tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10853043.post1532184155844974449..comments2023-10-04T06:54:08.484-07:00Comments on NF2 odyssey: Signing my life away - PreopRebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11258414765006397310noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10853043.post-71703255608661564832009-09-28T21:08:50.395-07:002009-09-28T21:08:50.395-07:00I hope everything goes well, Beck! Keep all your e...I hope everything goes well, Beck! Keep all your exhilarating experiences from the past months in mind!<br /><br />Similar surgery, many years ago, took over 19 hours for me. Of course, we are out and don't worry about the time. Everything went well. My cerebellum did start to swell in the later steps of tumor removals, and part of the cerebellum was removed to stop that. (I wouldn't know it if not having read the surgical report--and it worked like a charm to keep me going.) I recovered functions quite rapidly after surgery even though it was another relearning all the basics deal. I finished undergrad strong and went on to grad school, with cognitive deficits coming only later from meds/meningiomas. I was conscious and on the vent in ICU, as a precaution only due to the brainstem involvement. (Sorta precautionary to make sure I was up to breathing fully on my own, rather than having to risk another intubation post-op. They usually restrain folks when on vents so they don't try to pull out the tube. Relax and let them take care of you-- it can be a normal part of this surgery--it doesn't mean you are on the edge of long term vent dependence.Just focus on calmness and healing , and your body will respond well. Vision was bad when I woke up--I would just stress to caretakers and nurses to keep eyes lubed heavily, and allow them to take care of you in the days after surgery. (I know, that's easier as a teen, but you won't miss much, and relaxing is a huge boost for recovery.) After riding out not being able to see, hear, control movement and sensation, or perceive surroudings in ways we are accustomed, experiences are that much sweeter. I know you've had a taste of this recently, and encourage you to feed off of the potential, no matter how you feel immediately after waking up from surgery. I'll be thinking of you! Healing hugs, JamieJamiehttp://przybysz.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.com