I had my surgery on 5/31 an have been home~3 weeks. I also had 2 hernias repaired, and the VS was a revision from a bad VBS 25 years ago. I hurt after the surgery (I was on the table for six hours) but nothing horrible. The headache tho is killing me. 1 trip to the ER where they patted me on the head and sent me home, and no let up from the pain, which runs from about five to 8-9 and my neck is stiff. I am pretty miserable.

I just keep hoping things improve, but am starting to get VERY discouraged. The actual surgery/recovery is a piece of cake compared to the headache, which I know sounds pretty silly, but there you are!

The shakes are pretty nasty, and I can't always get them down--the head pain and the fact that i hate the taste of fake sugar doesn't help at all. Nothing really affects the pain, and it is frightening. I have had surgeries before and experienced post surg headache, but 24/7 for 2 solid WEEKS?!

I really looked forward to this--moved home so I could afford it, spent six months in therapy, joined a gym, worked to get my head on straight, and wow. Just typing this hurts!

Aside from the side effects, the surgery was fine--My doctor is very communicative (altho not about head pain!) and spent time explaining all the details. The practice has super support and follow-up (again, only about the surg aspects--I guess sever headache isn't in their contract!) and without this 'added bonus' I would be very happy with them.

did you have an epidural for pain? Sometimes those will cause a nasty headache if the spinal Fluid is leaking from the puncture wound. Caffeine withdraws can be a biatch as well. Other than that I would say dehydration. Get some Gatorade and sip sip sip to replace those electrolytes!

Renee`