I couldn’t lay down and sleep any longer so I got up at 0445h, thankfully there’s always blogging. Day 1 Post-Surgery the first time around is incredibly different compared to the second time around. Here are some of the differences:
- 5 Sites > 2 Sites
- 19 Incisions > 3 Incisions
- Full Body Compression Garment > 3/4 Body Compression Garment
- Limited Movement > Greater Movement
- Required Assistance > No Assistance
- More Pain > Less Pain
So as you can see I’m having a fairly easier time of it this second time around which is a blessing. I now know why a majority of patients split their procedures up and have multiple surgeries, this is so much more tolerable. Now you all know I’m not a fan of needles, in fact they freak me out some what. You’d never know because I don’t show it but if there’s an easier way to avoid that pain I will. Last time they applied emla cream which is a local anesthetic cream but the problem was it makes it difficult to locate the vein. Instead of opted out of this so that my anesthetist didn’t have this problem the second time around. I felt the needle going in for my drip even with the emla cream. I asked if there were anything that he could do to prevent me knowing or being awake when he did this and he suggested he gas me a little, thank you very much that will do nicely. That worked a treat, I was calm going into surgery now knowing this and was completely knocked out when he put in my drip. Mission accomplished. LOL!! I also know that last time when I got a sore throat for a couple of days that it wasn’t because I was run down, it’s was from the tube down my throat so yet another thing I’m now familiar with.
I was only under for an hour and a half for my procedure and my recovery and grogginess was lessened because of this fact. I was still a little unsteady on my feet and required assistance getting into the wheelchair for the ride down to the undercover car park but that was it. When we got home I was able to get out of the car albeit slowly but without any assistance. Just like last time when I sit and/or lay down when getting back up that’s the worst time as far as pain is concerned but once I’m up and mobile it’s not so bad, yeah I’m sore but it’s nothing compared to last time. This is going to be a walk in the park.
Today I’m going into The Ashley Centre for a dressing change with my favourite nurse Tania. She takes such good care of me and is one of the best nurses I have come across. Then Ashley my doctor will take a look at me just to make sure that every thing’s okay post-surgery. He’s very pedantic about his work and his standards are very high which I really like about him. I’m also starting on my supplements today of bromelain, vitamin c, hmb, bcaa and l-glutamine. At this rate I’ll probably start walking sooner rather than later but I’ll clear it with Tania and Ashley first. But if they do I’ll probably start today or tomorrow. It’ll be a slow and steady pace in the beginning and for a short amount of time but as I progress I’ll increase the time by what my body can tolerate. I’ll listen to my body and it’ll tell me what it can and can’t tolerate at this stage of the game.
Something else I have to be very conscience of is my adrenal fatigue. This surgery has placed a huge amount of stress on my body so I also have to ensure I’m taking my supplements for that and am taking the best possible care of myself. This will be a slow and steady healing process but my health and well being demands that of myself and I have to obey it.
On another note whilst I’m off work for the remainder of this week and next week I’ll have a chance to catch up on every one’s blogs, so that will be good. Well I’ve been sitting down for long enough and it’s time I got up and moved around a little. Have a great day and I’ll be back tomorrow with another update.
P.S. For those interested I’ve just finished uploading a short video of yesterday pre and post surgery onto my facebook profile. Only friends can view my videos so if you’re not already listed as a friend send me a request so that you can view it. Yep the things that we do. Oh well, it’s good for a laugh if nothing else.
