Off to Culver City where we checked into Culver Hotel, adjacent to the formally known Desi-Lu television studios. Very historic and fun. Cast members from the Wizard of Oz and Gone with the Wind stayed there during filming. My mom, my husband's sister and her husband all booked rooms there also. That night we ate at Ford's, across the street, (Harrison Ford's son owns and chefs there). We splurged on food and wine then headed back to the hotel lounge which is still 1940's decor and so wonderful.

Wednesday, November 15, 2006 – "MVD DAY":

Woke up at 6:00 AM, needed to be the hospital for a 7:00 AM check in. NBC TV was there again, the operation was filmed by the way. Got gowned up and surgical stockings on and IV. After the syringe cocktail I don't remember anything until I woke up at 1:30 PM. When I opened my eyes, everything on the floor was on the wall and everything on the wall was on the ceiling. I saw my husband and my mom (on the wall) said hi and passed out again. When I woke up again my vision was back but had double vision. The Doctor said you're blinking your eyes, are you seeing two of me? I shook my head yes. I fell in and out of consciousness and was so uncomfortable for a few reasons. The first being the Velcro casts on my legs pumping air every few seconds waking me up, then the Air Conditioning in my room didn't work right so I was over heated all night. I also am a stomach sleeper and having to sleep at a 45 degree angle was the pits. I was so dizzy and felt so sick I hardly noticed the fact that I was "SPASM FREE".

Thursday, November 16, 2006 – 1 Day Post-Op:

Having vomited all night I was in bad shape. They kept me in ICU, where I remained my for my entire stay. I had an EKG during the night due to heart irregularities. Ativan was given to help, and it turned out to be an anxiety attack. A tech came in and did an ultrasound of my heart and legs to check for blood clots, all came out clear. A physical therapist came to try to take me for a walk, I did walk some then vomited a lot. So humiliating!

Friday, November 17, 2006 – 2 Days Post-Op:

Still feeling ill and still on ice chips only. Took another walk down the hall and fell all over the place. Was supposed to go home today the Doctor wanted me to stay one more night. Another sleepless night. Taking Prednisone and Ativan through the IV every six hours, I could only tolerate regular Tylenol for pain for I still vomited through the day.

Saturday, November 18, 2006 – 3 Days Post-Op:

So dizzy still. Unhooked the IVs and my husband and my 15 year old son came to pick me up. Trip home was only one hour, I kept my eyes closed the whole time, had my "splat bucket" by my side, didn't need it thank God. Brought a recliner up from the game room to my room to sleep in, and for the next four days I just slept. I only ate ice chips and by post-op day six, I tolerated a little chicken broth.

Thursday, November 23, 2006 – 1 Week Post-Op:

NBC TV called and wanted to film me having dinner with my family but I was still too sick to see anyone. This is so not me, even when I am sick I have a hard time staying down. I missed the airing of the story, they never told me when it was going to air but I heard from a friend who saw it on 11/27/06. Still dizzy and unable to walk. Can tolerate an egg white.

Friday, December 15, 2006 – 1 Month Post-Op:

Weird pain setting in at the base of my skull, mild twitch 2-3 times a day and still very wobbly. Able to eat broth and crackers. Our church has been bringing meals every other night for my family...major blessing! Doctor says I had two compressions one involving my 8th nerve, which has caused hearing loss, and I still have a terrible ringing in the MVD side ear. When I regain my balance, when the ringing stops and all the swelling goes down, and pain is gone I will revise my diary and let you know this was all worth it. It's only been 4 weeks. Some diaries report of some being back at work two, three weeks later. Not the case for me. All heal differently thanks to the information that people openly share, it really gives me hope that one day soon I will be healed and able to get back to normal. Again I will revise this in a few weeks. Thank you for this site and all the people who have shared their experiences openly. Thank you Thank you!

3 Months Post-Op:

Vertigo much much better. Up to this point I had been pestering my doctor because I felt it would never go away. Certain turns and movements create a wave of dizziness but the doctor promised this will go away. The ringing in my MVD ear still continues. I saw an audiologist and he wants me to wait six months before I pursue further treatment for the ringing. I am driving with no problems and pursuing graphic arts. I now feel 100% happy I had his done, I was not sure the first 2 months. I am blessed that I had the support at home to be able to take so long to recover.

4 ½ Months Post-Op:

Continue to be spasm free and am grateful for every day that I am. The vertigo is totally gone and I am doing everything I did surgery. I have learned to adjust to the hearing loss and still continue to have the ringing. I will return to the audiologist in a couple months and evaluate again but I am very happy and was able to renew my vows to my husband of 16 years.

Sitting here now, yes, I would do it again even though recovery was very difficult. It is a sacrifice for the whole family...my husband, my son (15) and daughter (10) have all been in this for the long run with me. But this web site is the true catalyst to my ultimate action against this terrible affliction...bless you all!

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Permission granted the HFSA to post MVD Diary on website.
Jennifer Fitter, December 23, 2006

 

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