::)Well my surgery is in one week! and I have a question for all that have had the EDAS type of surgery.
    I noticed that some of you have indicated that you felt some immediate relief after the surgery. My doctor explains that it is physically impossible to see immediate results and if I do, it is just a placebo effect.
    Now thinking logically any effects couldn't be felt until the placed artery grows roots into the brain, [smiley=huh.gif]  So when did you start to feel results? and if you did feel immediate results, how did your surgeon explain it to you? [smiley=huh.gif]

One week to go but I'll believe it when I'm wheeled in and feel drousy [smiley=laugh.gif]

Stay well  Tom G

Well, the immediate results I experienced was no more TIA's after my second surgery.  Also, that "whoosing" sound I heard when I went to sleep wasn't there as often.

Maybe it's not physically possible, but I definitely noticed a difference!!  ( ;) Has your doctor ever experienced the after-results of EDAS surgery??!?!?!?!?  ;))

-Shari

Tom,

Unfortunately, I can't add to the surgery question, as I still have not been officailly diagnoised. I just wanted to wish you well next Monday. Please let me know if I can help in any way, as I live only 6 miles from Columbia Pres (in NJ).

Best wishes,
Greg

STrantas wrote on Sep 26^th, 2005 at 12:36pm:

( ;) Has your doctor ever experienced the after-results of EDAS surgery??!?!?!?!?  ;)) -Shari

LOL!  Hehehe   [smiley=biggrin.gif]

Amen to that!

-= Dewski =-

Best of luck to you on your surgery.  My thoughts and prayers go with you.   8)

-=Dewski=-

Sorry, Tom, I was remiss in adding my well-wishes.  Good luck through your surgery!  I'm wishing you a speedy recovery!!  We'll be thinking about you!

-Shari

Hi Tom,

Well, looks like you're counting down the days..once again.  I had to giggle when I read...
Quote:

One week to go but I'll believe it when I'm wheeled in and feel drousy.

 As I know you've been ready before...
Anyway, I had a double direct bypass and one indirect, and to tell you the honest to goodnest truth, the main difference I can physically feel is no more numbness in my face, fingers and hands.  I did have tingling though; although, my doctor said tingling was okay.  He was more concerned with numbness and weakness.  I'm now almost 4 months post op, and I still feel tightness and pain around my incision area, but I think this is normal.

You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.  I know you'll do just fine.  Just remember to behave yourself in the hospital, Tom.  ;)

Take care,
Shan

Hi Tom.

I just had my surgery on the right side 3 months ago and I am back to work. I noticed that I can climb the same stairs to my office without stopping to catch my breath. It was amazing. I have more energy and no more numbness in my arms but I still have loud "whoosing or throbbing" sounds more so than before.
I know there is a big difference with me and it's ALL GOOD.
Good luck in your surgery and you will be glad when it's all done. You're in our prayers.

Best,
itsme

Hi Irene!

Okay, I'm very envious as today was my first day back to work, and I found myself dozzing off  [smiley=sleep.gif]!  I also had to catch my breath after 3 flights of stairs!  :-/  Anyway, it was great to be back to see my boss and co-workers after 4 months.  My hair is also starting to grow back, so for those who don't know me..they just think I had a "bad uneven haircut."  :P

Quick question about the throbbing or whooshing.  I called my dr today because I felt "squeezing" sensations by my right temple, off of my right eye. (I had my surgery on my right side)  It's a dull feeling and doesn't hurt.  It comes and goes... Is this the throbbing you're feeling ? When I bite down, or close my mouth and make my top row of teeth close down on my bottom row, I feel a "pulling" and tight feeling on the right side of my face.  Does anybody else have this? [smiley=huh.gif]  hmmm.....

Take care,
Shan

TomG,
I am wondering if the immediate relief could be related to the very, very strong steriods that we are put on.  I think the steriod I was given after surgery was called Decadron.  The steriods, although linked to many terrible side effects, can make you feel great: very aware, awake, clear-headed, and even unstoppable; possibly because it is an anti-inflammatory.  This was the way I felt soon after my first surgery.  Maybe others can relate?  I also hurt more after they took me off of the steriods.  I was on a high dosage of Prednisone for around 7 months prior to my MM diagnosis and I had the same experience when I 1st started the steriods and when I stopped them.  

Good luck with your surgery and with the steriods.  You will be in my thoughts, Tom.
Stephanie

 

Im sorry that i can not help much because i had the STA-MCA surgery. But i did want to wish you thebest of luck next week and let you know that you will be in my thoughts. Take care!

Christy

TomG,
Here are some helpful and interesting links to answer any questions you may have.  They talk about what to expect from a craniotomy.:

Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or

Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or

Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or

You can find many more by looking up Carniotomy on Google!

P.S.--Tom, if information will freak you out, you may not want to read these sites.  Some walk you through the surgery and then the recovery period.  I found it helpful, but I always want to know exactly what to expect!

Good luck again, Stephanie

Shan,
I found this on one of the websites I sent to TomG.  I thought you might relate or find it interesting:


http://www.neurosurgery.com.au/pdfs/postop/postopcranipdf.pdf


Look at: "The Head"

Stephanie

Stephanie,

This is great!  ;;D  I'm going to look at what you sent to Tom now.  I'm also going to print this and share this with my doctor.  I think this is great literature for patients like us!..answers a lot of my questions, and actually makes me feel a little at eaze to know that some of things I'm experiencing are "normal" according to this pamphlet.

Thanks, Stephanie!  [smiley=hug.gif]
Shan

Tom,

If all is still on track, you are only a few days away. Good luck with everything. I am sure that things will be fine. Please know that you are in my thoughts.

Greg

Just wanted to let you know that you're in our thoughts too...as you prepare for your updoming surgery...We're here for you, Tom!  ;)

Greg, Do you really look like Charlie Brown when you wear a baseball hat?  ;) ;;D  I'm kind of curious now..hope you can get a pic to DJ for the MM Family Album.  [smiley=laugh.gif]  ;)

Take care,
Shan

Shan,

Unfortunately, yes,  I have been told that many times durring my life.

Greg