Brain Surgery is a source of anxiety for those going through it an their loved ones witnessing it. One way I dealt with the anxiety was to prepare as best as I could for the surgery and also recovery.
Preparing for Brain Surgery
Two weeks leading up to my surgery, I stopped seeing people to avoid getting sick. My doctors informed me if I was sick the day of surgery, they would postpone and reschedule me for when I’m healthy. With that in mind, I did all I could to remain healthy leading up to the big day. My entire household became diligent handwashers; It was mandatory for us to wash our hands upon entering the house, before and after eating, after blowing our noses and of course, after using the bathroom.
One of the hard parts two weeks prior to surgery is not taking any medication or supplements. I wanted to take Airbourne to avoid getting sick, or even Vitamin C, however, my surgeon said I wasn’t allowed to take any medication except my thyroid prescription. That means no ibuprofen or Tylenol even if I had a headache. I focused on drinking a TON of water and lots of tea with honey at night to avoid getting sick. Mind you, I was having surgery at the end of February and I knew several people suffering from Flu A and Flu B. Avoiding getting sick was a huge source of stress, but I was successful!
Post Surgery
Recovery was definitely the hardest part of the ordeal. Things I used in my recovery or that would have been useful are listed below:
- Saline Spray – canned spray and nasal rinse with extra saline packets and distilled water
- Tylenol
- Cold headache wrap
- Eye mask for sleep
- White noise machine – I have dogs so it was nice to help get uninterrupted sleep.
- Soft foods – pudding, apple sauce, etc…
- Nalgene bottle – to monitor my fluid intake. I was only allowed to drink 1L per day the first week in recovery. Any bottle with a measurement on the side will work.
- Pill organizer that has an AM and PM slot.
- Husband pillow to prop me up in bed.
- A food tray for eating in bed
- A cart to hold my extra care items
- Books to read or coloring books to stave off boredom when the steroids keep you awake.
- Television- for the same reason as above.
After 4 weeks, I felt pretty good. My headaches were manageable with Tylenol only and I don’t need it daily anymore. My energy levels are back and my hormones are balanced. Having surgery to remove my pituitary tumor was 100% the right call for me. No regrets!