Cranioplasty long term outcomes

[Katewgibbs]

Hi everyone

I'm new here and newish to the world of cranioplasty. In dec I was hit by a motorcycle. I spent much of Dec in a coma, had right side paralysis, a smashed skull and have lost my left peripheral vision as result. I had an immediate craniotomy and then a cranioplasty in Jan. A synthetic cranioplasty 3D printed. The surgical team- nurses- food staff- cleaners at hospital were phenomenal. There are not enough words of gratitude and love I have for them or how blessed I feel to be here.

I have recovered well and 9 months later I am so happy to report I feel great. My mobility has returned, I walk a lot up to 10 miles per day, have resumed yoga and gym 4 x week. The hemanopia remains but I can live with that.

I have muscle atophy/ dent at my temple which aches now and again but that's fine. My Q is this: I can feel the edge of the prosthesis when I am flat on my back on the floor and when I put my head in a nose to knee position when there is pressure at the front of my skull or if I tense in certain postures. I can only feel it with my hand. No sensation. Is this very small 'movement' normal? I am certain it's not a 'problem' but it irks me.

Also alcohol- 10 months post accident and 9 months post cranioplasty what is ok? I enjoy a little sip now and again and quite happy to not drink. I get very nervous about it and want to know for my own peace of mind. I've not suffered any repercussions my only issue is fear!

I am 33 years old, female and very happy and feel healthy. I'd love to get your thoughts on it. I have found throughout this, people are amazing. It is so comforting to know this happens to others.

Stay well and happy everyone

K

[nmpetersen]

I would give it a full year before consuming any alcohol. I was told to avoid it for as long as I could after my cranioplasty. I fell 30-40 feet over a bridge on my bike and I had the same surgeries you did. Only my plate isn't synthetic, it's made out of titanium. I'm glad to hear you are feeling good and healthy and that you don't have any ill effects. I do workout 3-4 times a week weight lifting and running, but haven't done yoga for some time. I have some spots of my plate that have larger bumps under my hair, so it could feel like it's moving, but I don't think it is. I wouldn't worry about it, unless there is redness, pain and tenderness in that spot. Your body adapts to the plate and kind of molds to it, so eventually I would imagine it wouldn't feel like it's moving. Tissue kinda grows around and into it I suppose. I have had my metal cranioplasty plate for two years now and don't really have issues. I do worry, the holes in the plate will show through some day, but now I cannot really see them. The holes in the titanium plate are spaced quite a bit and they told me they put less in mine for good cosmetic results. I wish you the best!

[Katewgibbs in reply to nmpetersen]

Thank you so much for your message. It's daunting getting used to everything again and wondering what's normal and what isn't. So it's great to hear from people who understand.

Yes re: alcohol. After this time I've actually lost the taste for it!

I have been truly blessed. And pray God continues the wonderful work he has done.

Good luck to you also.

Have a wonderful Christmas.

[Ruminationentries]

Hi Kate. Thank you for sharing. My name is Michael. I was assaulted in mid february and I had an emergency craniectomy. I had a cranioplasty with 3d printed implant on june 1st. I feel great today. I have been walking for the last few months regularly and just recently I have began exercising more.