Just wondering if any other neck dissection patients suffered any of the issues i have:
1) stroke (large or small) during surgery?.
2) hydrocephalus ?
3) obstructive hydrocephalus ?
4) Pseudotumor Cerebri ?
5) lumbar-peritoneal shunt placement?
I'm doing some research re my condition and curious what 'unusual' conditions/DX others have gotten during/after neck dissection surgery.
Thanks. Any info helpful.
-Wendy

No. I had three neck dissections. I know what you mean about finding answers, and researching side effects and adverse confitions you suffered. It took me three years to find out some of mine. Good luck with yours.

Hi Wendy,

Nothing that unusual. Had a selective neck dissection Feb 7th, Still having swallowing issues and nerve issues and weakness in my left shoulder and arm. Most recent development is hot stabbing pain in my shoulder that takes my breath away. Future ramifications of surgery, rads and chemo yet to be determined.

"T"

I too had a neck dissection but none of the issues you've had, I'm so sorry you had to go through all that...

Hi Wendy

Can I just get some clarity around your question please -

Are you saying your neck dissection caused hydrocephaly and/or intracranial hypertension requiring a shunt?

Or are you saying that you have pre-existing hydrocephaly and want to know how this affects your neck dissection?

Maybe a little more of your story would be good? Sorry if I am being dense - I am not quite making the connection between neck dissection and CSF blockage ...

Stroke (big or small) is a risk of any surgery (not to mention lifestyle), and is not necessarily specific to neck dissection. There are medications that your doctor might recommend if it is thought you are at risk for a second one though (this would depend on your weight, age, blood pressure, heart health, prior history etc which only your doctor could determine).

Mark: your side effects similar to mine. Could u swallow before the neck dissection? I'm 18 months out from surgery now. It was hard for me because I am impatient, but I definitely improved slowly, one day at a time. Everyone is different. I hope you recover quickly and completely. Can you tell me about your "Emergency/Bleeding" incident? Privately, if need be. I have reason to ask.
All these other crazy dxs are unusual side effects and I'm trying to find others who have experienced the same.
Thanks.
-Wendy

Karen:
First thing, thank u for mentioning the drug you can take ( upon dr approval, of course) to fend off future stroke. I intend to ask about it at my appt this week. And, let me tell you, that is something that frightens me. It is believed (never actually confirmed) that I had a SMALL stroke (by the grace of God) during MRND surgery. Which is a risk of most any major surgery.
We are trying to piece together what caused these other conditions I now have. The shunt is a life-long necessity - to fend off hydrocephalus. I've been told this is unusual by my doctors.
Looking for others who've had these dxs.
Thanks again.
-Wendy

Thank you Cheryl and Paul also. I appreciate your input and good wishes. Sure need the prayers and positive thoughts. Going thru some rough times.
Bless you.
-Wendy

Your welcome, Wendy. Two of my bothers had major strokes, non cancer, surgery related, but as a result, it was a concern I had for my surgeries. Best wishes.