So far I have had 3 tissue expanding sessions where saline fluid is injected into the tissue expander to help stretch the scalp skin to fit my new titanium skull. To date there is approximately 120-130ml in the tissue expander. I’m not going to lie the pain that I have experienced after each session is excruciating! It feels like my head is going to explode, like a balloon being popped, with the tension and pressure being unbearable at times.
After the third session yesterday I got home and just couldn’t stop crying, the pain was so intense. After each session I have struggled to sleep and get somewhat comfortable. My scalp is so tender that I even struggle to lie on a pillow or put my head flat.
I am now dreading each session to come as I know what I am in for - a few days of hell before it gets better! It is like a revolving door of emotions - I have pain for a few days, then I feel a little better by the end of the week just before I’m back in having my next expanding session where the process starts over again. I know I can do this but it really has taken a toll physically and mentally on me to push through the pain.
The specialist said that he won’t do more than 50ml at a time. I have taken progress pictures each week so you can see how the tissue expander stretches my skin - the video below shows you from day 1 before the surgery to now after 3 sessions. I still have several more sessions to come before my specialist will give the green light for my cranioplasty surgery. I just have to brace myself, stay strong and keep entering the revolving door to get there.…..
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