4 weeks post op

[pmorr]

I am extremely nauseous and agitated daily.  Do most people experience this?  I had this daily for the last month leading up to my surgery, and have had it daily since.  I was given zofran, than, and phergrem. nothing works.  I am supposed to return to work in two weeks.  any ideas as to when it will stop, or any advice as to meds?  don't feel like returning to work will be possible.

[selmaS]

  Hi....we are all different as to what symptoms we have during our recovery....generally around 3 months post op some of the regular symptoms you had prior to surgery may return as the nerves begin to heal.....the symptoms should not be as strong or last as long as b4....but it is not uncommon to have some symptoms return as we continue with recovery.

Some symptoms may return if we do too much....so if you do not feel up to ALL your duties at work when you do return, ask for a modified work schedule as well as light duties.....

Did you have GI issues b4 surgery?

[pmorr]

I am 4 weeks and 4 days post up from decompression.  I was 11mm herniated and have a sryinx.  I had my C-1 shaved, my tonsils cauterized, and my own dura harvested.  I work at a very busy middle school.  I am the school secretary, but pretty much do it all from finding students that are roaming  instead of being in class, to letting people in that are locked out on the other side, being the school nurse, unsticking stuck lockers and holding up buses for students that have to run back in for something.  I run around 50% of the time I am there. I am not on any pain meds.    I am easily fatigued.  I find I can move around for about two hours before I need to rest again.  My NS will not prescribe anything for my anxiety though I have been told it is a normal post op symptom and that could be worsening my nausea symptoms.  Some say brain surgey is considered a traumatic brain injury, and post traumatic stress disorder is very common after what we all have experienced. He gave me 2mg of Valium and said that would help with the muscle spasms I was having at first.  he only gave me 10 pills so that is long gone.  Others say Valium helped them, some say it is not fast acting enough and the dosage he gave is too low.  just makes me sleepy.  I am not familiar enough with drugs to even suggest something else to him.  I just need to start having a stretch of time or days where I feel okay enough that I feel confident that I can return to work.  Not knowing is causing me more anxiety. then nausea.  Is any of this what post decompression is supposed to feel like?

[Elisaandbucky]

Nausea, I think, can be the most frightening thing to deal with when you think about places you have to go (back to work). As Selma asks above, I wonder what type of work you are returning to. Can your surgeon recommend that you remain in recovery longer? Can some aspect of your wok be completed at home where at least you can be more comfortable? The thing that sometimes helps me cope with nausea is to chew on soft ginger candy (or, of course, drink ginger ale). But the real thing you are dealing with is the uncertainty of how you will feel when you have to go back into where others are. There must be a lot to be agitated over with that. I feel compassion for you, as my nausea is the thing that daunts me the most. I am petrified of throwing up in public. I really do hope that your surgeon can give you more compassionate care. Ask straight out, "what can I do to alleviate this?" Rest to know that you are not alone and that you have found a safe place to seek comfort and understanding.

[grungema3]

Nausea and agitation can be caused by severe anxiety. I'm not a doc, I only know because I've had it. However, as I have learned the hard way, you must go to your doc and be very, very assertive. You need help and answers NOW not the 'see how it goes' mantra. I don't know what surgery you had but could you not return to your surgeon and explain what's happening? They have to eliminate all physical 'maybes' . If it's still happening they'll have to think again, not you. You're the customer! They've trained for years, it's their responsibility! Good Luck

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

I am so sorry to hear you continue to feel poorly post op.....I am surprised to hear you are scheduled to return to work at 6 weeks post op, that is early...may I ask what type of job you have?

Since you had the nausea b4 surgery and continue to have it, it may be that the swelling has yet to go down...this can take time...we are all different.
Did you have related conditions ruled out? Syringomyelia, tethered cord, POTS, ICP, CCI, Sleep apnea, ehlers-danlos?

Being agitated can be a result of not feeling well...are you off all pain meds?

I did not have nausea like that....what did your Dr say? Did you have a post op MRI? Mine was at 1 yr post op, but some will do it sooner if someone is having issues....