Back in GA after Translab

[cindyj]

Hi ALL!!!

Boy, I hope everyone is ok!  Have missed being here, but my eye just is not cooperating enough for me to read and/or type for any length of time.  I had so wanted to chronicle my little adventure like so many of you other posties did, but just couldn't seem to do it...

Anyway, I made it home on Wed and am feeling much more like "me" now...the new me, I guess.  I am assuming things will continue to change in my head for awhile, so I'm not too concerned about how strange things feel in my head and ear right now.  Whoever described it as like a tennis ball in the head, was exactly right!  The SSD is not as bad in some ways as I was expecting, but in other ways, it is more annoying than I was expecting.  Again, I assume this will all change somewhat over the next few weeks/months, so I'll hold off judging til later.

My energy is coming back pretty quickly, I think.  I'm down to a nap in the morning and one in the afternoon which is a huge difference from just last week when I could barely get off the bed in the hotel room!

Wonky head is in full force, however!  Know this will take time, but this and my dry eye are my biggest complaint, if I can still  complain awhile...My face is starting to tingle at times, so I suppose the facial nerve is trying to correct itself.  Definitely have the pirate smile going!  But, I know I am very fortunate to be doing as well as I am.  As I think I mentioned in my first post back (no telling what I said in that one), I have been walking without assistance from the very beginning and never feel like I'm in danger of falling.  However, I did get on my Wii Fit last night and found out very quickly that my balance is indeed VERY off!  I will start doing some of the excercises/games on there next week, hopefully.

Well, anyway, I just wanted to say "hi" and let you know I'm doing well.  I do hope to write up something with more details about my days in the hospital at some point - in hopes of helping the pre-posties out there.  All of the surgical accounts out here helped me so much as I was laying in the hospital - I knew that everything I was going through was normal and many, many of you had been in the exact same spot and made it through beautifully.

Once again, thanks to ALL of you here for all your support this year and throughout my hospital stay.  And another big thanks to David and Mathilda for taking time to meet with me prior to surgery - it meant so much to us...and a HUGE super thank you to my wonderful tour guide, Nancy!  She made my trip to LA one that I will remember as special in so many ways having nothing in the world to do with surgery!

Hugs to you all,

Cindy

[Kaybo]

Cindy~
Glad you are back home safe & sound and doing well!

K

[sgerrard]

Hi Cindy,

Welcome back! It is great that you are over the fatigue, and can participate in the daily activities now. As you know, it is one day at a time for a while. From other posts, I gather there are various milestones, including the 3 week wall, the 6 week wall, etc. where it seems like recovery has stopped, but then it picks up again. Be a patient patient!

Take your time on the big blog, we would like to have it, but your own recovery comes first. It does sound like the LA reception is really good, I wonder if they can keep that up all the time? Best wishes to you,

Steve

[JerseyGirl2]

Cindy,

Welcome home -- sounds as though you're coming along just fine! Keep up the good progress, but don't overdo.

Catherine (JerseyGirl2)

[wendysig]

Cindy,
Gllad to hear you are home and doing well.  Being as active as you are comfortable  being is a good idea, but don't push too hard.   I look forward to reading about your progress in the coming weeks.  In the meantime, now htat you're home I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Best wishes for a speedy and uneventul recovery,
Wendy

[Debbi]

Welcome home, Cindy!  It sounds like you are doing great - even with your new "altered reality."  It does take some time to get used to how the world feels and sounds post surgery - give yourself time and don't overdo it!

Debbi

[NL]

Hey Cindy!

So glad to see you posting from the comfort of your own home! I'm glad your energy is starting to come back - just remember that sometimes it's hard to judge how much you have - or "don't" have.

I'm so happy the "tour" helped you come home with images of LA beyond the view from St. Vincent's. (Which isn't bad from a west-facing room.)   

Looking forward to hearing more when you're able. Please say hello to your mom & Brad, too.

Take care and have a wonderful Thanksgiving -  I hope Brad's cooking this year!

Nancy

[MAlegant]

Welcome home Cindy and congratulations on what sounds like a good recovery.  Take it easy on yourself.
Best,
Marci

[Omaschwannoma]

.....Rising up on the balls of feet, clicking heels together three times

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME, THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME!

Welcome back, so very happy for you!  Enjoy your life and the new you! 

[Captain Deb]

Welcome home, Cindy--there ain't no place like it!  Glad you made it through surgery with flying colors and no big bugaboos.  Dr Rick is the best! And a real cutie too, n'est, pas?
So rest up, heal, and let someone else overcook the turkey this year!

Big Hugs,

Capt Deb

[cindyj]

Thanks everyone! 

Well, I'm seeing what you all mean about watching out for the fatigue...today I have done nothing but nap and eat - amazing to me.  But, I'm going to try to just not fight it.  Steve, I'll be watching for those "walls" you mention as well.

Brad thinks my eye is working a bit better, but I can't tell any change.   And while my mouth still isn't working right, I am managing to stuff plenty of food in there

Cindy

[GRACE1]

Welcome home from 1 Georgia peach to another.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Grace

[Debbi]

Eating is a good sign!  My mouth still doesn't work right, but that doesn't stop me from eating most things (except sandwiches ...)

Debbi, sending you good thoughts

[Jim Scott]

Hi, Cindy:

Great to learn that you're home and that your recovery seems to be moving right along, although its never as fast as we would like!  I suspect you'll regain your balance and that the other issues will subside in time, as they usually do.  I've long maintained that AN patients recuperate faster at home than in the hospital, but I assume that's a fairly common belief.  The increase in your stamina is also encourging but don't be lulled into assuming you can immediately do eveything you used to do.  Pace yourself.  I'm pleased to learn that the forums have been such a help to you, Cindy.  That's their purpose. 

I hope you'll have a pleasant Thanksgiving and we look forward to your posts, whenever and in whatever form is convenient for you. 

Jim

[MKLady]

Cindy,

It is so good to hear from  you.  I'm glad you are back in Georgia.  THere is no place like home.  Rest, rest, rest.  I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Susan