Post -op

I am so glad to get home to sleep in my own bed! I will have to add a new allergy to my list – Dilaudid! If I can’t stay awake, I shouldn’t take it. First thing I did was get my packet of ice to use on my  surgical site. It helps control the swelling which in turn helps control pain. I was too fearful to take the Norco they prescribed for pain having experience the narcotic Dilaudid in the hospital, so I took some Tylenol. No aspirin or aspirin products as they can lead to bleeding.

My dog was staying with friends, so I didn’t have to worry about taking her out for the last piddle of the night nor would my friend was who was staying over to help with changing out the ice and retrieving pain medicine. It was a pain free night, with just the ice and Tylenol. Who knew.

Morning comes, and swelling is minimal, pain is minimal, more ice, and more Tylenol to keep pain at bay. Often once pain starts, getting it back under control is worse than if it had never begun. Breakfast is quick, toast and salmon cream cheese and heavenly coffee. Nothing heavy. My dog will be staying with friends for another day, so no worries on who will take care of her, her twice daily medications, her meals and walking her! Remember if you have a pet, have a back up plan in case they need to stay with them longer!

I watched bit of TV, and there sure is nothing on during the morning after the news. Decided to go take a nap. Several friends checked in. I am glad for their caring and offers of assistance. Lunch and dinner are uneventful. Naps are plentiful. Pain is being handled by the ice and some regular dosing of Tylenol. I refused to fill the narcotic prescription!

My friends agreed they will keep my dog until sometime over the weekend.  I so miss her, but actually I am glad as energy wise, and assisting her up and down stairs sounds like more than I can handle.

All in all such an easier time than I expected. I do follow directions well, no lifting, I do regular icing, staying on top of Tylenol doses, and naps! Nurse friends said Saturday could be the toughest day, that was 3rd post op day, they were right! Just wanted to sleep and skip eating, but kept the ice on and took my Tylenol. Then another nurse friend of mine brought dinner on Sunday night. What a treat, again, things to plan ahead. Have some one with you the first two to three  days! Plan for someone to prepared a couple meals, and others to stop by with meals for those first 4 or 5 days. The first first days are key to your recovery! Funny I found out my surgeon was not a big proponent of ice! Never found out why. I have found ice helpful in all surgeries I have experienced.

Next, time to think about work plans.

To connect with Linda call her at 310-831-4400 or email at Linda@theidentityadvocate.com