Update on Trigeminal Neuralgia
#1
Banned.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 20,917
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 12 Times
in
10 Posts
Update on Trigeminal Neuralgia
I had the MVD (Micro Vascular Decompression) for the Trigeminal Neuralgia on Monday (11/18/2002) at about 8:00 - 2:00 pm. Came out of recovery about 3:00 pm, and went into Intensive care.
I felt great, just could not sleep due to all of the ruckus in intensive care. WOW, they must run freight trains through there. Got up once during the night.. The next morning, I got up and started walking. I felt like I needed to walk and walk, so I did, I walked for over an hour, around the IC Unit. The nurses and doctors simply could NOT believe that I looked so good and was so strong. As I was to be transferred to a regular room. I had the catheter and IV removed and changed to pajamas and a robe. However, I just kept getting stronger and stronger during the day. They really had never seen anything like it.
Best of all, the pain was gone. The surgeon found two arteries resting on the Trigeminal Nerve, and he placed Teflon pads between the arteries and the nerve. I have 33 stitches behind my ear. I had numerous folks come up to me and tell me that Dr. Breeze was the best neurosurgeon they had ever seen, bar none. He is going to keep me on a low maintenance dose of Tegretol and Trileptal for 3-4 weeks, and then slowly wean me from them.
Anyway, the chief resident neuro had mentioned that I looked like I could go home on the 19th (last night). I kept waiting and waiting for a bed, and, alas, there were none available in the Hospital (University Health).
Dr. Breeze's nurse practitioner came by and said it was my choice - stay in the ICU one more night, or go home. The solution was REAL simple, so I changed clothes one more time and came home last night.
I was exhausted because of lack of sleep on the 18th in the ICU, and took some Vicodans and really slept last night. I feel as if I could go into work right now, but I shan't. I plan on taking at least two weeks before returning, as I do not want any complications.
The doc and I believe my rather amazing and speedy recovery was due to my excellent physical condition and the weight lifting, walking and bike riding that I have done for years.
According to the doc, I can start bike riding whenever I want, but must wait on the weight lifting for 3-4 weeks except for light weights like 20 pounds. At first, when I asked about weight lifting they said ok (thinking about 20 pound weights), but when I told them that I lift 200-250 pounds, they looked at me funny and said I better wait a while!!
Now we must all pray that the MVD continues to hold and that nothing goes wrong. And, yes, I will take it easy and take time to recover - although of you see a 63 year old zooming by on a bike it will probably be me!!
I felt great, just could not sleep due to all of the ruckus in intensive care. WOW, they must run freight trains through there. Got up once during the night.. The next morning, I got up and started walking. I felt like I needed to walk and walk, so I did, I walked for over an hour, around the IC Unit. The nurses and doctors simply could NOT believe that I looked so good and was so strong. As I was to be transferred to a regular room. I had the catheter and IV removed and changed to pajamas and a robe. However, I just kept getting stronger and stronger during the day. They really had never seen anything like it.
Best of all, the pain was gone. The surgeon found two arteries resting on the Trigeminal Nerve, and he placed Teflon pads between the arteries and the nerve. I have 33 stitches behind my ear. I had numerous folks come up to me and tell me that Dr. Breeze was the best neurosurgeon they had ever seen, bar none. He is going to keep me on a low maintenance dose of Tegretol and Trileptal for 3-4 weeks, and then slowly wean me from them.
Anyway, the chief resident neuro had mentioned that I looked like I could go home on the 19th (last night). I kept waiting and waiting for a bed, and, alas, there were none available in the Hospital (University Health).
Dr. Breeze's nurse practitioner came by and said it was my choice - stay in the ICU one more night, or go home. The solution was REAL simple, so I changed clothes one more time and came home last night.
I was exhausted because of lack of sleep on the 18th in the ICU, and took some Vicodans and really slept last night. I feel as if I could go into work right now, but I shan't. I plan on taking at least two weeks before returning, as I do not want any complications.
The doc and I believe my rather amazing and speedy recovery was due to my excellent physical condition and the weight lifting, walking and bike riding that I have done for years.
According to the doc, I can start bike riding whenever I want, but must wait on the weight lifting for 3-4 weeks except for light weights like 20 pounds. At first, when I asked about weight lifting they said ok (thinking about 20 pound weights), but when I told them that I lift 200-250 pounds, they looked at me funny and said I better wait a while!!
Now we must all pray that the MVD continues to hold and that nothing goes wrong. And, yes, I will take it easy and take time to recover - although of you see a 63 year old zooming by on a bike it will probably be me!!
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: n.w. superdrome
Posts: 17,687
Bikes: 1 trek, serotta, rih, de Reus, Pogliaghi and finally a Zieleman! and got a DeRosa
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 15 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 9 Times
in
9 Posts
Denver,
Congratulations, glad it worked out OK.
When as a bike commuter I had an appendectomy
the Doc couldn't believe the lack of Fat and the speed
of recovery.
Ain't it great what cycling does ?
Hope for a speedy (no pun intended) recovery,
Marty
Congratulations, glad it worked out OK.
When as a bike commuter I had an appendectomy
the Doc couldn't believe the lack of Fat and the speed
of recovery.
Ain't it great what cycling does ?
Hope for a speedy (no pun intended) recovery,
Marty
__________________
Sono pił lento di quel che sembra.
Odio la gente, tutti.
Want to upgrade your membership? Click Here.
Sono pił lento di quel che sembra.
Odio la gente, tutti.
Want to upgrade your membership? Click Here.
#4
Are we having fun yet?
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Chesterfield, Missouri
Posts: 930
Bikes: Fuji Roubaix, Trek 7200
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Glad it went so well. Sounds like recovery at home ought to be a relaxing break from work. Take care of yourself.
__________________
You're east of East St. Louis
And the wind is making speeches.
You're east of East St. Louis
And the wind is making speeches.
#5
Life is good
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Not far from the Withlacoochee Trail. 🚴🏻
Posts: 18,209
Bikes: 2018 Lynskey Helix Pro
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 522 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
10 Posts
I know you're glad to be home. Sounds like the ICU experience was "memorable".
With 33 stitches there will be no mistake recognizing it's you out for a spin.
Glad you're doing ok.
I will take it easy and take time to recover - although of you see a 63 year old zooming by on a bike it will probably be me!!
Glad you're doing ok.
__________________
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
#7
Love Me....Love My Bike!
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Winnipeg
Posts: 1,231
Bikes: Bikes: Giant hybrid, Trek 4500, Cannondale R800 Some commuting 20mi/day, mostly fitness riding - 20-50 mile rides
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Here's to a continuing speedy recovery DF!
__________________
"...perhaps the world needs a little more Canada" - Jean Chretian, 2003.
"...perhaps the world needs a little more Canada" - Jean Chretian, 2003.
#8
Sophomoric Member
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Burlingame, California USA
Posts: 272
Bikes: Trek 5000, Novara Randonee, Meridian Cascade
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Great to hear that the surgery went well. Best wishes on your ongoing recovery!
#10
bici accumulatori
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Hamilton, Ottawa, Maberly, Apsley, Ontario
Posts: 855
Bikes: 1985 Nishiki International Touring Bike, 1992 Vitus 979 road bike, 1996 Bianchi Premio road bike, 2002 Thin Blue LIne CO2 mountain bike, 2007 Rocky Mountain Sherpa touring bike, 1964 CCM roadster, 1959 CCM Motorbike, 2002 KHS FXT mtb + more to fix!
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Glad to hear things went so well!!. Your story serves as a reminder that any hospital stay is a large pain in the rear (as well as other places) and that those of us who are currently enjoying good health should be counting our blessings and making good use of our time!
#11
Career Cyclist
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Michigan, USA
Posts: 551
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Great news Dnvrfox, wonderful that you had such an outstanding practitioner. Glad you recognize the importance of allowing a full recovery, that can make a huge difference in the long term success of the procedure.
Keep us posted. :thumbup:
Keep us posted. :thumbup:
__________________
2003 Iceman Challenge - 2:34:55 - 897 / 2,000*
2002 Iceman Challenge - 2:39:23 - 1093 / 2,186
2000 Iceman Challenge - 2:49:18 - 1516 / 2,153
*estimated
2003 Iceman Challenge - 2:34:55 - 897 / 2,000*
2002 Iceman Challenge - 2:39:23 - 1093 / 2,186
2000 Iceman Challenge - 2:49:18 - 1516 / 2,153
*estimated
#12
suitcase of courage
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: SoCal (ex Las Vegas, NV)
Posts: 1,010
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
good to hear you are feeling better. lets hope you are back on the bike soon
__________________
-VegasCyclist
"Daddy made whiskey and he made it well.... cost two dollars and it burned like hell...."
Register!
-VegasCyclist
"Daddy made whiskey and he made it well.... cost two dollars and it burned like hell...."
Register!
#13
Banned.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 20,917
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 12 Times
in
10 Posts
Originally posted by VegasCyclist
good to hear you are feeling better. lets hope you are back on the bike soon
good to hear you are feeling better. lets hope you are back on the bike soon
#14
feros ferio
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Posts: 21,798
Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
Mentioned: 44 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1393 Post(s)
Liked 1,326 Times
in
837 Posts
Thanks for the update, D.F. All of us are rooting for you. I relish these stories of rapid recovery by bicyclists and always feel a bit smug when I read one.
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
#15
Slow Moving Vehicle
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Norwood, MA
Posts: 1,068
Bikes: Felt F-70, Terry Madeleine, Novara Safari fully customized by me
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The tail-wind you feel is the large sigh of relief from all of BF. So glad you are pain-free, and I hope the rest of your recovery is uneventful. Yeah DF.
#16
Banned.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 20,917
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 12 Times
in
10 Posts
Originally posted by DnvrFox
No biking, but did get a 2 mile walk in this pm.
No biking, but did get a 2 mile walk in this pm.
Difficult to gauge these things.
After a rough couple of past hours, and after 2 vicodin, I am recovering.
I must have been running on adrenaline all of yesterday!!
#17
Dances with Rocks
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Jefferson City, MO
Posts: 1,441
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Glad you're doing so well Denver! Bet you're glad that's over with. Best wishes on a continuing great recovery. :thumbup:
__________________
If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough...
To become a registered member of BikeForums Click Here
If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough...
To become a registered member of BikeForums Click Here
#18
Still kicking.
That is really great to hear.
__________________
Appreciate the old bikes more than the new.
Appreciate the old bikes more than the new.
#19
Banned.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 20,917
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 12 Times
in
10 Posts
Well, here is the schedule:
Brain Surgery on Monday
Intensive Care Monday night and Tuesday
Sent home Tuesday PM
Two mile hike Wednesday
Two Mile hike Thursday
And - finally
Ten mile bike ride on Friday!!
It was about 70F here in Denver, and I got out for almost an hour.
Oh JOY
Brain Surgery on Monday
Intensive Care Monday night and Tuesday
Sent home Tuesday PM
Two mile hike Wednesday
Two Mile hike Thursday
And - finally
Ten mile bike ride on Friday!!
It was about 70F here in Denver, and I got out for almost an hour.
Oh JOY
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 1,452
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Hey DnvrFox,
Don't know if you remember me.....I haven't visited BF for 2+ years now.....but just started to ride again.
Post #20
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ght=trigeminal
Anyway, just wanted to check in to see how you are doing and to see if you're pain free.
I recently (last week) came down with a minor episode. It lasted about 2 - 3 days. I don't even know what I have or know if it's Trigeminal Neuralgia. One doctor said it was, another said it isn't.....I gave up with doctors and I just deal with the pain when it comes at me. The pain from this past episode wasn't too intense though (I had it so bad in the past that I couldn't get out of bed some days).
I think the pain helps my cycling. When it hits, I put the hammer down and beat myself up. But luckily for me, the pain is somewhat tolerable since it's not constant. Besides the episode last week, I think I was pain free for more than 9 months. Hopefully it will eventually go away. If it gets a lot worse, I'm afraid I may have to go down the same path you did.
But when I have the pain, I thought of you and I remember you saying that your pain was too unbearable and that you were scheduled to have brain surgery. I hope you're doing well and pain free!
Don't know if you remember me.....I haven't visited BF for 2+ years now.....but just started to ride again.
Post #20
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ght=trigeminal
Anyway, just wanted to check in to see how you are doing and to see if you're pain free.
I recently (last week) came down with a minor episode. It lasted about 2 - 3 days. I don't even know what I have or know if it's Trigeminal Neuralgia. One doctor said it was, another said it isn't.....I gave up with doctors and I just deal with the pain when it comes at me. The pain from this past episode wasn't too intense though (I had it so bad in the past that I couldn't get out of bed some days).
I think the pain helps my cycling. When it hits, I put the hammer down and beat myself up. But luckily for me, the pain is somewhat tolerable since it's not constant. Besides the episode last week, I think I was pain free for more than 9 months. Hopefully it will eventually go away. If it gets a lot worse, I'm afraid I may have to go down the same path you did.
But when I have the pain, I thought of you and I remember you saying that your pain was too unbearable and that you were scheduled to have brain surgery. I hope you're doing well and pain free!
Last edited by Cadd; 06-27-05 at 09:08 PM.
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 1,511
Bikes: Surly Pacer/Cutter/Viking
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
good luck DnvrFox, but make sure you take it easy and recuperate before you push yourself too hard. It's not worth the added recovery time.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 1,452
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by larue
good luck DnvrFox, but make sure you take it easy and recuperate before you push yourself too hard. It's not worth the added recovery time.
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 1,452
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
But I didn't want to start a new thread and take up unnecessary space. Perhaps, people should read the POSTS thoroughly instead of skimming through it and replying....eh?
I felt this topic was serious enough to resurrect and I just want to check in on Dnvrfox.
I felt this topic was serious enough to resurrect and I just want to check in on Dnvrfox.
Last edited by Cadd; 06-28-05 at 07:20 AM.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 1,511
Bikes: Surly Pacer/Cutter/Viking
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Oh I definitely should have paid closer attention to the thread, and I remember reading this thread before and hearing about all this, I thought maybe it was happening again or something heh.
We shall have to split the blame on my mistake.......
We shall have to split the blame on my mistake.......