Post OP headaches, tingling some numbness around the incision???

[Gorham]

I had my surgery on Oct 26th. I stayed in the hospital 3 days. I was able to sleep 2 days at home easily. By day 3 (Wednesday) at home I was fighting everything, sleep, headaches, constipation and my meds weren't working. They sent me home with Hyrdocondone for pain and Cyclobenzaprine for a muscle relaxer. By Friday I had a call into my Dr. for a medication change. I went on to Oxycodone which seem to help for pain and Methocarbamol for muscle relaxer. I was actually able to sleep last night in a elevated position. Sleeping seems to be very uncomfortable. I am experiencing some very horrible pressure headaches. This morning I couldn't even see. I wanted it dark I explained to my husband I was in horrible pain I took a 500mg Tylenol and had a cup of coffee. Within 45 min of waking up it was suddenly gone??? The headache was above my eyes, and the right side of my head. This has been a very long recovery. Any information of what helped you with your recovery would be great. I am a mother of a 6yr old little girl who wants her momma back.

[Nellan12]

Hi and welcome!!! Elisa & Selma have given you the best advice...rest .rest. Rest !!!! I had my decompression 2 yrs to the day from your on oct. 26,2012 they sent me home after 3 day, I was on the Hyrdocondone,around the clock for 2 weeks especially the first week my husband even put an alarm clock on over night to stay on top of the meds..by the second week we start to extend the time from every 4 hrs to 6 but I did spend most the time in bed...sleeping will help you heal faster..it took me 3 weeks to actually be able to get up on my feet and resume some what of a normal life...I am not saying this to discourage you but just to let you know that ..it takes a little time but it will get better :) please take you time it will get better

[selmaS]

  Hi  and  welcome  to  the  Chiari  forum,

  I  have  to  Ditto  your  surgery  was  just  a week  ago....and for  you  to  be  upset  that  this  recovery  is  a  long  one.,...hang  on  tight  as  you  have  just  begun.....healing can take a  long  time  in  fact  the  nerves  will continue  to heal  over  the  next  2  yrs....
What  you  do  during  your  recovery  may  affect  it.,,so  do  not  rush  to  get  back  to  your "normal" life....I  understand  you  have  a child,  but  she  is  old  enuff  to understand  you are  in  pain  and it  will  take  time....the  longer  you  allow  yourself  to heal  the  better  it  will  go  for  you.

Not all  pain meds  work  for  all  of  us  and you  may  find  that  the meds  are  part  of  the  issues  you  are  having....take stool  softeners  as  the  drugs  and  meds  used  for surgery  will  block us  up....and you  do  not  want  to  strain post op.

Make  sure  ALL  related  conditions  were  ruled out so  they  are  not  what  is  causing  you issues...

It  is  possible to have  other  issues  crop  up  or  become  noticeable  post op...just  take  your  time,  rest, rest  and rest  some  more.

[Elisaandbucky]

Your surgery was just days ago, actually a week. Your recovery will respond to your life style. Being a mother is pretty demanding when you are ill. I am like you in that way. Most of the symptoms you had before your surgery will lessen; however, your recovery really depends on rest to let your incision heal. I hope you have help with some of the physical things you must do. Be very careful not to strain yourself in any way. I am sending good wishes to you right now. and letting you know that you are not alone. This forum is a very supportive and encouraging place to be.