I know many have said to let you know how the MRI stuff went. Well, I had to take a valium 1 hour before to relax my body. And for sure I needed it because I was having the fullness, tension, etc. today. Also due to the fact of the spinal pain (which was seeming better), they had me take pain medicine.
Once I arrived they (Memorial Medical) were very nice and asked if my body felt real relaxed because the MRIs were gonna last 2 1/2 hours. HUH?? I almost freaked out because I have just been starting to have the back pain coming back, and everything in my head still felt like full pressure. So, I ended up taking ANOTHER of each pill. Due to the noise issues I'm having they put earplugs in each ear, and then put on the big headphones........that worked great.
There was only one point where they could stop and let me stretch my back for a few and have some ice chips (I think all these meds are causing real dry mouth.....or something). Then they finished the MRI, even propped my legs up some to help decrease the pain in my back.
Well, low and behold (due to my luck), when I was done I felt like I could barely move. All the pain in my back side was there, and my head felt like it was swollen like a balloon. There for sure must be something going on in my lower spine. They actually told me to take another darvocet. (GEE, I never knew you could take so much crap.....I really hate it, but know it's to help with the pain and should be temporary).
I made my mom take me into Meijers to walk some to stretch out my back & legs, and to get some fruit. That helped the pain some........but how in the world can I function will all the medicines I had taken????
One thought on the spinal pain is I'm going down on the steroid. The doctors say steroids help with pain too, so it will be interesting what the next few days bring. I think the steroids are causing my face to puff, it feels weird.
Anyways, I said I'd let yas know. Now I'm in tears again because of the pain, but at least what I had done today should help get us some answers.
Thanks again for all the prayers...............we need to be healing better. I am doing basically nothing like I was told.
Oh, I got the CD of all the MRI to take to the dr. on Friday. I'm gonna check it out, the girl said it was o.k.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
ONE MORE NOTE, sorry :-)
Sorry all my posts seem so long. I think this blogging has been the best thing for me. Those who know me know I like to talk :-) But due to the brain swelling and the fact they cut part of a jaw muscle, I'm really limited. (didn't realize that at 1st, but now I know) Anyways, the blog helps me with that! So, just treat it like you're reading a book!!
Trenton's Broken Hand
Well, I said I would add something different!!
I've had lots of people ask how Trenton broke his hand....remember he had to go get a cast on the day of my surgery! Between him and his "injuries", and me and my health, we are keeping the medical people in business!!! ha ha ha!!
Anyways, he had hurt his arm I think the Friday morning before in the kitchen. I thought he said he was just swinging it around and bashed it on the side of one of our very heavy oak kitchen chairs. We were getting ready for school (and we've always made the boys be tough), so I just said hurry up, you'll be fine.
Nope a few hours later school calls. Trenton wasn't crying or anything, but the side of his hand was swollen and she said it was looking green. Sigh.....went to get him, figured it did look oddly swollen so I better take him in. Sure enough, it was broke. The doctor (or whoever) said it looked like a boxer break. Yeah, whatever......I really was dealing with anxiety over the surgery, and he was alive and fine and not crying or anything. We were told he had to wait until Monday to cast it because of the swelling. (yep, I wasn't pulling the greatest concerned mommy that day..............not like I haven't had it a ton with him before....sorry bud!!) Later at dinner we were asking him again how he hurt it. He got up and showed us that he hit the back of the recliner chair.....just like he was punching it!!!! UGH!!! What the heck??? He was just messing around and boxing the recliner. But SINCE IT WAS TRENTON, he had to have hit the wooden part in the chair. Kids.......love them to death, but they sure are ALL boy!
So now I'm gonna try to post the only picture I have of him with it on. This blog thing is new for me, and not sure if I do it all right, but it will work somehow. He has to have the cast on for 1 month, then we go back from there. Sure he'll be done.....last time he broke his other arm they said he was a fast healer.
I've had lots of people ask how Trenton broke his hand....remember he had to go get a cast on the day of my surgery! Between him and his "injuries", and me and my health, we are keeping the medical people in business!!! ha ha ha!!
Anyways, he had hurt his arm I think the Friday morning before in the kitchen. I thought he said he was just swinging it around and bashed it on the side of one of our very heavy oak kitchen chairs. We were getting ready for school (and we've always made the boys be tough), so I just said hurry up, you'll be fine.
Nope a few hours later school calls. Trenton wasn't crying or anything, but the side of his hand was swollen and she said it was looking green. Sigh.....went to get him, figured it did look oddly swollen so I better take him in. Sure enough, it was broke. The doctor (or whoever) said it looked like a boxer break. Yeah, whatever......I really was dealing with anxiety over the surgery, and he was alive and fine and not crying or anything. We were told he had to wait until Monday to cast it because of the swelling. (yep, I wasn't pulling the greatest concerned mommy that day..............not like I haven't had it a ton with him before....sorry bud!!) Later at dinner we were asking him again how he hurt it. He got up and showed us that he hit the back of the recliner chair.....just like he was punching it!!!! UGH!!! What the heck??? He was just messing around and boxing the recliner. But SINCE IT WAS TRENTON, he had to have hit the wooden part in the chair. Kids.......love them to death, but they sure are ALL boy!
So now I'm gonna try to post the only picture I have of him with it on. This blog thing is new for me, and not sure if I do it all right, but it will work somehow. He has to have the cast on for 1 month, then we go back from there. Sure he'll be done.....last time he broke his other arm they said he was a fast healer.
Oh, I seen this picture too in my files and had to add it. It was my favorite for my Christmas cards last year. It even had a good picture of our dog Chevy with them. We lost Chevy in June due to cancer. I still miss her so much. We got her as a puppy when I was 6 months pregnant for Nelson. She was a actually a good dog..............also, Trenton's best friend. (o.k.,gotta stop now, can't see due to crying.........miss you Chevy dog!!!!)
Hugs to everyone and thank you all!
With lots of love from the Sanford Family!!!
Up and Down.....HERE WE GO!!
Well, not sure how else to title it, but on Friday I was on cloud 9. Things were up. Of course that was the greatest situation I've had since being home from this surgery. I've been told by every doctor and other AN people that you need to take it hour by hour.
Well, of course I got up Saturday and felt like I had been ran over. My head felt so swollen and so heavy, the pressure was crazy! Felt like I couldn't hear at all, and my face paralysis felt like a solid brick. I'm finally learning how serious and what they meant by no bending. If I bend only about a 45 degree angle I can feel a rush of pressure going to my head. (not sure if that is normal for everyone with this surgery, or just because when we went to ER a week ago they said my swelling was pretty 'full' still). Or possibly if it is from whatever else is causing my spinal pain.
Of course I have the MRI tomorrow (and NO I can't give you info then, ya know they never tell ya anything), and I have a nice list of questions for when we go to the doctor on Friday. I will probably have to get a copy of the MRI CD to take with me to the doctor like I always have before..............well, OF COURSE I'm gonna peak at it :-) It won't have the report done right away, but I can see what my brain now looks like. interesting! My boys think those CDs are cool! We even got to point out the "rocks in my head" before. hahaha......there for sure better be one less rock!!
O.K., now for the UP NEWS!!! Of course I'm still not sleeping much due to the steroids. I was up when Neil got up for work. I told him I felt different, almost normal for awhile. I had no pressure, and the tinnitus (ringing and noises in the ear) were very light. So, I had him come talk to me in my bad ear while plugging the good one tight. I could just barely hear him. SO then we played that game again like I did with Nelson. ;-)
As Neil was leaving for work I told him to call me from his work cell and I wanted to know if I could here on the bad ear at all (I keep answering the phone on that ear on accident, and it sounds dead like no one is there.....oops) SO, sure enough her called and I could hear him a very tiny bit. Then I took our phone and turned up the hearing volume (it's always on the lowest because it's a loud volume phone). HOLY COW!!!! I could make out what he was saying!!! Sounded like he was whispering, but at least I heard!!!
Now that made it time for the HAPPY DANCE!!!!!! Yah, I don't know what else to say!!! If you've ever been in a situation like this, you get it.
I've noticed I've had a ton of e-mails and positive responses to my blog posts. I'm wondering if it might be good for ANers to post on here. I started this blog just to let people know how the surgery went, etc. BUT, since I've ended up having all kinds of ildssues I'm using it more like a journal and my emotional outing. Knowing someday (in accordance to some e-mails I've gotten..........already) that maybe my blog will be helpful for others to read or follow or give hope. I kept asking Neil how much they told us what all we may go through, but of course I guess I was just thinking, nahhhh, I'll be one of the lucky ones. WELL, I've had every single thing that can go down except for the 2 more life threatening ones (bacterial menengitis, CSF leak). Still doesn't mean I'm out of the woods for those. Just also thought I'd be one that was feeling great by 3 weeks. NOT....tomorrow is 3 weeks. Of course, we all have to remember that I've had additional stuff that has flaired up, like the pain we are not positive what is causing it (that's why full MRI tomorrow), had nice allergic reaction to a pain medicine, AND I got thrush....it went away and came back again!!! ugh!
I basically am trying to do NOTHING! I've noticed that everything seems to feel better when I'm sitting straight up mostly, no noises (unless one thing at a time), take my valium like I was told would help, and NO bending at all! I will probably list another day soon what all side effects there are and put in my notes.
For now this is enough. Also when I started this goofy blog I was thinking of doing it for fun too. To be able to put up pictures of fun things, my family, my crafts....something. Well, I am gonna do one now.
Please keep them prayers coming! And THANK YOU ALL for everything!! I'm amazed how loaded my e-mail box is. Do leave comments here to though if it might be something helpful for other ANer's...thanks
Well, of course I got up Saturday and felt like I had been ran over. My head felt so swollen and so heavy, the pressure was crazy! Felt like I couldn't hear at all, and my face paralysis felt like a solid brick. I'm finally learning how serious and what they meant by no bending. If I bend only about a 45 degree angle I can feel a rush of pressure going to my head. (not sure if that is normal for everyone with this surgery, or just because when we went to ER a week ago they said my swelling was pretty 'full' still). Or possibly if it is from whatever else is causing my spinal pain.
Of course I have the MRI tomorrow (and NO I can't give you info then, ya know they never tell ya anything), and I have a nice list of questions for when we go to the doctor on Friday. I will probably have to get a copy of the MRI CD to take with me to the doctor like I always have before..............well, OF COURSE I'm gonna peak at it :-) It won't have the report done right away, but I can see what my brain now looks like. interesting! My boys think those CDs are cool! We even got to point out the "rocks in my head" before. hahaha......there for sure better be one less rock!!
O.K., now for the UP NEWS!!! Of course I'm still not sleeping much due to the steroids. I was up when Neil got up for work. I told him I felt different, almost normal for awhile. I had no pressure, and the tinnitus (ringing and noises in the ear) were very light. So, I had him come talk to me in my bad ear while plugging the good one tight. I could just barely hear him. SO then we played that game again like I did with Nelson. ;-)
As Neil was leaving for work I told him to call me from his work cell and I wanted to know if I could here on the bad ear at all (I keep answering the phone on that ear on accident, and it sounds dead like no one is there.....oops) SO, sure enough her called and I could hear him a very tiny bit. Then I took our phone and turned up the hearing volume (it's always on the lowest because it's a loud volume phone). HOLY COW!!!! I could make out what he was saying!!! Sounded like he was whispering, but at least I heard!!!
Now that made it time for the HAPPY DANCE!!!!!! Yah, I don't know what else to say!!! If you've ever been in a situation like this, you get it.
I've noticed I've had a ton of e-mails and positive responses to my blog posts. I'm wondering if it might be good for ANers to post on here. I started this blog just to let people know how the surgery went, etc. BUT, since I've ended up having all kinds of ildssues I'm using it more like a journal and my emotional outing. Knowing someday (in accordance to some e-mails I've gotten..........already) that maybe my blog will be helpful for others to read or follow or give hope. I kept asking Neil how much they told us what all we may go through, but of course I guess I was just thinking, nahhhh, I'll be one of the lucky ones. WELL, I've had every single thing that can go down except for the 2 more life threatening ones (bacterial menengitis, CSF leak). Still doesn't mean I'm out of the woods for those. Just also thought I'd be one that was feeling great by 3 weeks. NOT....tomorrow is 3 weeks. Of course, we all have to remember that I've had additional stuff that has flaired up, like the pain we are not positive what is causing it (that's why full MRI tomorrow), had nice allergic reaction to a pain medicine, AND I got thrush....it went away and came back again!!! ugh!
I basically am trying to do NOTHING! I've noticed that everything seems to feel better when I'm sitting straight up mostly, no noises (unless one thing at a time), take my valium like I was told would help, and NO bending at all! I will probably list another day soon what all side effects there are and put in my notes.
For now this is enough. Also when I started this goofy blog I was thinking of doing it for fun too. To be able to put up pictures of fun things, my family, my crafts....something. Well, I am gonna do one now.
Please keep them prayers coming! And THANK YOU ALL for everything!! I'm amazed how loaded my e-mail box is. Do leave comments here to though if it might be something helpful for other ANer's...thanks
Friday, November 27, 2009
GREAT NEWS!!!!!!!!!!
Parts of my body are truly alive :-) (Not sure how else to put it)
I have been doing very very good trying to take care of myself. Today I didn't do any body exercises for my legs and back stretching, etc. (I noticed when doing some of those things I feel extra pressure in the head.............even too hard of a walk has an impact of pressure in my head, all due to the extra swelling of the brain they determined last Friday). I was lucky enough that one of my darling sister in laws took both the boys, so I had lots of quiet time, yipeee!
I have been having the issues with the eye stuff and seemed like nothing was helping me out. When Neil came home on lunch we ran to the eye doctor looking for options. She said my eye was VERY dried already and to use ointment for the whole day. Then, I got that interesting little glasses cover. (I LOVE the way it works to keep the eye covered if trying to focus on something.....and it keeps the air from it..........oh, and it doesn't go anywhere near the eye to scratch or harm the cornea)
So, that's just part of it. Today is the first day that I got along without hardly any pain/inflammation feeling. Then it was like I was hearing something odd. Everything was quiet and I plugged my good ear tightly and had Nelson tell me a little story standing next to me in his regular voice.....(I HEARD IT ALL!!!!!!!!!!) Of course it wasn't fully or perfect, but I could understand it. So excited. It's just hard not knowing, but now I DO know the possiblity is truly there!!!!!!!!!! Yeah, yeah, yeah!!!!
I have been told many times by the doctors and other ANers that I need to take it hour by hour, and I understand that now. BUT, at least now I am HAPPY!!! I know I can still go backwards, up and down, BUT at least now I have a little more hope (and less worry). God granted my prayer just to give me a clue....THANK YOU!! Our prayers are working!! For those who are not ANers, this doesn't mean every day gets better, it just means there is the hope of more recovery.
So happy right now, I had to shout it out to the world, and spend some time with the Lord for thanking him for some kind of sign!!!
This journey can be a long one, and lots of ANers have that 2 steps forward, one step back..........well, I've actually been thinking I was totally opposite, but not now! I think I'm on my way! (just too bad I had it in my head that it was all gonna be easier, what was I thinking.......plus having a few other issues affecting don't help)
O,K., taking it day by day and praying it continues to get better. Looking forward to my MRI on Monday still and hopefully that comes up nothing important. I'd just love for them to say I need a good massage to help deal with the pains I'm having.
Gee, it's gonna be even harder to sleep tonight................I'm so excited!!!!
Thank you everyone for prayers and thoughts and everything else. This situation has been a trying time and this was the first of positive things I've had and it's about 3 weeks!!!
Keep on praying!!!
Denise and family!!
I have been doing very very good trying to take care of myself. Today I didn't do any body exercises for my legs and back stretching, etc. (I noticed when doing some of those things I feel extra pressure in the head.............even too hard of a walk has an impact of pressure in my head, all due to the extra swelling of the brain they determined last Friday). I was lucky enough that one of my darling sister in laws took both the boys, so I had lots of quiet time, yipeee!
I have been having the issues with the eye stuff and seemed like nothing was helping me out. When Neil came home on lunch we ran to the eye doctor looking for options. She said my eye was VERY dried already and to use ointment for the whole day. Then, I got that interesting little glasses cover. (I LOVE the way it works to keep the eye covered if trying to focus on something.....and it keeps the air from it..........oh, and it doesn't go anywhere near the eye to scratch or harm the cornea)
So, that's just part of it. Today is the first day that I got along without hardly any pain/inflammation feeling. Then it was like I was hearing something odd. Everything was quiet and I plugged my good ear tightly and had Nelson tell me a little story standing next to me in his regular voice.....(I HEARD IT ALL!!!!!!!!!!) Of course it wasn't fully or perfect, but I could understand it. So excited. It's just hard not knowing, but now I DO know the possiblity is truly there!!!!!!!!!! Yeah, yeah, yeah!!!!
I have been told many times by the doctors and other ANers that I need to take it hour by hour, and I understand that now. BUT, at least now I am HAPPY!!! I know I can still go backwards, up and down, BUT at least now I have a little more hope (and less worry). God granted my prayer just to give me a clue....THANK YOU!! Our prayers are working!! For those who are not ANers, this doesn't mean every day gets better, it just means there is the hope of more recovery.
So happy right now, I had to shout it out to the world, and spend some time with the Lord for thanking him for some kind of sign!!!
This journey can be a long one, and lots of ANers have that 2 steps forward, one step back..........well, I've actually been thinking I was totally opposite, but not now! I think I'm on my way! (just too bad I had it in my head that it was all gonna be easier, what was I thinking.......plus having a few other issues affecting don't help)
O,K., taking it day by day and praying it continues to get better. Looking forward to my MRI on Monday still and hopefully that comes up nothing important. I'd just love for them to say I need a good massage to help deal with the pains I'm having.
Gee, it's gonna be even harder to sleep tonight................I'm so excited!!!!
Thank you everyone for prayers and thoughts and everything else. This situation has been a trying time and this was the first of positive things I've had and it's about 3 weeks!!!
Keep on praying!!!
New Eye Covers
Here are a couple pictures of things I got for eye covers. Since my eye won't close on its own, and taping it hurts my skin I tried a few other things. I got the clear patch from the doctor which is nice for keeping in the lubrication, and can be used in the shower to keep shampoo out of my eyes. But, most patches are to big to wear under my glasses. So today I asked at the eye doctors office and they said to try this little material thing. Cute :-) It's actually for kids, but it fit over my glasses perfectly and it can be trimmed if needed. Well it works out great for keeping the bad eye dark so my good eye has total & clear focus. The fabric doesn't touch the eye at all, so I don't need to worry about it scratching the cornea. Gee, I thought it was a unique idea compared to all the things I've found so far. I could make my own and even do them in different colors or holiday, etc. I usually only need it covered dark when trying to focus clearly with the other eye (like when on the computer, tv, etc.) It also can go down the sides and helps protect it from air. Interesting hey???
Protecting the eyes is a very important thing to due with this facial paralysis. The eyelid won't close, and dries out fast and can get the cornea injured. Even though I've only had this paralysis thing about 1 1/2 weeks, the dry eye and not closing hurts fast. This morning I forgot it wasn't closed and got shampoo rinsed in it. Ouch!! I've researched on the eye patches, covers and weight things too, but nothing seemed as comfortable.
Today has been a good day! My speech has been better and the only time I've had the pressure in my head is when I bent over putting clothes in the drier. Need to be more careful!
Fellow ANers, let me know what ya think.....through my searching, I found nothing like this. And it came from my eye doctors office. She said just to be sure to wear plenty of lube under it. Of course I will. I think I like the looks of this better than the pirate patch.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
More info.
Sorry that some people may not like the pictures. I decided to post them for helping out fellow future AN patience that may be wondering things. Also my e-mail is listed if anyone wants to chat.
I'm having my share of issues, but hope to get some answers by the end of next week.
Hope all had a HappyThanksgiving! I had a nice plate brought home to me, and got a bit of sleep while they were gone. The one thing I am truly additionally Thankful for this year is finding the Acoustic Neuroma association forum/support. Thanks guys so much!!
Denise
I'm having my share of issues, but hope to get some answers by the end of next week.
Hope all had a HappyThanksgiving! I had a nice plate brought home to me, and got a bit of sleep while they were gone. The one thing I am truly additionally Thankful for this year is finding the Acoustic Neuroma association forum/support. Thanks guys so much!!
Denise
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