What exactly happens before, during and after a Craniotomy?

@gkeating
Saw your question about mental recovery and activity post craniotomy. Im almost 10 weeks post op, also feel fine. I wad able to walk a lot post op, first few nights w help just to be safe. I missed my long walks w my dog but did walk him outside for short block or two. Right away after getting home I felt fine and could do usual kitchen activities, could do stairs independently but was very mindful to use railings etc just to be extra cautious. After receiving OT and PT Ive finally returned to my usual dog walks and stationary bike rides. My care team said no strenuous activity for 6-8 weeks, which I followed even though I felt good- part of that is to avoid intracranial pressure, so its good to check activities you're wanting to do w your surgeons office just to be safe. For example- no forward bends in yoga for me even though I felt absolutely able to do this. Mental recovery was harder at first cuz I missed my routine but staying busy w walks, OT & PT& playing luminosity on my phone , for example, helped a lot. Hope this helps! Im still on my seizure meds, same dose as before craniotomy. Best Wishes!!🙏☘️👍

@cddonahoe How was your mental recovery after. Just had practically the same thing and trying to figure out what the next few months is going to look like mentally. Physically I feel fine, but am I being too optimistic? How active were you after surgery as well and how long did they keep you on seizure meds?

Thank you! Having craniotomy this fall and really wanted to hear things like this. Good advice! Any other suggestions ?? Hope you're all healed by now.
Thank you again!

Its not bad. the worst part was having them keep you awake for a time after. I had shoulder surgery and I found that way worse.
They knock you out. it sounds weird but your brain doesn't have nerve ending so you don't feel pain inside your brain when you wake up. they keep you awake for a long time after asking your name and if you know where you are and they look for signs of bleeding on the brain. get moving and doing things as quick as possible walk around your room if you can. I suggest using your brain as soon as possible it really helped my recovery.

I have been a year out with a small recurrent leison, waiting to get into clinical trial for second line Rx. The pre op informed consent should be by the surgeon with enough time to answer all your questions. If not, go to academic center with enough residents and fellows to give you the time you need.

Surgery is under anesthesia and may include EEG monitoring during procedure. post operative pain minimal. Staple removal can be a bit uncomfortable if escarp is heavy. I had about 40 staples and a few were buried so P.A. Needed to wear loops to find them all.

Second opinion!! Go where you feel heard and they take care of you

i read your message or posting and i have some of the same things going on with my head but mostly noticeable after a time. around me the people i love and am around most have heard me say these things and tell me time will heal some of them. maybe not what i remember as normal but now with time passing the year and them some. i would love to chat more about your post and things you are going through that we share, watermelon effect, vision. still have numb spots and uneven scaring, hair loss and have 9.5 months of my life i lost. this is all just starters. maybe we can chat further if you are willing.

kdog:
Thank you very much. But the doctors are of no assistance as it is just a business for them.
They have absolutely no time or interest.
That is one reason I have cancelled my Watchman implant also.
Nowadays, one does not even meet the doctor. One goes straight in to surgery without having questions answered, or any interaction with anyone.
It is all about the money.
I will possibly go for a second opinion.
My neurosurgeon, who has been practicing for decades, laughed at me as he stated that he thought I was joking about all of my strange symptoms.
He stated that he had never had such complaints by anyone:
hollow feeling in forehead,
bones cracking, total numbness in head.
I have difficulty walking, loss of balance.
Thank you for your response.

Yup, had first 4 treatments last week, only 26 to go. No bad effects as yet. Fortunately the treatment center is nearby so I can ride my bike there to maintain fitness during the treatment.