Pre-op self care?

[Charlieglebby]

Hi all,

My name is Charlotte and my boyfriend has just been diagnosed with an AN. He is hoping to have surgery in the coming months. I was wondering if anyone would be kind enough to share any tips to prepare in the months before the operation?

We are trying to eat well and keep up with our running that we usually do etc but wondered what else people found helpful or if anyone had any exercise they recommend (he gets a bit dizzy with head turning) so any pre-hab stuff would be great!

[Kristyll]

Welcome Charlotte. You need someone With more recent Treatment as things have changed so much, good luck xx

[Silversmith2000]

Hi Charlotte and boyfriend!

I had an acoustic neuroma surgery last April, 2019. You can read my other posts on here for more information about that, but to specifically answer your question about preparing for the operation, what I found most beneficial was guided meditation for pre-operation. I googled and tried a few and ended up buying two for a few euros each and listen to them every day for at least a week before the operation. This absolutely put me in a very calm frame of mind before the operation which I am sure helped with my recovery, I’ll dig out the names of the ones I had (they are on another device) but if you google you can chose one with a voice that he likes, that’s very important!

My recovery has been amazing, the tear duct nerve runs along the facial nerve and unfortunately this was damaged and I now have to use eye gel regularly and decent wind glasses when cycling, but this is absolutely no problem at all. My facial nerve almost fully recovered and you can barely see that.

My hearing/balance nerve was partially removed (I knew this was going to happen) and my balance was sorted a few days after the op, they gave me a few head/eye exercises in hospital and that sorted it out completely. I don’t really have any problems with balance now except in the dark or if I shut my eyes, so no big deal 😀

I have no hearing in my right ear but that isn’t too big of a deal, I don’t really notice it outside or at home, Just in loud spaces or inside large buildings where the sound gets lost, the. I can’t always tell what people say. I’m not yet considering any type of hearing augmentation.

Very importantly, try not to worry, either of you. I am sure he will be in very good hands! and worry does NOTHING except destroy your current moment.

Best wishes to you both.

Let us know if you have more questions, and ultimately, how it goes 😀

Abi

X

P.s. I was 47 when I had my op.

[Charlieglebby in reply to Silversmith2000]

Thank you so much for your reply. I had a look through your posts too which have been both helpful and reassuring. Would you mind sharing the name of your meditation videos/tracks you used?

[Silversmith2000 in reply to Charlieglebby]

Jane Pernotto was one imagesofwellness.com/album/...

I’ll see if I can find the name of the other one..

[Charlieglebby in reply to Silversmith2000]

Great! Thank you Abi!

[SJa2020 in reply to Silversmith2000]

This is very useful. Thank you . Just having a few sudden changes awaiting a scan appt . So all this really helps. All the best very reassured with the line re cycling shows world & use of your faculties can continue! Thank you