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MVD surgery 8 days ago

Posted , 30 users are following.

YKL
YKL

I am a 54 year old man living in North London, who was diagnosed with hfs about 5 years ago. I had botox treatment for about 4 years, the first couple of years with satisfactory result, but gradually the injections were becoming less effective. I had my first consultation with Mr K at the NHNN Queens Square, London in Feb 2010 when he explained to me in great details about the chances of success and all the risks involved with MVD surgery. At this stage I was prepared to risk losing hearing on my left ear in exchange for getting rid of the spasms. But Mr K also mentioned the possibilty of developing bell's palsy which I thought was worst than twitching, and that it is a permanent condition. After doing more research and realised that bell's palsy is only temporary, I contacted Mr K again in Oct 2011 to arrange the operation. I was operated on Tue 3rd Jan 2012, discharged on Sun 8 Jan 2012 to continue with my recovery. I thought I was immediately spasm free when I woke up, but in fact it seems to be worst the day after. Mr K's assistant told me that the nerve may take some time to heal and it may be a few weeks before we know if the operation is successful. I was not too bothered as I have read the experiences of the members of the HFS association. I am just grateful for the skill of Mr K leaving me with my full hearing intact and no uncontrolleable discomforts other than dizziness for the 1st 3 days. Today is the 8th day post-surgery and I am off all painkillers already. The staples were removed yesterday and the incision wound feels better. I shall certainly let you know when I am finally spasm free. I will be most happy to answer questions from anybody if it helps.

7 likes, 400 replies

400 Replies

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  • Roseann
    Roseann

    Posted

    Trust Leon to be eyeing up the grub! Hope you get to enjoy your private experience Phil - you're very lucky to be getting your own room and better NHS food service than I can expect down the M5 in Bristol. And yes Sylvia, it's a 5.00 am start for me to get there by 7.30 am. That alone will probably kill me because, up until now, I have not realised that there are two 7.30s in a day. Hope you win at cricket Phil and will be at your emotional best for the op. We're all rooting for you to be spasm free, and soon.

    Very best wishes, Roseann

  • phil18
    phil18

    Posted

    Alright,

    Just to let u know that i had my op yesterday morning.

    I aam not spasm free yet but the prof is hopeful. There is definate improvement but i know it will take time to fully recovery.

    The op went without any complications and recommend anyone to have it done.

    Cheers

  • YKL
    YKL

    Posted

    Well done! great to hear that there are no complications and your hearing is preserved, that is good news. Many have become spasm free by month 6 post-surgery if not sooner.

    Hope you have a smooth recovery.

  • Roseann
    Roseann

    Posted

    Hi again Phil

    How fantastic to hear from you so soon after the op, and good news that there are no major complications. Now for the slow road to complete recovery in the knowledge that the worst is over now.

    Well done, and very best wishes for a smooth and complete recovery in the fullness of time. Be kind to yourself and be patient eh.

    All best, Roseann

  • phil18
    phil18

    Posted

    Alright all,

    Been allowed home today, must thank everyone at the priory hospital in birmingham could not have asked for better care.

    Spoke to the surgeon today said that there is damage to the lining of the facial nerve which will heal in time. He is hopeful of a full recovery as am i.

    If u have any questions please do not hesitate to ask.

  • Roseann
    Roseann

    Posted

    Hi again Phil

    Sounds like you're doing brilliantly and have had a good experience. Be gentle with yourself in the weeks ahead and please keep us posted on how you're doing. So pleased that you're over the summit and making good progress down the other side. I may ask you some questions when I eventually get my letter confirming my surgery date - for now I'm in denial!

    All best, Roseann

  • Mrs_SM
    Mrs_SM

    Posted

    Hi Phil

    Very pleased to hear of your good experience of the MVD. I'm particularly impressed with the speed in which you have been discharged from hospital - what was it, 3 days maximum? One of the things which put me off the surgery was the length of time I would have had to stay in hospital - Monday to Friday minimum was quoted. It sounds like they have improved the procedure quite a bit in only the short time since I was referred for a consultation. It may even get to the stage where it is done as an outpatient procedure - I wish!

    Anyhow, well done for going through with it when wimps like me are still hesitating. Fingers crossed for a speedy spasm-free recovery. Keep us posted.

    Best wishes

    Sylvia

  • phil18
    phil18

    Posted

    Thanks,

    I am still relatively young at 39, dont smoke or drink and exercise regularly. I believe that this helped my recovery more than anything. My heart rate, pulse etc stayed the same throughout my stay in hospital and i am takin it easy now.

    So if theres one thing i would advise is, get fit, it makes it so much easier.

  • phil18
    phil18

    Posted

    Morning all,

    Just a quick update for you. Things continue to improve.

    Little or no pain, no painkillers, bit of dissyness, my appetite is coming back and managing to get round the house a bit.

    Spasms are definatley getting less and far less noticable than before surgery. Hoping this will improve further. Staples are coming out next monday.

    Ill post again later in the week.

    All the best

    Phil

  • Roseann
    Roseann

    Posted

    Well done Phil and thanks for letting us know the great news that all is progressing well for you. You must be so relieved to be 'out the other side'. Please do keep us all posted on how you're doing. I need to lose about 4 stone and get fit in the next couple of weeks! Though, still no date for me.

    All best, Roseann

  • phil18
    phil18

    Posted

    Another quck update for y'all.

    Spasms are getting less and less, only a few under my eye, which is great news for me.

    Still got headace and neckache but this is a small price for me. Sleepin quite a lot but thats to be expected.

    All the best

    Phil

  • Roseann
    Roseann

    Posted

    Hang in there boy and really hope that you're through the worst of it now. It's less than a week and you've done incredibly well.

    Are you taking any medication? Still on steroids? How bad is the headache? Question, questions...

    Only reply if you are up to it.

    Cheers, Roseann

  • phil18
    phil18

    Posted

    Morning roseann,

    Apart from a couple of paracetamol nothing. The steroids stoppped when i left hospital.

    Just woke up and have a little headache but havent twitched.........yet lol. The headache lasts all day and night but am hopefully that this will subside in time.

    Cheers

    Phil

  • Roseann
    Roseann

    Posted

    Morning Phil

    Thanks for answering my questions. Must be horrid to have the headache all the time, but when you think about what's been done to you it's hardly surprising. My surgeon told me in pre-op that you only have to worry about headaches if they are worsening rather than staying the same or getting better.

    Glad the twitches are getting better and better. Such a relief I am sure. Mine are not so bad in summer and I start thinking maybe I don't need the op, but then when winter comes round again I know I will regret it if I turn it down. Still waiting for the dreaded letter to come.

    Keep improving, cheers, Roseann

  • phil18
    phil18

    Posted

    Mornin all,

    Quick update. Headaches continue, as does the dizzyness and still having to sleep alot.

    The twitching is still there but has definatly improved and am hopefull that it will continue.

    Cheers

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