MVD #2 Diary - Bruce Archibald
Thursday, August 14, 2008 – "MVD-Day":
I had my Microvascular Decompression Surgery (MVD). I woke up on the way to my room, vomiting from the anesthetic and the movement. Since I was almost there they decided not to stop. Once in my room they gave me pain shots and nausea medication. I continued to need pain shots every four hours.
Friday, August 15, 2008 - The Day After:
The nurse told me I would have to try to get up so I tried to sit up and vomited again just as the doctor came in. I was too sick to eat all day Friday.
Saturday, August 16, 2008 - Day 2 Post-Op:
I had some pain but was no longer nauseated so I was able to eat again. The nurse said I would have to walk to get better even though I was so dizzy and I could hardly even sit up. With my wife's help I managed to take six walks. I graduated from pain shots to pills.
Sunday, August 17, 2008 - Day 3 Post-Op:
I was so dizzy I had difficulty keeping my balance but I took a shower and dressed. The doctor released me at 3 PM. On the way home I had to focus on the dash board in front of me so the moving objects around me didn't make me sick.
Saturday, August 30, 2008 - Day 16 Post-Op:
I'm still dizzy and wear out quicker than usual. I thought by now the dizziness would be gone but I still get dizzy after being up for 30 minutes. I'm eating well and getting used to being dizzy. I did have to go to a chiropractor because my tailbone, hip, and left leg (sciatic nerve) hurt badly. I assume it is from laying on the operating table but it didn't hurt until after I got home so maybe it was from sitting and laying around in the same position too much. Praise the Lord the facial SPASMS ARE GONE, and the scratchy eye syndrome seems to be gone. All I have to do now is get rid of the dizziness and get stronger. I'm supposed to return to work October 1, 2008, so I have about a month to recover. God bless Drs. Jannetta and Sekula for their skill.
Monday, September 1, 2008 - Day 18 Post-Op:
I went back to Pittsburgh and they feel I'm doing well. If you have to go to Pittsburgh watch out for the lane changes. They give you no warning and you have to cross three lanes to stay in the right lane.