Recovery from VNS: What to Expect

It took me about 2 weeks to fully recover from my surgery. Most otc pain meds help, but I'm allergic to lidocaine so they couldn't use that to numb the areas before the incisions so it hurt more for me than most.

My recovery was rapid. It takes a bit to get used to the feeling of the stimulation when they adjust it, but within a few days, you won't even notice it until your voice changes slightly. I can't feel it anymore, but I can tell it's going off when my voice sounds strained or out of breath.

I have a VNS! The surgery part wasn’t too bad. The worst part for me was actually the anesthesia. It always makes me sick. I was a little sore for a couple days after, but all I needed was Tylenol. I was actually able to attend a baby shower the Sunday after my surgery and my surgery was on a Thursday! I recently got my wisdom teeth out, and that was MUCH worse, in my opinion, than the VNS surgery. Now, unfortunately the VNS has not been as successful for me as I had hoped. I still have seizures. But the magnet mode is super cool. That shortens my seizures and my recovery time from seizures is quicker than it used to be. So that’s a win.

Okay this I’m following to learn about! My doctor considered a VNS before this last medication actually helped. But knowing my body, it won’t last long.