Acm

[Honnabees]

I am having acm decompression surgery on the 13th of this month.  Can someone fill me in on the first few days and what to expect.

[linnielou232]

It does all depends on what you are having done.  For me I was in ICU for 3 days then in a regular room for 2 then home.  Some suggest to prepare meals ahead of time so you don't have to worry about cooking.  I had a wonderful hubby who loves to cook. :)  When you 1st come home you do want to get a lot of rest and also avoid any lifting, bending , pulling.  It does put a toll on your body, as he nurses told me before discharged.  "Baby steps".  Also if you have family that would like to help please don't resitate to ask them.  For me my family was a great support and they took good care of me.  One big item that I had a home was a shower chair which helped taking showers so much nicer.  You will be in my prayers on the day of your surgery.  Think of better days ahead.

Linda :)

[Viva001]

My NS said that I'd be in the hospital 2-3 days, no ICU.  I suppose the big rush to get people out of the hospital is the pressure to keep costs down.  I'll be staying in a hotel nearby if I don't feel ready to go home.
I had a laminectomy (same NS) 12 yr ago, and from that experience I can tell you that housework kills you!  I think I didn't put the vacuum away for a yr, because I would use it for only 5 min at a time.

If you can round up or pay for help, now is the time to do it.   We're going to use paper plates this time around.  I can't believe it's going to be next Wed, already!

[Honnabees]

They r removing c1 and I have a syrinx.  It is a true specialist.

[champ40]

Hi there,
I had decompression surgery 6 months ago and am doing very well. I had a 4CM tonsillar herniation so I had a dupraplasty and a laminectomy of both C1 and C2.  If I could give any advice to you it is this.....do NOTHING at least the first 2 weeks of your recovery.  I'm a Mom and really don't know how to sit still, but I rushed trying to do simple things around the house and ended up paying for it.  Simple things like emptying the dishwasher can set you back.  So, don't feel bad, allow others to wait on you, sit in a comfy spot and recover.

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

Viv is right u have to talk with ur NS as they all do things a little diff and that will affect what u will experience compared to someone else...and even that even with the same Dr, ur experience will always be diff bcuz u r diff and how ur body reacts to the meds and the surgery itself will be diff....

In general there r things u can expect,but again it depends on what ur dr is planning...do u know if u r having ur dura opened, and getting a dura plasty? a Laminectomy? Did ur Dr say how much hair he saves?

Do u have a true chiari specialist? Were all related conditions ruled out?
Sleep apnea,disk issues, syrinx,ICP, tethered cord, ehlers-danlos?

It is important to know if u have ne of these related issues b4 u have surgery as it can affect how u feel and heal post op.

[Viva001]

I am also having surgery 6/13.  Did you ask your dr what to expect?