I am back, somewhat

[RichB57]

Hi Rivergirl,

I had my AN removed at Mass General on April 20 and just got back to work yesterday.  I was starting to worry when I was not really seeing much improvement in my head feeling like I was in a complete fog at about 4 weeks post-op, but things got better.  Getting out and walking in my neighborhood really helped.  I always seemed to feel better late in the day when I had gone for walks, than on days that I didn't walk.  Hang in there, things will improve!

[james e]

Enjoy the rehab! I looked forward to it and learned a lot about how my eyes are KEY to my balancing. Rest is big-time important, but go to the PT and it will help you get back on your feet full time...then you can  rest. Recover is a LONG term process, so don't look for rapid improvement. You just have to keep after it!

James

[SML]

Hey Rivergirl,
Congrats on being a postie! Go easy on yourself and please don't over do. Thing do get better with time… including the taste buds. Patience is the key word here! So… rest, sleep, VPT, rest and sleep some more!

Scarlett

[LisaP]

Hi Cindy,

I try to keep checking in to see how you are doing.  Hope therapy goes well. Take it day by day and keep posting and leting us know how your progress is going.  I bet you are glad that the surgery is over.  Where you pleased with Dr. McKenna and the care you had at Mass General?


LisaP

[Rivergirl]

McKenna and Martusa were very good, their bedside manner was excellent, they came by everyday and they were encouraging and concerned about any complaints.  I had one intern that was amazing, he actually was responsible for getting me moving otherwise I think I would still be there.  Couldn't have asked for better care.  Just wish i was all recovered, have a dam hematoma on my incision since surgery that is painful and extremely slow to resolve and I have a numb left side torso that also causes back spasms otherwise I would be great.

[MZB475]

just finding out about your surgery...am the Greater Boston support group "den mother" (the Lisa P of Boston).  Wishing you daily recovery and good health. keep up the great spirit! Prayers and hope. Laura B

[moe]

Just a friendly hi to see how your recovery is progressing.
Baby steps may still be in order. Walk as much as you can!
Moe

[LisaP]

Hi,

Glad to hear that things are going ok, if I have to have surgery, I plan on going with Dr. McKenna, but if I choose radiation, I plan to have it done at BSMC in Springfield.  My next MRI is in Oct. so we will see hoping to W&W for another year.

Please write often so we all know how you are doing.

Best wishes,

LisaP

[Rivergirl]

Still have pain along the incision and swelling that really isn't moving, hard to sleep unless on my left side, and headaches especially in the morning.  Vestibular therapy going well, I am also going to the pool a lot and working out in there.  I have this weird other thing, my left back torso has been numb since surgery, seriously you could take my kidney out and I would not feel it.  Well now along with the numbness, it feels the nerve endings are raw, even clothing  causes pain, I may go see my PCP just to see what he thinks.  I did some research on line and this happens after surgery and may not ever come back, it would suck if it stayed like this.  Otherwise half of my days are good so guess that is progress.  Enough complaining from me today.

[ombrerose4]

You just had surgery, so feel free to complain as much as you want! As you know we all heal differently, but it sounds like you are coming along. I couldn't sleep on my AN side for over 10 months. You should definitely see your PCP regarding that numbness you are having along your back. I have never heard of that in regard to surgery. The nerve pain you are describing sounds like shingles, which 3 members of my family had. Extremely painful and hard to wera clothes, just like you described. Check it out and let us know. Have a good day:)

[Rivergirl]

Thanks for the words of encouragement.  Had a nice phone call from Kathy MacDonald, she made me laugh and brightened my day

[LisaP]

Hi,

Sounds like things are going ok, weird about you tourso, this AN thing is baffling.  Kathy is great, she continues to W&W like me.  Hope you continue to progress, please keep updating on your progress.

LisaP

[Rivergirl]

Just an update, I am going back to work on Monday, I will limit to 20 hours a week for a couple and then back to full time.  I still have swelling, numbness, and pain but McKenna says that all can take months maybe a year to settle down so I might as well heal at work.  So I hope it goes well, I know I will be tired so it won't be unexpected.  I just need to get into my routine again, think that may help a great deal.  So 5 weeks 6 days of recovery and I rejoin the world......thats not too bad.

[Jim Scott]

Rivergirl ~

Thanks for the update.  It's encouraging to learn that you're returning to work.  Doing so on a part-time basis as a bridge to full time seems wise and usually proves successful.  Returning to work at just under six weeks post-op is excellent.  Because you anticipate being fatigued, you can prepare for it - and work around it.  In my experience, I found that returning to familiar routines aided my feeling of regaining normalcy and encouraged me to forge ahead with my recovery.  I hope you'll have a similar experience. 

Jim

[LisaP]

Hi,

Good luck going back to work and god bless you on your recovery.  Let us know how you do.

LisaP