Surgery date 10-10

[bikerchic]

Hi everybody,

I haven't posted for a while.  My surgery date is this Wednesday.  I am a little nervous but it's not too bad yet. 

I have a question.  Does anyone work shift work?  I was wondering how  long it takes to get back to swing shift.  I work 12 1/2hr. swing shifts now.  I will be able to go back to work on day shift doing paperwork when I get the ok to do so.  My husband also works the same shift at the same place so I  know I will be anxious to get back on shift so we have more time off together. 

I just found out that two other women at work have also had AN's.  One was off of work for a few months the other one has problems with her thought process and hasn't returned to work and that's been a year and a half.  I'm hoping to be back sooner than later.
 

[linnilue]

Good Luck Bikerchic,  As you can see from your coworkers, you cannot predict your recovery timetable.  But you can listen to your body and let it tell you what to do or what not to do and believe me, that brain of yours will put you in bed whether you like it or not.  The brain likes to rest, alot after surgery.  So take your time and recover at your own speed.  I wish you well.  Holly 

[Boppie]

Hi bikerchic, I don't know the type of work you do but multi tasking seems to bring the most noticeable problems immediately post op.  I think a month or two might bring you enough recovery to get back in.  A whole year seems long for having trouble with the job unless there are complications with the early recovery period or the surgery itself. 

Every patient is different and every AN is different.  Think positvely and map out a decent length recovery period with lots of good sleep and frequent short walks.  Be patient in the first few weeks and your recovery will bring good benefits in healing your body and nerves.  Don't let anybody rush you.  Rest.

[Brendalu]

Bikerchic,

I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.  Everyone's timetable is different.  Don't rush your recovery, the brain takes time and you need to give yourself whatever your brain tells you it needs.  You will have time off with your husband and he can take care of you!  Pretty soon you'll be a "postie"!

Brendalu

[leapyrtwins]

Good luck with your surgery.

I'll keep you in my prayers.  You'll be a postie before you know it.

Jan
 

[cookiesecond]

You are in my thoughts and prayers for a sucessful, un eventful surgery and recovery!Your determination to get back in the swing of things will bring you through however, I agree with the other posts that we have to listen to our bodies as each one of us has different needs.Allow others to pamper you for awhile . A good support system is very important during this journey.
Take care and have someone keep us posted,
Lynn

[nancyann]

Sending out positive thoughts to you on your journey.

[Obita]

Good luck bikerchic!!

Life is good on the other side - see you there soon!

Kathy

[satman]

Someone told me that for every hour of surgery, you will be down a week.
seems to be true in my case.
my prayers are with you, and dont worry about the surgery, thats the easy part.

[HeadCase2]

bikerchic,
  Good luck on your surgery and recovery.  As far as returning to work, many find that when you return to work it can be exhausting.  I came home from work and just went to bed the first few weeks.  You may find 12 & 1/2 hour shifts to be tough at first.   After surgery, particulaly if your vestibular nerve is cut, your mind can work overtime as it adjusts and compensates for the different vestibular input.  Which means that you will tire more easily for a while.   Depending on how soon you return to work, you may want to consider having a backup plan where your shifts would be shorter at first.
  Waiting for treatment can be the stressful, but you'll soon be a postee.
Regards,
 Rob

[bikerchic]

Thanks everbody for responding.

I will listen to what my body tells me to do.  It is great to have the support of this site.  I will post again when I come home.  Surgery is less than 24 hrs away and I still have to pack.  At least I will have the added benefit of going to physical therapy when I am up for it for my rib injury.  The girls I see have told me they will incorperate balance moves along with the strengthening moves I will need.

Thanks again,
Mel 

[hendi51]

Good luck with your surgery and I hope you have a fast recovery. You are in my prayers.

[Joef]

Take it slow ...... at 3 weeks ,  I was happy just to walk around the house! (I was on a walker for 2 weeks)

after 9 weeks I worked a full day (8 hours plus an hour drive each way!, but I was not driving, and did not drive for serval months) .. came home.. and went to bed within 1/2 hour .. and I did that for several weeks!

but it does get better.. after 6 months I was back to normal .. after 1 year.. I was better than I have been in years... I did not realize it, but I think the tumor was draining me of energy for a long time. or at least I was spending to much energy to keep my balance...

and today, 2 years later -- I kayak/fish on the weekends! -- its been a long recovery -- but life has returned to normal

[oHIo]

Best of luck Bikerchic for a smooth surgery and speedy recovery. 

[Jim Scott]

Hi, bikerchic:

By the time you get around to reading this message you'll be a 'postie' (post-operative AN patient), so, congratulations!

I pray that you came through the surgery just fine and that your recovery is rapid and total.    Let us know how you're doing.

Jim