Things are going a bit better!!

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Sage48

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I'm checking in!! Progress report. Can't get to the puter very often...so I try to write a short note when I do!

Recovering from sacroiliac fusion 6/26...

The leg/toe/knee pain are gone!!! The remaining back pain, I believe is from the surgery....and is getting better over time. I am spacing out my oxycodone pills to 3 a day now...so this is good. Still in the wheel chair/walker/bed...BUT, I got into my hubby's recliner today!!! Yup...gonna have them move mine back into the den...was very comfy!! So maybe I'll be out of bed a bit more.
All else is going well...looking forward to leaving the house...even in the wheel chair...Wal-Mart withdrawal!!!! Next weekend I am going out!!!
Hope everyone is doing well...check in later...take care..

Leslie
 
Hi Leslie! You sound wonderful! Congratulations on how well your recovery is going!

I haven't ventured out yet, but we're now talking about buying me a recliner so I can get rid of the hospital bed. It was agreed I should "butt test" any recliner we consider, so I shall be escorted about. Probably going to do this some time next week.

I'm also doing well - all leg pain is gone and the pain that's left is from the surgery and some skin nerve pain in upper thighs from the surgery. We're getting this under control with Lyrica. Still taking Vicodin every 4 hours but I've actually either slept through doses or have been able to easily hold off an hour on my own. This is progress. :D

So good to hear from you and hope you can get to the computer more often!

Paula
 
"Ditto" what Pepper said. I'm thrilled you are finally feeling less pain!! Keep up the good resting. When do you get to put some weight on your legs??
 
oh Paula...good for you. So glad that things are going well for you. Yes, the recliner felt good to sit in...I am also tired of the hospital bed!! (the 4 inches of memory foam on the bed has helped enormously..very comfy!!) Test drive that recliner...they are amazingly different...we did that 2 yrs. ago when we purchased ours...tried every one in the store...and as it would be...the last one was the best one for me!!
I guess we are heading for wellness...how amazing...still have a ways to go...but it is downhill now..I hope! Will see what happens when I start trying to walk...so far, I haven't been allowed to do that, I imagine that will kick up a few aches etc. that I am not aware of...guess if I expect this stuff...it will be easier when it happens...at least mentally.
Keep up the good work...


Leslie
 
Thank you Leslie. Your breaking down and saying it first somehow made me feel it gave me permission to say it too. It really is hard. As much as we both know we're improving it doesn't mean we feel at all well. After seeing the way I looked right after surgery (freaked out my husband badly) saying I'm having a bad day today is met with a look of "yeah yeah, but you're so much better then you were." Yes, that's true, but it doesn't mean I feel good NOW.

I don't have the smaller leg, but I do still having swelling in my lower back and now that I'm back on Lyrica I have puffy feet. I try to exercise my ankles and calves as much as possible when I'm in bed. But the nerve/skin pain was making me crazy so it's a good trade-off. Tomorrow is the day the Lyrica dose doubles (I couldn't do that before when I was working) so if I log into the boarRAB and sound seriously over-medicated y'all will know why :D

Have a GREAT night's sleep tonight. Relax, ignore the family, find someone to sneak some chocolate in to you :cool:
 
I want to say great news to both Leslie and Paula. You both sound like you are doing much better and maybe soon both of you will be able to have "looser reins". I know I have to have my Walmart fixes but my husband sure doesn't like it. Sage how are your legs doing as far as muscle tone since you can't get up and walk? Are they having you do certain exercises? I wasn't sure if this had been discussed or not. You are really sounding optimistic in your e-mail and I know important that is in recovery.

Well take care and both of you enjoy what you can do and prayers always to both of you.

Linda:angel:
 
Isn't it nice to be heading towarRAB wellness? I too have a memory foam topper on the hospital bed, loaned to me by my daughter, although it's only about 2 inches thick. I keep thanking her, again and again and again. It's the only thing that has made it moderately usable. I mean, I do understand why hospital mattresses have to be encased in heavy plastic but come on guys...LOL

I go back to the surgeon on the 1st to see if any fusion has taken place. I'm using a bone growth stimulator on a daily basis, so I hope so! If there's any fusion at all they'll let me shower and maybe even let me sleep without the brace on!

Oh yeah, seems my surgeon was out waterskiing and broke his leg and ankle. He's going to be heading out of town for surgery so he doesn't wind up in the same hospital, in the same ortho unit, with his patients. I was told he was in the office, in a temporary cast, in a walker with a seat, seeing patients one day and doing simpler-then-fusion surgery on another day. All of my nurses tell me he's dedicated to relieving his patient's pain and they're not surprised he's going to these lengths to keep on working. The bet is how long he'll be out after the surgery itself. They're all putting together a gift basket for him, that's going to include the game Operation so he can keep up his skills. :D

I am so glad you're doing so well! Both of us were so scared, and now both of us are heading down the path to healing!
 
I guess spoke too soon... I am ok...painwise...BUT mentally...I have had it today.. Enough of this...I am so uncomfortable I can (and have) scream today. Miserable does not describe me. Impatient today..want this over and done. Sick of the bone stim. wires...they are aggrivating me to no end...and I ran my own toe over with the wheel chair...(don't ask).. I have cried for 2 hrs. so far today and have given the impression that I am an ungrateful wretch. Yup...that says it all.
Mother watches every spoonful of anything I put in my mouth...thinks I am FAT....and hubby is watching my pain pills....(do I really need one??? huh?) When the last pill was 7 hrs. before...yup I needed it. (Isn't the pain getting better??? yup...but it still hurts...) I even threatened to get up and go for a walk...or take the car....both of which I am prohibited doing...ha. I have had it.
Sorry to carry on....but I needed to get this off my mind...

I am grateful, I am getting better....but I am just 4 weeks out from major, major, major surgery...give me a break.

Hey, guys, thanks for all of your care...and concern. I appreciate it. I wish you all were in the same boat as me...recovering...as ungrateful as I am today...I know I am getting better...

Later.

Leslie
 
Sage, I am so happy for you and pray that this is the end of the road for you with chronic pain and that there are only bright days ahead of you. It is sooooo good to hear that you are feeling so well. I know you have heard this and know it but I just have to say it - take it slow honey and don't rush your recovery. Remeraber this is an investment for your future pain free life.

Nothing but prayers for you and your family for happy times ahead.
 
Thanks Paula...yeah, it''s hard once in a while...off day. I looked PALE after surgery....WHITE....and still do to some degree... Make up, I tried yesterday, but it was too much of an effort.. Today I can only think...8 more weeks...ugh. I am better...but I am not all better. Have a good night..
Ha to the chocolate...

Lesie
 
Leslie, I think you gave voice to how we all feel. Cooped up in the house, yes, still in pain, people second guessing and having to ask for everything. Yes, I'm doing well, you're doing well, but there have been times I just sat down and cried. There have been times I've cried because my husband didn't give me the right kind of smile when I asked him for something because he was busy doing something else. Course, he's also been taking care of me for 4 weeks and I really didn't think he had it in him. And there have been times I've cried because I'm not allowed to remove the brace and I'd like to be able to sleep and just be comfortable for a change. I would like to have nothing hurt for just a little while, and the meRAB never quite take me there - they just dull it. I mean, the pain isn't horrendous, but it's always there...mostly just irritation from surgery and a 12 inch incision that a brace always sits on top of. However, it can be enough to drive you a bit mad sometimes. There are times I'll finally find a good position between my knees and my head and for a moment nothing hurts and then wham. Something reminRAB me I just had major surgery 4 weeks ago.

So I'll give you a cyberhug, and we'll both hang in there and we'll both get past this. And ouch for your toe!

Hey, tell mother that my doctor's instructions are you are NOT to change your diet at this point and you are to eat well! This is specifically not supposed to be the time to try to lose weight. Keep your pain pills near you with a tablet, and write down the time you take each (that's what I do - no one else is in charge of my pills but me.)

And...one more cyberhug from the other person going stir crazy.

Paula
 
Hi Leslie, and I'm glad today is better! I haven't ventured out yet. I really need to, even if it's just to Walmart. I figured if I go with hubby and it's too much I'll just grab a power scooter.

MM, the Lyrica should be short term. I have some nerve pain from the surgery that feels as if the skin on my upper thighs is burned. It's been reducing bit by bit but not fast enough to keep from driving me batty. I'm using the Lyrica to get past this period, until the nerves heal.

I heard from the nurse today that if things go well at my 6 week checkup next friday I'll be allowed to shower. Little things are so joyous. LOL.
 
Leslie I agree with Paula that you put the voice to everything we all think about at times and just don't say it. Both of you have gone through some major surgeries and a very STRICT recovery period. I admire both of you because you are making it through these restrictions and I am surprised you haven't had more down days. I don't know how people don't gain weight after back surgery because most of the medications cause us to gain weight. When I was on the Neurontin I gained 12 lbs in 3/4 days. Luckily Home Health was coming by and working with me and when she saw my legs she immediately called my doctor. I had shown them to my husband and he had said he couldn't tell they were that bad. When I had my infection in my abdominal incision I of course asked him to check it because I couldn't see it real well. He kept telling me it was okay and I should stop worrying. I finally had my daughter look at it and she really laid into him because she said "Dad-she has an infection". She has worked for years with a Veterinarian so she knew how to tell something was wrong even if I am not a dog or cat.(ha!ha!). I know he loves me but sometimes he is so impossible. He was always on me about my pain medication also and I finally told him I would take care of my own medication. I told him tonight how bad I felt after having that knee surgery yesterday and he said "Well get off your feet". I told him I would gladly sit down if my kitchen didn't look like such a mess and dishes needed to be done. He just doesn't let a dirty house bother him but it sure does me.

Well you two hang in there and gentle hugs your way. You are both such an inspiration to so many but I know how those days can get so come and vent.

Take care
Linda:angel:
 
Thanks for your note Paula..yup...guess I am just getting house crazy. I hope tomorrow is a better day. Guess you do really understand how frusterating this all is...enough.

My right leg appears to be smaller than my left leg...the right side is where the surgery was on my sacroiliac joint...so it makes sense..I figure that I will just have to exercise later and get it back. I do some small exercises...but I guess they haven't been enough. When I had my acdf in 04...my arm did the same thing,,,but before the surgery...it is ok now...except for being a bit weaker than the left side...I am hoping this is the same type of thing.

Hope that a good night's sleep will make me feel better..

Leslie
 
ok...I am somewhat better today...much less upset about life in general.
Yesterday was truely awful...I do not get like that. Something to avoid!
Went to Wal-Mart....oh wow...getting in and out of the Tahoe is just such a job...really. I went to bed when we got home and slept for 2 hrs!!
I guess I really needed to get out of the house.
The back isn't tooooooo horrible...it's progressing...of course it aches...and yup, I am taking my med. Life will move on.
Have a good night..take care and feel well all..

Leslie
 
Thanks MOM!! Time passes...and hopefully all of the aches and leftover stuff will go away. I realize that it would be a miracle if I felt no pain ever...that would be just too good...but we can hope!! I don't know about being an inspiration...just trying to get better, and really, really trying to keep laughing...which sometimes is really hard. Sometimes, it is really best not to think about what we have had done...that is just tooo scary...trying to think about what I will be able to do in the future...and hoping that the next several weeks just improve every few days.
Slept in my bed last night...until 3:30...then off I went back to the hospital bed...my bed was just too hard..neeRAB the memory foam..but it is progress.
Not doing much of anything today...just wheeling around the house and resting.
I have been trying to read some of the posts...I really feel so bad for some of our posters (buddies!)...I don't know why it is so difficult to find a good Dr. and get the treatment needed to make us well...one would think we are all on the same side of the street...but the medical's sometimes just don't get the picture. All I can hope for is that "all" have a good weekend... Take care.

Leslie
 
Good luck with the increased dosage of Lyrica, Paula. I just finished weaning myself off it. I've been on it since Jan. and wasn't sure if it was making a difference.

Leslie ~ Hang in there. You are an inspiration to us all.

xx M:wave:M
 
Hi Leslie! You sound great!

Today I'm a bit groggy from the increase in Lyrica but hey, I could use the sleep! I'm also trying to experiment with my bed versus the hospital bed. If I move the bedroom tv a bit I think this might work. My bed has a built in memory foam topper and it's surprisingly comfortable when I lie on my side.

I just cleaned one of my bathrooms. Well, that means I cleaned the sink and vanity and my toilet thingie. Still feels good! Gonna take one of those "bottom down" showers in a bit. You know the sort...brace can't come off so I wash whatever I can using the handheld shower head.

Leslie, I'm doing whatever I can do to laugh. I have a group of old frienRAB on the net and I've been joking with them and they're doing all they can to keep me giggling. I really do believe it's the best medicine for us. Well, chocolate would be better but I ran out.

Paula
:jester:
 
Hi Sage, I am so glad you are back with us;) I remeraber after my fusion( L4-5) I had good days and bad days. The second weekend I was home I started having spasm in my low back and had to call the surgeon at 9:30 at night for help. Anyway that was just a small problem and medication took care of it. My biggest problem was I got pretty depressed after my surgery. I hated my body, briefly hated my doctor and wasn't overly thrilled with my family. I think its great that you are getting out and about-I think thats the best thing you could be doing as long as you don't over do it. And aren't you happy you did this in the summer? I did mine at the end of Noveraber because I didn't want to miss out on summer vacation. Stupid me, I didn't think about contending with snow, ice and xmas shopping!! It sounRAB like all in all you are doing very well for so early into recovery. Oh I forgot to ask, How was the trip home from the hospital? Hope it went smoothly!!
Take Care, Dee
 
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