Looking for input on what life is like after recovering from surgery... Does one feel different? (more or less energy, etc....)

Wondering if anyone of similar age might be able to share their experience of travel, testing, surgery, and recovery.... I need to know as much as possible before being on-board with this....
My children and husband deserve a mom who's not always self-scanning and worrying while pretending to be fully engaged...

Still weighing out pros & cons for someone with no serious symptoms as of yet (except extreme anxiety/panic)...

JSKL,
I was 23 when I had my surgery. The first week I did not want to get out of bed. I slept all the time. towards the end of the week i wanted to get out of bed and be a couch potato (my husband rented the HBO show I wanted to catch up on). I don't have any children, but my energy level was low until about the second week. Towards the end of the second week I wanted to do some of the household chores but I would get exhausted easily so I napped then do it all over again. My strength and energy slowly increased in the following weeks. I went back to my 40+ hours a week job after a month.

Everyone is different and recovery is different. What helped me was my wonderful Husband, and keeping hydrated, and getting sleep when I needed it. Do not be afraid to say "I can't do this now, I need a nap".

I hope this helps. If you would like me to go into more details please let me know. You will be fine!
Stay Strong,
Becky

JSKL,

I am 49 years old and just had my STA-MCA on March 24, 2011. I am on my fifth week of recovery.  I did not have to travel. I had my surgery at the Mayfield Clinic in Cincinnati, OH. Mayfield works closely with University of Cincinnati Hospital. Everything happened very quickly for me. I was diagnosed on March 2, 2011 and met my surgeon on March 17. I was scared. It was out of the blue. But my surgeon and Nurse Practitioner were wonderful. I never questioned their decision. They answered all of my questions.

The first night I went in to have several test done to measure the blood flow. The surgery lasted about 2.15 hours. They then did another CT scan to make sure things were flowing well. I had trouble with the anesthesia, I could not wake up longer than 10 minutes at a time my first day. The second day I was able to stay awake for 20 minutes at a time and eat very little. My pain decreased over the first two days. I was very surprised by my incision. It was only one finger long and wide. You really can't tell I had surgery unless you move my hair.

The first week home I was in bed most of the time. I could not use the Oxycodone for pain. But Tylenol worked for me. I had to eat light meals the first couple of weeks. The second week I was downstairs and had friends over in the afternoon. My friends and family have been wonderful. They have helped cook meals, clean the house, spend time with me and walk with me. My goal is to walk three miles in the next couple of weeks. At my four week appointment I was released to work and drive within reason. My doctor says use common sense your body will tell you what you can and can not do. Hydrate constantly, dehydration is the number on enemy.  I have been cleaning house more but get very tired. Like Becky, I just have to remember to slow down and stop. You should only do things within reason. I have spoken to other Moyamoya patients that have had a stroke. This drastically changes your length and time of recovery. I had two TIA's while walking. My right side went numb and I could not take a step forward with my right leg and arm. The second time my lip and cheek went numb. Each time it only lasted a few minutes. I was 100% blocked on the left side and 50% on the right. Don't take a chance.

I get very frustrated. I don't really want to work now. I get anxiety, loud noises bother me. My husband and I ride motorcycles, I won't be able to wear a helmet for a while because of my glasses so riding is out for this season. I can't remember things sometimes. Which as a writer get's in the way of my writing.

But in the big scheme of things it is only for a short while. Even if it is a six months to a year I am glad I didn't take a chance and wait. I have started to set small goals again. I have a wonderful husband, four great children and a new grandson (who at this time I can't lift). My parents and brothers and sisters have also been really supportive. Everyone I have talked to on this site has been help full.

There are several great surgeons out there that have a lot of experience with Moyamoya Disease. Write down and ask your questions. You should feel it is the right decision. Listen to your intuition.

I hope this helps. Good Luck, let me know if I can help more.

Liz