Hey all. I'm doing well and balance is coming back to me. I'm now 4 1/2 weeks post op VNS. I am having pretty bad headaches especially movement related. This is pretty normal,right? Dr did say headaches are part of recovery but want to get your feedback please. Thankfully the lightheadedness feeling is rarely there anymore. Ps. Did a slow version of the cupid shuffle dance in rehab yesterday. pretty exciting!
Hi there, YES, unfortunately, headaches became commonplace after my VNS. Relearning how to balance takes so much focus, and I think that it is just exhausting on our brains. I now have regular migraines, which I take meds for. Still far better than vertigo, but not a lot of fun. I think some people have more severe headaches than others, but yes, this is absolutely normal for the post-op process. Monitor them, and keep your doctor informed, especially if they get worse. Wishing you lots of luck in your healing.
Thank you Skye for your response. I really needed that support especially today. I find the more I do at one time tiring myself out the more lightheadedness and headaches come in. Also have tinnitus going on now. I'm able to do way more than I have in over a year at least. It's exciting but I overdo it I guess. Walking outside tires me more which affects balance a bit but this Texas heat is awful. I'm 6 weeks post op and get around just fine in him without any devices. Did you get lightheadedness as well here and there upon doing too much?
Headache and lightheadedness are VERY common and persist for some time. Sometimes they don't go away, but you learn to manage them. Keep your eye on the prize, Shelly. It get's easier.
Thanks! How soon until you were able to drive? I tried around the block and got fuzzy head feeling, now laying down for a bit. I'm 2 months post VNS