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MVD surgery for Hemifacial Spasms

Posted by skullzmarie @skullzmarie, Apr 27, 2017

I just recently had microvascular decompression (MVD) for hemifacial spasms. Tomorrow will be 1 week post-op. I have been told to expect nausea and dizziness because of the part of the brain where the surgery is performed. Surgery went well with no complications. I'm struggling with continued nausea and vomiting when I eat. Yesterday, I was diagnosed with a UTI after having a yoyoing fever, cold chills, hot sweats, and tremors (we believe the tremors are stress induced from surgery). I had a complete work up and was given nausea meds and antibiotics. I had nausea but was able to hold food down yesterday for the first time. The nausea meds made me sick last night. Today, I have taken my pain medication only once. But I am concerned about the vomiting. I plan on speaking with the neurosurgeon tomorrow about the continued vomiting. Today, I have noticed a change in taste. My meds taste normal than wierd. My lunch tasted normal at first then it begain to taste off. This evening, I noticed I will occasionally taste the saline solution that was used to flush my IV. I'm wondering what others have experienced. How long does the nausea and vomiting last for most people? What side effects have you had? I'm so frustsrated and ready to complete this recovery. Please, please, share your experience with me. I'm starting to wonder if the surgery was really worth it...the way that I'm feeling. Thank you for your time.

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jmh | @jmh | Dec 28, 2019

I had surgery 5 weeks ago for my hemifacial spasms and have nausea that comes and goes, lightheadedness at times when I go for my power walk and spasms seem to still appear at times. Anyone had the same experience?.

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4 replies
Michelles123 | @michelles123 | Dec 28, 2019
In reply to @hopeful33250 "I'd like to invite @levine138 and @michelles123 to join this conversation as they have had this..." + (show)
@hopeful33250

I'd like to invite @levine138 and @michelles123 to join this conversation as they have had this surgery as well. Perhaps they can shed some light on your post-surgery symptoms.

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Hello - I did not have the surgery. I opted for Botox injections - which help for a month or so but I have to go every 3 months.

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1 reply
jmh | @jmh | Dec 28, 2019
In reply to @michelles123 "Hello - I did not have the surgery. I opted for Botox injections - which help..." + (show)
@michelles123

Hello - I did not have the surgery. I opted for Botox injections - which help for a month or so but I have to go every 3 months.

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I started with Botox as well however stopped and opted for surgery to prevent the progress of the spasms.

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Moderator
Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Jan 2, 2020
In reply to @jmh "I had surgery 5 weeks ago for my hemifacial spasms and have nausea that comes and..." + (show)
@jmh

I had surgery 5 weeks ago for my hemifacial spasms and have nausea that comes and goes, lightheadedness at times when I go for my power walk and spasms seem to still appear at times. Anyone had the same experience?.

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How is the nausea, @jmh?

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1 reply
jmh | @jmh | Jan 2, 2020
In reply to @lisalucier "How is the nausea, @jmh?" + (show)
@lisalucier

How is the nausea, @jmh?

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Happy new year 😆 I am actually waiting to see the surgeon for my 6week follow up as I write. Nausea still comes and goes but a bit better . I have a few questions for the doc hopefully he can answer . I will post them in case it help others

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1 reply
Moderator
Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Jan 2, 2020
In reply to @jmh "Happy new year 😆 I am actually waiting to see the surgeon for my 6week follow..." + (show)
@jmh

Happy new year 😆 I am actually waiting to see the surgeon for my 6week follow up as I write. Nausea still comes and goes but a bit better . I have a few questions for the doc hopefully he can answer . I will post them in case it help others

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When will you see your surgeon again, @jmh? For the benefit of others in this discussion and perhaps concerns or questions they will have in common with you, what questions do you still have for your doctor?

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jmh | @jmh | Jan 3, 2020

Good news from my surgeon today. Total recovery with twitches gone actually can be 6-12 months and I am making good progress as I can go fir hours without any twitch 😆 . Apparently the nerves take time to settle and facial movements,eye strain from computer or reading can trigger nerves but over time this should stop also. I have to see the doc after 1 year fir the final review. The nausea will disappear eventually too . So folks it’s all good

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1 reply
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jan 4, 2020
In reply to @jmh "Good news from my surgeon today. Total recovery with twitches gone actually can be 6-12 months..." + (show)
@jmh

Good news from my surgeon today. Total recovery with twitches gone actually can be 6-12 months and I am making good progress as I can go fir hours without any twitch 😆 . Apparently the nerves take time to settle and facial movements,eye strain from computer or reading can trigger nerves but over time this should stop also. I have to see the doc after 1 year fir the final review. The nausea will disappear eventually too . So folks it’s all good

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Thanks for sharing that reassuring news, @jmh.

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trishasc | @trishasc | Nov 16, 2020
In reply to @gigi76 "My spouse had that surgery in 2009. I know that you have been going through a..." + (show)
@gigi76

My spouse had that surgery in 2009. I know that you have been going through a living hell that never seems to end! I hope that you're starting to feel better.
Following my husband's surgery, I remember that he was very weak and had a headache that lasted for days. He had scar pain that lasted for years, but that's an unusual side effect, and a different neurosurgeon was eventually able to prescribe an ointment that took care of it permanently. Was the surgery worth it? I would say "Yes." His hemi-facial spasm was extremely severe and painful. His face would pull up to a severe angle. He had Trigeminal Neuralgia and facial tics. He had lost his sense of taste and had numbness in his nose, mouth and throat. He had to close his business and retire due to his condition, and go on disability. The MVD totally cured the TN and facial tics. He sometimes has spasms, but not to the degree before surgery. He regained feeling in his nose and throat, and sense of taste. Sometimes his mouth still numbs and at those times, he may bite the inside of his mouth enough to cause bleeding. He did regain a good quality of life and I hope that you will, too.

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That’s great to hear. I have hfs for 9 yeats and having surgery in December

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dazedandconfused1030 | @dazedandconfused1030 | Dec 8, 2020

I had the surgery on October 30th. Since then, my short term memory is horrible. I remember bits and pieces of the last month and a half and even the week before. I have double vision. I was in the hospital November 22-24 due to low potassium. Luckily my son called 911 (I apparently had a seizure), I don't remember going, being there for two days or coming home. I had to read the notes online to find out my potassium was a 2.8. I can't really hold memories from day to day, I'm confused all the time. My surgeon had one follow up appointment 19 days post op and it was a telephone call. He said there's nothing more he can do for me. None of this seems normal. Has anyone else who had this surgery experienced any of this?

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