Going on 7 Months.

[TurtleRicky]

I'm at work right now(light duty, per Dr.'s directions). My wife just called me to tellme our hospital contacted her - my Feb.5th surgery was just pushed back to Feb. 20th. I have been in helmet again since July 20th cos missing bone flap(craniectomy) That's 6 months no bone flap. On Feb 20th I get PEEK implant &it will be 7 months of having no bone flap. I did quick google now & got worried looking for recommended duration period 'tween craniectomy & CPL. I got trust in the lead surgeon - enough trust to get through it. But he is arrogant and less than ideal at times. We had a plan to have my PEEK implant already as a holiday present. Red tape with insurance botched that. Does 7 months sound alright to you all. I personally feel miffed & my wife's advising me to cool my heels. His overall attitude has left me feeling 2nd rate. 7 month should still plenty enough time, I have had 2 months of decline in my left hand's grip & mobility which is really my main worry. Love reading so many posts here. Love t you guys.

[miakai]

Hi I have no answers for you but am interested to see others response as this is also something I am concerned about . My now 17 year old son was hit by a car in May this year he suffered right and left SDH right temporal contusion and bilateral frontal contusions ending with him having an emergency bifrontal craniectomy, he was discharged from hospital after 5 weeks back to the home and was seen by a doctor in mid June after this all of his hospital appointments have been cancelled and we are now looking at the 8th of Feb before they even see him again . He is to have a titanium bi frontal cranioplasty at some point , we will be at 9 months since the op when we get to this appointment provided it isn’t cancelled again and obviously then still have to wait for them to confirm an operation date . I have done the worst thing possible and googled and read several papers in regards to cranioplasty and risks so I’m really interested to see what people respond to this post , we are extremely fortunate that my son has made nearly a full recovery he is back at college and his apprenticeship (no machinery though ) and has been back with his dance crew even performing in the panto with Martin Kemp at Xmas , and it does concern me that the longer he waits for his operation the higher the risks become .

I wish you all the best for your op xx

[sue-66]

I wonder if it makes a difference in time, if you are no longer in hospital, or where you are, meaning area. My partner had his tbi April 15th last year, he was in Preston, but still there 4 months later, when the plates were ready, so he had the op and he's been fine. In fact one of the HATs nurses said

that there has been talk of patients becoming aware quicker if its replaced sooner and whether she was right or not, when sedation wore off, it was like a light had been switched on with him and he's been doing well since. Although still in rehab

X

[Katie55 in reply to sue-66]

We go to a very good Headway group in Preston ...They have given us So much help and advice ..

[TurtleRicky]

Miakai - thank you for your interest. Thank you for your information, you & all others here help me cobble together a way to move forward. I woke super early now, just checked email for my HR rep to get in touch - nada. Then rush to bus stop thinkin whole time everything you typed. Now I am at work too early thinkin of you and sue-66. I was 41(2016) when suffered trauma. Now I am 43(2018) and itching 4 day I say "there, it's all been fixed." Can't open my hand fully. I had it out w/ sweetheart yesday & she's like u just need to wait. I come so far & I've always been stubborn. When I woke I was something else: sad and groveling. She stuck w/me & my old self image is coming back. I wish you luck, patience & fortitude. Its tougher on family. I went through bouts thinkin every day would b like my present day. Wife, sister, parents fighting and learning for me. I like this HealthUnlocked board so much, Miakai(no answers likewise). Throw out a line whenever the urge strikes. I have to make silly posters for my boss, your son is in my prayers. sue-66, I hope that rehab goes as quickly as mine did. Hang tough, y'all. - Ricky

[miakai]

Thank you we count ourselves very lucky he is even here and have to remind ourselves of that when the frustration with the hospital sets in , as if it wasn’t for their quick actions he wouldn’t even be alive right now ! I wish you all the best and look forward to hearing how it all goes for you xx

[cat3]

I feel for you ; Ricky, & Miakai and son. I guess the NHS overload is holding these treatments frustratingly at arm's length. Just wanted to wish you well & hope the wait won't be too much longer.......

Good to hear Sue's partner has made good progress. Cat xx