While we were waiting, a lady came in to the waiting room and she had obviously just had the MVD surgery. I did not talk to her, but we were all looking at her scar, and it was a relief to see how inconspicuous it was. It also made the upcoming surgery very real for me.
Kathy Evan, Dr. Jannetta’s nurse, called me back and had Dr. Bellotte come in and talk to me for about 5 or 6 minutes. He is 31 years old and has been with Drs. Jannetta and Casey for six years. He took my history. He asked if I would like my family to join us to go over the procedure and I said yes. Mom, Dad and Adam joined us. (My brother Randy was working today.) Dr. Bellotte was holding a model of a brain and explained what each nerve does and its location and how they would proceed. He then discussed risks with us and provided some assuring statistics. He was very good and answered questions from all of us.
Next, Dr. Casey came in and reviewed the information with us, and also answered questions. It was fun to see Dr. Casey in person after seeing him on video and hearing so much about him on this site and the e-mails. He was very warm and friendly and relaxed. Then Dr. Jannetta came in. Of course my face was not twitching all this time, and for some reason it was important to me that they see my face in action. Dr. Bellotte had seen it earlier, but Dr. Jannetta and Dr. Casey did not see much twitching. I wanted that visual validation, even though they did not need it because of the testing results, etc. All 3 doctors spent 25-30 minutes with us, answering questions, visiting, joking. They made me feel real comfortable and confident. Meeting Dr. Jannetta was like being in the presence of a superstar to me as I had read so much about him and thought the I would never see him face to face. And here I am!
Rick, the PA, came in next to check my vitals, etc. He said we would be seeing more of him on the day of the surgery than we would be seeing the doctors . He too was very friendly and easy-going, adding to our comfort level. The visit to Drs. Jannetta and Casey’s office was a surprise to begin with, and a major event as far as my confidence in my decision to be here, at this hospital, in their care, at this moment. It feels right, I am so ready.
The Hawthorn Suites shuttle picked us up at the hospital and brought us home. We ordered in from Maneo’s for late lunch. It was almost 3:00 PM when we ate. Randy came in and wanted to hear all about our visit, and dad was busy calling his friends telling them how relieved he was. Mom was on the computer e-mailing everybody that we had met Drs. Jannetta and Casey and that we are so happy with my decision.
Wednesday, March 2, 2005 - Day before Surgery
It is still snowing, temperature is 19 degrees with a wind-chill of 8 degrees. We are snuggled in and glad we have coffee and snack foods and the Scrabble board. We also have decks of cards, books, and of course the TV.
Thursday, March 3, 2005 "MVD-Day":
We left for the hospital an hour early. My brother Randy was driving and traffic was very congested so I was glad we left so early. When we arrived at the hospital, we were directed to the 11th floor. Adam and I went back and my parents and brother waited. I was put in a room, where I undressed and put on the lovely hospital gown. In a few minutes, my mom, dad and brother joined us in the room. They did more blood work and asked more questions. We waited almost an hour for the stretcher to take me to the Operating Room. I put on the long leg stockings help circulation and the litle shoes. That time was pretty unnerving. Even though my family was chatting, etc, it still seemed the clock was ticking, ticking.
(Note from Mom – I was surprised at how anxious I was when they came to get Kathy. We had waited a long time for this, suddenly it was here, and it was scary – I think scary even for the men in the group. It was hard to say goodbye and let Kathy go - - - I did not expect to be so anxious. At this point, she has been in surgery for almost 40 minutes. We have been to the cafeteria, paced the floor some, outside to grab a cig or two or three………waiting , waiting……. Lady in the waiting room said her husband had had surgery earlier today by Dr. Jannetta. She, too, has wonderful things to say about him.)
Back to Kathy -- When I was waiting for surgery, it was blue scrubs everywhere, nurses, and doctors everywhere. Your doctor’s name is taped to the end of your bed. I had never had surgery and for me, it was strange to be in this huge room with people waiting for all different kinds of surgeries. The anesthesiologist introduced himself. Drs. Casey and Jannetta both spoke to me during this holding time, asked me which side they were doing, more than once. Part of procedure, I think. They both joked with me about winking at them and we all laughed. Nurses would come by and visit, see if I had any questions. One particular nurse, I think her name was Heidi, was so helpful and allowed me to walk to a restroom because I had never used a bedpan. Of course, I had an escort, because this was breaking some rules. When I came back from the restroom, things started happening fast. I got back on the stretcher. Anesthesiologist put in the IV, which I hardly felt at all. Next thing I am rolling fast down the hall. I am sure it was slower than it felt, but we were moving fast. I remember seeing computer monitors everywhere. I think the room was round, bright lights, and people everywhere. I scooted on to the operating table. I remember scooting my head into place.
When I woke up in recovery, I did not have any nausea and pain was minimal. My mouth was extremely dry and things seemed foggy. I was awake enough to know I was still twitching and I was concerned. My family was able to come back to see me twice during that recovery room time.
Finally I got to a regular room around 8:30 that night and was able to walk to the bathroom with assistance. That seemed to be a big accomplishment – according to the nurse.
Friday, March 4, 2005, Day 1 Post-op:
Still feeling groggy, pain is minimal, headache is strong, balance is way off and nausea set in about noon. I was not feeling well at all, and since the doctors had said I could make the decision, I decided to stay at the hospital for another day. I sat up in a chair and the doctors came by to check on me. They said I was doing fine. I still have spasms. I have eaten a bite of a saltine and had some ginger ale today.
Saturday, March 5, 2005, Day 2 Post-op:
My parents and brother left today for South Carolina. Adam and I are in the hospital. Our goal is to leave the hospital today but it seems like such a huge task. First, I have to take a shower, which also seems an insurmountable task. That accomplished, the next goal was to walk down the hall. We made a lap around the nurse’s station. I was exhausted, but ready to leave. We called the shuttle and they picked us up at 1:15 PM to return to Hawthorn Suites. I ate two saltines today with ginger ale. Slept most of the day. Nausea and headache and imbalance are my worst problems. I feel, and am, helpless.
Sunday, March 6, 2005 - Day 3 Post-Op:
About the same as yesterday, sleeping and dealing with nausea, headache, and balance. I did manage to eat about 6 French fries, tasted good, but could not keep it down. We still have not walked in the mall and that is our goal for tomorrow. I decided to stop the pain medications and took my last one this morning. I hope that will help relieve the nausea and the drugged feeling. I took a shower and washed my hair for the first time, which felt good but was exhausting. I remember telling Adam to remind me how good it was going to feel to get that shower. I didn't think I could do it, but I did.
Monday, March 7, 2005 - Day 4 Post-Op:
My headache seems worse when I first wake up in the mornings. We took the shuttle and went to the mall and walked around some. At lunchtime. I ate ¼ grilled cheese sandwich and some chips at the mall. This afternoon I ate a banana, which tasted really good. I ate a baked potato for dinner, still fighting nausea and the shuttle was really hard on me with that.
Tuesday, March 8, 2005 - Day 5 Post-Op:
Post-op appointment was at 8:30 a.m., but we had to take the 7 a.m. shuttle. I am still wobbly on my feet but post-op visit was fine. We had fun taking pictures with the doctors, and I was given permission to return home.
Spasms have gotten better every day, so at today’s visit they were minimal. I am pleased and ready to go home. Today I ate an apple before we got on the airplane - still have no appetite at all.
We arrived in South Carolina Tuesday evening about 7 PM.
I was completely exhausted but home sure looks great! The flight home was better than I expected. I kept my eyes closed the whole time in order to control the nausea and vertigo. (I did that in the shuttle, too!)
Permission granted the HFSA to post MVD Diary on website.
Kathy Adam, March 20, 2005Back to top HFSA HOME
Copyright © 2001, The Hemifacial Spasm Association (HFSA) Rev. 040901
Wednesday, March 9, 2005 - Day 6 Post-Op:
Slept and settled in.
Thursday, March 10, 2005 - Day 7 Post-Op:
I got some ginger tea and ginger pills from the local herb shop. Wish I had had those earlier as they really helped kick the nausea. I also got some wrist bands that people buy for seasickness. Those 3 items seemed to help me move past the nausea. I ate a little chicken and rice that my sister-in-law made for me. It tasted good, but I could not eat much. It did stay down, though.
Friday, March 11, 2005 - Day 8 Post -Op:
Relaxed and slept all day. I got outside for a little while. Feeling better, mild headache but much less nausea. Still wobbly.
Saturday and Sunday, March 12 and 13, 2005 - Days 9 and 10 Post-Op:
My appetite is back, nausea is gone, I feel great and I'm 95% spasm free. I do tire easily and am still a bit wobbly but excited about those spasms being gone! I would have this surgery again if I needed to. Drs. Jannetta and Casey are super! The hospital staff was really great. I am so glad I decided to have this surgery.
Wednesday, March 15, 2005 - Day 12 Post-Op:
I returned to work for four hours today. I will increase my hours as I am able. I am thankful to be back in the real world and........97% spasm free!Permission granted the HFSA to post MVD Diary on website.
Kathy Adam, March 20, 2005