Sheri here with an update on Millie's second surgery. Yesterday the leads on the top of her head were connected to the wires that will run down each side of her head, behind her ears into her chest - where they will connect to her programmable boxes. She had general anesthesia for this part of the procedure unlike the first surgery which she was totally awake for. Imagine being awake while someone is drilling two holes in the top of your head! The vibrations were so strong they had to put a wad of gauze between Millie's teeth to stop them from chattering.
Anyway, this second surgery, although it is just soft tissue, will still be painful and Millie had a bit of a fitful night. I imagine tonight will be better. She was originally given codeine but she did not get along with that drug at all and got terrible nauseous. We are going to try Vicodine today - a synthetic formuation, and see if she tolerates that better. If not - it's back to Darvons and extra strength Tylenol.
I was with Millie from Saturday before the surgery to Thursday at Barb's, then Tonya came for the weekend and now Margaret will be there until Friday when they leave for Atlanta. Then Millie will be in her own home and bed until she must fly back to NYC for her very first programming appointment on the 26th. That is when they "turn her on" and we start to see the results of the surgery. Interestingly - they say there is a honeymoon period after the surgery where the post-op swelling in the brain causes the symptomatogy to abate. Indeed this had been truth for Millie. Her face and arm gesticulations have pretty much stopped and she is even walking a little better. We are all praying that this is a sign of the wonderful things to come when her boxes are turned on.
Here are a couple of pictures from Barbara which were taken before yesterdays procedure. You get to see Millie's head staples!
Here you can see that Toeclog is keeping close watch on Millie before she goes in for her second procedure!
Will all my love, Sheri
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