cCranioplasty

[CactusC4]

Anyone here waiting for or had a cranioplasty operation please? So many questions

[Judestevo56]

We are waiting for my partner's to be scheduled.  He had his accident in Sept 14 so he's been missing a bit for a while.  Apparently it can help with headaches etc so it will be good when it finally gets done.  Have you got a date for yours?

[CactusC4 in reply to Judestevo56]

No I had first op to remove it 2/2/16 and not had outpatient appointment as yet to even find out when it maybe done just feels like you whole life is on pause as so much I can't do at the moment

[Molly15]

Morning Cactus. My husband had his in July 2013, after his SAH in October 2012. There was nothing at all to worry about, it was all straight forward. Fantastic scars, which he told the grandchildren were from "a shark bite". It certainly helped to ease his fears of falling or doing more damage whilst the "missing bit" was absent. He has been left with a bumpy head, but the op itself was certainly nothing to worry about. Hope that helps, and if we can be of any further help please ask. Best wishes, Molly

[Prettythings1]

Yes I had a crainiplasty in 2007

What are your questions xx

[Jennaberri in reply to Prettythings1]

I have also had one, in 2014. Fire away with your questions (I had many whilst waiting)

[CactusC4 in reply to Jennaberri]

I want to know how long is normal to wait to have none replaced? Any after effects ? When can you drive or fly Fter

[CactusC4 in reply to Jennaberri]

How long did you wait and how soon after are you able to drive or fly please?

[Jennaberri in reply to CactusC4]

I waited 6 months, I was told it would be done in 6 months so as it got closer I started nagging. I didn't drive before my BI but did ride a motorcycle, I was able to apply for my surrendered licence a year after BI. I got it back after a further 8 months. I was going to have a driving assessment but had a seizure so had to surrender it again. I had a follow up after crainioplasty and was told I could fly but start with short flights (not long hauls) and see how I felt. I think that was 10 weeks after op, but my memory is a bit fuzzy.

My op went really well, I was in hospital for 3 days and rested at home for 10 days before having staples out. I went camping two days later!!! I didn't have too many after affects, just swelling and it was a bit sore but not painful. I felt a bit woozy for a short while as the pressure in the head adjusts but 2 years on I don't notice it's there. I have a bit of sensitive patch where the plate sits on a nerve in my forehead but other than that it's all good. I was terrified about having it done but all went well in the end.

[CactusC4 in reply to Jennaberri]

Thank you for all this info very helpful not liking the woozy bed or touching the nerve mind 🙄

[Jennaberri in reply to CactusC4]

You're welcome, the wooziness didn't last long and the nerve thing isn't constant. It all depends on where the plate needs to go, mine is quite big and takes up the whole right, front side of my head. The majority of the time I don't even know it's there.

[CactusC4 in reply to Jennaberri]

Mine seems to cover a large surface on right side and comes around front of forehead so wondering will it be obvious as it is now 😢

[Jennaberri in reply to CactusC4]

Mine isn't noticeable as my hair covers it. I have a fringe so my forehead is covered. The only noticeable thing is a bit of muscle wastage on the temple of the plate side but that is only noticeable if I open my mouth really wide. If you are on Facebook have a look at my page "hard hats around horse", I have posted a few pics throughout my recovery for people to see the transformation. I was terrified about having my crainioplasty but was reassured by responses to my posts on here and once it was done it was a relief. My plate has just had its second birthday, no one would know it was their and I often forget.

[CactusC4 in reply to Jennaberri]

Thank you so much for your reply very reassuring I will have a look at pics too