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Discharge
Instructions for AVM and Aneurysm Patients
Click on the question below for the answer to these common questions:
- What should I do at first?
- Can I exercise?
- I'm having trouble sleeping. What can I do?
- I have headaches (and ringing in my ears)
- What about Medications and Side Effects?
- Can I drink alcohol?
- What about "warning signs?"
- Should I see my local doctor?
- Vision changes?
- Can I drive?
- When can I go back to work?
- When should I return for a checkup?
- What number should I call if I'm having trouble?
What
should I do at first?
Take it easy for the first 3-4 weeks. Someone else should do your household
chores and take care of children. After a few weeks you may start doing
light activities. You will find you tire easily. Don't push yourself--don't
expect too much of yourself.
Take care of yourself. Your "job" right now is to gain strength and get better. Eat well, take walks, go to dinner or a movie, watch TV--do things you enjoy. Depression is not uncommon during this time. Keep in mind that most people eventually return to their normal activities.
Limit
visitors--too many many wear you out.
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Can
I exercise?
Avoid vigorous exercise such as running, aerobics, weight-training or
swimming until cleared by your neurosurgeon.
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Walking is good provided the weather is nice and you are steady on your feet. Begin with short (1-2 blocks) walks and gradually increase the distance.
Avoid heavy lifting (including children). Do not bend over from the waist--this may cause headaches.
You
may climb steps if necessary. Have someone with you until you are stable
on your feet.
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I'm
having trouble sleeping. What can I do?
You may have trouble sleeping. This is best resolved by trying to avoid
napping during the day (you may find you nap a lot at first). Fresh air
and walking after dinner will also help with sleeping at night.
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I
have headaches (and ringing in my ears).
Headaches may be common for several months. "Ringing in the ears"
is also common and usually improves slowly, but can be permanent. It is
also common to have muffled hearing or "cracking and popping"
noises on your operated side. Your hearing will improve and the cracking
and popping will eventually stop after a few weeks.
Your
neurosurgeon will give you a prescription for pain pills. Eventually Tylenol
or Extra-Strength Tylenol should be sufficient.
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What
about Medications and Side Effects?
If your doctor has given you a prescription for an anticonvulsant (Dilantin,
Tegretol, or Phenobarbital) be sure to take the medicine as ordered. These
medicines are to prevent a seizure. Do not change the dose or schedule
without specific directions from your neurosurgeon. If you think the drug
is causing problems, call us. The most common side effects
are rash, excessive tiredness or unsteadiness. Your doctor will decide
how long you should be on the anticonvulsant medicine.
Light
sensitivity. Do not use a tanning booth or sit in the sun for
prolonged periods of time. This is especially important if you are taking
Dilantin.
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Can
I drink alcohol?
Check with your doctor before drinking any alcoholic beverages. Alcohol
may increase your chance of having a seizure.
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What
about "warning signs?"
Call us if you have a seizure, unusual sleepiness, headaches not controlled
with pain medicines, problems with surgical incision or problems with
anticonvulsant medications. It is best to call during office hours. One
of the neurosurgeons in our group is available 24 hours a day for urgent
problems.
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Should
I see my local doctor?
Continue to see your local doctor as usual and for any general medical
problems. We will send your doctor a report regarding your hospitalization.
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Vision
changes.
You may notice some changes in your vision. This usually improves with
time. It is best to wait a few months before getting your eyes examined
or getting new glasses.
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Can
I drive?
No. Do not drive until cleared by your neurosurgeon.
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When
can I go back to work?
The decision regarding your return to work will be made when you return
for your office visit. We cannot tell at the time of hospital discharge
when you will be ready to return to work. We will be happy to complete
any necessary paperwork for your employer.
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When
should I return for a checkup?
At hospital discharge, your neurosurgeon will tell you when he wants to
see you in his office (usually about one month). Call our office as soon
as possible to schedule the appointment--or the hospital unit secretary
can do this for you on the day of discharge.
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How
can I contact the office?
The following phone number is available 24 hours a day:
317-396-1300
or 1-888-225-5464
(toll-free)
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