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

[daisy68]

I am at 4 weeks post op today!  My surgery went very well....I was in ICU for 24 hours and then a private room for 3 days.  I had terrible pain in my head and honestly was scared to death to change sides in the bed because of the pain..but, it was manageable on the pain meds.  I walked the 2nd day...and for the most part did really well.  I drove at 3 weeks and every day of that third week (this past week) is when I have seen the greatest improvement.  ALL of my other symptoms are gone. Thank God! I have incisional pain, and places in my head that feels like fluid is rushing too (especially inthe middle of the night) - I do not sleep well, I think because of the meds, and it hurts at night.  I own a small business, and even though I have a great staff, there are some things that only I can do ( or some clients that only deal with me) - so, I am back at work, but, by 2 I am exhausted ...it is from sitting up for so long.  My recovery is so much better than my daughter was.  She had her first decompression surgery at the age of 7 and it took about 6  weeks for her to stop vomitting post surgery....after her most recent surgery at the age of 8 on Oct. 1, 2008, she vomitted for two weeks, however, once it stopped she started improving and was back at school for half days at 6 weeks.  I thought that since I am 40, it would take me much longer,  but, I think I have tough skin, or else, it is just that I had to get up.  I was in bed for the first few days except for going to the bathroom....until about 4-5 days and then I was moving around better, but, always felt better moving.  I had my mom stay during the day to help me with my children for a week.  I have a follow up tomorrow for a soft spot that I have that hurts.....I will have to post a picture of my hair....so, you can see what it looks like for women for those of you curious. I was worried about the 'hair' thing, but, it grows so fast...that it is amazing...they hardly shaved any...because I had my hair shorter in the back - really stacked right before my surgery....and longer in the front so that it would be easier maintenance and it was!  God bless all of you.

[Hursty48]

Wow and thankyou so much. Yes it is all different stories (much like childbirth in the sense that its all the same yet different experiences - sorry Shane you cant share that one!) It is really comforting to hear how you felt immediately afterward and what you could/could not do - the level of pain afterward - walking and moving about and heaven forbid - working!!!! AND..............best of all everyone of you feels sore but better.!
Oh Daisy68 - I have been thinking about my hair and it being shaved up the back. Its so fine and not much of it - I dont think it will cover the shaved bits as I have struggled all my life to grow hair on my head! When I have photos done I pull it all to the front and leave nothing at the back - I might shave it all off so I'm not doing a "comb over".
Sending warm and healing thoughts to you all everyday and well done to you all - never mind the doctor's skills............you are all the brave hearts!
x Sue

[Shane99]

Yeah, I'm okay with missing out on the whole childbirth thing. :)

I think it's kinda funny that all the women I've talked to have worried about their hair. Getting ready to have your brains operated on and you are worried about how your hair looks? :D

I know, I know, Y'all have been worrying over you hair for a loooong time, but it's still kinda funny, ya gotta admit!

Okay, this is who we have so far - am I missing anyone?

Shane99 (me)
Lovemygirls
Sissy
Rachael (Youngwife's daughter)
Neicy11
Sherimom's son
Daisy68

[Hursty48]

Lol - I hadnt thought of it like that before - brain surgery and we ARE worried about our hair!!! Yes it is funny (weird?) I do admit!

[poohscorner68]

Hi everyone!
  After reading through all this I had to chuckle, as my BIGGEST worry has been my hair!  I am new to all of this, only being diagnosed a few weeks ago, but the thing I have feared the most is having my head shaved.  My hubby said that if I had to, he would to, and that just started the ball rolling, am up to about 10 other people who have pledged to have a 'buzz cut' so I won't feel so awkward.   I know from what I have read, it is up to the individual surgeon how much hair they shave, but I have such thick, coarse hair (that is getting grayer and grayer) that has a strange growth pattern as it is,  that I think shaving the whole head and starting over would be my best bet.??.        It's funny tho, with all the modern advances of medicine I worry MORE about my hair than about someone cutting INTO my skull!

Tracy

[kgrex6440]

Hi! I'm about 7 months out of surgery and I have to admit that hair was one of my concerns too and my dad said the same thing. He was shocked when I said that I was scared people would laugh at me for missing some hair. That wasn't the case, most people thinks its cool that I had brain surgery.  My NS only shaved a section on the back of my head you couldn't/can't even tell that my hair was shaved because the top covers it!   My hair still hasn't completely grown back though and when I put my hair up for softball you can see it sticking out. Its a great conversation starter, though!