Thank you for the quick update! That’s quite an incision @Michael123! I hope Dr. Hernandez gave you an Rx for a course of prednisone to help reduce post op swelling. If not, please ask for one. It will help a lot!
Now is the time to ICE - 15 min on & 45 min off as often as you need to during the day/night. Take your pain meds on the prescribed schedule. The first week after surgery is the hardest then things start feeling a little better each day. Let your son/his family completely take care of you this week.
Keep your head elevated (30° if possible) when resting or sleeping even if it’s hard to sleep in that position. I slept that way for 6 weeks after my surgery. I put extra bed pillows on my wedge pillow to increase the slope & to make it more comfy.
I’m praying for these difficult post op days to feel like they pass quickly for you! 
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Ty Isaiah Head pressue went down tho.
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Glad to hear you saw post op benefit of less head pressure, so did I. It’s a good sign I believe. Keep strong.
But be prepared for fact that our body’s healing mechanism of inflammation/fluid means that early benefit may lessen in early post op stages as these areas of our body (esp skull) are very confined spaces that allow little room for extra fluids.
Our JVs are designed to partially collapse when we are upright & so they are very vulnerable to pressure from extra fluid. But as you heal these problems will lessen with time. Just keep the faith your body will heal itself in time & things should get better.
My surgeon says first 1-2 weeks are the worst. For me maybe 3 weeks was more accurate. But I am no spring chicken so maybe heal slower as a result.
Try & take a longer term view on recovery, I ask myself “am I better than a year ago (b4 any surgery), am I better than 3/6 months ago,am I better than last month? If you get this sick expecting overnight miracles is not realistic.
Lots of well intentioned loved ones will now ask you “are you fixed”. My answer is “it’s too early to tell”. The body and brain need time to adapt & heal.
Keeping you in my thoughts for a good & speedy recovery. D 
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What pain meds are you being given? I asked for liquid codiene (4 times a day), with liquid morphine for break through pain in between). Learnt that lesson in spinal fusion op. If you aren’t being given enough pain meds ask them for these.they are easy to swallow if use syringe & put at back of palet. Swallow in small amounts slowly.
We only perceive Pain in our brains so maybe just take some slow deep breathe, think about memories of being in your favourite places or being with people you love to be with & try to relax each part of your body ( we tense when in pain), or listen to some relaxing music or sea sound tracks, this will distract your brain from pain signals.
Swallowing pills will be too hard in next few days post surgery. Only have smoothies or very soft moist food post op & cut it up before eat to minimise any chewing. D🙂
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Thank you. For the great advice
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Hope that you heal quickly, that’s quite an incision! Praying that you do well 
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Did he do both sides of did your pics come out mirror image? The drain will help a lot in reducing post op swelling! Once the drain is removed you’ll likely be less sore.
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One side isaiah, Sugery took almost 5 hours
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That is an impressively long ES surgery. It means Dr. Hernandez was very careful & thorough. That’s really great, @Michael123! 
A long surgery! The drain was the worst bit for me but it is very helpful, I had very little swelling. Take care
Hi Michael! I am so glad you have the surgery behind you now! I’m praying each day you feel better!! I’m sorry for not checking in sooner I’m in the process of moving and it’s taking a lot out of me. Will continue to check in on you! And be sure to continue to let us know how your doing when you feel up to it.
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Very good if drain is reducing swelling that will help your recovery a lot. My drain was very uncomfortable too, was very happy to say goodbye to it. D
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Hey D, Slowly but surely you will get things done lol. Day 4 for me still have discomfort in my ears and face but have too give it time.Thanks for checking
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Yes the drain is a pain .I get it removed monday. I been taking tylenol round the clock for pain and maybe take a pain pill one a day . Thanks for all the advice D.
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