Questions on the left temporal lobectomy

First of all I want to wish you the best of luck, and that I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I had my left temporal lobe removed June 11, 1997 at the age of 17. For some odd strange reason, I was only in the hospital for 2 nights after the surgery. As far as the hair goes, lets just say my high school gave me the privilege of wearing a hat inside if needed. Where they shaved my head clearly showed, since I was a boy and had short hair. The good news is by the time school started, my hair was pretty much back to its normal length. For the recovery rate at home, give yourself plenty of time. Do not push yourself. Your brain is recovering and needs the rest. Just cause you are no longer in the hospital doesn't mean that you can go outside and do some yard work. The doctor will give you a better answer for that question. However, for the first week take it very very easy. The second week, depending on how you are doing, start pushing yourself at a slow pace. After a couple of days increase it a tiny bit more, and so on, if nothing bad happens. If something bad does happen, stop what ever you are doing and contact your dr. Also, make sure you have somebody around you 24/7, especially for the first 3-4 weeks to help and monitor you in case if any emergency is needed. Like many others I am pretty sure you can still keep the September plans you have. Just be a little cautious. You may have some high and low moments, but do not give up. Keep your head high and think positively. The more people you have around helping you, the easier it will be. Finally, give yourself a pat on the back. You are doing a great thing. If the doctors didn't think the surgery would help you, that would not have scheduled you for it. Always have faith in yourself. Congrads, and best of luck. I know you can do it!!!!!!!!!!!! Composer25

"Changing the misconceptions society has about epilepsy, by educating one person at a time"....Lisa-Marie Kinsman Author of "Free at Last, My Lifetime Battle to Overcome Epilepsy". Hi Shelly, I had left temporal lobectomy back in December of 1994 and have been completely seizure free ever since. I don't think your dad needs to take a leave of absence from work. One very important thing you should remember when you get home from surgery...DO NOT do any bending over or heavy lifting for at least 6-8 weeks. This is crucial. I was told that if I dropped anything, to let someone else pick it up for me. The reason I was given to not do these two things was because it could cause leakage in the incision as well as leakage of fluids into my brain. This is no joke. Take it as easy as you possibly can. Remember the old saying "good things come to those who wait"? It is so worth the wait, it was in my case anyway. Be patient and take it easy as much as you can. Before you go for surgery, buy yourself a few good books to read, some crossword puzzles to work on, jigsaw puzzles, some sort of crafts....anything to keep yourself busy. Lisa-Marie