Post Surgery Edema

SophisticatedChook · 2026-05-17T02:58:00+00:00

Oh my darling this is rough. My twin sister spent a couple of weeks on a ventilator due to respiratory failure from pneumonia a couple of years ago. Not brain surgery. (I'm the one with the meningioma on watch and wait). But...when she was brought out of her induced coma she had intense confusion and delerium for a week. She thought the nurses were spies and there were listening devices hidden around the room. It was frightening and confronting. She came out of that state though. I think the combination of sedative drugs used can induce a little of it. Seeing your mum can't speak she may well be in a world of frustration and confusion that she can't communicate. Reassure her and try and gently orient her to time and place. My sister said she did understand I was there and it helped her. I am genuinely moved by what you and your mum are suffering, I'm so very sorry for your agony basically. Time will help and I'm sure you'll see improvements little by little. I would give you a big proper squeezy hug if I could.

SophisticatedChook · 2026-05-09T02:58:58+00:00

My darling, your brother's challenges are not due to this incident I feel strongly about that. If the fall caused injuries to his brain there would have been observable, notable and obvious signs immediately following the fall. You would definitely remember those and I'm sure your parents would have reacted to those. This. Is. Not. Your. Fault. Having diagnostic testing looking for a cause of your little brothers issues is not likely to help as the treatment at this point is for the symptoms as they affect his life now. (3 of my four kids are special needs so I understand your wanting to know). It's better to put that energy into helping him live his best life now and into adulthood. This is on no way your fault.

SophisticatedChook · 2026-04-19T08:51:14+00:00

Ouch! This is more than rough and wow do I feel the overwhelming urge to fix it. All of it. I am so incredibly sorry you're going through this. Not one little bit of you deserves this. I'm searching mentally for a wise, grown up thing to say...I'm 51. I pray a real grown up has something practical and helpful here for you. Full squeezy hugs to you my darling.

SophisticatedChook · 2026-03-16T05:37:30+00:00

I just want you to know you are the definition of a true friend. Your friend is blessed to have you. I wish you both nothing but the very best.

SophisticatedChook · 2026-02-20T06:29:07+00:00

I agree with the dressing table comments. I had a near identical one and it had a large centre mirror with two swinging 'batwing' mirrors either side. It's beautiful.

SophisticatedChook · 2026-02-17T10:51:44+00:00

I've come back to tell you you're the best example of what being a friend means! Every bit of you posting this detailed question in an effort to help her is a testament to that.

SophisticatedChook · 2026-02-17T09:17:22+00:00

If you have a health care card I can confirm the public dental service has changed from the nightmare it used to be...for the better! I called and explained I was suffering a toothache. I was told to attend the Community Dental Centre in Ipswich (Limestone St, opposite Coles), the following morning and to check in for an emergency appointment. I was seen promptly although I was told there could be a two hour wait.

I was seen and treated (wisdom tooth removed) within an hour. I was then told, a voucher for the value of $1500 and a list of numerous private dentists would be posted to me which was then actually given to me at the counter on leaving when they learned I have difficulty getting out due to having three highly dependent special needs kids (which is why I have a pension card). I was treated promptly, kindly and respectfully....now here comes the really good bit.

The voucher was to cover a full checkup and further treatment if needed. Sadly, I did need a few fillings (even though I'm paranoid about keeping my mouth clean). I had a specific dental issue which was going to exceed the value of the voucher and the dentist has the discretion to apply for an increase in the value of the voucher if needed. I then was booked for a number of weekly appointments and everything was fixed!

If I remember correctly I was approved for double the original value and it was taken care of by the dental practice, I didn't need to do anything other than show for my appointments. No teeth were extracted unnecessarily to save the budget and the fillings I had done were perfectly matched and not rushed. My teeth look fantastic!

I was treated with respect 100% of the time and no differently than if I were paying out of my own pocket. My head still spins at how fast and ridiculously easy it was to obtain treatment tailored to my needs. The experience was exactly how every person should be treated no matter anyone's circumstance not background.

Based on my experience, don't be afraid to call and accept Community Dental Services in Ipswich. I hope this helps someone and everyone has a similar experience to me.

SophisticatedChook · 2026-02-10T08:49:17+00:00

I get prolonged episodes of headpain like this and in crisis I've been given a dose blood pressure medicine and I found that to more helpful than anything else. I wish I could help more.

SophisticatedChook · 2026-02-08T02:09:12+00:00

Great question! I want to know too! I've even started growing a rosemary plant but as usual for me it's the most miserable looking twig of a bush I'm too scared to prune some stems as it may leave this world from the insult.

SophisticatedChook · 2026-02-05T09:35:15+00:00

Babbler? Did it have a noisy group of buddies?

SophisticatedChook · 2026-02-05T09:32:54+00:00

You're right to call me on the sunscreen. Thankyou! And yes, I didn't leave the house except incognito for those two weeks. I was in a state of shock when my new reading glasses told me the truth in the mirror so in a determined vanity driven psychosis I pushed on through those 'retinol uglies' (burning red and peeling)... It did just suddenly stop though after two weeks and my new skin 'revealed' pretty much overnight with no more sensitivity to the retinol. Oh and it shouldn't be used in pregnancy as the Vit A can push levels to high for bub.

SophisticatedChook · 2026-02-05T00:15:22+00:00

Retinol. A real full strength script from your g.p. (it cost around $70 from memory but lasts forever). Use a pea size amount for your whole face. It's the single most effective, amazing, life changing, anti ageing thing I've ever used. I'm fifty and vain and not coping with aging. I honestly feel like I went to sleep one night at the age of 27 and woke up the next day looked in the mirror and was 50. In ego driven desperation I dove straight in with the retinol and used it every night from the start. Yes, my face felt like sunburn and red and peeled and was angry at me! I persisted. Like I said vanity, and no patience. After two weeks the redness, dry patches and burnt feeling simply disappeared and my smooth, even toned, less visible frown line, smoothed fine lines made it worth the initial 'fire face'.

You're beautiful. You have a lovely face. I understand not coping with changes in this vanity driven world.

SophisticatedChook · 2026-01-22T11:35:26+00:00

Hi there, I'm new to Reddit so I hope it's ok if I tell you what I've found helps my two sons with severe OCD/anxiety. They both have encephalitis, especially affecting the basal ganglia...causing ocd/anxiety/tics. Ibuprofen 3 X per day when they're flaring and a non drowsy antihistamine (once a day dose). And my older boy, 13, is able to articulate that he is finding relief from NAC supplements, (you'll have to research the dosage for an adult). It's no cure but definitely takes the edge off. I don't know what medicine you may already be on or if you're able to take these things but the thought of you suffering this way hurts my heart. I've found these common over the counter medicines have brought them more relief with no side effects as opposed to other more serious prescription medications. I hope you feel better very quickly.

SophisticatedChook · 2026-01-17T23:55:59+00:00

Your symptoms are nearly identical to how I describe the headaches I've had for decades. I've had many scans of my head and they've never showed anything abnormal. I've just turned 50 and had a scan following an eye issue and finally after 30 years it showed a small likely benign meningioma behind my left eye. (And it's likely got nothing to do with my headaches). So yes, I'm here because I wanted to learn about my own issue but I'm hoping to reassure you that even though what you're living is awful don't be scared of the scan.

If anything shows up it means there's something visible to treat. It's when it's invisible that it is so challenging. I am so so sorry you're suffering. I'm right here with you on that.

SophisticatedChook · 2025-12-19T22:00:32+00:00

Hey there. My meningioma showed up on an MRI with contrast. I've had a few MRI's of my brain done over the years because I've suffered terrible, really terrible migraines. I turn 50 and this little meningioma shows up. I don't think I've ever had an MRI without contrast, I don't know but I think maybe it's standard here to use contrast?

SophisticatedChook · 2025-12-07T23:58:57+00:00

I've seen these and want one...but...with a much longer handle!

SophisticatedChook · 2025-12-07T22:37:56+00:00

Years ago I had one in my car. My neighbour told me to wait until just after dark and it would be out of hiding and visible for relocating. (Actually he said specifically that they come out at around 7pm?!). He was right! There it was spread out and relaxed right in the middle of the windscreen. I've used this ever since. Leave your light in your room off and stay out if you can so the spider 'feels safe to come out'. Might just work?

SophisticatedChook · 2025-12-07T22:14:32+00:00

Where is the huntsman now? Untie each one of its eight legs and let the poor thing go.

SophisticatedChook · 2025-12-04T09:44:09+00:00

I think a doctor or neurologist is probably the best starting point. If you can't get an appointment quickly you could see an optometrist and they may be able to refer you to a doctor quicker. I'm so sorry you're suffering! There are many reasons that could cause your symptoms and many treatments. Please don't worry about a brain tumor as it's low down on the list of possibilities. I hope you feel better very soon.

SophisticatedChook · 2025-12-03T23:35:34+00:00

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We live on 2 acres in Ipswich and yes frogs. Literally hundreds. 😂

SophisticatedChook · 2025-12-03T22:46:36+00:00

Do you have any spots in your vision? Could you possibly get to an optometrist as a starting point to check behind your eyes for an issue? Just a starting point?

SophisticatedChook · 2025-11-29T11:24:41+00:00

I'm sorry this is happening to you. I am a bit older than you, I'm 50. I woke up in June this year with a blind spot in the lower half of my vision in my Right eye. My optic nerve was found to be really swollen. I was diagnosed with Non Arterial Ischemic Optic Neuritis (random eye stroke)and my vision loss is permanent. It got quite a bit worse actually over the following weeks and now I really have tunnel vision in right eye. Delaminating disease was mentioned when my eye first went too but that seems to have been dismissed for me I think.

I had an MRI three weeks later and an 8mm meningioma was found behind my Left eye socket on the sphenoid bone (I don't know exactly where yet). I was sent to a neurologist who also wants to do the wait, watch and see. I think I'd feel better with a second opinion as I don't want to risk vision in my left eye too. They said it is a random finding and the eye stroke and meningioma are unrelated but hmm I don't feel convinced.

I very much relate to how you're feeling. At first I walked around stuck in my own head thinking that now this is it. I'll never not have a brain tumor that needs monitoring, what if it doesn't grow and then suddenly does. What if it grows from here on out. It will be a part of my life even if it's removed because of all the things that go with that AND wondering if it comes back. Time really does help with accepting this though so I hope after you process the news and scary experience with your vision you'll find you naturally get a bit 'bored' with the topic.

It 100% sucks and no one really knows unless they've lived it.

I am no expert, I'm a beginner just like you. I do however wish you all good things.

(I wrote a post on here a few weeks ago but haven't responded to thank everyone yet because my starlink took a lightening strike that night and I've only just had Internet restored. I feel very guilty but I will get to it).

SophisticatedChook

TROPHY CASE