Resting at home

[Tod]

14 days post-completion of surgery and I am now finally home resting. Beats the heck out of the hospital. I will probably stay on the first floor a couple of days first before attempting the stairs.

Despite the long, long surgery, and the associated wounds and bedsores, I have healed quite nicely. An advantage being at a med school and a daily briefing case. Also true for having various teams to assist in other areas of recovery...I go back Weds for some vocal cord injections to restore my voice and ability to drink normal liquids.

[Jim Scott]

Tod ~

Let me the first here to celebrate your return home.  I know you had a hard experience but as you noted, you're doing remarkably well and finally on your way back to normalcy.  May I say it?  Welcome home! 

Jim

[epc1970]

YAY TOD! You are home! Make sure to rest alot and do what your docs tell you to do. Take care and keep us posted on how you are doing.
Erin

[sgerrard]

Tod,

You are confusing me. You spend 32 hours in surgery, 14 days in the hospital, have wounds and bedsores, and apparently you can't talk or drink normal liquids. And yet somehow you sound pretty cheerful. I find that admirable, and I'm sure your positive attitude is going to get you back on your feet.

I agree, the second floor can wait, enjoy being at home on the first floor for a while.

Best wishes and more power to you as you recover.

Steve

[moe]

Tod,
Just posted on the thread where you were in the hospital, so glad to see you are HOME. There's no place like home, there's no place like home.
Hopefully you have some one spoiling you, and encouraging you to move, walk, rest, etc.
Will be interesting to hear more about the vocal cord issues. I guess from 32 hours with a tube down your throat that could do it. I was thinking stroke, but now I've changed my mind. (I love trying to diagnose)!
Hopefully your bed sores aren't too bad, just something that can be fixed with that sticky duoderm type stuff (home health nurse here- I've seen my share).
PM me if you need advice on those sores! I'm sure they are about gone, if you are walking and moving.
Keep up the great recovery.
Maureen

[Cheryl R]

Plus maybe some Elastogel to boot!        This could probably be considered just a nurses post.           LOL!
                                                Cheryl R
     

[sues1953]

Hi Tod

I just read your new post.  So you went from ICU to home?  So glad you are doing OK.  We need to start a "Tod the survivor" or "the slaughter of Bob" thread for you so we can all keep up. 

Rest and Heal,  God Bless You 

Sue in Michigan

[Wwoodian]

Yay!  Doesn't home feel so great!!  Hang in there with your further recovery--it does take awhile.  Don't get frustrated, and come to the forum to find answers!  Best to you,
Jill

[LisaP]

Tod,

Click those heels together, there is no place like home, there is no place like home......I too am confused, can you go over your surgery, ect.  I am still W&W and it sounds like your surgery and outcome was difficult.  If you can, I would like more info.

thanks

LisaP

[leapyrtwins]

Tod -

glad to see you are home and keeping a positive attitude.

You deserve a medal for what you've been through. 

Don't worry about the 2nd floor - my surgery was only 7 1/2 hours and I didn't climb the stairs to the 2nd floor of my house until at least 2 weeks post op.

Take it easy.  Rest and rejuvenate. 

Jan

[Tod]

There is nothing to be confused about...I am simply an unusual case with a large tumor wrapped around my brainstem. It was an apparent mess., quite sticky and bloody.

Anyhow, 28 hours of actual surgery, 32 hours in position, followed by two weeks in ICU, one night in a regular room, and then home.

Vocal cords damage  & facial nerve weakness on the left side, treatment for that tomorrow and removal of my sutures. Hopefully I will have a voice back tomorrow and a return to normal swallowing. We'll see.

Always remember that each case is different. I am lucky to have dedicated and talented docs that worked on me.

Each day is a new success. Made it up the stairs five times yesterday. twice around the cul de sac. It is not easy, and I have lost significant muscle-mass, but life is good.

Does this help?

tod

[Tod]

Also, let me add, despite everything that occurred, my outcomes are about exactly what i expected them to be.  Intellectually, at least. The physical reality has been disconcerting at times.

[epc1970]

Tod
I totally understand what you mean when you say that intellectually your outcome is what you expected but physically is a whole other story. You have a wonderful attitude and the body has amazing capabilities to heal. I also went straight from ICU to home so it is not completely out of the realm of normalcy-as you said Tod each of us and our circumstances are different. Frankly, the fact that you are even functioning after 32 hours of surgery is a testament to your strength and ability to heal!
Erin

[Debbi]

The physical reality has been disconcerting at times.

  I am guessing that is an understatement!  Bravo for you - you've had a hell of a journey and yet you are still managing to find things to smile about.

Debbi

[moe]

Tod, Considering your surgery was mid February, I'd say you are doing rather EXCELLENT! Amazing that your facial nerve is still intact-sounds miraculous actually.
I too had a vascular tumor,wrapped around the brain stem. Lost 2 pints of blood, unfortunately lost my facial nerve connection
 But there was no stroke so all was good
  Shortness of breath from the anemia was a big symptom for me. (I refused blood transfusion).
Anyway, keep up the positive CAN DO attitude, continue resting, walking, drinking (what you can )
You'll make it
Maureen