I had gamma knife done on September 21, 2010.........it was a tuesday and I was back to work on Monday. I am very sensitive to narcotics....which they give you some for the head frame.......I only had half the dose, but it made me very nauseous. I had no pain with putting the headframe on, the whole procedure and everything leading up to it is painless. Even after they took the headframe off and while taking it off, no pain!!! When I looked in the mirror after getting home, I was surprised how small the marks were. They didn't bruise much and almost no swelling.....didn't even need aspirin for it. I was feeling nauseous, and I am such a baby when I feel nauseous, for a few days, I was tired and slept alot. I believe the nausea is just something that I get from medication........anytime I have anything done.........dentist, minor surgery I am always nauseous. So I would say this is not common for most people. My first Mri was done at 3 months, and it had swelled, which of course caused some problems, but I never missed work, and I work at least 45 hours a week, on my feet. I have just went back in and had another mri done at 6 months, it has stayed the same, and looks like some possible decrease in the center from the last one. This is really good news. I do take decadron........not everyone needs the steroids, but they really do help with the side effects from the swelling. I wish you luck, and can tell you I would go with gamma knife again.......honestly, I was most afraid of the headframe, piece of cake for me. I can tell you that the people on this board are so helpful........I am always researching things so this is definitely the right place to come.
