Craniotomy/Recovery

[NorCal33]

I may have to undergo a craniotomy (probably suboccipital), but I wanted to get some other reader's thoughts on the recovery period after the surgery.  

How long were you in the hospital? How long did it take to recover and how long was your recovery period (ie 4 months? 1 year?)?  What were the effects of the surgery (ie pain, any reduction in function either physically or mentally)? What was the pain like?  Did anyone use any alternatives to drugs (ie acupuncture?)  I'm scared at the prospect, but it looks like surgery is necessary.  

[jason76]

I underwent a craniotomy to remove a tumor on Dec 12 2007.  When woke the head pain was fairly severe as the morphine wore off, but they were always quick to give me more.  I was out of ICU in about 36 hours and in the hospital for about a week.  After the hospital I was admitted to inpatient rehab.  I can not stress enough how important the rehab was.  I had some difficulty with my memory and problem solving, especially math.
Physically I had problems with my vision, particularly depth perception, as well as balance.  Recovery will be different for everyone, I was in rehab for only one week, they initially thought I would be there for at least two weeks, but I was very determined and focused on doing what the therapists wanted me to do.  I was told that the sooner you start rehab the more effective it will be.  Keep in mind however that the brain may continue healing for 3 to 5 months.  Again, even if you think you are fine, if your doctors suggest rehab therapy, do it.