I had my decompression surgery on September 10 of this month, I went home on the 13th, but was readmitted to the hospital on September 20 because I developed Chemical Meningitis as a result of the surgery. They kept me sedated for four days while we went through test after test to see what action to take. Luckily the fluid on my brain went down and I was able to go home without the doctors having to drill a hole in my head and draining it. After 18 staples and 16 stitches, I'm very happy there wasn't another surgery. My recovery is really slow, I can't stand for more than fifteen minutes, I'm almost completely physically dependent on other people, and mentally even writing this post is exhausting and difficult. The thing is, we don't know when I will be back to pre-surgery standards, and the doctors expected me to be back at college now, and it's infuriating that I'm not. I have to decide whether or not to take the semester off, which is not like me. I'm on the President's list, and have a 4.0 in the Honor's college at my school, as well as I have a job as a Resident Advisor, and am on the speech and debate team, I'm nationally ranked and very competitive. This entire surgery has disrupted my entire life, as I'm sure it has done for you all. I just need help, no one is telling me when I will be okay or what I should do. You guys are going through it, or have been there, what advice do you have for me? Please, I need something.
Neurosurgery is quite a major surgery and you need to take the time to allow your body to recover. I had my surgery on Sept 30 2011 and was told I could return to work in mid-November. I felt great after surgery and tried to do too much and set back my recovery significantly, I wasn’t cleared to return to work until Feb 2012. I wish I had taken the time to realize exactly what the surgery did to my body like the anesthesia, the incision, the swelling etc. And allowed my body to heal before pushing it too hard. I was, due to my pushing myself too soon, ended up being dependent on my mom for almost 12 weeks.
Everyone heals differently and recovers at different rates. Take it easy and slow and you will return to what you want to be. Sending healing and good juju to you. <3 keep your chin up.
Madison- I know this has disrupted your life, and so frustrating to not have a timeline. Please give yourself permission to heal on your bodies terms. Rushing this recovery will only backfire. You have been through a huge trauma, your brain, CSF, nerves, vessels, muscles are adjusting to their new home. You should be thinking in terms of months, not weeks for recovery. Getting down on yourself for not being back to “normal” is going to stress you out- you need to avoid that. Your original surgery was only 3 weeks ago- that alone is reason to not be able to stand for long.
I would say I had one of the easiest recoveries of anyone in this forum and I was out of work for 8 weeks and I struggled a bit when I returned to my easy desk job. You really need to give things more time. I know that isn't what you were hoping for. :( I wish your doctor had given you a more realistic outlook. Best wishes as you rest and heal!