[Karen55]

#1060027

This is my first post and have found reading posts in the past to be very helpful. I had Orbital decompression surgery and a tyroidectomy 3 weeks ago. The recovery has gone fairly smoothly, but a week ago I started experiencing rather severe headaches (back of the skull) and facial pain like a sinus infection. They come on strong in the middle of the night and I keep them under control during the day with ibuprofen. I did see the doctors this week to rule out an infection. They feel it is from swelling. Because the headaches are better when I am not laying down, I don’t think it is CSF. I do sleep with my adjustable bed raised. I would like to know if anyone else has experienced this.

[Kimberly]

#1179760

Hello and welcome! Wow, you had an OD *and* a thyroidectomy so close together? I know that we have other posters here who have been through both, so hopefully, you will get some responses with their experiences.

Take care!
Kimberly

[snelsen]

#1179761

WOW KAREN! YOU ARE A SUPER WOMAN! I am amazed that you had these two major procedures so close together! Way to go. GEt it all done!

I did not have this experience after these two surgeries. They were many decades apart.

I think you are doing all the right stuff, getting checked out by the doc. Your reasoning is good re CSF leak.

Maybe another week, the tincture of time, and having your head elevated, will make the whole issue disappear.

Incidentally, are you glad you got the mechanical bed? They are spend, but so was my temper pedic, and I wish had made your choice. Did you got one wher the feet elevate, too?
Shirley

[Karen55]

#1179762

Shirley and Kimberly,
Thanks for your quick responses. I certainly don’t consider myself a super woman, but having both done at the same time has made recovery a little harder than I expected. The decompression surgery is the one causing most of my issues, but my energy level is low also. I expected to be doing more at this point. I just started my new dose of synthroid this week so that should help.
I love my adjustable bed and yes, the feet elevate as well which is important so you don’t keep sliding down. My dr. suggested it when I was 1st diagnosed with Graves in 2006. Thanks for the encouragement!
Karen

[Boomer]

#1179763

I checked- you ARE a superwoman. I have the documents…

Already thinking you should be doing more.. That seems to be a common theme among the gals here. Personally this guy would be whining like a little girl and eating popsicles for months!

But seriously- it seems like the ladies tolerate pain SO much better. I know that’s easy for me to say having never walked your road but give yourself some credit. You’ve earned it.

I’m glad to hear you’re following up with your doctor- it’s important for many reasons. Good call!

You’re a trooper for having battled this darn thing for so long now. Give yourself break.

Thanks for joining us here and I hope to read good news from you very soon. Keep us posted!

Peace and health to you and yours,

Boomer

P.S. I want your bed with Shirly’s mattress but it’s probably for the best that I do without – I’d never want to get up!

[Karen55]

#1179764

I just wanted to report that after many visits to several of my doctors I finally received a diagnosis for the head/facial pain following surgery. I have trigeminal neuralgia. The Trigeminal nerve was disturbed during the surgery. I am finally feeling some relief, had 2 good days this week, but it does flare, especially at night. It affects my teeth, cheek, eye, forehead and occasionally the back of my head. I have taken Prednisone regularly for 6 years (I also have ocular Myesthenia Gravis) and am also on the taper pack for a week to try to help calm this down. I hope no one else experiences this post-surgery issue, but perhaps if you do, it won’t take you as long to find the answers. I just need to be patient and was told the pain will come and go, but it’s a relief to know what I am dealing with. This has all taught me to really listen to and obey my body, I’m not one who sits much, but the recliner has been my new best friend!

[msled]

#1179765

Hi,

I had OD in 2007 and had some swelling around my sinus area (the surgeon opened the area on the outside of my eyes not nasal area). I did have to take a short course of prednisone to help the swelling of one eye. I did not have any headaches just a full feeling if that makes any sense.

Marg

[snelsen]

#1179766

Wow. Trigeminal neuralgia is VERY painful. As you know. I’m really sorry,
Karen. At least you know what it is. Sure hope it recedes and gets out of your life.
I don’t have a recliner, but sure have been thinking about it. Should have gotten one YEARS ago.
Shirley

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