Update to Brain surgery thread.

[the ringo kid]

Well,looks like surgery will happen upon insurance approval. I dont know how long approving process is? but possibly in April--ill finally have it done.

There is a less than one percent chance of death--which im not worried at all about. I had a two percent chance in dying when my gallbladder was removed. I just want to get this thing done and over with.

Anyway,I spent six hours at this appointment yesterday. The actual surgery takes place over a three day period.I do not know if itsthree in a row? but--total operation time is about four or so hours.The first and third day is outpatient stuff, but the middle is at least a one to maybe two night stay in the hospital.

As far as I can remember what was said--there are two types of brain surgery both involve having a hole drilled through the skull. I dont remember the names for these surgeries but--the one that the Neurosurgeon recommended--was to have a stimulation wire:::sorry,I forgot the actual term:::: inserted through the skull into the brain.There is a pic line? thing inserted in the chest--buy I cant recall why? Anyway,this type of surgery is the type where if they come up with a new process or stimulator--it can easily be upgraded and or replaced.

Anyway,the process is started and if approved? ill possibly have all this done in April??????? I know I have to have cat scans and such--so--cant see things taking too long--aside from available surgery dates and such.

Step one includes drilling the hole? or either just attaching some two tothree inch long-square device--to my head and I think this is supposed to take an hour or two?? Through this device--is where the stimulator device is put into the brain.

Sorry I cant remember proper terms but--in a nut shell--this is what I learned yesterday.

 

[kenv1950]

Good luck and get well... Just reading it scares the **** out me

 

[da gimp]

Heck, put your trust in the Almighty, and we will all be asking Him, in the Name of His Son, according to His Will, to guide the hands & the eyes of those doing your surgeries and all of your care.

we all need 1)good docs, 2) good nurses 3) good medicines 4) the good Lord, not necessarily in that order.

 

[pawngal]

I think you need to discuss this more with your doctors so you understand it better. Ask questions if you do not understand. Write down any questions before your next appointment. Have someone with you who might understand and remember more than you do.

I might mess with peoples' minds but a brain surgeon I'm not.

 

[Rustyt1953]

Wow Ringo! I pray every thing goes well.
If you find out the name of these procedures, I'd like to understand them better, to give me a better idea of what you face.
I know you will do well because of your strong attitude. Heck, I'm proof that people can live without a brain.

Keep us posted my friend.

 

[NYlakesider]

I think you need to discuss this more with your doctors so you understand it better. Ask questions if you do not understand. Write down any questions before your next appointment. Have someone with you who might understand and remember more than you do.

I might mess with peoples' minds but a brain surgeon I'm not.

I totally agree with the bolded. They are going to bend/staple/mutilate you a bit; ask anything and everything that will let you understand this procedure. Knowing what s going on will help put your mind at ease.

In 05 when the doctor told me I had Kidney cancer i asked a bunch of questions. When I went to the surgeon I had a heck of a lot more and my doctors were good about answering them.

Let us know before you go in and we will keep you in our thoughts/prayers.

 

[ladder13]

Prayers for the best outcome possible, Ringo.

3 years ago this June my brother had an 11 hr brain operation. His skull is still as thick as it ever was.

 

[walkin jack]

Oh my goodness!! Well you certainly have my prayers and positive thoughts for a good outcome and a rapid, complete and pain free recovery. You will remain on my prayer list until I see you post up that it's all done and all is well.

I WILL be thinking of you. Try to stay positive and for cryin' out loud follow the doctors orders!

 

[amazingflapjack]

I will pray for you now my friend. Hebrews 13: 5 Amplified Translation.

 

[timn8er]

Ringo, Prayers sent from a fellow Texan are on the way. Keep thinking positive like you're doing & you'll do fine!

 

[FPrice]

My prayers and best wishes for a smooth operation and a quick recovery. We need you around here.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Good luck Ringo.
Keep us updated with what's going on.

 

[Texas Star]

May God be with you and guide your surgeons' hands.

 

[EQGuy]

Ringo
I had neck surgery last July. They worked on my for 6 hours and I spent one night in the Hospital. It was no fun but I am feeling fine now and am glad I had it done. I did see a second Neurosurgeon to make sure I really needed to have the surgery. We live in a great age as far as having medical care. My father suffered with the same maladies I have but I have been able to have surgeries to cure me. My father suffered. I am sure you will be fine and I am pulling for you.

 

[GatorFarmer]

I imagine the one percent chance of death is largely a result of anesthesia incidents and various infections more so than the procedure itself. I hope you will be fine and imagine you will be.

 

[Jessie]

My prayers are also sent. You have more guts than I do. I don't think I could even TALK about drilling a hole in my head, let alone have someone actually do it.
Godspeed and quick recovery!

P.S. in case, after the procedure, you forget who's guns those are in your safe, they're mine, ok? Just PM me for my address.

 

[RonJ]

Brain surgery? Now I know why you befriended me! That's OK, you can discontinue our friendship as soon as you're well.

Seriously Carl, prayers and blessings sent your way.

 

[snubbyfan]

Wishing you the best, my thoughts are with you.

 

[LostintheOzone]

Wishing you luck here. My x BIL had two surgeries. Came through just fine. Try not to worry too much about it, you'll come through it just fine.

 

[CajunBass]

Heck, put your trust in the Almighty, and we will all be asking Him, in the Name of His Son, according to His Will, to guide the hands & the eyes of those doing your surgeries and all of your care.

we all need 1)good docs, 2) good nurses 3) good medicines 4) the good Lord, not necessarily in that order.

And all God's people said...

AMEN!

 

[old bear]

Carl, as others have suggested, make a list of questions and have someone attend your next Dr apt with you. Two heads are better than one, (Ok that was a poor gag but it was the best I could come up with) that way they can help remember all the questions and answers. Wishing you a quick and speedy recovery.

 

[Marine Corps Air]

Carl,

This certainly sounds like great news, especially since it could be a definitive milestone towards eliminating most, if not all, of these medical problems. Will you be having the surgery at Brackenridge in Austin?

My only question for the surgeon (or surgical team) would be concerning their number of surgeries completed in the past, and their successful outcomes (this should be as close to 100% as possible).

We certainly hope that all of the procedures will be very successful so that you can return to full-time work in your profession. That will also permit you to make more meaningful contributions to your "Gun Budget"!

Please continue to keep us posted.

 

[shouldazagged]

Praying and rooting for you, Ringo. We need your vast knowledge of old movies here, so get well quickly.

State of the art for that kind of surgery is most impressive, so you should do fine with one more hole in your head.

 

[Faulkner]

Ringo, are you having DBS surgery? My wife has DBS surgery 11 months ago to address her Parkinson's symptoms and the results were miraculous.

 

[ATF]

Really wish you the best and a quick recovery. 1% means it's a very common procedure so don't worry

 

[wunderboy]

All is going according to plan,may not be our plan,but The Lord has a plan. You will be fine.

 

[Papa32129]

Hope your surgery goes well, Physical therapy and occupational therapists are your guide to a quick recovery.

Consult your physician about taking a laxative before surgery.
There is Nothing worse than bearing down for a bowel movement with a migraine headache.

Papa

 

[Cyrano]

Here's another Texan keeping his fingers crossed for you.

 

[Erich]

Prayers here as well. I know it sounds scary as anything, but my sister had a brain tumor removed at Mayo a few years back. She had about a solid year of readjustment, and she's just fine now - thank God. Here's wishing you a completely successful procedure and recuperation - God bless you.

 

[kozmic]

Ringo, you might wanna tell 'em to take a few before pictures so they don't cross any wires when they put you back together!

All your friends here will be there for support and prayers before, during and after. We definitely got you covered buddy.