cinnamon/LisaAs a AN 'survivor' (
who had a 4.5 cm tumor surgically removed just about 6 weeks ago from this posting)[/color] I can sympathize with your apprehensions and second thoughts, pre-surgery. We all go through this, I suppose.. .it's the fear of the unknown. Oh, we trust our neurosurgeon and know we
have to have the tumor removed...but, but, it's
'what if' this - and
'what if' that, I know. Been there, done that. I was very concerned about being 'worse' after the surgery than before - in terms of facial paralysis, eye problems, etc. I explained all my fears to my neurosurgeon and he was quite reassuring on all counts without sugar-coating the seriousness of the operation. He said that most of those things never happen to a majority of his AN patients (but no guarantees, of course). He also stated that my general good health and positive attitude going into the operation was a major factor for insuring a 'good outcome'. At some point, I had to let the
'what if's go - and just
do it- a big decision that I do not regret and never will.
The operation went beautifully - no complications. I was out of the hospital in barely 5 days and now (some 6 weeks post-op) I'm driving again and getting back into my old routine. Of course, not everyone has an identical outcome but AN surgery has improved to the point where with nerve monitoring (as my surgeon used) and pre-op MRI scans to very precisely locate the tumor, it all adds up to much less operating-room trauma for most AN patients. Having an experienced neurosurgeon with lots of AN removal operations under his belt, as it were, is also crucial to a successful surgery and uncomplicated recovery. Fortunately, there are a growing number of such AN-experienced neurosurgeons around the country...not just in one city or medical center. I had the best one in my state and he did a remarkable job. I couldn't have asked for better care.
You'll have a 'good outcome' Lisa, I'm sure. Don't let the
'what if's get you down.
As for taking a bunch of things to the hospital: I suggest that you don't bother. I packed P.J.'s and underwear that I never unpacked as I spent 4 days in a 'johnnycoat' (hospital 'gown') in ICU - where I just slept most of the time (day and night) - as I needed it. You
will want a toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss (if you use it). I had my wife with me (or nearby) most of the time and she was my advocate as well as my link to the 'real world'...which a hospital room definitely is not! My reading time (and interest) was minimal but some easy-to-read
'People'-type magazines are probably a good idea. I wore the same (casual) clothes I came in with when I went home (from the hospital). I suggest you not 'dress up' too much when you come into the hospital (at 5 am, who cares?) and prepare to not be as concerned as much as usual about your appearance as usual when you first arrive home. Naps and regaining your balance will be your major concern, not your hairdo.
You'll probably sleep a lot the first few days post-op (in the hospital - and at home) as the surgery takes a lot out of you...at least, it did to me. You'll not have much energy for about 10 days post-op until your body rests and recuperates from the long surgery and , the hospital drugs (we all get them),the effects of the anesthesia wear off and your body can adjust back to normal. Having help of some kind (spouse, relatives, passers-by, whatever) is always recommended, at least, early on in your recovery. I felt pretty good about 2 weeks post-op and within a short time I was eating out with my family,going to movies, etc. Now, 6 weeks post-op, I'm driving again and playing miniature golf on weekends. Life is good.
EDIT:
I sent Thank-You notes to the ICU staff...as well as the food service lady in ICU who was extra-nice about getting me what I asked for. JS (7/12/06)
