What to expect post-op

Hi everyone. I’ve been reading up on lots of the other post-op posts so have a fair idea, but wanted to ask for opinions on what to expect about 4-6 weeks after surgery. The reason I’m asking is I’ve got a family reunion at Thanksgiving (4-5 weeks after) and some friends coming in town at the 5-6 week post-op so wanting to know if you think I will be up to getting together. I don’t have a specific date yet, but my surgeon (Dr. Nuss, Baton Rouge) said he can get me in by the end of October. I’m sooo ready to have it done!

I know to expect a lot of pain and hard to eat for at least a couple weeks after, but how quickly does that tend to subside and do you think I can plan to be available for activities…nothing crazy, just going out to eat and that kind of thing. My surgeon said he doesn’t think I will be up to travel to the reunion (it is a long car ride to get there). But I am hoping to get together with old friends for an overnight girl time at the 5-6 week period.

I know everyone is different, just looking for some feedback.
Thanks!

I couldn’t eat well for a couple of weeks after the first surgery, but was fine after the 2nd. I could do most things fine by 4 weeks, although everyone is different! I would’ve thought you would be fine for the trip 5-6 weeks post op. Let us know when you get a date!

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I completely agree w/ Jules. You should be fine to attend your family reunion & have your girl time by 5-6 weeks post op. The key is to listen to your body & rest when you start to feel tired rather than pushing yourself to continue participating. By rest, I don’t mean you need to go to bed but you might find a quiet place to sit & take some personal time for a few minutes to refuel a bit before joining in again.

I hope you have your surgery soon so you can more completely enjoy your reunion, etc.

:blush:

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I agree that you can probably handle it and if you can’t, no shame.You can plan a girl time later to celebrate when you are better. If you need some medications to help, some of us have had need of them temporarily.
We pray for great outcome. Not easy, but glad I did it.

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Thanks y’all. That makes me feel better knowing I will likely be okay for the events. I’ll let you know when I get a date…I’m SO ready! Surgeon told me I have 2 of the longest and thickest he has ever seen and is optimistic that it will help with a lot of my symptoms. Crazy thing is he is the first one to tell me I have jugular compression from it. I don’t think the 2 other specialists or my neuro ever looked at the actual CT, they just read the report that said no carotid constriction. I feel like I’m in the right hands…and big, huge thanks to emma because without her I wouldn’t have found Dr. Nuss!

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Good that you’ve found a doctor you’re confident with! Will be interesting to know how big those spikes turn out to be, as they often turn out to be bigger than measured by CT!

I know he will do the best anyone can. I am glad that he is teaching other surgeons.

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That’s interesting. Mine measured 6cm so we’ll see!

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My mom knows one of his residents’ mother. Apparently she is very interested in learning about it and wants to watch surgery. Small world.

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That’s fantastic, LoriNola! I hope they let her watch! I would be fascinated to be present for an external ES surgery myself. You can give her a sneak preview as there are YouTube videos of the surgery if you/she want to watch.

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Wow! Not sure that I would want to watch, but wow.