Anxious

[Popalot]

Hi all, my husband suffered a traumatic brain injury about 22 months ago and is due to have cranioplasty very soon. After having had all the risks explained to us I can't stop worrying. I have spoken to Headway staff who have been very helpful but does anyone else have any words of wisdom they would like to share please?

[claretand]

Hi, its a natural reaction and natural worry, my wife had her cranioplasty 4 years ago, I was more stressed out than at any other time during her recovery. Her recovery had been so good you worry that something may go wrong. The consultant will always give you a worse case scenario and the risk factors. There is nothing that will stop you from worrying, the operation is relatively straight forward and the overwhelming success rate outweigh any risks. The surgeons are highly skilled and have performed the operation in numerous instances. Once it is complete your fears will disappear in an instant, for me it was the final leg of her hospitalisation and I could get her home to continue her recovery. Take solace that there are many people on this forum that have had the operation or care for someone that has had the operation and have made a excellent recovery. Sorry I can't be more helpful or calm your fears.

[Popalot in reply to claretand]

Hi Claretand, your response has been very helpful. It is reassuring to know that your wife is well four years on and that the operation was a success. I am trying very hard to be rational and not get overwhelmed. You are absolutely right in everything you have said. The surgeons and staff are highly skilled and of course have to present every scenario. I can relate to how you felt about it being the final leg of hospitalisation. I do hope that is the case. My husband started having 'faints' last year so I am hoping that they will disappear too. Compared to many others on this forum we have been very fortunate. Many thanks for taking the time to reply. I feel a lot calmer today

[claretand in reply to Popalot]

Once the bone flap goes back in you will feel a sense of normality, the fear of falls etc disappear, for sure there are a lot of staples and stitches but they go within 10 days and then normal hair growth covers the scars. In my wifes instance it gave us back a sense that the worse was over. I hope it all goes well for you you both.

[Popalot in reply to claretand]

That's great to hear. I'm certainly hoping it will give us a chance to move forward and try and gain a sense of normality. Very best wishes to you and your wife.

[pozza40]

hi pop a lot

My husband had a cranioplasty operation in August 2021, the operation went very smoothly in fact he was only in hospital for 1 day . Unfortunately for us he developed an infection in December and had to have the plate removed again. He is now waiting for another cranioplasty.

I know any operation is worrying but it was explained to us that having it can/could be so beneficial. My husband suffers awful headaches where he describes feeling a crushing pressure where his skull is missing, apparently the pressure of the atmosphere pushes down on us all the time but we don’t feel it because of our skulls.

I know you will be worried about your husbands operation but in terms of all the operations that these neurosurgeons do,this is one of the more straightforward procedures. Sending you best wishes for the future.

[Popalot in reply to pozza40]

Thank you for your reply. So sorry that your husband developed an infection and had to have the plate removed. That must have been such a setback. I didn't realise that an infection could occur that long after the operation so needed to be aware of that. If you don't mind me asking, how did the infection manifest? Are there signs to watch out for? I do hope his next cranioplasty is successful and you don't have to wait too long for it. I wish you both well.

[OlgaLit]

Hi, my beautiful son, 21 years old suffered severe brain injury in August 2022, 3 weeks in a coma, 6 operations in total, he is now home with us, but it’s not him, not just because of cognitive and memory issues. His cranioplasty happened early, just over 2 months after injury. It all looked so good, until the 4th day when necrosis happened. Skin flap died and none of the oh so competent staff realised 😭😭😭. His head was bandages every time we saw him, but they should have noticed when changing the bandages!!! Be careful and keep on top of it, ask to see the wound and insist on checking it is all healthy. They had to do an emergency plastic surgery, they took all off his forearm skin and literally stuck it on his head in a way you cannot imagine. Imagine Frankenstein, exactly how he looked when they first showed me 😭😭😭 It looks horrendous, still does months later, they butchered my som, these so called plastic surgeons. They assure us a year down the line they will fix it to make look more aesthetically pleasing, but how??? Hair will never grow and it is coming onto side of his face too. I have not been the same for 6 months, some days I just do not want to live any longer from all the pain and grief for my son and the life he is not going to have. I can send you photos privately if this is allowed so you can prevent something like this happening to your husband.

[Popalot in reply to OlgaLit]

Oh no, how awful! What an ordeal! Thank you for pointing out things I need to be aware of. I really do hope that things will improve for your son over time. Take care.

[Catx1978]

I had mine done in April last year. I was in hospital for a week but that was only becuase they were trying to get a new care team in place.

The recovery was quick and it was emotional as I had the inital surgery 10 months before hadn and i was lovely seeing my head back to it's normal shape and made me feel more like my old self.

[Popalot]

My husband got such a shock when he saw the shape of his head after his first operation. He only became aware of it some time later when he went to the toilet for the first time and saw himself in the mirror! Your quick recovery is reassuring. We are hoping that the cranioplasty will mark a significant milestone in his overall recovery. Thanks for your reply. It makes such a difference to hear about other people's positive experiences.

[rachy_lith]

hello. My husband completed his complex cranioplasty in July last year. His surgery went very very well and after a few uncomfortable weeks post-op, his recovery has come quite a lot.

Good luck xxx

[Popalot in reply to rachy_lith]

I am so pleased your husband's surgery went so well. My husband has now had his cranioplasty and I am greatly relieved that it went well too. It's hard to believe that he has actually had it done now as he waited so long. I now hope and pray for his continued recovery. Thank you very much for taking time to reply.