Mayo Clinic | How I Chose My Brain Surgeon & How It Went

When I was deciding if microvascular decompression surgery was right for me, I had SO many questions. I was overwhelmed with where to start and more importantly, whose hands I would trust to operate on my brain. Here’s a little insight into how that decision making process went.
I’m happy to share the specific questions I asked the surgeons if it’s helpful.
Thank you for watching!

[@Dave-ls9tp]

Thanks for telling your story, I'd love to hear an update every year. I'm 30 day out from MVD surgery and am very anxious to get it done. It is a high voltage shock in my left jaw, right at the hinge point, every time I eat or drink, talk, and especially when I brush my teeth. Thanks again for updating your story.

[@Naeverick]

Thank you so much Maria for making these videos. My boyfriend was diagnosed with TN in June and is just going through the slow process of getting treatment. It's so helpful to see someone else going through the same thing. I can hardly imagine the pain and mental strain you've gone through, and it's inspiring that you thought to make these videos to help other people while dealing with all that yourself! I'd love to hear how you're doing now?

[@tiffanybarnes8286]

Okay now I have finally watched this video. I read another story online of a woman who had an MVD done for TN, by the same neurosurgeon. Since 2004 she has been pain free. I am really beginning to trust him, maybe the teflon free approach really is a better option. Thankyou so much, I had seen you share your videos on Reddit. But again thankyou for sharing your experience

[@marcoffar]

I wouldn’t recommend him so publicly if I didn’t truly believe that he was put on this earth to heal people of TN. I hope you find relief soon! And thank you so much for watching and for your comment!

[@chrispeterson1475]

Thanks so very much for all of this info. Trying to get my husband at mayo and one other place so he can find relief too. Very helpful information.

[@alexcelinap]

Thank you for this. I suffer from HFS so I am also considering Dr Z. It is overwhelming trying to gather info

[@aprilrosen]

So glad you told me about your videos. This is such a journey and I feel like I am on my own crazy journey trying to solve my headaches and pain. Funny enough, I'll be moving to Denver in a month! And have just started doing research in finding a new ENT and Nurologist. Do you have any doc recommendations?

[@marcoffar]

Welcome to Denver! I see someone at Denver Neurological Clinic. It took me a while to find one I liked and trusted. Don’t get discouraged if the first few you see aren’t a good match. I hope you find relief soon!

[@oliviacleaveland9697]

Was there anything you found especially helpful in your recovery? Airplane pillow, body pillow, heating pad, shower chair, hair wraps are all things I've heard mentioned. What do you think were the most important/helpful tools to aide in your recovery?

[@ravee9853]

Do you know if they offer MVD surgery for people without insurance? I live in Phoenix so its exciting to know there is a dr nearby for the surgery

[@SarahLabbett]

Did the surgery work?

[@parulpatel8232]

Hey are you still pain free??