Today is day 3 post surgery. I was supposed to start writing this blog before my surgery but never got to it..It always seems like I am running out of time. My surgery was scheduled for December 8' 2014. The ironic part about that is the fact that this is my husband's and my daughter's birthday. I made dinner for them on Saturday before the surgery so we can celebrate it. We had fun on Saturday and then we had some late guests on Sunday. Monday was surgery. I have never had any type of procedure where I was unconscious so I was scarred to death.
I scheduled to have both feet done at the same time. Timing was right because at work December is a slow month and no one will miss me. New semester starts in January and so I will be needed then. I didn't want to take more time off from work in 6 months...I figured if I am going through pain I might as well go through it all at once. So I made my decision to have both feet done at the same time.
So my procedure had been scheduled for December 8.
I had to stop taking any vitamins and supplements a week before the surgery. Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before the procedure. I was told I need to be at the hospital at 10 am and I have to have a driver with me. No driving for me 2 weeks after the procedure. My husband, Israel went with me. My husband has this gift to make me laugh no matter how scarred I am, and this was no exception. He had me laughing and giggling before the procedure.
After short prep (taking vitals and hooking me up to IV) I was rolled out to the operating room. I don't remember much after that. It seemed like after 2 minutes someone woke me up and asked me how I am doing... I was doing just fine. I felt like I woke up from a nap. Didn't feel any pain. The nurses rolled me back to the recovery room, and they let my husband back in.
They took my vitals and everything seemed to be fine, and so they told me I will be going home shortly. My husband told me that Dr. Loder said the operation went great. I needed to have my feet iced and elevated most of the time. I was also told to take my pain medication every 4 hours even if I don't feel like I need it at the moment. He said not to wait till the pain gets worse to take the pain medication. I am too afraid of pain to wait. So even now, 3 days after the surgery I am still taking my meds regularly, every 4 hours. My first check up appointment is December 16, which is Tuesday.
When we came home from the hospital, I was pretty ok. I walked myself down the stairs with my husband's assistance. He sat me down on the couch with my legs prepped on few pillows. No pain...just slight throbbing. Then he went to the pharmacy to get my pain meds, which was prescribed hydrocodone 7.5.Due to our insurance, we have to get prescriptions from CVS. My husband went to 4 different locations before he was able to get the drug. The worse part is the fact that hydrocodone is considered narcotic and so no pharmacy would tell my husband what location may have it in stock. So basically it was like a wild goose chase. But he finally found it. So the first day was almost done. The pain block was starting to wear off and I started to feel my feet more and more and I was in quite bit of pain. My first trip to the bathroom was a nightmare. I could feel a lot of pain with the slightest amount of pressure. I was not prepared for this amount of pain and the overwhelming feeling of helplessness and fear and pain hit me so hard I couldn't hold back tears. I didn't want my kids to see me like this, but I could not stop crying. I finally made it back to the couch from the bathroom, (with my husband's help) prepped my feet up on couple of pillows and put some ice on them. All through the night I was taking pain meds and I was trying not to drink anything just so I don't have to go to the bathroom. It didn't work. I still had to get up few times in the middle of the night to use the bathroom. I survived. the second day was not much better. I managed to change my clothes and change my position, from the couch to the love sofa. I was able to go to the bathroom without crying, but still felt like walking on pins and needles...My post op shoes were not the latest fashion statement but I believe they will become my best friends over the next few weeks.
Today was day 3. Still keeping my feet prepped and iced, but the pain is less intense. I was able to walk to the bathroom without my hubby's help. I was able to do it on my own. I was also able to throw some clothes in the laundry (which is on the way to the bathroom) and get my own salad from the fridge. Needless to say I felt a lot more productive today and a lot less dependent on everyone else, which is a good feeling. I am trying to take everyone's advice and try not to overdo it, as I was told it might slow down my recovery. So for day 3 I think that was enough. Feeling good. Don't feel intense pain just before it is time to take my pain meds...so I still take them to stay on schedule but not because I am in a lot of pain. I am starting to see the "light" at the end of the tunnel. I have a hair appointment that I was thinking about cancelling but I kept it...and I think I should be able to manage to go there and get myself "beautified" before Christmas. I actually think it will make me feel better.
One other thing I want to mention is my husband. I can only say that you know who truly cares about you when you're sick. He has been sleeping on the couch with me so I am not alone and I refuse to walk up the stairs to go to the bedroom. Maybe tomorrow I will muster enough strength to go up there, but for right now I am staying downstairs. I know my husband is uncomfortable, but he would not say so ...not once. Every time I even peep, he is up on his feet asking me what I need. He has been changing my icing bags every hour or so, without even asking me if I need them changed. He has been handing me food, drinks, gums, and whatever other stuff I can think off. He is helping me with going to the bathroom, changing my clothes and he has so much patience that I am simply amazed. My husband normally doesn't have patience and this is just....awesome. I could not ask for someone better to stay with me and help me. Same goes for my 18 year old daughter. As soon as she comes home from school, she kisses me and asks me if I need anything. She will make me tee and my favorite pop cakes with cottage/greek yougurt mixture that we both love. She is patient, loving and caring. I have the best family ...period. I raised my kids well...and I picked the best husband. Ever....
Tomorrow...my journey will continue...MaybeI can even try to take a shower...I need it! lol
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