Hi....we do have several pages in the Health Pages that might be of help- the one most important to u right now- tips for the hospital stay-
http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Neurological%20Disorders/Tips-for-the-Hospital-Stay/show/1136?cid=186
Take a look at a few journals...click on my name and name of other members to go to their profile page and journal...I have pics and my story of my surgery...it may be helpful to u to read a few.
Many times those that have good results go on and do not bother with forums....how sad, they need to let the newbies know what they went thru and how they r doing....pay it forward...share what u learned from those b4 u....regardless of how ur surgery went.
My chiari surgery went well....I had no set backs...no leak, or infection....and my CSF flow was opened...that was the goal...and I have no developed a syrinx...my biggest goal...so I am very happy.
Many of my bigger more problematic symptoms r gone...or have lessened over time....and that is what we all must do, give it time...go slow...do not expect it to work like a light switch.,..and do not expect to be cured...
Some may develop other issues...set backs...and many times it can have a direct link to who the NS is or how experienced they r....do ur homework ask questions and when u find the right dr u will know.....
As for ur hair...if ur dr said just a strip...take a look at mine...I was told a strip as well...the dr does not do the shaving...lol...but it does grow back...I left mine long and was able to hide my scar with pulling my other hair into a pony tail...I also wore a hat...u do not want the sun to hit the scar....so I was sure to keep it covered in the summer....each dr does things diff...so u really have to ask them the best way to do things after.....
I was told no washing the hair for 6 weeks, but I had glue and sterri strips....yuck....but it was good and clean b4 I went and I got my DH to wash the top....we just did not touch the scar area...lol...
And for what to do in the hospital....make sure u have money to buy items from the deli...I needed food that the hospital could not give....my reflux was flaring up from all the meds and I was being offered tomato sauce covered chicken,...so, since there was nothing on the menu, I sent DH to the deli and got a turkey sandwich...which was perfect for me.
I also did not pay to have the TV turned on or the phone...as I was out of state, and the phone would have been toll calls...and I did not think I would need to talk to neone, plus I have a cell phone....and no TV...I was still sensitive to sound and light...and the roommate had a TV on...I could not deal with 2....so, it was easier for me...no TV and I saved some money....
I would have likes earplugs...it was noisy...the staff at night act like it is the middle of the day.....
The rest of the items r on the page I gave u the link to.....
Now as for being nervous, that is normal...if u weren't I'd be scared for u....again read my journal, u will see I was scared too : )
Please keep us posted
"selma"