Craniotomy in 9 days

beegie: I had a 3 cm. meningioma removed that was 1/16th of an inch from my optic nerve a little over a year ago. The doctor left standing orders for rehabilitation services to come to my house afterward but I didn't need that service and they never came. The first time out of bed, at the hospital, I had my husband walk me to the bathroom door, just in case I was dizzy, but after that I went on my own. Advice for at home is not a lot of company as he will want to sleep a lot. Also, real important, make sure you give him the stool softener/laxative doctor advises as one is not supposed to be straining after this surgery. Hopefully, you will get a detailed print out upon discharge because it's a lot of information to remember. The discharge nurse should also read, with you and your husband, those instructions for at home care. I did have double vision after the surgery not because of damage to the optic nerve but because of the swelling in my brain from the procedure itself. That resolved in a little over 3 months. Except for the frustration with the double vision, I felt pretty good just 5 days post surgery. Well wishes to your husband, and to you, his primary caretaker, once he returns home.

Good advice above. Also get some baby shampoo. When I had mine in October they had me clean the incision with baby shampoo daily. I was back on my feet pretty quickly but each is unique.

I had a meningioma removed 8 years ago and speak from experience. They will tell your husband all the preparations needed for him to go home. But it’s his brain surgery, and he probably won’t remember all to tell you. So be sure to get full directions directly from the doctor or case manager. Hopefully your husband has signed saying that they are free to discuss his medical condition with you.

My husband is having craniotomy for mangioma on optic nerve in a week. I am trying to prepare for when he returns home. Do you have any suggestions? I have a walker and am getting a seat for shower.
Thank- you. I am nervous that I won’t be prepared

Hello
I had a craniotomy four years ago and doing darn okay. Yes, it is scary but please keep in mind you will improve as you heal. Post-op I had deficits that went away over time. So it is very normal to be scared but you will heal and you will get better. Best wishes and I think at Mayo’s you are in very good hands.

Here's a success story! I had a craniotomy over 30 years ago to remove an intraventricular pilocytic astrocytoma. Still going strong!! Hope you're doing the same.

I'll add you to my prayers too.

Hi! So glad to hear from you. Yes, I can relate to the fear experience. Just about everyone who participates here can relate to that feeling too. You sound like you're doing well in many ways tho not recovering as fast as you'd like. I'm glad for the success of the surgery itself and pray you get a special dose of patience to carry you through the rest of the recovery process. I have not had brain surgery to relate to your experience personally but have had other medical experiences that required an extended recovery. So I do understand the range of impact of loss of full function, easy fatigue etc. I believe this forum will be a wonderful bridge for you. Persevere. My best wishes and prayers for you

I understand your anxiety. (Im in the wait and watch phase, with a 2.8cm cavernous sinus meningioma…diagnosed last august)
Am wishing you the very best outcome and you are wrapped around in prayers.
Please try to update us here.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.

I had a craniotomy for an aneurysm 6 weeks ago (mid February) and am recovering. I was so scared of the surgery. I’m finding post op recovery is slower than I thought. How are you doing?