How many zipperheads?

[Shane99]

I was noticing some threads about people that are scheduled to have decompression surgery and it got me thinking; How many of us already have had it? We should make a list. Oh and by-the-by, the term for people that have had it is "zipperhead". I guess like they refer to people with heart surgery as having a zipper in their chest.

I know of a few;

Shane99 (me)
Lovemygirls (who, by the way is doing fine, but having computer problems)
Sissy

[Dirk_Daring]

I'll be stir crazy way before 5 weeks are done, but I'm going to go really easy and heal for those 5 weeks. First post-op follow-up with my surgeon is this morning.

I'm an active person who works out daily and likes to get up every day and go to work. I'm in great physical shape, and got into even better shape in preparation for the surgery by really cranking up my workouts for the 5 weeks between scheduling surgery and having it. I'd say I was in better shape at 48 before my surgery than I was at 28.

My work load is already planned as "very light" when I get back.

[selmaS]

  Much of how you feel in recovery can also be the meds so be careful....it is also possible for symptoms to return as you heal....so again, take it slow....

Only 5 weeks?...I am not sure that will be enuff....

Do keep us posted on your recovery process and when you go back to work how you do with it at that point post op.

[Dirk_Daring]

Taking 5 weeks off of work and I am planning on relaxing the entire time other than a couple of short walks every day that they told me to take just to expand my lungs. I felt the benefits right in recovery. My legs have felt like they were mildly cramped for the last 5 months, but when I woke up in recovery they felt brand new.

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum and to being a Zipperhead.

Please add your Drs info on our Dr list thread.....

  Glad you are seeing some benefits already...just remember do not over do it at this point as you can suffer set backs,...take your time getting back into daily routines.

[Dirk_Daring]

I became a zipperhead on August 4th 2014.

Had Decompression surgery, a C1 laminectomy, and Duraplasty .

Dr. Michael Stechison was the fine surgeon that did my surgery. Spent 3 days in the hospital, then went home. My legs feel like brand new.

[selmaS]

  Hi the best thing I can tell you is relax...have patience and do not rush to get back to your normal lifestyle.

   Keep positive and us posted : )