I’m back! Surgery was Monday and I went home yesterday afternoon. He used 5 clips on Miss Annabelle. Post op fears I had that didn’t happen - my memory is intact thus far, however I do intend to prank my eldest brother when he visits today, because I can . My taste and smell are intact. The incision is less than I anticipated.
Pain- best description I have is it feels like my surgeon whacked my head a few times with a cast iron skillet. OxyContin is definitely constipating so I’m alternating with Tylenol, robaxin and loving those prunes. Ice pack helps a lot.
I am the nap master, much like y’all commented on, sleep is needed. I’m taking that to heart.
Thank you for your sharing your own stories preop. It was most helpful.
Thanks for the update! How wonderful! That’s the best of news! Can you tell I’m happy and excited for you? Don’t forget to keep hydrated and eat protein those will help as well!
Yes! The hydration - I treated myself to a fun new Owala that will make it easier to count the mls I’m drinking. Also, finding strange new ways to get protein. Did y’all know that they make canned protein water? Protein source is whey. I’ve had to add some flavor enhancer drops to make them a little more palatable but they’re 30 grams protein each. I’m also diluting them with plain water to stretch them out. Definitely a lot to change in my diet focus.
Congrats on being aneurysm-free! It must feel fabulous to have that behind you!!
My aneurysm was treated endovascularly, so I spent a lot of time hanging out in the hospital. In the beginning, my bloodwork gave me away - that wascally wabbit! - and pointed out I was not good with my protein levels.
So, the nutrionist came by and we chatted. They tried to get me to drink Boost and Ensure, but I didn’t care for either one. I am sure it is not as ideal an option, but the next suggestion was Carnation’s Breakfast Essentials, and that one I can appreciate. (Ok, so it is kid-approved, and I am a kid at heart, so it all makes sense.) I don’t have one every day, just when I am fatigued and it definitely helps, I almost WANT to be fatigued, so I have an excuse to have one. My Super Ager Mom to drinking them as well, and she likes the taste too. It has only 18g of protein instead of 30g but if it helps and is more palatable to you just wanted you to have the option.
Finally, post-rupture, my neuropsych talked to me about the MIND Diet which was new ro me at the time. Basically it is a lifestyle choice that emphasizes eating brain-healthy foods, and is a combination of the Mediterranean Diet and the DASH Diet. To be fair, I was leaning into Mediterranean a lot before hand so it was an easy switch for me, but I know it may not be right for all … just sharing should you be interested.
New fun water bottles are always exciting to get, good for you! I’ve been using Tervis cups for years and they show it. Upon recommendation of a nephew, took the splurge to a Yeti. It’s nice, definitely keeps things colder so I imagine hotter too. My problem is I can’t see how much I’ve drank, so I switched back to the Tervis.
I started out getting Premier protein drinks and the day I saw what was inside, I couldn’t handle them anymore. I may not have shaken it enough, but . I switched to plastic instead of cardboard and like @FinWhaleFan tried Boost and Ensure and then found Fair Life which I like. The plastic is much easier for me to see I’ve shaken it up enough. But my goodness it’s gotten expensive as has everything else it seems. I’ve forgotten about the whey powder, thank you so much for the reminder!
Eating Well has a special edition out that’s just for The Mind Diet with 41 recipes, we picked it up this week! Thank you @FinWhaleFan for your reminders! We will definitely be trying a lot of these recipes! I do have to get used to not eating butter, especially since BH has taken to making it
Years pre-rupture I was looking at my diet and decided to target cheese for a bit. I had no understanding as to how much cheese I consumed until I tried to give it up! Needless to say I failed miserably.
Post-rupture though it has been much easier. This time around I am not focused on completely eliminating cheese, just reducing the quantity. I do up the quality so it makes it worth it to me to have small but excellent v. lots and mediocre.
Anecdotally, it also helped with my cholesterol levels too, so I have had a couple of wins.
Happy to discuss in more details if you have questions, just let me know!
Good idea to increase quality and limiting quantity. I’ve seen several folks use it as an accent instead of the star of the meal. Things to think about. Thank you for sharing
That’s great news! I am so happy that you are doing so well. Continue to get your rest, enjoy pranking your brother and look forward to good things. May God continue to bless you. Jj
So glad all went well! Continued prayers for fast recovery. I was told by a nurse when i was recovering from an infection on my foot that eggs are an excellent source of protein and also drinking lots of water helps.
You sound great! And your sense of humor still present. That is the bet for fast recovery. I had 3 Annie’s clipped myself.a couple years ago. Sleep is the best tool I could tell someone to not neglect now. When your body does its healing and the brain does a good rinse at night. Keep up your enthusiasm. It is authentic!
Great to hear that you are back home and doing well!!
The other thing my neuro very strongly told me is that you need to make sure you are getting enough sodium. I have a kidney disease so I avoid sodium and was showing low sodium on my labs. It turned out I did really need it so my brain could heal faster. So, make sure you are getting enough but not too much, I also started taking electrolytes afterward to ensure I was well hydrated.
I would ask your surgeon about it, mine was very vocal about it but he knew I was very sodium restricted. I upped the sodium and it actually did make me feel better.
Just for members who may not know - sodium in bloodwork is an electrolyte table salt is not the same thing. If you could have seen my cousin’s face when we were at a family breakfast when I told her to pass the salt, you’d be laughing too, it was priceless. The lecture afterwards not so funny.
. My taste and smell are intact. The incision is less than I anticipated.
. Upon recommendation of a nephew, took the splurge to a Yeti. It’s nice, definitely keeps things colder so I imagine hotter too. My problem is I can’t see how much I’ve drank, so I switched back to the Tervis
. I switched to plastic instead of cardboard and like 
Needless to say I failed miserably.
