One Week post op Middle Fossa

[Vivian B.]

Hi Denise,

I am glad that surgery is over for you. All the best in a speedy recovery.

Vivian

[Denise S]

Ugh, thought I better mention I did another post on the blog today.  Having more issues of spinal, etc. and had another dr. appt.

Between 3 doctors discussions they have decided to send me for full body MRI of brain all the way down to bottom of spine.    The surgery part is healing good now, but the other pains in my body are crazy.

After talking with another fellow ANer here and discussed more on NF2, I did a bit of research, then called dr. to ask about it.  He did say yes, that is one other reason they want to due the full MRI, but the chances are pretty slim.

So, It is sceduled Monday, please keep me in your prayers and thoughts and hopefully it's just a simple issue.  I was told before I had a mild Chiari Malformation, but it wasn't too concerning.  This MRI willl check over that good to.

Too young to have all this going on.   Will try to keep the blog updated.

Thanks everyone once again for prayers, thoughts, etc.
Denise Sanford

[CHD63]

Denise .....

You are going through so much right now.  Glad you are having the big MRI next week for some answers.

Prayers that your pain will be relieved!

Clarice

[Jim Scott]

Denise ~

I'm so sorry to learn of these continuing, escalating problems you're experiencing.  I hope the upcoming MRI will help your doctors get to the cause of your pain and not find anything serious. 

You'll continue to be my prayers and the prayers of many.   

Jim

[epc1970]

Denise
I have been following your recovery thru your blog and I am SO sorry you are having such a tough time. I am happy to hear that you will have a scan on Monday to see if they can figure out what is going on. Hang in there Denise....you are such a trooper.
Erin

[newmommyLA]

Denise,
I'm so sorry to hear bout all this additional stress and suffering you are experiencing after your surgery.  I found myself totally overwhelmed just from AN surgery alone and after all you're going through, you still sound very strong.  I admire your courage and I will be praying for good results on your MRI.  You are one tough lady with a great big heart.

Amy

[Denise S]

Amy, I actually tried to call and talk to you today.  Seems like we are both going through plenty of stuff after our surgeries.   

I'm not really strong, but the doctors put me on valium because of the facial swelling and oddness I got over this past weekend.  Plus I'm on pain meds.   I don't like pills, but I'm assuming it's only for a short time.   The valium truley is helping with my anxiety worries, and getting some sleep (cause the steroids are strong insomnia things), and with the facial muscle stuff.   Trust me, I was in so much pain, I was at the very bottom of my rope.   Luckily I have an awesome husband to get me taken care of.  Plus the doctors have worked well together.   

I do have a big heart though    Oh yeah, I have a big head too!  They said my surgery took longer than planned due to getting through my thick skull......hahaha

[Kate B]

Hi Denise,

I just finished reading your blog. Wow, you have detailed your experience completely. Well one thing is for certain...there are many factors interconnected and interrelated in your case.

It sounds like there are some improvements over the past week in some areas and some seemed to increase.

I am hopeful for you as all of the pieces come together with your meds and time.

All the best,
Kate

[moe]

Wow Denise,
I too just read your blog. What a whirlwind, I'm glad the Valium is helping.
You are in my prayers for a normal MRI and just to feel better, dangit!
Enjoy a quiet Thanksgiving (hah- with 2 boys?)
Things will get better. Try not to over worry. (I know, easier said than done) 
Maureen

[Denise S]

I'm sorry that I may have sounded more negative a bit eariler.  It think everything was hitting me emotionally last night.   I've tried to be stronger and say it's o.k.    My husband is a great support, but ya know there are still a couple who have to say, "oh, you're fine.....it will be all better in a week or so"     One of them reads my blog and tends to enjoy it, but makes me feel like I'm going overboard or something.        That is why I like this site because there is so much true support!!   Thank you.     Thanks to those who comment on the blog too, that lets others see that it isn't just me, things like this happen to others and it can be out of our control.

O.K., I think I got my rest and I know these meds are driving me crazy, but I can't say thank you enough for everyones help, etc.

I will not be going to the family Thanksgiving dinner because it is so large, and too much noises are still bugging me.   I had a a cat scan done on Friday that shows I do have some brain swelling, etc.  Plus the other issues we are not even sure what it is right now.   I will enjoy being home in quiet (my husband has to work....bummer), but my inlaws willl take the boys and they can enjoy their time.

This process has also made me do things I never do.......due to the holiday break and half days of school for the kids, I've been calling people and asking them to help out with the boys.   I'm pretty much a stay at home, always involved mom and don't do that.   Well, they don't need to be around me while dealing with some pain, side effects from AN stuff, and some ot the loopyness from meds.   

Thanks again everyone........My special Thanks for this years Thanksgiving is God, but this site and you people come right near the top too!!!!!!

Denise

[leapyrtwins]

Denise -

recovery from AN surgery brings good days and bad days; ups and downs.  You are still in the early stages of your recovery, so try to remember that things take time.

I know how difficult it is to ask others for help, I've always been very independent and hate to "burden" others, but you are definitely on the right track asking your in-laws and others to help you out; especially with your children.  You'll find that many people will be more than happy to assist you if you just ask.

Jan

[Denise S]

Thanks Jan, you are right.  There are lots of people willing to assist.  Of course it is just the type of person I am.....must be too independent     Trust me though, I've totally broke free of lots of that this week.   I am taking care of myself and not worrying about the rest of it.        Just wish I could get some sleep.   I'm tapering the steroids now, and they gave me valium due to the anxiety, insomnia, and muscle issues in my face.   Well, I don't think it helps with the insomnia.        

Also, I know there is the up and down.   I hope it's o.k. that I maybe have vented here some.  It's so nice to find people who understand.      I have one of those family people who just don't get it or something and act like it's no big deal (makes ya hurt inside).

Jan, thanks again for your comments on posts.

[leapyrtwins]

Venting is always acceptable here - very therapeutic.

[epc1970]

Denise
Many of my family members were very much the same way. I was told at one point to "suck it up that no one likes it when someone is playing the victim". This was when like you I was barely out of the hospital! Along the way I started to not care what people said cause none of them have every had brain surgery! I know that you will find your way as welll but it does hurt along the way. I hope you enjoy your quiet Thanksgiving-I'm glad that you are taking this day for yourself. I also understand the anxiety thing-probably for the first week or so I was terribly anxious and I had a fairly uneventful recovery and did not have to deal with ongoing issues. I don't know if it is a coinicidence but mine anxiety started to ebb around the same time that I was tapering off the Decadron  . Enjoy your quiet Thanksgiving Denise-indulge in what ever make you feel good!
Erin

[Denise S]

Erin, thanks 

Ya know I think the valium they have me on is helping me 'control' and relax with the anxieties.

My husband would stay home with me, but he actually has to work.   He works in the oil & gas fields here and ya know that stuff goes everyday.

As for my boys 9 1/2 & 11, I want them to be with the family and have fun.

Just the timing of the surgery..................MUST be better by Christmas though