“I don't care who is doing better than me. I am doing better than i(sic) was last year. It's me vs me.”
My #recovery from #NeckPain, #migraine & #headache #ChronicPain #NerveSurgeries, after 10+ years of #excruciating to #debilitating
#HeadPain.
This is #MyJourney...
“I don't care who is doing better than me. I am doing better than I was last year.
It's me vs me.”
…and that is #MyTruth.
(Image 1/4 of my update posted originally on my Facebook page.) One day shy of six weeks post-op update: I've had plenty of head/neck #pain and #headaches come and go (#AcutePain, I hope) during my first six weeks of post-op #recovery, but I don't think I've had any "true #migraines." That doesn't mean l've not had any #ExcruciatingPain - because I have - but it's been "different pain," mostly, I think. Two of the hardest parts of my remaining recovery (three months & one year time frames are the two major time measurements my surgeon uses to gauge progress and success/failure) from #NeckPain, #migraine & #headache #ChronicPain head #nerve surgeries include: (1) trying to figure out if the pain/s is/are the same or different versus before the head nerve surgeries…
(Image 2/4 of my update posted originally on my Facebook page.) …(I know that may sound weird but it's actually difficult, at times, because, sometimes, "pain is pain" - especially when one is experiencing pain in multiple places around the body) and (2) not allowing myself to be overwhelmed by frustrating and sometimes "scary" worrying if the pain/s is/are a sign the surgeries failed. (I hope that word salad is understandable - lol) So far, I think, the mental/psychological healing process has been as hard - if not harder - than the physical healing from the multiple nerve surgeries. (More on that in a future post...)
(Image 3/4 of my update posted originally on my Facebook page.) I have a telehealth follow up #appointment tomorrow and Marnie & I will head back to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in a few more weeks for my three month post-op checkup. Keep your fingers crossed for me! I appreciate your ongoing support... Much love, —TMS.
(Image 4/4 of my update posted originally on my Facebook page is of a post I shared there which is credited to “MigraineMiracle.”) “Because migraines aren't just headaches — they're so much more. Migraines can take over your whole life... Stay strong, and take care” (Meme text follows; originally it was placed in a “burger” design.) “The migraine burger “Headache Sensitivity to smells Dizziness Aura Sensitivity to light Fatigue Nausea Neck pain” (Credit to:) “MigrainMiracle.”
“One day shy of six weeks” post-op update:
(see attached images for full update text)
My #recovery #update from #NeckPain, #migraine & #headache #ChronicPain #NerveSurgeries after 10+ years of #excruciating to #debilitating
#HeadPain.
This is #MyJourney...
Day 15 post-op update:
(Please see attached images for full update text over multiple posts beginning with this page.)
My #recovery #update from #NeckPain, #migraine & #headache #ChronicPain #NerveSurgeries after 10+ years of #excruciating to #debilitating
#HeadPain.
This is #MyJourney...
Page 1/4 screenshots of a post on one of my other social media platforms… “12 days post-op update: Sorry for my absence the last few days. I've been battling a mouthful of sores (some kind of, undiagnosed, mouth infection, I believe) but, I think, I am on the mend, now. The incisions seem to be healing nicely. The big horizontal one is now sometimes/usually "tight" and sometimes itchy (good signs of healthy healing) and, relatively speaking, "barely noticeable," now. I still get some head pain - some in the same spots - but most of it feels "different" (still "bad," but "different") from pre-op — and that's a good sign! One potential spot of concern is a trigger point near to behind my right ear. That was my "worst" spot pre-op, so it may just take longer to recover. "Only time will tell," but I still have absolutely no - zero - regrets about having the surgeries done by Dr. Janis at OSUWMC.”
Page 2/4 screenshots of a post on one of my other social media platforms… “I believe I am ready to have the drain removed - but l'm going to give it another day to see how the numbers look before I submit to the surgeon to see if he agrees and approves it coming out. I've been battling unrelated preexisting chronic pain and lots of unrelated preexisting abdominal/GI issues. My pain management team at Broadlawns is working on my next steps plan by trying to get insurance to cooperate so they can begin treating these other painful issues and I am going to start a new search for a new-to-me abdominal/digestive/Gl specialist in the Des Moines area (I'm open to suggestions, excluding IDDC - IYKYK - and not Broadlawns because they don't have the in depth scope/ type of abdominal/digestive/GI services I am looking for). Overall, I believe, my recovery is going very well, especially when considering everything related to the surgeries and”
Page 3/4 screenshots of a post on one of my other social media platforms… “where I was a mere 14 days ago before the surgeries. Pleasant surprise/bonus: I sometimes even notice brief moments without any loud tinnitus in my ears. It has not lasted very long but it is a truly beautiful and wonderful thing to even get random breaks from it. I'm at day 12 of 365 days of recovery - only 353 days left until we know the final results/outcome of the surgeries - so it's still way too early to make any predictions but I can honestly say that I am very happy, so far, with my progress. I thank each and every single one of you for your support. Respectfully, Todd M. Stein -30-“
Page 4/4 screenshots of a post on one of my other social media platforms… Image of a sidewalk with cracks and a seedling growing up through a crack with the word “HOPE” in the background. (I do not own the image nor do I know who does. I sourced it from an internet search with Duck, Duck Go.)
Day 12 post-op update:
(see attached images for full update text)
My #recovery from #NeckPain, #migraine & #headache #ChronicPain #NerveSurgeries after 10+ years of #excruciating to #debilitating
#HeadPain.
This is #MyJourney...
What I actually looked like right after my #neckpain, #migraine and #headache #headpain #nervesurgeries…
What I think I probably looked like during my #neckpain, #migraine and #headache #headpain #nervesurgeries…
Screenshot 1/2 of a post on my personal Facebook page. “Day six post-op update: “We left Columbus, OH, and made it to Galesburg, IL. We plan on getting the rest of the way home in Des Moines, IA, sometime tomorrow. While nothing's "perfect," per say, and even though today was only day six post-op and I have another 359 days to go until the one year anniversary of the neck pain, migraine and headache head nerve surgeries, I had just last Wednesday, — 359 more days until we'll know, definitively, the final outcome/ results of all the nerve surgeries and even though I know l've had (and still get and may/will (most likely) continue getting) ups and downs with pain and other symptoms, I am so damn excited, grateful, happy, hopeful and renewed with my recovery's progress, so far...it's difficult to quit talking about, despite my "fear" of "jinxing it" and it's hard not to”…
Screenshot 2/2 of a post on my personal Facebook page. Day six post-op update/continued: …”let myself get too hopeful - I don't want to go through another pain related heartbreak...but, dog gone it - this is what happiness feels like. This is what having hope feels like. I had, basically, lost them a long time ago because of the excruciating to debilitating assorted chronic pain conditions and accompanying conditions. I'm so ready to reclaim my life. (But l'm trying not to get my hopes up, too much...) I also have to FORCE MYSELF not to overdo it and mess up my recovery. That means I'll "lose another summer" BUT, as I talked with Marnie Schweitzer Stein (my wife since 1998) about this earlier in the day, I'm trying to think of it not so much as "losing another summer," but "gaining a future." Thanks for your support. Have a great night -Todd M. Stein”
Day six post-op update:
(Plz see attached images for the text.)
We left Columbus, OH, & made it to Galesburg , IL. We plan on getting the rest of the way home in Des Moines, IA, tomorrow...
My recovery from #NeckPain, #migraine & #headache #ChronicPain #NerveSurgeries after 10+ years of #HeadPain.
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY WEXNER MEDICAL CENTER (logo used to give credit to the medical group that is handling my surgeries. I, obviously, do not own or otherwise have any claims to the logo, University or Hospital system. Logo remains property of its respective owners.) “Todd M. Stein's chosen surgeon is the world renowned DR. JEFFREY E. JANIS, MD, FACS •Professor and Executive Vice Chairman, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. •Chief of Plastic Surgery, University Hospital. •Adjunct Professor, Neurosurgery, Neurology & Surgery, The Ohio State University. •Co-Director, Center for Abdominal Core Health, The Ohio State University. •Privileges at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University East, the James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Gowdy Outpatient Surgery Center and the Richard M. & Ross Heart Hospital. •Dr. Janis has earned far more awards & honors and has served on more professional committees than there's room available here.” “TODAY ARE TODD'S NECK, HEAD & MIGRAINE CHRONIC PAIN NERVE SURGERIES” https: //gofund.me/2558767a
Today’s the day I dreamt of 10+ years. Today’s the day I worked for over a year since I found Dr. Janis. Today are my potentially #lifechanging, #painrelieving #neckpain & #headache #nervesurgeries, #migrainesurgery &
#righttemple #nervesurgery at
@osuwexmed.bsky.social
Plz donate gofund.me/2558767a
“NECK, HEAD AND MIGRAINE PAIN NERVE SURGERIES” “It’s getting real. Todd’s surgeries are tomorrow!” “FOR MORE DETAILS OR TO SECURELY DONATE: HTTPS:// GOFUND.ME/2558767A“
Tomorrow’s my potentially #lifechanging, #painrelieving #neckpain & #headache #nervesurgeries,
#migrainesurgery & #righttemple #nervesurgery 6.5 hour #operation at @osuwexmed.bsky.social
Help my family better afford my #medicalcosts & #travelexpenses. Read more & #donate at
gofund.me/2558767a
Thanks
You can help Todd M. Stein's family better afford their costs of Todd's chronic neck, head & migraine pain nerve surgeries, follow-up appointments, related medical & med travel for their trips to The Ohio State University in search of head pain relief for Todd... ON THE ROAD TO NECK, HEAD & MIGRAINE PAIN RELIEVING NERVE SURGERIES ...for more information and/or to donate: https://gofund.me/2558767a
My wife & I are on the road! We’re going ~1/2way today & the other ~1/2 tomorrow as ~6 hours straight is the max I can handle being in a car due to my current #ChronicPain. My #neck, #head & #migraine #pain #NerveSurgeries at @osuwexmed.bsky.social are Wed. U can help us: donate @ gofund.me/2558767a
Purple page with outline of a human head profile on the entire left side of the page. Mostly darker purple text on the right side of the page reads: NATIONAL MIGRAINE AND HEADACHE AWARENESS MONTH JUNE HELP TODD M. STEIN'S FAMILY WITH HIS MEDICAL EXPENSES & RELATED MED TRAVEL COSTS FOR NECK, HEAD & MIGRAINE CHRONIC PAIN NERVE SURGERIES: HTTPS://GOFUND.ME/2558767A
Only five days to go for my #lifechanging, #painrelieving #neckpain & #headache #nervesurgeries, #migrainesurgery & #righttemple #nervesurgery 6.5 hour #operation on 6/25 at @osuwexmed.bsky.social
Help me afford my #medicalcosts & #travelexpenses. Read more & #donate at:
gofund.me/2558767a - Thanks!
Upper left light purple box text: “June is Migraine Awareness Month! Migraines are hot cured by drinking green smoothies, putting bags of frozen peas at the back of ohe's heck, shorting hot chili peppers, drinking salted lemon water, eating bananas or drinking warm milk. Migraines are a chronic, neurological diseasel There are various types, symptoms and triggers. They are MUCH more than just a headache.'” Left mid tan box text: “Fighting Headache Disorders… …through awareness” Mid blue box text: “Occipital Neuralgia “Aching, burning, and throbbing pain that typically starts at the base of the head and radiates to the scalp “Sensitivity to light “Pain on one or both sides of the head “Pain when moving the neck “Pain behind the eye “Tender scalp” Far right text: “Help Todd Stein's family with their costs of his multiple nerve surgeries (in one massive 6.5 hour marathon operation, aftercare, related medical and medical travel expenses at:” Across entire bottom of page text: “https://gofund.me/2558767a”
Now only six days until my #lifechanging, #painrelieving #neckpain & #headache #nervesurgeries, #migrainesurgery & #righttemple #nervesurgery 6.5 hour #operation on 6/25 at @osuwexmed.bsky.social
Help my family w/ #medicalcosts & #travelexpenses. Read more & #donate at:
gofund.me/2558767a - Thanks!
“HELP ME!” written in red lipstick or marker on the palms of two hands facing out while holding up and covering the person’s face. In red font over a black background: “Help Todd Stein's family with their costs of his 11 nerve surgeries (in one massive 6.5 hour marathon operation for his neck, head & migraine chronic pain), aftercare, related medical and medical travel expenses at: https://gofund.me/2558767a “
Only 1week or 7days til my #lifechanging, #painrelieving #neckpain & #headache #nervesurgeries, #migrainesurgery & #righttemple #nervesurgery 6.5 hour #operation on 6/25 at @osuwexmed.bsky.social. Help my family w/ #medicalcosts & #travelexpenses. Read more & #donate at:
gofund.me/2558767a Thanks!
“HELP TODD M. STEIN'S FAMILY WITH HIS MEDICAL EXPENSES & RELATED MED TRAVEL COSTS FOR NECK, HEAD & MIGRAINE CHRONIC PAIN NERVE SURGERIES: HTTPS://GOFUND.ME/2558767A “JUNE IS NATIONAL MIGRAINE & HEADACHE AWARENESS MONTH “Todd's neck, head & migraine pain nerve surgeries are scheduled to consist of -11 procedures in one massive -6.5 hour long operation. The -11 procedures are: "decompression of the bilateral greater occipital nerves (2) & ablation of the bilateral 3rd occipital nerves (2), ablation of the bilateral occipital vessels (~2), & bilateral inferiorly-based fat flaps of the neck (~2). This will also include deactivation of the right AT trigger site through a limited incision over the site of maximal pain which will ablate the right superficial temporal vessels as well as segmental resection/ neurectomy of the right auriculotemporal nerve (*3). The surgeon may need to adjust the planned surgical procedures, once he has cut into Todd’s head. The planned “duration of the surgery (is) 6.5 hours, performed in a prone position first to address the bilateral CON/TON, then transition back to supine to complete the deactivation of the right AT.” Todd will be under general anesthesia and intubated throughout. When Todd awakes, he “will have activity restrictions…(&) a JP drain (to the neck.” (Quotes: patient portal.) https://www.gofundme.com/f/Help-Todd-Stein-Get-Head-Pain-Nerve-Surgery
8 days til my #lifechanging, #painrelieving #neckpain & #headache #nervesurgeries, #migrainesurgery & #righttemple #nervesurgery 6.5 hour #operation on 6/25 at @osuwexmed.bsky.social. #Help my family with #medicalcosts & #travelexpenses. Read more & #donate at:
HTTPS://GOFUND.ME/2558767A Thank you!
“PAIN CHANGES PEOPLE. CHRONIC PAIN CHANGES EVERYTHING. UNTREATED PAIN IS TORTURE. HELP TODD STEIN'S FAMILY BETTER AFFORD HIS NECK, HEAD & MIGRAINE PAIN NERVE SURGERIES, AFTERCARE AND RELATED MEDICAL TRAVEL EXPENSES. HTTP://GOFUND.ME/2558767A THANK YOU!”
9 days til 11 #surgical #nerveprocedures in 6.5hr #operation. #Help my family afford #medicalcosts & #travelexpenses for my #lifechanging, #painrelieving #neckpain & #headache #nervesurgeries, #migrainesurgery & #righttemple #nervesurgery on 6/25 @ OSU.
GOFUND.ME/2558767A
now for info or to #donate.
“Headache & Migraine” “Living In Fear of the Next One”
10 days til 11 #surgical #nerveprocedures in 6.5hr #operation. #Help my family afford #medicalcosts & #travelexpenses for my #lifechanging, #painrelieving #neckpain & #headache #nervesurgeries, #migrainesurgery & #righttemple #nervesurgery on 6/25 @ OSU. GOFUND.ME/2558767A now for info or to #donate
