I had my first decompression on 5/22… is it “normal” to experience severe pain this far out? I had over 12 hrs of post op vomiting and I’m scared to death I may have disrupted some of my sutures at that time. I walk ok but will have the most intense pain if I move my head just an inch in one direction or another. The pain is worse than ever. I’m a tough cookie but I am physically, emotionally and mentally exhausted from the pain. I have my post-op follow up next week. Anyone have something similar?
Jen, I had the same problem I vomited after my surgery also. The pain you are having is part of it, I had severe pain for 2 1/2 weeks before it started to get a little better. I felt much better by 4 weeks and went back to work full time after 6. Hang in there it gets better everyday! Your postop car ride is going to be rough,hang in there.
Thanks Cherie. That brings some comfort. I’m 2.5 weeks out now and started taking steroids to try and reduce any inflammation. Felt great day after I started but yesterday my headaches progressively worsened and I woke up with one this morning. I will do what I can to hold out for 4 weeks. Thanks so much for responding!
Jen
I have decompression surgery July 8 and Im freaking out. I’m afraid of the pain that comes along with healing. I’m a crybaby and can’t take pain easy so hearing you all’s post op stories somewhat prepares me for it and freaks me out more lol.
But please keep the stories coming
I had severe pain as well, but my MD ordered lots of nausea meds, steroids, valium, etc, and heavy duty pain meds in the recovery room and for the first few days, so never vomited! I was back to work as an RN at 6 weeks as well, but don’t advise that at all! My surgery was Feb 20th and I still have quite a bit of scalp surgical pain. I think I would have been better, if I had had 3-4 weeks more off. You will feel better in a few weeks, but if you sense there may be something wrong, tell your NS!
I had my decompression surgery on 4/1 and experienced pain up to week 5. It was most severe from postop to weeks 4. At week 6 I felt so good I resumed normal activity and started doing things I hadn’t done in yrs. I would not advice this. I wished I had kept it slow and allowed myself at least 4 more weeks. I now have constant numbness in my left arm and am waiting for my next MRI in a couple weeks to make sure I did not aggravate my syrinx again. Please take it slow. Even thought was more tired thanormal I was still so
Oops even though I am still more tired than normal I was sleeping better than I had in years and my mental energy was so vibrant I still tried tackling more than I should have. I hope you heal well and setback to normal real soon! Best of luck to You!!!
Jen, I had my decompression surgery back in November 2013. My doctor told me to give it 6 months before I would feel “normal” again. He had to move all the nerves and muscles in my neck and I remember about the 3rd week after surgery, it felt like I’d been hit over the head with a baseball bat. You know your body best and it’s always a good idea to ask your doctor as many questions as you have. And it’s important to give your body the time it needs to heal from this major surgery. Throughout the healing process you may take one step forward and do something to take 2 steps back. It’s so important to listen to your body and pay attention to your limitations. Good luck with your follow up appointment and feel free to reach out if you have any other questions.
My son is 13 had decompression surgery on June 3. He is having a lot of pain and vomiting all the time. He can not keep food down and has lost 20 lbs. I am very concerned he is doing damage. He is taking zofran and has a patch on for nausea. The surgeons office did not seemed concerned. Has anyone else experienced continual vomiting? This forum is good to see how long he may experience pain. Has anyone else experienced eye pain during the post op recovery period?
Lisa said:
My son is 13 had decompression surgery on June 3. He is having a lot of pain and vomiting all the time. He can not keep food down and has lost 20 lbs. I am very concerned he is doing damage. He is taking zofran and has a patch on for nausea. The surgeons office did not seemed concerned. Has anyone else experienced continual vomiting? This forum is good to see how long he may experience pain. Has anyone else experienced eye pain during the post op recovery period?Hey Lisa,My family member had surgery 15 days ago and has been vomiting constantly and suffering from eye pain as well. The eye pain has been explained as a pressure type of pain and she was also experiencing the pain in her whole sinus region. The nausea is terrible and such a discomfort, make sure they are trying all the different nausea meds available and maybe they can find one that will work for your son.The latest combo of meds that seem to be working is gravol for the nausea (though it jusually knocks them out for a sleep) and torridol for the pressure pain.Here's wishing a quick pain free recovery to your son.Bill Z