I have to admit I had been paralyzed with fear for 6 weeks after being diagnosed with falcine mengioma that 4 opinions later said needed to be removed with a crainiotomy. Diagnosed Halloween, surgery second week in December. In the ER (I was not that sick but went so I might have some immediate information as I was having some occular irregularities that were not the least painful but just wierd) they told me I had what looked liked a mengioma but probably could be zapped forever with a Gamma Knife. Muscled way into getting general practioner and MRI. The other opinions said it was too big and I was too young for ray this to be best treatment. I mourned and moved on.
Okay, so my biggest regret is that I worried and wasted too much life worrying about something that is was doable, not exactly pleasant, but clearly not the defining moment in my life. My surgeon recommended angiogram/embolization the day before then the removal. I was so scared of the embolization (1% risk of stroke), but it was painless and helped the folks realized what they were dealing with ahead of time and I had NO SIDE EFFECTS at all. It also showed a big blood supply that was related to my eye that helped with the tumor removal.
The next day, the tumor was removed, I woke up easily, and it was over. I was able to walk and eat lightly after both the embolization and tumor removal. The pathology came back benign a week later, I forced myself out of bed and practiced walking a half hour per day in the hospital when I felt like it. They come in to do a quick neurological checks as others posted, but I found it comforting to have some reasurring attention. My tumor ended up being bigger than they said, but my only side effects were being revved up on the steriods, and a little intemittent numbness in my foot and hand which is probably a side effect of laying about for a few days as well as the powerful steriods.
I'm writing this as my first post and probably last post ever cause I wish I could have read it ahead of it and not wasted my time worrying. What got me through in the waiting part was trying to eat right, keeping a schedule for working despite having 3 young children cause it seemed hopeful and structured, listening to what were reallly obvious hypnosis tapes but really worked that I found on Amazon but made me give up some control, accepting prayer and happy thoughts from everyone in the world, and not keeping this a big dark secret in case I really needed assistance. I also went to accupuncture, which as you may know does not have proven medical gains, but reduced headache, worrying, and made me feel like I was actually doing something positive while wating. Giving up control and going with a surgeon who had done these often, was clear to begin with, and had a decent follow up plan was also comforting. I am in reasonable health--a little chubby, overworked, traveling husband , so its not like I am some kind of health machine. I am 44 with my youngest being 3 and in my still steroid sleep wierdness, I keep having a reoccuring dream that I will live to 105 like my grandfather.
Finally, yes I had 38 staples in my head (Can't really see them and truthfully, you should have some kind of scar after something sooooo big). Did not shave head in any form cause I wanted to see what might be left. Covers with a headband. No hurt taking them the staples off and I was get off painkillers. Got a little acne that cleared up immediately after using my tweeny daughters clearasil. The meds are constipating,so it is important to follow a good med regime and eat regularly and take the meds they tell you. I am on antiseizure drugs for a month and weaning off steriods which give you superhuman energy and a certain degree of obnoxiousness and sleep problems. No seizures and I do not have any reason that this will start up. I'm trying to use my energy if for good and clean out the scary amount of clutter in the house and find my decisiveness regarding what to throw out amusing. I need some help just with my kids,but they have all become a little more independent. I am also exercsing by taking a simple walk in hope it evens out the sleep thing eventutually. Well, and that's why I'm writing my first little blog at 3am hee hee.
Oh,and winter time is a great time to heal.....
Hey, I hope this does not sound braggy but there is so much negative out there, i wanted to have a happy story of recovery and putting things behind you. I was reading the same things over and over. It is liberating to make a decision and just go. I hope my story is helpful, good luck, God bless, think positive. Mamaof3
Okay, so my biggest regret is that I worried and wasted too much life worrying about something that is was doable, not exactly pleasant, but clearly not the defining moment in my life. My surgeon recommended angiogram/embolization the day before then the removal. I was so scared of the embolization (1% risk of stroke), but it was painless and helped the folks realized what they were dealing with ahead of time and I had NO SIDE EFFECTS at all. It also showed a big blood supply that was related to my eye that helped with the tumor removal.
The next day, the tumor was removed, I woke up easily, and it was over. I was able to walk and eat lightly after both the embolization and tumor removal. The pathology came back benign a week later, I forced myself out of bed and practiced walking a half hour per day in the hospital when I felt like it. They come in to do a quick neurological checks as others posted, but I found it comforting to have some reasurring attention. My tumor ended up being bigger than they said, but my only side effects were being revved up on the steriods, and a little intemittent numbness in my foot and hand which is probably a side effect of laying about for a few days as well as the powerful steriods.
I'm writing this as my first post and probably last post ever cause I wish I could have read it ahead of it and not wasted my time worrying. What got me through in the waiting part was trying to eat right, keeping a schedule for working despite having 3 young children cause it seemed hopeful and structured, listening to what were reallly obvious hypnosis tapes but really worked that I found on Amazon but made me give up some control, accepting prayer and happy thoughts from everyone in the world, and not keeping this a big dark secret in case I really needed assistance. I also went to accupuncture, which as you may know does not have proven medical gains, but reduced headache, worrying, and made me feel like I was actually doing something positive while wating. Giving up control and going with a surgeon who had done these often, was clear to begin with, and had a decent follow up plan was also comforting. I am in reasonable health--a little chubby, overworked, traveling husband , so its not like I am some kind of health machine. I am 44 with my youngest being 3 and in my still steroid sleep wierdness, I keep having a reoccuring dream that I will live to 105 like my grandfather.
Finally, yes I had 38 staples in my head (Can't really see them and truthfully, you should have some kind of scar after something sooooo big). Did not shave head in any form cause I wanted to see what might be left. Covers with a headband. No hurt taking them the staples off and I was get off painkillers. Got a little acne that cleared up immediately after using my tweeny daughters clearasil. The meds are constipating,so it is important to follow a good med regime and eat regularly and take the meds they tell you. I am on antiseizure drugs for a month and weaning off steriods which give you superhuman energy and a certain degree of obnoxiousness and sleep problems. No seizures and I do not have any reason that this will start up. I'm trying to use my energy if for good and clean out the scary amount of clutter in the house and find my decisiveness regarding what to throw out amusing. I need some help just with my kids,but they have all become a little more independent. I am also exercsing by taking a simple walk in hope it evens out the sleep thing eventutually. Well, and that's why I'm writing my first little blog at 3am hee hee.
Oh,and winter time is a great time to heal.....
Hey, I hope this does not sound braggy but there is so much negative out there, i wanted to have a happy story of recovery and putting things behind you. I was reading the same things over and over. It is liberating to make a decision and just go. I hope my story is helpful, good luck, God bless, think positive. Mamaof3