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The doc & I spoke about surgery, it's up 2 me now.

Tue, 08/01/2006 - 11:21
I've had seizures for 11 years now. My memory is fading, with names very hard to remember, sentences that come out wrong -'I have to close that,' when it's 'I have to turn that off.' and i'm only 31. I have had the tests, I have had the discussions and I read all the stories, emails and important information. The neurosurgeon and I spoke this morning at Albany Med and he told me the process and said to give him a call later in the week if i'm up for it. To remove the pea-size cyst in my left temporal lobe that causes my seizures every month when I ovulate. They last for about 4 to 5 days each month and I know thats great compared to alot of other people, but they still suck and I can't take it anymore. But i'm scared of the unknown. I'm scared of losing my speech or my memory or my vision or anything. I'm scared of becoming a vegetable and being even worse off than I was before the operation. I am at a standstill. Any opinions? I have all the information and all the tests are done. Now it's all doctors hands and natures' healing love, if I say so. ??? Cottonmouth and stressed.....Kelly

Comments

Re: The doc & I spoke about surgery, it's up 2 me now.

Submitted by mommy2kyra on Sun, 2006-08-06 - 22:28
Hi Kelly, The neurosurgeon ought to know exactly where the cyst in your LTL is, and precisely what effects the surgery might have on you. If the Wada has determined that your speech and memory are in your LTL, the neurosurgeon and epileptologist will make the decision that's best for you. They probably wouldn't even consider surgery if removal was a danger to your speech or memory (as long as the cyst wasn't cancerous). Vision shouldn't be a concern if the cyst is in your temporal lobe. The memory concern is valid. A lot of people do experience that so-called "tip of the tongue" phenomenon after surgery. It can be extremely frustrating! Since my surgery this March, for instance, I have a very difficult time with names. I have one heck of a time getting the names of others into my memory. Other times, I can remember the name one minute..the next minute, it's gone. Seriously! I had memory troubles before my surgery as well, but those troubles were different. My memory has been improving the last month or so, which makes me a bit optomistic. I do not regret my surgery at all. It was the right decision in my case. But, it has taken a lot of support and understanding from others to help me get through. It isn't easy, physically or emotionally. But, chances are *very* good that you'll get through it successfully. Just hold onto that thought, and make an educated decision. Best of luck to you...take care! Heather :)

Re: Re: The doc & I spoke about surgery, it's up 2 me now.

Submitted by MsMedz on Wed, 2006-08-09 - 08:59
Hi Kelly, My name is Sherri & its been just eight (8) days since I had right temporal lobe surgery! They removed sclerosis from the hippocampus which was much smaller than they expected. Although I am in a good amount physical pain, the burden and weight of the "what if's" has been lifted and it feels so much better to have that gone. Like you, I felt the decision process was overwhelming and most of the time the thought consumed me. Truth be told, only time will tell if it is successfull. I do know that if you decide to have surgery, you will have a better chance of understanding how many people really do care and want to see you become better. Wishing you a peaceful mind as you decide and remember you are not alone!

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