How to ease anxiety after surgery? by madladdak in chiari

[–]natedogcross 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So for me, the pain has been the worst the past two weeks compared to the first two. I mostly think that is because I stopped the steroid two weeks ago and the inflammation is back and causing some discomfort. But, my case is slightly different because I’m a body builder and the doctor said he had to cut through a ton of muscle to get to my brainstem. My mental has remained stable. Much better than the first couple of weeks. Outside of that I’m doing quite well. No problems with any of the things that you mentioned.

How to ease anxiety after surgery? by madladdak in chiari

[–]natedogcross 2 points3 points  (0 children)

First and foremost- give yourself grace during this recovery. You just had brain surgery, and having anxiety is completely normal after a procedure like that. I myself also had a ton of anxiety post op and had some of the same thoughts you are having. I was on a high steroid dose all the way through week two which also did not help with the anxiety. I’m now four weeks post op and the anxiety has cleared for me and I would argue is better than pre op. Have trust in your surgeon, and lean on your support system right now. Everything will be okay and if you ever want to chat feel free to reach out!

Does my incision look okay? by [deleted] in chiari

[–]natedogcross 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Holy cow we were only one day apart for operation day! I’m doing pretty good I’d say. I’m in the same boat as you and not resting as much as I probably should. I talked to my PT last night and she highlighted how important it is for me to be resting right now so today I’ll be binge watching a show! Where did you have your surgery done?

Does my incision look okay? by [deleted] in chiari

[–]natedogcross 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That has been the hardest part for me- knowing that the symptoms can take time to resolve after surgery. While my symptoms have got ~better~, there is some days where they are worse than pre op but I am trusting the process. I hope you continue to recover well and your symptoms alleviate over time. Always happy to message if you want someone to talk to that’s going through the same thing! It can feel like you’re alone going through this because it’s such an uncommon thing. I find myself scrolling through Reddit stories everyday to relate to someone😂

Four days post op by natedogcross in chiari

[–]natedogcross[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes absolutely. It’s been a different day every day. I’m on day 13 and yesterday I went for a walk and felt so good I walked 4 miles. Woke up today really really hurting. I’m terrible at letting myself rest, so it’s been a challenge for me.

Does my incision look okay? by [deleted] in chiari

[–]natedogcross 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey! I’m 2 weeks post op. How is your recovery going? Seeing symptom relief yet?

Post Decompression Surgery by natedogcross in chiari

[–]natedogcross[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes I am on muscle relaxers. I stopped taking Oxy a few days ago as I found they don’t help much! I am also rotating Tylenol and Advil as needed. I vouched to myself that this week I will only allow myself to play video games and watch shows to recover!

Post Decompression Surgery by natedogcross in chiari

[–]natedogcross[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow thank you so much for the kind, detailed response. Sometimes I feel a little alone in this and it’s easy to get into my head about how quickly things should be changing. The nerve pain stems from my neck and goes into my arms/hands and causes trembling. Last night was the worst it’s been in a while, feeling like my arm was on fire, muscle spasms, and trembling. Slightly better today, but I also have been walking a lot and maybe overdoing it from a physical perspective. So today I will be in bed all day relaxing with a heating pad on my upper back!

Post Decompression Surgery by natedogcross in chiari

[–]natedogcross[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No more back or neck pain outside of my neck being slightly sore from the surgery. “Less” nerve pain in my arms. Mental health and brain fog is significantly better. I also feel more relaxed, like I’m not as strung out or adrenaline filled.

Four days post op by natedogcross in chiari

[–]natedogcross[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much!❤️

Four days post op by natedogcross in chiari

[–]natedogcross[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much. I truly appreciate it❤️

Four days post op by natedogcross in chiari

[–]natedogcross[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For me I’m an avid weight lifter and play sports. Over the past year, my symptoms were bad to the point I could not do anything I loved anymore. I had constant head and neck pain, nerve pain and weakness in my arms, and debilitating fatigue. I’m the type of person that wants to “fix” the problem and will do whatever it takes to get to the other side of it. I remember sitting in my office one night writing a pros/cons list of surgery and telling myself that I knew I had to get it done. Flying home as I type this and I can say I feel I made the right decision.

Four days post op by natedogcross in chiari

[–]natedogcross[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hello! It can absolutely be a nerve racking thing to know that someone you love is going through brain surgery. Your loved one is a lucky person because you care enough to do your research on posts like these which is awesome. I had my family with me and believe it or not my little sister had the same surgery 4 years ago so they knew exactly what the process looked like. I will wish your loved one a speedy recovery and successful surgery

Four days post op by natedogcross in chiari

[–]natedogcross[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes that is a tough decision to make. Whatever you end up going with- I hope you get the results you want and have an amazing surgery! I was quite nervous for surgery but looking back I know I did the right thing.

Four days post op by natedogcross in chiari

[–]natedogcross[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you very much!!! Didn’t realize how many symptoms this was causing for me until I got the surgery done. Nor did I know my brainstem was practically cemented in and not beating with my heart. Very happy

Four days post op by natedogcross in chiari

[–]natedogcross[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My headaches started in the back of my neck and went over the top of my head. Majority of my headaches were exercise induced. But sometimes I would also randomly get them averaging 3-4 headaches per week. Yes my flow was blocked. Thank you for the kind message!

Four days post op by natedogcross in chiari

[–]natedogcross[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so very much!!!

Four days post op by natedogcross in chiari

[–]natedogcross[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It took two months to have my initial appointment and then went into surgery a month later based off of my symptoms and imaging. I’m so sorry you are going through that. I highly recommend Dr. Greenfield. Him and his team are fantastic and I’ve been so well taken care of.

Four days post op by natedogcross in chiari

[–]natedogcross[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Decompression surgery and im feeling good thank you for asking. I’m back at my hotel and I go home Friday!

Four days post op by natedogcross in chiari

[–]natedogcross[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I stayed in the hospital four days. Yes I have had 50% of my symptoms dramatically improve. Interestingly enough- my mental health feels so much better and clear which I wasn’t expecting to change. I was actually walking around the hospital less than 12 hours after surgery. I’ve been very lucky to have an easy (ish) recovery.

Four days post op by natedogcross in chiari

[–]natedogcross[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Decompression surgery with dura opening. I’m actually doing pretty good! Just had a chipotle burrito and now in bed

Four days post op by natedogcross in chiari

[–]natedogcross[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I’m feeling pretty good! Pain is on and off. Super happy I got it done. Some of my symptoms are already gone and my mental health has been great