1 week 2 day post op

[Anreverett]

Hello. I am wondering if anyone could share their immediate post op experiences. The last couple days I've had several interesting things arise. I've already ended up in the ER (Drs orders) for vomiting, dizziness and extreme pressure in the back of my head. Today I'm having major issues when I stand up. For about 30 seconds after I stand my head feels like it's going to explode. Sitting and relaxing aren't an option considering I have a 2 year old at home. I have already noticed strength and numbness improvement on my left side but am hoping someone can help me out with their immediate post op experiences and what I should be worried and looking for.

[selmaS]

  That is good.....I am sure your daughter will enjoy the little vacation as well.....

Sounds like you are in not only good but very capable hands.

[Anreverett]

My hubby has been wonderful. He works in a coal mine so he works shifts. This week he's been on daylight so my evenings have been full of help. During the day has been the rough part. My parents are actually taking my daughter for the weekend to give everyone a little break. My parents don't live close or they would definitely be helping out more.

[selmaS]

  Well we have that in common as my MIL is a nurse as well....but my hubby was my nurse and took good care of me....lol....

[Anreverett]

Thank you so much!! I will start keeping track and see if we notice anything. My mother in law is great! I lucked out that's for sure!! Staying with them she makes sure I'm following Drs orders to a T.

[selmaS]

  You are very lucky to have a MIL that is a nurse helping you at this time....have her check your BP to see what changes if any are present.

If you are not familiar with POTS - postural tachycardia syndrome is a condition in which a change from the supine position to an upright position causes an abnormally large increase in heart rate, called tachycardia. It is thought to be a condition of partial dysautonomia, specifically a form of orthostatic intolerance (OI). Several studies show a decrease in cerebral blood flow with systolic and diastolic cerebral blood flow (CBF) velocity decreased 44% and 60%, respectively. People with POTS have problems maintaining homeostasis when changing position, e.g. moving from one chair to another or reaching above their heads. Many also experience symptoms when stationary or even while lying down.
  
Do some research and keep a journal of BP and other symptoms....

[Anreverett]

I go next Thursday May 7th. If I'm still having issues I will be calling my dr before that. I'm seeing his associate to have the staples removed because my NS rotates in my area every several weeks and I have my surgery 2 hours from my home. I'm very lucky to have a NS that this is his specialty and he has a wonderful bedside manner. My mother in law (who we are staying with during my recovery) is a nurse so I will have her take my BP and see if a significant difference. I'm hoping removing the staples will help relieve some of the pressure

[selmaS]

  Do you know how to take your own BP? It would be advisable to take it when you are sitting and again when you stand...a related condition POTS could be a reason for how you feel.....other then a slow CSF leak....which usually is bother some just in changing positions such as from lying down to sitting up....but it can also depend on how large or small a leak it is as to how it affects you.

When do you go back to have your staples/stitches out?

[Anreverett]

I've been home for 6 days. Was in the hospital for 4 before being discharged.

[Anreverett]

Thank you so much for the answers! I still have swelling in the back of my head and neck. I haven't been doing anything in not allowed. My 2 year old is adjusting to mommy not being able to bend over or pick her up but she is still demanding lol. A lot of up and down during the day. My NS called me in a steroid he is hoping will help with the pressure and swelling. I haven't been doing light housework or driving. Mobility is still very limited in my neck. I have been taking the muscle relaxers regular as prescribed but haven't taken the pain meds much because I don't like how I feel on them. I have been rolling on my side and pushing up to sitting before standing. My biggest problem is from sitting to standing I get a very intense headache for about a minute when I first stand. Dizziness is slowly subsiding but if I turn too quickly it gets me. I've been on step restrictions of only down and up once daily which I follow. Tried doing dishes ( just a few glasses and plates) but looking down as hard and lots of pressure.

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

May I ask, when did you get home and what activities have you been doing since you are home?

Weather can play a role in how we feel as well as if we over do things....it takes time to heal from this surgery and we can not go back to doing our daily routines....we need to rest and  listen to our bodies, if you do not feel well it is possible you are doing too much.....


I had surgery 6 yrs ago this May 28th....and I can tell you , you will have balance and dizziness for a while yet it does not go away just bcuz you had surgery....there is inflammation from the surgery which can slow CSF flow as well as the herniation could....so, rest , rest and rest some more.

The only activity you should be doing now is walking and neck exercises approved for post op for this surgery....

[Lottida]

Hi I am 3 1/2 weeks post op.  I never had any dizziness or vomiting.  Do you have any swelling in the back of you head??  I still do, but I bought gel ice pads which help immensely.  I also got off of my pain med & muscle relaxers too soon (on day 8) & had to start taking them again on day 13.  I do find that if I am up moving about most of the day, then the next day is a rather sore day & I end up lying on ice pad/lounging most of the day.  Do you have anyone to help with caring for your 2 yr old??  Daycare maybe??  You are probably doing too much.  I had pressure at the base of head that made my neck & throat sore for most of my 2nd week post op........I realized that I was doing too much (light house chores, driving short distances ect...).  When people tell you to rest, rest & more rest, it is the truth........you will feel much better for it!!!!!  

FYI try to roll on your side & slowly get to sitting position when attempting to get out of bed.  Sit there for a few minutes before standing.  I did have issues with my suboccipital nerve causing bounding headaches during my 2nd week, but that has resolved.  Make sure to look at your pillow daily to make sure that you do not have a CSF leak (it makes a halo effect on pillow).  Hope the remainder of your recovery gets easier!!