Well its been 32 days since surgery and I can final say that I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I can’t say that I feel great but I can say that I feel much better then I did even a week ago. I still have headaches everyday and a lot of dizziness but at least I can walk and get out of the house on my own. I have been on 3 driving adventures. Two of which were with Clint and one was by myself. I have difficulty yielding into traffic because I am not able to quickly look both ways yet. So I wait very patiently, and hope no one is behind me.
I am still unable to hold Addison for a long period of time. I can hold her as long as I am stabilized. It is very difficult for me to pick her up out of the highchair or crib. Clint is still taking her and picking her up from the sitter. We expect that I will be attempting to assist with Addison next week, keep your fingers crossed.
I still have 100% hearing loss in my left ear. My right ear is still very sensitive. Its difficult for me to talk on the phone for a long period of time. I have to turn the volume on a low setting. I am slowly learning to sit on the left of people when having conversations , its often turned into a joke. I have been out to a restaurant twice and luckily the weather has been nice b/c we were able to sit outside. It was to loud for me to sit inside I was unable to hear my guest.
I went to my primary doctor for a follow up last week. I told her about some small side effects since the surgery such as : numbness in my injection areas, numbness in my right leg, heightened taste buds, sensitivity in hearing, headaches, and loss of appetite. These were her comments.
Numbness in injection areas: should go away in 6-8 weeks. This is b/c the shots were injected directly into the muscles. And may take some extra time to heal.
Numbness in my right leg: I have a condition known as meralgia paresthetica. Basically, she(my primary doctor) thinks I may have some nerve damage from being on my right side too long during the procedure. The doctor is not too alarmed by this and does believe the sensation will return in time. If it does not, physical therapy can help. She asked me to talk to Dr. Herzog about this matter in detail.
Heightened taste Buds- Doctor wasn’t sure about this matter, believes it may have to do with the surgery and would like me to see my ENT about this.. She did say “ is that what it took to get you to stop drinking soda” Ha Ha!!
Sensitivity of Hearing: She would like for me to talk to my surgeon and the ENT about this but obviously its from the surgery and my right ear is picking up from what my left ear has lost.
Headaches: She is a little concerned about this. She put me on a migraine medication b/c I was having bad headaches prior to surgery as well. I will follow up in one month with this medication.
Loss of appetite: this may have to do with some of the medication I am currently taking, or my nauseated stomach. I literally have to make myself eat to take my medication. I am now averaging about 2 meals a day. But I am down 2 dress sizes!!! I am smaller then I was at my own wedding. I guess all it took was brain surgery!! Ha Ha.
I am not on any pain medication, as a matter of fact I have not taken any over the counter pain medication for 48 hours. That’s a great improvement. If I could only get the dizziness to go away!!
So I AM slowly progressing. I never thought it would take this long, but I’m getting there. But keep those prayers coming!!!
My next appointment is Sept. 29th with Dr. Herzog. I will keep you all posted!
Much Love,
Kelley
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Friday, September 5, 2008
doing a little better
Hello,
Well its been two weeks today, and days are progressing at our house. I am feeling a little better each day. I am still unable to do many things I would love to do but it’s a slow process. I am still unable to hold or pick up Addison. We have a lot of floor time together. We read a lot of books, try to play with Play dough, blocks and lots more. She has been awesome throughout my recovery. She is very gentle with me. She gives me random kisses and lots of love. I would have to say that Addison and Clint have developed quite the bond in the past 2 weeks. He has been taking her to Karla’s everyday at 6:30am and picking her up at 5pm. Which means he has to wake her up at 5:45ish to get her dressed and ready for the day. She has been such the little trooper. She gives me kisses every morning and tells me “Bye Bye Mommy”. Its really cute, although I cant wait till I get to spend more time with her.
My appetite is starting to increase a tiny bit. I am averaging about 1 ½ meals a day. I bet I have lost 10+ lbs already. I have started my vestibular exercises which are harder than I thought. I was able to finally wash my hair since my stitches are out. It was quite the experience. If you think about sudding up your hair….. In order to get the scalp clean, motions are required. Well, it didn’t go so well for me. Of course I wanted to wash my hair twice b/c I felt so yucky from surgery still. I had to take 3 breaks b/c the shower began to spin and I started seeing stars, literally. So I really need to take it easy.
I tried to start reading one of the 8 books I had planned on finishing during my recovery. That didn’t go so well either. My eyes jump and the words all collide together, not to mention the headache it gave me. So I will try again next week. I have been watching a lot of TV and pacing the hallways. Now that the weather is getting cooler I may attempt going outside. I will practice this weekend with Clint’s assistance. Last time I tried to walk down the driveway it was not a great idea. My driveway, like most is on a slant and my body moves faster then my feet right now due to gravity. So it was very difficult to stabilize my body to the slanted pavement. It was much easier when I pushed the stroller (like a walker) but Addison is quite the chunker so I also needed assistance with that.
My incision is starting to heal. It still looks terrible, but better then before. My hair is growing back already!!!!! The doctor and I had the "priority" talk before my surgery and he and his nurse assured me my hair would look perfect for Christina's wedding on October 4th. Well he was right. Dr. Herzog did an excellent job. The incision is right along my hairline. I may have a pretty big scar but it looks like I can cover it up pretty well. Dr. Herzog is the greatest!!!!!
So….. Things are going ok for me. I will continue to keep everyone updated!
Take care,
Kelley
Well its been two weeks today, and days are progressing at our house. I am feeling a little better each day. I am still unable to do many things I would love to do but it’s a slow process. I am still unable to hold or pick up Addison. We have a lot of floor time together. We read a lot of books, try to play with Play dough, blocks and lots more. She has been awesome throughout my recovery. She is very gentle with me. She gives me random kisses and lots of love. I would have to say that Addison and Clint have developed quite the bond in the past 2 weeks. He has been taking her to Karla’s everyday at 6:30am and picking her up at 5pm. Which means he has to wake her up at 5:45ish to get her dressed and ready for the day. She has been such the little trooper. She gives me kisses every morning and tells me “Bye Bye Mommy”. Its really cute, although I cant wait till I get to spend more time with her.
My appetite is starting to increase a tiny bit. I am averaging about 1 ½ meals a day. I bet I have lost 10+ lbs already. I have started my vestibular exercises which are harder than I thought. I was able to finally wash my hair since my stitches are out. It was quite the experience. If you think about sudding up your hair….. In order to get the scalp clean, motions are required. Well, it didn’t go so well for me. Of course I wanted to wash my hair twice b/c I felt so yucky from surgery still. I had to take 3 breaks b/c the shower began to spin and I started seeing stars, literally. So I really need to take it easy.
I tried to start reading one of the 8 books I had planned on finishing during my recovery. That didn’t go so well either. My eyes jump and the words all collide together, not to mention the headache it gave me. So I will try again next week. I have been watching a lot of TV and pacing the hallways. Now that the weather is getting cooler I may attempt going outside. I will practice this weekend with Clint’s assistance. Last time I tried to walk down the driveway it was not a great idea. My driveway, like most is on a slant and my body moves faster then my feet right now due to gravity. So it was very difficult to stabilize my body to the slanted pavement. It was much easier when I pushed the stroller (like a walker) but Addison is quite the chunker so I also needed assistance with that.
My incision is starting to heal. It still looks terrible, but better then before. My hair is growing back already!!!!! The doctor and I had the "priority" talk before my surgery and he and his nurse assured me my hair would look perfect for Christina's wedding on October 4th. Well he was right. Dr. Herzog did an excellent job. The incision is right along my hairline. I may have a pretty big scar but it looks like I can cover it up pretty well. Dr. Herzog is the greatest!!!!!
So….. Things are going ok for me. I will continue to keep everyone updated!
Take care,
Kelley
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
At Home
Hello everyone,
Well the good news is I feel a little more alive today then I have since surgery. I still cant do very much at this point. I went to the doctor yesterday and had my stitches removed. The good thing about it was my left side of my head and ear are still numb so I didn’t feel much of the removal, but the headache afterwards was unreal. I still have zero hearing in my left ear. The Doctor is not too concerned b/c there still is a possibility that it may return, my brain may still be very swollen. He will retest my hearing on September 29th. Doctor Herzog said I was looking best I could. He also said the smaller the tumor the harder the recovery, and if you all remember about 2 months ago when he told me my tumor was the smallest he had ever seen. (bummer) But I am taking it a day at a time. Everyone that has seen me says I look drastically better and hit milestones every day, that’s good to hear! I still do not an appetite at this time. I am not on any medications except over the counter pain medication. Its very difficult to eat b/c of the nausea. A few times water made me really sick.
The best way for me to describe my dizziness is like a bobble head. My vision bounces and sways constantly but my head is completely stable. Hence…. The nausea. It worsens when I move, walk, get out of bed, or become active at all. So I do a lot of sitting on the couch and pacing my hallways. I have tried several times to go outside. The heat really effects me right now. I get instantly nauseated. A few days ago my parents came over to give “Super daddy Clint” some time away. Clint and I attempted to go to the “Meadows at Lake Saint Louis”. We made it in one store. I was too hot and it was way too much for me. We then went to the grocery store. Which was easier then I expected. I pushed the cart so my balance was a little more stabilized (like a walker). Many people were staring at me b/c I walk worse then my 90 year old grandmother… literally. But if you picture me right now…… I have gross hair on my left side (no washing till the stitches are removed), a black eye from surgery, a big cut on my forehead from the halo that stabilized my head during surgery, 16 stitches on my head, and I walk really slow. I bet I did look “interesting”. Oh well I was just so happy to get out of the house. One other thing I encountered at the grocery store was my hearing sensitivity. Every time they would say something over the speakers I felt like I was standing directly at the speaker. I guess my right ear is picking up the noises from my left ear and everything is very loud!!
The best way to communicate is by texting or calling my cell phone. Or if you want to call Clint that ok too!
In summary, I am doing ok right now… much better then last week. I am really looking forward to feeling “normal again”. I am so very appreciative to everyone who has been praying for us, sending warm thoughts, visiting, babysitting, sending gifts, cards, food and just saying I’m thinking about you. I hope to say thank you personally to each and every one of you very soon.
One last thing…. I wanted to let everyone know that Clint is the very best husband and father in the entire world. Everyone was a little hesitant with all the arrangements with Addison and how everything was going to work out. Well Clint is officially “Super Daddy”. I have fallen in love with him all over again. I know he feels helpless with me sometimes but he has really stepped up and deserves some kind of amazing daddy/husband award!!!!
I hope everyone is doing well!~ See you all soon~~~~
Kelley
Well the good news is I feel a little more alive today then I have since surgery. I still cant do very much at this point. I went to the doctor yesterday and had my stitches removed. The good thing about it was my left side of my head and ear are still numb so I didn’t feel much of the removal, but the headache afterwards was unreal. I still have zero hearing in my left ear. The Doctor is not too concerned b/c there still is a possibility that it may return, my brain may still be very swollen. He will retest my hearing on September 29th. Doctor Herzog said I was looking best I could. He also said the smaller the tumor the harder the recovery, and if you all remember about 2 months ago when he told me my tumor was the smallest he had ever seen. (bummer) But I am taking it a day at a time. Everyone that has seen me says I look drastically better and hit milestones every day, that’s good to hear! I still do not an appetite at this time. I am not on any medications except over the counter pain medication. Its very difficult to eat b/c of the nausea. A few times water made me really sick.
The best way for me to describe my dizziness is like a bobble head. My vision bounces and sways constantly but my head is completely stable. Hence…. The nausea. It worsens when I move, walk, get out of bed, or become active at all. So I do a lot of sitting on the couch and pacing my hallways. I have tried several times to go outside. The heat really effects me right now. I get instantly nauseated. A few days ago my parents came over to give “Super daddy Clint” some time away. Clint and I attempted to go to the “Meadows at Lake Saint Louis”. We made it in one store. I was too hot and it was way too much for me. We then went to the grocery store. Which was easier then I expected. I pushed the cart so my balance was a little more stabilized (like a walker). Many people were staring at me b/c I walk worse then my 90 year old grandmother… literally. But if you picture me right now…… I have gross hair on my left side (no washing till the stitches are removed), a black eye from surgery, a big cut on my forehead from the halo that stabilized my head during surgery, 16 stitches on my head, and I walk really slow. I bet I did look “interesting”. Oh well I was just so happy to get out of the house. One other thing I encountered at the grocery store was my hearing sensitivity. Every time they would say something over the speakers I felt like I was standing directly at the speaker. I guess my right ear is picking up the noises from my left ear and everything is very loud!!
The best way to communicate is by texting or calling my cell phone. Or if you want to call Clint that ok too!
In summary, I am doing ok right now… much better then last week. I am really looking forward to feeling “normal again”. I am so very appreciative to everyone who has been praying for us, sending warm thoughts, visiting, babysitting, sending gifts, cards, food and just saying I’m thinking about you. I hope to say thank you personally to each and every one of you very soon.
One last thing…. I wanted to let everyone know that Clint is the very best husband and father in the entire world. Everyone was a little hesitant with all the arrangements with Addison and how everything was going to work out. Well Clint is officially “Super Daddy”. I have fallen in love with him all over again. I know he feels helpless with me sometimes but he has really stepped up and deserves some kind of amazing daddy/husband award!!!!
I hope everyone is doing well!~ See you all soon~~~~
Kelley
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