery stage that we can’t talk about here on the forum.
I hope everything is flowing smoothly for you… keep moving forward…
Healing happens! It does get better…
Daisy Head Mazy
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Hi Don
Thanks for the update on Tammy. Glad to hear things went well. Please say hi to her and know that if either of you has any questions to fire away. And by the way, all of us ANers have been pirates on this ship. It comes with the territory.
Best wishes to you both
David
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Daisy Head Mazy -
good point about "poop". Most doctors recommend stool softeners for a period of time post op to take care of this problem. But it's worth mentioning since not all doctors follow the same protocol.
Jan
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Also eating lots of fruits, vegetable, whole grains will help with the "pooping" - and staying away from meat and cheese which are natural "binders." I am a big fan of stewed prunes (I know, weird, but I love 'em) and ate tons of them for the first few weeks. It helped..
Just remember that each day brings progresss - even if it is slower than most of us would like.
You go, Tammy!
Debbi
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I will echo what others have said. I had my surgery about 5 weeks ago and I'm still healing. She will too, it will just take some time. The facial nerve being ticked off by the treatment is normal and will go away with time. Glad to hear that her surgery was a success. Every day will bring sucess and healing. Just keep at it even when it doesn't seem to help at first. Thanks for the update and stay strong for her. Give her a big huggles for us and tell her we're all thinking of her.
Brian
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Another update on Tammy's surgery. The analysis on the tumor came back and its an Adipose Neuroma not your "usual" acoustic neuroma although I can't say that there is anything usual about an acoustic neuroma ???. The adipose neuroma is very rare and made up from fat cells from what they tell me. Tammy said that this is just her luck to get an oddball tumor of an oddball tumor. The good news is that they have never been known to come back once removed. The bad news is that the tumor was "sticky" :o. Usually the surgeon just sort of peals the tumor of to what it touches. Tammy's surgeon had to cut it off everything it touches.
Tammy's progress since the surgery has been mixed. She had great facial movement coming out of surgery which diminished the next few days due to the facial nerve seeking vengence for having its crib messed with. Yesterday she needed to get her eye taped shut because it wouldn't fully close. This of course is bumming her out. This morning and early afternoon was a low point. She was very nauseous and her shoulder/back was hurting her. I think it was due to having her head turned for 7 hours during the surgery that it just didn't sit right. Tonight she was much improved. They gave her a shot for the nausea (I will take a scotch, thankyou!) because she couldn't keep the pills down. The pain in her back subsided and she thinks that she will forgo the pain meds.
Basically she is just impatient and she thought she would be much further along now even though her doctor told her than the facial nerve would get worse before it got better and she only had surgery 3 days ago for cry, eye, eye.
Just trying to keep her spirits up and hoping of the best.
I will let you know more when I know more
Don
(Tammy's husband - who has to keep making sure to post this or she will torture me)
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Don -
thanks for the update - we'd hate to see you get tortured :o
Sorry to hear that Tammy is having some issues, but ups and downs are very normal during recovery. It sounds like she is making progress though, and that's a good thing. Even though it's hard, patience is absolutely vital.
I've never heard of a Adipose Neuroma - but then again, I'd never heard of an Acoustic Neuroma until I was told I had one. It's wonderful to hear that once this type of tumor is removed it never returns.
I can relate to Tammy's nausea and shoulder/back pain. I experienced these same things. In my case the shoulder/back pain went away before the nausea did. Try to encourage Tammy to eat despite the nausea; she needs to keep her strength up.
Please tell Tammy that we are thinking of her and wishing her the best.
Jan
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Thanks for the update, Don. It took me several to even come out of the anesthic fog and even longer to get my strength up to post on this board. Jan is right; patience on everyone's part is vital. She will be just fine, it will just take some time. We definitely appreciate the updates and don't want to see you tortured. ;)
Brian
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Don:
Appreciate the update on Tammy.
I'm sorry to learn of her problems but overall, it seems as if she's doing O.K. Time does heal and patience is crucial - but sometimes elusive - so we can all cut the lady some slack as she fights to recover after a serious surgery. An Adipose Neuroma is as foreign to me as to you and probably everyone else on this forum. Even so, that it's now been excised is what counts but Tammy sure can lay claim to being unique in this regard. Lucky her.
Give Tammy our wishes for a quick recovery and more patience. We appreciate your messages Don, even when posted under the threat of torture, but we also look forward to having Tamara able to post on her own.
Thanks again for your posting efforts. Now, please go back to keeping Tammy's spirits up - where they belong. :)
Jim
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Don, thanks once again for the update. Please keep them coming -- until of course Tammy is able to post on her own. We miss her. While I didn't have the unusual tumor that she had, I did have the post-op issues that she is dealing with as did others on this forum. Of all things at this point, please ensure that she protects her eye. Is an opthomologist involved?. Please know that we on this forum are a good source of experience. If Tammy is dealing with anything she is unsure of, tell her to ask. And I've never said this before, but she will need you. She has us for support, but from experience, loved ones are the most important source of inspiration.
David
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Hi Don,
In addition to wishing Tammy well, and telling her it will get better, I want to echo what David said, and encourage you too. As her on the spot support, she needs you to stay healthy and well rested as well, so take care of yourself through this. It sounds like she will be having some facial nerve issues, but she will get over the "hit by a truck" effect of surgery shortly, and be recovering at home pretty soon.
Keep up that good sense of humor about it, it always helps. If you need Jim or me to delete that mention of torture before she can see it, just let us know. ;)
Steve
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Don, thanks for the updates on Tammy. And if you don't keep us updated - we might have to torture you as well! :D
I hope she's doing well. It's good to be unique I guess - I think she was just trying to out-do us with her adipose neuroma! Show off! :D
I hope her bad days are behind her and it's just progress from here on in!
Lori
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Don- thanks so much for the Tammy Update (even under multiple threats of torture!)
Tell Tammy to hang in there - the first few days after surgery are filled with so many new sensations (most of them unpleasant) that it is hard not to feel discouraged or afraid at times. The addition of the ticked off facial nerve just adds more stress. As long as the nerve is only pouting, though, this should all be temporary. (Although, tell Tammy that she may need to redifine her own definition of "temporary" - as I have done...)
Just make sure she is keeping her eye really well lubed. And, if she starts to get eye irritation from the bottle drops (which I did), ask if you can go out and purchase some single use drops (NYU Hospital let my hubby do that) as they don't sting at all. My personal favorite is either GenTeal or Refresh Celluvisc Sensitive Gel.
Tell Tammy we are all rooting for her - and each day should get a little better. And, Don, don't forget to take care of yourself!
Debbi
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Tammy said that this is just her luck to get an oddball tumor of an oddball tumor.
I'm sorry Tammy is having some post-surgical unpleasantness, but glad to see she's keeping her sense of humor!
As others have emphasized, she's only a few days out from surgery, where it's easy to feel run over by a truck as well as discouraged about how long that feeling will last. (Every day will bring healing, of course, but healing happens too darn slowly, if you ask me!)
Please tell Tammy to hang in there--we're all rooting for her here. And do take care of yourself too, or that might become another thing we have to torture you for! ;)
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Don,
I had the adhesive type tumor too. :(
Know that if she had facial and eye function when she initially woke up from surgery -that there is much better chance that this will resolve. Most likely she had swelling that could have caused this… and you know that the facial nerve was not snipped or nicked being that she had function once initially conscious from surgery.
When I started to have eye issues, 3 days after surgery, I actually phoned home (Oregon) to my ophthalmologist from the hospital (California) on my cell phone, and ask for his advise one the eye care (After the neurotologists and the neurosurgeons could not agree on the use of tape on the eye.) Remember that the “E� in ENT does not stand for eye. I gooped up with the stuff they gave me at the hospital but as soon as I got home I went straight to and ophthalmologist for help and an exam. (Then I was drugged up and using a walker as I entered his office. Today he saw me, and was so please with my progress as I skipped in for a check up.) Many cringe when they hear that neurotologists are still taping the eye shut. Try to see if you can get her a temporary-eye-weight until the eye function returns. (Personally I wish that neurotologist just kept a supply of these on hand.) Also it is ok to tape under the eye sideways,to reduce the droop (to keep fluid in), – but taping the eyelid shut is controversial.
The stick-on temporary-eye-weight was what was prescribed to me and it worked like a charm… much better than all the drops and goop.
I had to hassle a bit with our health insurance but they finally did reimburse us- for it.
http://www.meddev-corp.com/1%20product/Eyelid%20Closure%20Products/External%20Weights-FAQ.htm
&
http://www.medcompare.com/details/34993/Blinkeze-External-Lid-Weights.html
My balance improved the day I got the eye weight on too. The eye plays an important part with balance.
Icing the incision may help with the pain and the nausea. No more than 12 minutes at time though -as you want to avoid frostbite. I was not offered ice at the hospital- I had to ask for it. It helped me.
You are right about the back pain being related to the positioning- for a long surgery. Also know having to always sleep on the non AN side can strain the back too. Be sure she takes advantage of seeing a physiotherapist (Occupational therapist) before hospital discharge.
I highly recommended the booklets on this page.
https://secure.baxinternet.com/~anausa/for_sale.html
Facial Nerve and Acoustic Neuroma - Possible Damage and Rehabilitation (AN4)
Tips and information for patients who have facial weakness or paralysis after treatment for acoustic neuroma. Includes an explanation of the facial grading system and some exercises that can be performed at home to improve facial tone. Updated: February 2007
Price: $2.00
Eye Care after Acoustic Neuroma Surgery (AN6)
Details on caring for eye problems caused by facial weakness following acoustic neuroma treatment; includes information on corrective procedures and patient managed eye care. Updated: June 2007
Price: $3.00
(the “eye-lid taping� directions etc though needs updating… and they need to add the temporary eye- weight option)
Improving Balance Following Treatment for Acoustic Neuroma (AN8)
Explains the balance system and causes of balance disturbance and offers exercises with easy-to-follow instructions that patients can use to improve balance function. Updated: December 2007
Price: $3.00
The balance booklet has some good neck stretches in it.
The nausea could be from a combination of the trauma of surgery (and inner ear) but also from the pain meds. Hopefully they can give her anti-nausea meds. Once those kick in see if she will drink a high calorie nutritional drink such as “boost� or “ensure�. The hospitals have these. (When you get home know that Carnation Instant breakfast powder, added to milk, has the same nutritional value at a fraction of the cost)
Don- my husband can totally relate to your post and watched this happen to his wife. Hang in there! Our hearts go out to you both. Tell Tammy that it does get better. I clearly remember that stage she is at (as much as I would rather forget)- HUGS to her… and you.
Daisy Head Maizie
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Hey there all,
I'm home, feeling about 50% human again. Now where's the darned grog????
OK, the surgery bites big time, but I guess it's good I dealt with the small sticky guy now, rather than later. I COULD do without the facial palsy, but will definitely be checking into the temporary eye weights. (thanks Daisy)
THANK YOU so much to everyone who posted. Don read the posts off to me last night, and then I read them all myself twice before bed last night. I cannot tell you what a comfort it was. Kind of like all you guys were tucking me in....
My husband and sons have been outstanding, and I look forward to first-rate care here at home, and especially a bed that doesn't adjust itself every time I move. We have been spared the massive flooding that a lot of Wisconsin has had so I intend to go and check out the gardens later.
My housecleaners came yesterday, which I have to say is probably the highlight of this whole experience. I can get used to this!
Again, my heartfelt thanks.
Time to go rest again,
Tam
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Tamara~
So glad you are home and doing well. Isn't that the best feeling to have a clean house and you didn't have to do it??
K
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Tammy-
Wonderful to see your post!!! I am glad you are home. About the only thing that beats a clean house is sleeping in your own bed. That remains a memorable highlight for me in the recovery journey. I still experience a little moment of bliss when I lay down for the night.
Your family and your great attitude (and us, of course!) will get you through the ups and downs of the next few weeks. Just remember to take it easy and listen to your body (as if you will be able to ignore SOME of what it tells you!)
I will keep fingers crossed that your face improves quickly - I know how discouraging that is!
Debbi - sending you a lopsided smile - and lots of healing hugs
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Tamara -
glad that you're home and feeling 1/2 human - the other 1/2 will come in time. Patience, patience :)
I didn't realize you are in Wisconsin, but I'm happy to hear you didn't have major flooding. I got an email earlier today from the WI Tourism office that said that despite the flooding, the Dells are still open for business and that water activities on Lake Delton have been moved to Mirror Lake. Hopefully the tourist industry will be salvaged. Whereabouts are you?
Lay off the grog for a few weeks - it won't really help you feel any better - and don't torture Don - afterall he did an excellent job as your scribe ;)
Stay strong,
Jan
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Wonderful news, I'm glad you are home, you will feel better just being there.
Take it easy, enjoy the hired help, and tell that Don guy he is okay, he can visit us anytime.
Steve
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I concur, its great to see ya post! I'm glad that things are going as well as expected. All this will pass too. You'll be back at em soon enough.. Tell that Dan guy that he can come visit anytime as Steve said. :)
Brian aka Pooter...
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Hey Tammy
Good to see you back. Don was great. Thank him for us, you have a good guy in your court. I think I had somewhat the same thing as you -- a small but sticky thing that caused the nerve to stretch. The first thing you should know if you don't already is make sure you protect your eye. Are you seeing an opthomologist? He did recommend that I take a small sliver of tape and tape it under my eye-lid so my eye closed easier The next thing is your palsy. Patience is a virtue. But I would ask your surgeon about seeing a good facial therapy specialist. I think Jackie Diels is in your area. That is where my surgeon failed me. Had I seen a therapist early on, I don't believe that I would be dealing with two years of synkinesis PT now.
And please do know this, I was at 50% like you six months ago, but I'm at 70% today. Progress is not measured in days or weeks but in months.
My best wishes
David
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Glad your home and typing to all of us so soon. David is right about the healing thing--it can be slow for some of us, so don't expect a rapid return to your old self, that way if it does happen you'll be pleasantly surprised! Give your hubby a hug for me, he did a fine job keeping us informed.
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Tammy -
Good to see you back! 50% human is pretty good. It gets better.
You hubby did do a great job - but I think it was because we scared him when we said we would torture him too! :D
Enjoy the gardens. I'm glad they're not underwater. And definitely enjoy your own bed and your housekeeper! Send her this way when she's done!
Lori