Kimbo's update from Translab surgery 17/5.

[kimbo]

Hi Folks

I am finally home  , 8 days post op and relieved to be on the other side of treatment. 

I required surgery because I had developed major balance issues pre surgery after being in Watch and Wait for nearly three years.  I was getting around with a walking stick for 3 months prior to Translabyrinth surgery 8am 17th May. I returned to a normal ward at 5:30pm but my surgery was only 5 hours long; they kept me in recovery for an extended period to avoid an overnight stay in ICU.  The doctors said they removed the 1.2 cm tumour and it was adherent on the facial nerve but they managed to leave it intact;  I was very happy with the report.  The first 2-3 days I suffered double vision and severe vomiting which was pretty awful but I do remember someone on the Forum saying the first 3days don’t count so that made it easier to accept.  I progressed well after that and they released me from hospital on Mon 23rd May; the trip home (5hrs) was not pretty, I felt like I was on a roller coaster the whole way, I don’t want to get in a car for another few days yet.  I am walking slowly but without the stick, I feel pressure and tightness over the wound site and I have wonky head and of course I am SSD (it is not really noticeable).  I have full sensation on the right side of my face but it has weakness and my tinnitus has not changed.  Really I feel pretty good and I am extremely pleased with my progress and most grateful for the surgical team that looked after me.  My family and friends have given me untold support, I feel really blessed.  It has been an extraordinary journey one that I will take away knowing that I have a wonderful family and friends and that your health is your biggest asset. 
Regards
Kimbo
Thank you to the Forum for the wisdom and support that it provides.

[CHD63]

Hi Kimbo .....

It sounds like we had similar situations and surgeries within the past two weeks!  So glad you are doing well.  I did not have to do the balance compensation again, since I went through all of that three years ago ..... but I can empathize with the double vision and roller coaster feeling that I had last time.  It truly does get better rather quickly so hope that is the case for you!

Thoughts and prayers.  Clarice

[jaylogs]

Welcome to postie land!  As you have no doubt heard....listen to your body, rest when you need to and take your meds if you need them.  You'll be up and about in no time! Keep us posted!
Jay

[HJY]

Hi Kimbo,
Congrats on doing so well! It does get better and better! I'm six months post and as I read your post I found myself thinking "Oh yeh - I remember that"! Yet it really is a distant memory!  Hard to believe when you are fresh out of surgery but it will get so much better!
All the best from a fellow Aussie over here in WA!
Take care,
Heather

[Rivergirl]

I feel for you, I think recovery is not so easy.  I am always one to bounce back fast but this is slow.  I too have that swelling tightness etc over the top of my incision, it is painful which it would resolve.  I could not imagine getting in the car for a 5 hour drive, you are a trooper for that!! Well hope your recovery goes real well and we are both back to our normal selves in no time.

[kimbo]

Hi folks

I am posting from hospital (discovered they have free laptop service) this is my 3rd admission to hospital since having Translab surgery 17th May and I have had 4 operations in total; I am running out of puff.  I was going quite well in my recovery from the original surgery but developed a CSF leak at 8 weeks post op.  I went to hospital and had successful surgery to repair the leak; it then leaked from the wound and I needed the wound site over stitched to stop the second leak.  Discharged ready for recovery phase again.  I did not feel well over the next few weeks, I was constantly tired, I had a major swelling on the side of my head which gave me constant headaches.  At my 1 month checkup after the second surgery the doctor was very concerned at the amount of swelling I had saying it was a collection of CSF; I didn't get to go home he admitted me to hospital to try and sought out the swelling issues.  They tried a pressure dressing over the site for 5 days which didn't work so then the Dr said more surgery.  They drained the site and inserted more belly fat into the site hoping to seal any spaces.  This surgery was mostly successful but the doctor was still concerned that the site was still swollen.  I then had a lumbar drain inserted for 5 days which will be removed tomorrow and I had more surgery to put an extra drain directly from the surgery site to drain the residual CSF.  I am in hospital for another few days to monitor if the drain procedures have worked and I can go home.  How do I feel? I feel apprehensive that the swelling might come back but I am trying to be positive which is hard after 3 months.  I still deem the original surgery a major success; I have very little facial issues, I am fairly used the the SSD, my balance is pretty OK but hard to tell because with the swelling it was affected more than usual and I feel blessed with a successful surgery.  Without the complication I believe I would be really good.  I hope when I get discharged I can get back to the job of regaining my strength and returning to work; my paid sick leave runs out in a month. It has been quite a journey.

Kimbo

[CHD63]

Oh Kimbo .....

So sorry you have had to deal with a series of CSF leaks since your original AN surgery!  Not fair.

Praying that all will now be well and you can complete the recovery from surgery.

Many thoughts and prayers.

Clarice

[Kaybo]

Kimbo~

What an ordeal that you have been thru!! Let's hope that they got everything taken care of this time & you are on your way to a wonderful recovery.

Good thoughts & lots of prayers coming your way!

K 

PS - I could handle TWO fat harvests...just sayin' 

[Jim Scott]

Kimbo ~

I'm so sorry to learn of these CSF leaks that are delaying your full recovery.  I hope this is the end of that road for you.  However, I'm delighted to learn that, otherwise, the surgery went well and you expect a full recovery.  I just hope that it will begin for you, soon! 

Jim

[Grateful_1]

Kimbo,

I love your positive attitude!  Having been through several CSF leak issues myself, I know that remaining positive through it all is very important.  It really does get better eventually.  Take care!