how bad is the pain after surgery?

[AmyLeigh155]

I was diagnosed wtih Chiari Malformation Type I just about 2 weeks ago.  We have scheduled surgery with an execellent neurosurgeon for next Wednesday.  I not only have the extension of the cerebellar tonsils, but alos have syringohydromyelia.  I am pretty nervous about surgery, but is seems simply enough...if you are a neurosurgeon.  

What is the typical pain reaction after surgery, if anyone would like to let me know.  This was a shocking diagnosis at first, but totally makes sense.  I only became really symptomatic about 2 months ago, but realize other problems I have had all these years have been because of the Chiari.

Thanks to all

Amy

[selmaS]

Hi...I wouldn
t go out and buy one....I didn't want to take a shower in the begining bcuz I didn't want the water to hit me in the head...I am short......and it's a given that would happen no matter how I adjusted the shower head..so I took baths, and I needed help in and out.......my DH washed my hair ay the kitchen sink which worked better for me......but everyone is different.

If ur DH is tall and would be able to adjust the showerhead, and is having balance and dizziness then by all means get the shower chair....oh and make sure it is smaller than the tub....I got one for a diff surgery and it caused so much water outside the tub I had to stop using it.

I think we have a list started for what to take to the hospital and I believe it includes what is needed at home as well...I'll look for it and PMu the link.

"selma"

[jorlex137]

I had brain surgery for something different and learned I needed J&J Baby Shampoo to wash my hair, which I personally wanted to do!  I had the water pressure down and did fine.  I had 42 staples and the scalp was tender!  
But they did a great job with pain management.

When people ask you what you need.  Ask for a errand runner.  If you do not get your meds at the hospital but your going to get them at your local pharmacy, I suggest you have one person taking you home while the other is doing the drug run at pharmacy.  

I slept A LOT!!!  Everyone is different, but sleeping through it worked great!  I just stayed on the couch and slept, when I'd wake I would wash movies that people loaned me.  

Also this may not apply because of my surgery site, but I hated eating thing that required a lot of chewing at first.  It hurt my head.  

This was just me having brain surgery but was along side of my head.  

[mama2twobabies]

I wouldn't get a shower seat, but a handheld shower head is a good idea.  He can take a shower without getting his head/stitches/staples wet.  Also, I bought the bath wipes for bed-bound people so that when I didn't feel like getting in tub/shower, I could still feel clean(er).  Also, I needed lots of applesauce--different flavors made good variety.  Button up pajama shirts are a good idea too.  Just a side note for the hospital:  I got really hot in the hospital room, even with the thermostat down all the way, so I had a little tabletop fan brought in by a family member so I could stay cool.  Getting hot while being stuck in a hospital room/bed is not fun!  Good luck to your hubs!

[jorlex137]

I forgot about the button up shirts!!  That was a big deal for me as well!!!  Good one!

[majerus33]

sweet..button up pj's is a can do!!! I will get on that right away. I have a friend making some beanie hats for him so he doesnt freak out the kids..lol. Did anyone use these or does it hurt the incision? they are hand knitted and i asked for them to be oober soft

[selmaS]

I would imagine if it is loose enuff it should be fine....all depends on the dr and how they have the head wrapped.....I had an ace like bandage wrapped around my head that looked like I don't know and my hair spouting out the top like a volcano...lol....

Of course that was while in the hospital and then they took the ace bandage off.......and with all my hair on top...I wouldn't have been able to wear a beanie.


Yes and the fact that the hospital was warmer than I expected...could have been the meds...so do bring a lighter PJ and a warm one just in case he is cold.....I only had warmer ones and had to send my DD to the hospital's little store for lighter PJs.

ear plugs was on our list bcuz of the noise at night.....the staff seems to feel it is the middle of the day...and noise with chiari don't mix.

I also had facial wipes and hand lotion.

Hardcandies ...very good!

CD player.....and earphones.....I wasn't into having the TV on ....when there is more than 1 in a room the other may have theors on and I can not stand 2 diff TV's on at once....so the cd player worked well...I even had audio books.( bring in after he is in a regular room)