Will see Dr. Jannetta 12/16

[Rooberri]

Hi everyone,

Lauren and I will fly out on Monday to Pittsburgh to see Dr. Jannetta.

She is soooo excited. We are ready to talk about MVD, get it scheduled and move forward.

Lauren will be moving back home from school next Saturday. I'm very excited about that. I really feel like she needs a lot of support while she is managing this pain.

Everyone please keep us in your prayers. We are praying that we are on our way to some resolve for her TN.

Thanks

Sheri (Lauren's Mom)

[dbobsnodgrass]

dear Sheri / Lauren, you will both be in our thoughts and prayers. You are going to one of the premier hospitals for this condition, so I wouldn't have any reservations. My best to you both... bob

[dbobsnodgrass]

dear Sheri and Lauren;
I wish you well and you will be in our thoughts and prayers. I would have no reservations as tou are going to one of the premier hospitals for this conditions.
Is Lauren, flying or driving back? I've heard and was told it's not a good idea to fly too soon after an MVD. All my best! bob

[Rooberri]

We are both flying. The doctor's nurse told us it was ok to fly after the MVD but that I could drive if I wanted.

I think if we schedule the surgery for a later date we will probably drive just to save money but I don't want Lauren to be uncomfortable and I am also worried about bad weather for this time of year.

[1Lily]

Dear Sheri and Lauren,
I am so glad to hear this news - things have been moving along well for you both.
You are probably alreadyon the plane, but best of luck, and I hope that you will come back and share the outcome of the appointment with us all.
Your daughter sound like a tough little cookie, and it sounds like she will be in great hands.
Lily

[bilateral]

Hi Sheri,

I hope you will let us know about the outcome when you have been for the appointment?

Good luck!

Take care,

Anne

[chasingmytoddlers2]

Lauren, I am so proud of you. I am so glad you have such a dear mom to help you through this. We will all be waiting for updates as the date approaches.

Save travels to you both,
Love,
Stephanie

[Rooberri]

Lauren needs some real big prayers today. There are two low pressures moving over the mountains where she lives and her pain level is unbareable right now.

Please pray for strength to make it through the weekend.

Thank you,

Sheri

[heyjude55]

My prayers thoughts and prayers go out to you both.It's sooooo hard to see your child suffer. My best, Judy

[Rooberri]

Today is the day ! We are in Pittsburgh. Lauren did very good on the air plane. No problems so far ! She did have an attack in the Taxi and I think the drivers probably thought "OMG- I have weirdo's in my taxi"... Lauren felt bad but I told her no worries- we are on our way !

Send big, big prayers please !

Sheri and Lauren

[ella138]

2009 is the year that Lauren (and you) gets her life back. Good luck!

[Rooberri]

MVD is set for tomorrow at 2:00 p.m.

Thanks for the prayers !

Sheri and Lauren

[chasingmytoddlers2]

I pm'd you. Please write back......if you can.

Love,
S.

Give her a hug for me. I am so happy for you both.

[1Lily]

Wow, just caught this - Lauren will be in my thoughts and prayers in the coming days - I hope with all of my heart that this is the final step in resolving her TN. Poor sweetheart has to grow up so fast! Please let us know her progress whenever you get a chance, that is, after all her close friends, family and relatives have been given the update :-). You know we all wish her the best, as we all personally know something of what her struggle is like.
All my best,
Lily

[ella138]

WOW!!!
Good luck tomorrow!

[heyjude55]

Prayers and thoughts are coming to you and Lauren from me......You go girls!!!! Judy

[JeanC]

MVD is set for tomorrow at 2:00 p.m.

Oh, how wonderful! She's in great hands - the best! I hope all goes well with no complications, and she has a speedy recovery.

Isn't Dr. Jannetta just the nicest man?! Take care now, thoughts are with you.

Jean

[grace.mackay]

You will both be in my thoughts, take care, and keep us posted, lots of love Gracie.x x x

[Rooberri]

Hi everyone!

It made me cry to see all of these posts. Not that I didn't expect it but you all know how difficult it is - most of you even better than myself.

It is 11:34 a.m. and Lauren is in surgery now. She was such a big girl - I was soooo impressed. Her father and I have wanted this for her for so long now. She is an awesome person and I know she will do great things!

Everything just fell into place yesterday and yes Jannetta is nice man! Dr. Sekula is assisting him and they will both work on her. He has been with Jannetta for a long time and I'm sure he will fill Dr. Jannetta's shoes someday. The bed side manner of ALL of these people is so incredible. Anne, Dr. Jannetta's PA, is just great !

I'm scared for Lauren as we both know that there is a chance that this might not take. I know this sounds messed up but please- pray for a compression!

Oh- I almost forgot- they will be doing a double MVD today: lessr occipital and trigeminal nerve and when they get in they will consider what to do about the geniculate nerve-

So- I'm waiting...and waiting....and I will post to you as soon as I hear something !

Thank you all so much for all of your prayers and concern !

Sheri and Lauren

[chasingmytoddlers2]

Thank you Sheri for posting for us now. I have had her on my mind all morning. She is young and healthy and we know you are surrounded by the best.
I am on the edge of my seat till I hear more.

I understand about you wanting a compression. Something to aim for and fix.
Hugs,
Stephanie

[Rooberri]

Just talked to the doctors- Double compression- vein and artery. Dr. Jannetta said they are both very BIG ! Both on the Trigeminal Nerve. He left the geniculate alone- thinks that the TN branch was agrivating it. She has no compression on the occipital but shot it with a steriod.

So- Lauren doesn't even know yet !!

She is going to be sooooo happy !

This is the best Christmas gift a mother could every have !

Will update you as we go !

Thanks again !

[1Lily]

Sheri,
Your note literally made me tear up with happiness for her, and you! She will be thrilled when she wakes up - let's pray that this is the end of it all! Please tell her that we are all rooting for her, when she wakes up.
Giant hugs of happiness for you both!
Lily

[ella138]

You couldn't have had better news. Congratulations to all of you. You are a great support for your daughter. You have every reason to be jumping up and down, clicking your heels! Lauren should be pain free (except for the post-op stuff) when she wakes up. The next week will be a little rough for her, but most the healing is fairly quick, just a few weeks. You should see big improvements daily with her, but no pushing. Make sure she listens to her body and gives it everything it needs for a speedy recovery.
So nice to hear the good things. Merry Christmas and may 2009 be a whole new beginning for you all! HO HO HO!
*hobbesnobbin

[EE03]

This is great news! Add me to the list of well wishers, ellena

*hobbesnobbin*sparkle*snowflake

[Rooberri]

Thank you all so much !

Lauren had a rough night but all in all she has not said one word about her face, neck or ear.

Dr. Jannetta has cut her off of the neurotin- cold turkey! She is still taking lamictal, lyrica, tizandine and welbutrin.

Focus today will be staying awake for as long as we can.

Thanks again everyone !

Merry Christmas

[MarleneW]

I don't post on here too much, but I have been thinking about Lauren. Hopefully, by now she is feeling a little better. It will be rough for a little while, but I'm sure it will all be worth. Dr. Jannetta and his team are my doctors, I have had four surgeries done by them and they are fantastic. Their bedside manner is the best and Anne is wonderful. I was in Pittsburgh yesterday and I was thinking of the both of you, she is very lucky to have a great mom like you.
God Bless you both,
Marlene

[saraiderin2]

I am glad answers were found. Am praying.

Sarah

[heyjude55]

Wonderful! I am soooo happy that all went well. She is young and will recover quickly. I wish your family a wonderful holiday.
Judy

[LionPaw]

Sheri --

I do not post here very often, but frequently read the messages for support. I, too, have been thinking and praying for you and Lauren. I wish you and her the very best and speedy recovery from the MVD. Please keep us updated with her progress. This gives us all hope!.

Bob

[chasingmytoddlers2]

Thinking of you Lauren and wishing you a safe trip home. It will feel so nice to be in your warm peaceful home for the holidays.
I am very proud of you.
Give her a hug for me Sheri.

Love,
Stephanie

[1Lily]

I'm still sending well wishes, and hoping that Lauren is able to stay comfortable. The hardest part is behind her now. I hope to hear from you soon, Sheri, and give her a super soft hug, on the side opposite her MVD, from me. She's a lucky girl to have a mom like you. I hope she is resting up and staying comfortable.
Stay on top of those meds, keep to the medicine schedule rather than when she starts to hurt. Otherwise, it gets much harder to knock the pain back down.
Best wishes, Lily

[Rooberri]

Hi everyone !

Lauren is recoverying nicely. Still having the headaches, and the surgery spot is still hurting off and on.

She has some face pain, as she is atypical TN, but nothing like before. This pain seems to be decreasing as we move forward.

I did take her to her general doctor the other day just so that someone could look at her incision and make sure everything was ok. The doctor said she was doing well. Dr. Jannetta had all ready made contact with her general doctor - the day after he did Lauren's surgery. I was impressed for sure. It's rare to get this kind of care in any health care system.

She has had a few twinges in her cheek and her ear but nothing like before. We are hoping that this will get better and better as we go forward.

Keep sending prayers !

I will update again soon !

Thanks again for all your prayers !

Sheri and Lauren

[EE03]

I'll keep her in my thoughts. It sounds as though Dr. Jannetta is a first class doc! Hopefully time will be her best friend. Take care, Ellena

[ella138]

Just wanted to remind you that it took 3 months for my pain to go away. Time helps the nerve heal. My understanding is that there is a Mylin Sheath that covers the nerve. This protective cover needs to heal and repair itself and this takes time. It all made sense to me. Perhaps this is what is going on with Lauren. The headaches and the pain at the incision area are perfectly normal for this time post surgery. They too will get better.

[Rooberri]

Hi everyone !

Lauren has been sick with this messed up bug that is going around, sore throat, congestion, etc. Had to get her an antibiotic. It's starting to kick in and she is starting to feel better.

Still no "TN attacks". Still has a little bit of face pain and yes the surgery site is still hurting/sore at times. Water behind the ear feeling is still there. The docotor said sudafed (sp??) will help that and it has. Can't wait for that part to go away !

We are still a long way out before we know what kind of success we had.

I will keep everyone posted !

Thank you for your prayers !

Sheri and Lauren

[1Lily]

I am so happy to hear that she is doing well! I'd imagine that having a cold this close to surgery is not a comfortable experience for her, I would think that coughing and sneezing would be felt at the surgery site.
The ear fullness will go away, with time. I had it as well.
I'm keeping Lauren in my prayers!
Lily