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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

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  • phil18
    phil18

    Posted

    Alright Barry,

    A bit similar to u, i also had a huge headache and my spasms for the first day or so were constant but less noticable. However every day is a massive improvement, twiches only occur when i wke up now and pretty much disappear within the hour. Headaches have almost gone.

    I would never change my mind about having op and would recommend it to anyone, yes there are side effects but to me as long as the spasms stopped i would have put up with any kind of pain.

    Any way i hope all goes well for everyone onthis board.

    Cheers

  • Roseann
    Roseann

    Posted

    Hi again Barry

    Brilliant news that you're now well and truly fixed, but sounds like you've had a bit of a year of it. Well done, and enjoy the rest of your life.

    Cheers, Roseann

  • phil18
    phil18

    Posted

    Well, its been 2 weeks today since the op.

    Things continue to go well. Went to the cricket yesterday without any problems but was very tired after. Spasms are hardly noticable at all, headaches continue though, but apart from that no omplaints.

    Was wondering how long people had off work after the op?

    Cheers

  • Roseann
    Roseann

    Posted

    What a difference two weeks can make Phil. Can't believe that you were at cricket the night before the op and then again two weeks later. No need to ask what's the love in your life!

    Really pleased that you have done so well and just hope that you'll soon be completely rid of the headaches - must be annoying for you when everything else has gone so well.

    I am now hideously near to the top of the waiting list so it won't be long before I am posting my own bulletins................. Just hope I do as well as you. Must now lose that 3 stone and get fit.

    Take care, Roseann

  • phil18
    phil18

    Posted

    Morning Roseann,

    I was only watching the cricket yesterday wont be playing for a couple of weeks at least yet.

    Wishing u all the very best and if you have queries please ask away.

    Cheers

  • YKL
    YKL

    Posted

    Hi Phil,

    It's great to hear that you are continuing to make a good recovery, with the spasms almost disappearing.

    I guess I could have started working half-days a month after the surgery, and back to 100% full health after 2 months. In the first month, I would advise you to take it easy even on days when you feel full of energy, as you don't realise you have over-exerted yourself until it's too late. This has been confirmed by others who have posted their recovery process here. Well, this sounds eerily like what I told you about having the staples removed, so I'd better not hand out too many unqualified advice!!! By the way, I suspect it's the inexperience of the surgery nurse that gave you so much discomfort......

    best wishes

    Leon

  • phil18
    phil18

    Posted

    Cheers Leon, i will take it easy for 4 weeks and gradually start doing a few things then. Probably take the 6 weeks off and see how i am then.

    Many thanks for the advice.

    Phil

  • phil18
    phil18

    Posted

    Mornin all,

    Recovery still going well but have noticed that the spasms have returned al little over the last couple of days. Is this common. They are nowhere near as bad but was just a little concerned.

    Cheers

    Phil

  • YKL
    YKL

    Posted

    Good Morning Phil,

    Sorry to hear that a little spasm has returned. It is common from what I have read. Many medical reports have described the recovery process and disappearance of spasm as "varied and unpredictable", so unfortunately we can only wait and see what happens next. It may well be just a blip before your spasms disappear altogether.

    By the way, do join the Facebook HFS Support group which has over 320 members. They are actively exchanging personal experiences with HFS and recovery post-mvd nearly everyday.

    Hope you have a full recovery and the spasms gone for good soon.

  • phil18
    phil18

    Posted

    Thanks for that, ill check it out this morning.

    Cheers

  • chris1978
    chris1978

    Posted

    I had no spasms for 3 month after the op then bang 2am one morning it woke me up, been happening on a weekly basis now.. Not all bad thou as it was on a daily basis.. Going for more scans next month to see if I would benefit from another op.. Surgeon said it could take up to 3 years for a full recovery so i think we just have to let our body's mend on there own I'm afraid
  • YKL
    YKL

    Posted

    Hi Chris,

    When I went for my 2nd follow-up session 10 months after my surgery and told the surgeon that the spasms are about 30% less than before surgery, he said they are unlikely to go away for good, as he expects the improvement to be greater at this stage. Since your spasms have improved so much more (occurring only weekly) I think you have a very good chance of becoming spasm-free in the future.

    All the best.

  • phil18
    phil18

    Posted

    Thanks for that i will stay patient. It may be because i have done a bit too much the last few days. Gona take it easy again from now on!!
  • YKL
    YKL

    Posted

    It is my great pleasure to share this news with the board - Roseann went down for the op at 8.30 this morning. She is now back on the ward and very well. Still groggy and very tired but definitely ok. If there is any more news I will let you know but otherwise I am sure you can expect to hear from Angela in the not too distant future.

  • chris1978
    chris1978

    Posted

    Good.. She's been waiting a long time, always wishing well to other people.. Really hope it works out for her
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