Still a very large hematoma, 2 weeks out, imaging shows it sitting right on carotid sheath.
Neck is very tight from the incision. Anyone have any light rehab drills they started. Dr didnt provide any. Would like to make sure significant scar tissue doesnt develop.
@Eric1 I hope the hematoma is what’s causing the continuation of your symptoms and that things will get better as the blood drains
Me too, and hope it doesnr result in scar tissue and adhesions
@Eric1 - If your incision is pretty well closed, you can start doing gentle finger tip massage on it using vitamin E oil, Bio Oil, coconut, olive or avocado oil as a lubricant so your fingers don’t grab your skin as you massage. The level of pressure you apply shouldn’t cause pain. You also need to be careful not to massage for too long as that will irritate your incision. You can start doing it a couple of times a day & increase pressure, length of massage sessions & number of times/day as your incision healing progresses. That will help reduce scar tissue & also increases circulation to promote healing.
I second what @TML said about the hematoma & hope it heals quickly. I also hope you’re beginning to feel somewhat better overall. It will still take a number of months for you to get back to what’s more normal for you so patience will be necessary.
Hey Eric, Sounds like we are going thru recovery at the same time. My surgery was on 9/8 so I’m just about 15 days PO. Yes my neck is still very tight right now (as expected). About 5 days ago my nerves were twitching out of control, all because of the swelling and irritation from the surgery. I’m following your case and sending you hugs and wishes of a speedy recovery. We are in this together!
Hi,
I agree with @Isaiah_40_31 about gentle massage of the scar. Also, if all of the stitches are gone, you should use a silicone scar sheet to place over the scar (for up to 12 hours a day). The one I used was made by Giatenl, available on Amazon. You cut to length and it is reusable for a few days in a row. This will help flatten the scar. My doctor recommended using for 8 weeks. It really has done wonders for my scar. During the day use a scar gel and if you go out in the sun, make sure to use a strong sunscreen. I found a great one in stick form that is SPF 90!!
Any updates @Eric1 ? Still the same? Better? Worse?
Walking is improved, still incredibly wobbly. Not much else has.
Thank you for your reply. Recovery happens by baby steps. Improved walking ability is a good start! You need to take life very easy for the first month after your surgery & listen to your body, resting when it asks & not trying to jump back into your regular routine quickly but very gradually. That’s especially regarding exercising & any type of heavy lifting or manual labor. Those things need to be returned to bit by bit not at the level you may have done them when you felt well.
Please keep updating us. I feel confident you will begin feeling better as more time passes. It’s just an agonizingly slow process to heal when you want to feel well NOW!
Once you’ve stabilized a bit more, it could be a good idea to get into see a physio. Could help to retrain the appropriate muscles!
The fatigue almost 3 weeks later is very real
Hi Eric, Yes the fatigue is real for me too. I’m pushing thru the best I can, but most certainly I’m exhausted after being up and about for about 4 hours. I think I over did it today and my neck is swelling a bit and my incision site and ear are extremely tingly and agitated today too. Stumbling back into short term memory issues, working hard to stay focused… Back on pain meds this afternoon. I know our cases are very different, just sharing so you know you are not alone. Stay strong! Sending good vibes!!! 
Thank you and back at you. Hope you feel better soon.
@babsbr & @Eric1 - My fatigue lasted for 2 solid months after my first ES surgery, & that was w/o vascular decompression. You both had significantly more major surgeries than I did so please try not to be discouraged about the fatigue & residual pain. Your bodies are continuing to attempt to get you to “lay low” & not be very active so body energy can be put toward healing rather than other physical activities. I know how frustrating it is to be in that state as I was a long distance runner when I went through the fatigue part of recovery & felt concerned everyday about the endurance I was losing. I pushed myself to do a 15K race at 6 weeks post op. It was HUGE mistake & set me back into pain & exhaustion for several weeks after the race. It was a good lesson about listening to my body & one that helped me be more relaxed about recovery & taking it easy when I had my second surgery.
Advice heard loud and clear! LOL. This busy minded lady will lay back a bit more.