Back in the swing of things

I'm 36 days post-op and couldn't feel better. I actually feel like my "normal" self again. The "sparks" or "zaps" I used to get around my incision have subsided. Although I did experience one or two over the weekend, but that was during the consumption of some alcohol. I am note sure if that really had anything to do with it. As usual I am still careful not to drink too much or workout too hard. I'm doing everything pretty much on a gradual basis. 

I do have a confession. I had my hair cut and highlighted a week ago, despite my neurosurgeon's warning. I've been through this before and technically waiting 4 weeks is pretty standard. Plus they use foils so the color never really is on your scalp. And of course my incision area wasn't highlighted. My stylist was also very careful with making sure there was little to no heat on my head. Result......no issues!

I'm scheduled for a follow up at the end of the month, but I might push that appointment back just a little :)

On a completely different side note I have a request. If you've been reading my posts you know the last year has had it's good share of ups and downs. And right now a certain person in my life was hit with another "down" yesterday. I ask for prayers and good thoughts that things will turn around and this person will gain strength and get through this. And hopefully come out better than before. Thank you!

How one surgery turned to five surgeries

What was supposed to be one brain surgery has turned into five over the course of 6 years. This was all due to a bone/surgical infection. Here's a breakout of what was done each surgery:

Surgery #1: Everything went well after my first surgery on 7/11/07. After two weeks I was back in my neurosurgeon's office to have the staples removed, which is very typical. After removing a few staples I felt drainage and a not so pleasant odor. My incision was infected. 

Surgery #2: I had to be admitted back to the hospital the next day to remove the bone flap and get a picc line in my arm so I could be put on IV antibiotics for 6 weeks. I had no skull piece or plate to protect the opening in my head during this time. Similar to a large size baby's soft spot. I had to extremely cautious not to hit my head or do anything rigorous. I was given a helmet that I was suppose to wear while driving. It mostly stayed in the trunk of my car. 

Surgery #3 (December 2007):  Surgery to put the titanium mesh and bone cement to cover the hole in my skull.

*After this surgery I noticed that the ridge from the mesh/cement was pretty thick and I thought it would eventually pierce the skin. It did after about 2 years. It started as a tiny opening and eventually got bigger where you could see part of the titanium mesh. In August of 2013 I woke one morning and noticed fluid draining from the opening. It was clear, but had a slightly thicker consistency than water. I immediately made an appointment with my neurologist and new neurosurgeon. They thought it was cerebral-spinal fluid leaking out, but I wasn't having symptoms like headaches or dizziness. Because the titanium mesh had been exposed to air they knew there would be some type of infection that could continue to get worse. Therefore I would have to go through another two surgeries in order to fix this issue. 

Surgery #4 (October 2013): Remove titanium mesh and bone cement. Culture these to find out what bacteria was growing on them. Another picc line was inserted into my right arm and I was on IV antibiotics for 7 weeks. Similar to surgery #2 I had nothing to protect my skull opening and had to be very cautious not to hit my head or be in a place where my head could accidentally be hit (like large crowds).

*A specific CT scan was done post surgery to get the exact measurement of the hole in my skull. A custom plastic piece was going to be made to fit my skull that had the durability of bone and fit flush into my skull. 

Surgery #5 (December 2013): The new plastic piece was put in and I was on oral antibiotics for 10 days after surgery.

Recent update: After 3 1/2 weeks post surgery I feel pretty much back to normal with no head pains. My energy level is increasing and my appetite is normal. I make sure I do some type of exercise everyday to build my strength. Nothing too rigorous because I am supposed to not sweat, which could cause bacteria to grow around the incision. I focus mainly on walking, yoga and some light strength training. I still have to use baby shampoo everyday for the next 2 weeks or so. As promised I will get some updated pictures too!   

Sutures out

My sutures were removed last Thursday and needless to say I was very happy! My surgeon was impressed at the way my incision was healing and lack of any complications. Occasionally I get a few light, sharp pains, but they are pretty few and far between now. I still have restrictions on what I can do... like working out, coloring/cutting hair, etc. 

My surgeon is pretty stubborn so I basically take what he says and cut it in half (or less)! For instance he wants me to wait until May to get my hair highlighted....basically 6 month post surgery. That's a joke. I've been through this before and even other neuro teams in hospitals say 3-4 weeks. I refrained from telling him I booked an appointment for next Tuesday. Yeah....I'm stubborn too!

My hair is continuing to grow at a pretty decent rate. I'm hoping to have an updated picture for my next post! Stay tuned! 

Post Surgery Update Part 2

To pick up where I left off.....

Monday night wasn't the greatest due to the pain and nausea. I think it was one of the worst from any of the surgeries I had before due to the fact it was done so late in the day. My body didn't have any energy and all I wanted to do was sleep. Which in the hospital isn't the easiest thing because you someone is always checking in on your vitals, medication, scans, case managers, neuro team, etc.

Okay....Back to to food! My stomach was able to tolerate some applesauce and apple juice at around 5am on Tuesday. And about 8am I was moved to a regular diet....woo hoo! I'm a pretty plain eater in general so I just had some wheat toast and strawberry yogurt. Even though I am not a yogurt fan I do recommend having at least one per day while on antbiotics to get the good bacteria back into your digestive tract. I usually take probiotics on a daily basis as well.

I had to keep my head wrapped for about 36 hours after surgery. I had some leakage on the bandage which was in the shape of a heart (see picture below). One of the nurse's pointed it out for me and took the picture. I know it might sound a little strange, but I believe it was a sign from above sending love and letting me know that everything was going to be okay. :-)

Bandage is now officially off and I'm resting at my mom's house. My pain has subsided a bit, so I'm down to pain meds every 8 hours now. I can definitely tell when I need them again because I get sharp, shooting jolts of pain in clusters. And I'm using a breathing device every other hour when I am awake to help my lung strength/capacity again. Sometimes too much of that can cause head pains.

I am also dealing with more nausea again, but luckily I have meds for that. I haven't had much of an appetite today, but I'm doing to try and eat a little more in the next few hours. Hopefully the nausea will stay away this time!

And the best news for last.....NO PICC LINE this time!!! :-)