Sister Brain Surgery Update

[Bertha Venation]

My sister's brain surgery was last Monday (the 17th). In the recovery room -- in the recovery room! -- she was clicking her teeth together, something that would've made her crash to the floor in excruciating pain if she'd done it just hours before.

She was released from the hospital after just two days. I stayed with her through Friday, then had to fly home, dammit.

She just had her post-surgery appointment, and she writes:

I have a few minor and occasional issues (pain at surgical site, headache, dizziness, ear pressure), all of which are normal and expected, and will continue to improve over time; possibly months until everything is back to normal. Today, I had only mild pain so I skipped my vicodin and got the doctor's approval to take advil again; one advil was all I needed! I am to continue to increase my level of activity gradually; I am now up to two 10 minute walks per day... slow walks, but getting a little faster and a little longer.

Unfortunately, I do have to keep on the meds that make me stupid for a few more weeks. The swelling that is normal following any surgery, in this particular condition, could trigger the pain that was previously caused by the artery which is no longer compressing the nerve. So, once the swelling is no longer an issue (which we'll know because I won't feel even an occasional twinge of the facial pain), I can wean off the "stupid pills".

The "stupid pills" are a somewhat effective painkiller that have had an adverse effect on her life and have, well, made her stupid. She's had a rough time of it for about a year on that drug, but at least it kept the pain in check. Kinda.

She's been cleared to go back to work on "light duty" for "8 hours or less per day" on June 4. That is less than three weeks after brain surgery.

Thanks to you all for your well wishes and good vibes. :)

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. My dear Bertha!

What wonderful news!

There's always some time needed after any kind of surgery for the body to get over the assault. It sounds to me like she's making excellent progress!

What a relief!

How good you could be out here for even a short time...I'm sure it meant the world to both of you!

Thanks for letting us know!

:hug:

[Call Me Wesley]

2. Great news!

And good vibes still flowing. :hug:

[SeattleGirl]

3. I'm so glad to hear this, Bertha!

May your sister continue on a good road to recovery!

[hippywife]

4. That's really great news!

I hope she continues healing and the outcome is everything she wishes. :hug:

[GreenPartyVoter]

5. Yay! *hugs*

[Old Troop]

6. What cheering news!

[livetohike]

7. Great news!

:hug: Nice to hear good news and hope her recovery is quick and complete.

[Flaxbee]

8. Wonderful news!

I am so happy for her, and for you! :hug: to you both!

[Ptah]

9. Glad to hear this good news.

:hug:

[Demoiselle]

10. What lovely news!

Thank you for the happy update, and all the best to your sister.

[lizziegrace]

11. I'm so happy for her!!!

:-)

[NewJeffCT]

12. Good news

Thanks for sharing with us. Best wishes for her and her continued recovery.

[foxfeet]

13. Happy for her, happy for you!

Peace, comfort and rapid, complete healing for everybody!

[Minimus]

14. So glad to hear the surgery went well. I am wishing her a

speedy recovery and keeping you both in my thoughts.

[applegrove]

15. Great news Bertha. Good for you for truly being there for her.

[hunter]

16. Hooray!

:hug: