Well I'm doing better I think. The ice packs really helped bring the swelling down, well that and the ibuprofen the doctor let me take. I'm taking very few painkillers now too. I really don't like taking them because of my family's addictive personalities. I've yet to have problems with it, but I could just as easy as others in my family have. Yesterday I went to my niece's graduation party. We didn't stay long but it was nice being out with my family. I kind of shocked my family by showing up, but she's only going to graduate high school once and I wanted to at least show up. I was sick after I left there, didn't take any painkillers all day due to wanting to go. Didn't want to fall asleep and not make it there. So when I got home I took some painkillers and grabbed the ice packs. Oh WOW I left off stopping at my husband's niece's house. She graduated too, unfortunately she didn't have a party but I needed to drop off her present. She is beyond sweet and thrilled to get anything for graduation. Anyway so after the pain subsided some I felt much better. I discovered I get nauseated when my pain goes high.
Anyway so far so good. I'm hoping for the best with this surgery. I already seem to have less grinding in my back. There isn't a whole lot of information on recovery or anything like that out there to help you know if your doing good or not. Hopefully someone searching hardware removal will find this and find some comfort.
On to today's events. Today I went to Menard's with my hubby and the grocery. He convinced me to use the electric cart in Menard's. It felt horrible, the people there just kept staring. You can't see I've had back surgery and I'm only 41 so nothing is visibly wrong with me. I just wanted to leave. After that we went to the grocery. I refused to use the electric cart there because of the looks at Menard's. I hope I don't look at people like that, I'm sure I do. Everyone is guilty of it, passing judgement without the knowledge needed to pass judgement. Anyway by the time I left the grocery (getting stuff to replace the stuff from the broken fridge) I was in a lot of pain. I rested and took ibuprofen because I still wanted to do things today with the family. After awhile the pain got a little better. Called my husband to get the grill going. He grilled burgers and hot dogs. I made some fries and cheese sticks. It was a good afternoon. Now that everything has settled down I've taken my painkillers and I'm just relaxing trying to unwind.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
Day 4
Today is Day 4 after my hardware removal. I'm still not even close to good. My incision is beyond swollen. I've been using ice and ibuprophen to try to bring the swelling down some. It seems to help for a little while but not long enough. I called the doctors office today to make sure it was ok to take NSAIDS. My day just generally sucked. I got up in bad pain. My refrigerator went out during the night. Lots of bad food, couldn't even save any of it. It was blowing hot air instead of cold air. So my day started bad. I had to get myself moving and leave the house. I needed ice packs, so I rounded up all my courage and went down to CVS. Biggest mistake I've made. I was nausiated and sweating the whole time. Got my stuff and got out quick. I got to take my bandage off today. It is nasty. I'll post the picture but if you've got a weak stomach don't look. Stop Now.
I cut the picture down but you get the idea of the amount of bruising and my skin is swelled painfully tight. As it heals I may add more pictures or I may just let it go. It used to be a pretty tattoo.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Day 3
Well I still have a lot of pain. I don't seem to be bouncing back as quickly as I'd like. I don't know what I expected since it is back surgery. I may call the doctor today and see about getting something for the muscle spasms. Can't hurt right? Anyway I am setting my alarm now for every 4 hours so I remember to take my pain meds before I let it get back out of control. I'm not gonna second guess the surgery yet. I can't tell a lot yet because my muscles are screaming but I don't have the catch and grind on the right side that I can tell. I'll know more when I can walk better. I've tried using the walker and it doesn't appear to be helping but I'm forcing myself to get up and move as much as I can.
We had a storm come through last night. Let me tell you it was no fun getting to the basement. Once I was there it wasn't bad. We have a furnished basement with recliners and entertainment center. It isn't a finished basement, but I've decided we need to put a bathroom down there. Maybe when I get better we can do that. It can be the next subject for my blog, when pain isn't the focus anymore (positive thinking) So guess we need to check into how to plumb it because it is below the current plumbing. I can't have the kind of bathroom I want upstairs but maybe downstairs I can put in the jacuzzi tub and walk in shower. It could be fun planning it.
We had a storm come through last night. Let me tell you it was no fun getting to the basement. Once I was there it wasn't bad. We have a furnished basement with recliners and entertainment center. It isn't a finished basement, but I've decided we need to put a bathroom down there. Maybe when I get better we can do that. It can be the next subject for my blog, when pain isn't the focus anymore (positive thinking) So guess we need to check into how to plumb it because it is below the current plumbing. I can't have the kind of bathroom I want upstairs but maybe downstairs I can put in the jacuzzi tub and walk in shower. It could be fun planning it.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Had My Hardware Taken Out
Day 1: May 24, 2011 - 6:16pm
Ok I've had a short nap and the room stopped spinning. I went in at 8am today to have my hardware taken out. It seemed to go pretty well and I feel ok other then some surgical pain. He must have had a hard time on the left side because it hurts more then the right. In recovery they had a hard time getting my pain under control. Seems when they were taking me off OR table into recovery the IV needle backed out slightly. Just enough for the fluids they were pushing to not go in the vien. It's called IV Infiltration. My left arm and hand are painfully swollen from all of the extra fluid. Anyway diloted (sp?) doesn't work if it's going into tissue instead of veins. The nurse maxed out my dosage before she figured out the problem. She gave me my Lortab, turned off that IV, called IV therapy and the anesthesiologist (sp?). Within 5 minutes I had an iv in the other hand and the doctor approved another round of diloted. I felt much better quickly. Anyway my surgeon came in before my pain was under control and was talking about admitting me for pain control. As jacked up as I was I begged him to go home. After that he agreed if we could get my pain down he would let me go. I didn't get to keep my hardware. I really wanted it, but something about sending it off for analysis.
I've been trying a heating pad and holding my arm above my head some to bring down the swelling in my arm but so far it hasn't helped. Any suggestions let me know.
Day 2: May 25, 2011 - 2:13pm
OMG, I overslept. Guess I was sleeping off the anesthesia but now I can't get my pain in control. I'm sitting in my recliner wondering what I should do. I've taken my second dose of painkillers at the maximum dosage. Hope this one brings it down to tolerable. The hospital called, they offered for me to come in to get shots, but getting there would be horrible. On a more positive note the swelling has gone down a lot from the IV Infiltration. I've still got some pain from the original IV but it isn't real bad. If the pain isn't in control by 4 I'll call my doctor and see what he suggests. Kind of suprised he hasn't called me. Last time he called the day after I came home.
Anyone got any suggestions for food. I've not been hungry since I got out of surgery and know I need to eat something. Also have some scratches in my throat, think they used a new guy to intubate. It doesn't bother me they need to learn too. And to answer the question, no the nurse who did my IV wasn't learning, in fact that was all she does.
Ok I've had a short nap and the room stopped spinning. I went in at 8am today to have my hardware taken out. It seemed to go pretty well and I feel ok other then some surgical pain. He must have had a hard time on the left side because it hurts more then the right. In recovery they had a hard time getting my pain under control. Seems when they were taking me off OR table into recovery the IV needle backed out slightly. Just enough for the fluids they were pushing to not go in the vien. It's called IV Infiltration. My left arm and hand are painfully swollen from all of the extra fluid. Anyway diloted (sp?) doesn't work if it's going into tissue instead of veins. The nurse maxed out my dosage before she figured out the problem. She gave me my Lortab, turned off that IV, called IV therapy and the anesthesiologist (sp?). Within 5 minutes I had an iv in the other hand and the doctor approved another round of diloted. I felt much better quickly. Anyway my surgeon came in before my pain was under control and was talking about admitting me for pain control. As jacked up as I was I begged him to go home. After that he agreed if we could get my pain down he would let me go. I didn't get to keep my hardware. I really wanted it, but something about sending it off for analysis.
I've been trying a heating pad and holding my arm above my head some to bring down the swelling in my arm but so far it hasn't helped. Any suggestions let me know.
Day 2: May 25, 2011 - 2:13pm
OMG, I overslept. Guess I was sleeping off the anesthesia but now I can't get my pain in control. I'm sitting in my recliner wondering what I should do. I've taken my second dose of painkillers at the maximum dosage. Hope this one brings it down to tolerable. The hospital called, they offered for me to come in to get shots, but getting there would be horrible. On a more positive note the swelling has gone down a lot from the IV Infiltration. I've still got some pain from the original IV but it isn't real bad. If the pain isn't in control by 4 I'll call my doctor and see what he suggests. Kind of suprised he hasn't called me. Last time he called the day after I came home.
Anyone got any suggestions for food. I've not been hungry since I got out of surgery and know I need to eat something. Also have some scratches in my throat, think they used a new guy to intubate. It doesn't bother me they need to learn too. And to answer the question, no the nurse who did my IV wasn't learning, in fact that was all she does.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Been a couple months, so updating my situation
I haven't posted in a while, mainly because I've been depressed and discouraged. After my last set of shots didn't work I made an appointment with my PM doctor. They didn't have any openings for a month. My appointment finally came around and they called and cancelled, he was sick. Fine, the only problem was they couldn't get me in for another month. They left this on my voice mail. I'm in a lot of pain so that day I called the surgeon back. They managed to get me in sooner. He sent me for an MRI and CT Scan. The MRI was painful, laying flat on my back for an hour isn't fun. Anyway I went today for the results. They both look really good, that's good and bad. The fusion is solid and healthy. The only thing he could see on the MRI is the right top screw encroaching on the facet joint. It isn't in the joint just looks really close. His recommendation is, drum roll please....... another round of injections. I agreed to this set because he wants a repeat of the first hardware injection just to be sure it works. If it works we are taking the hardware out. He knows how traumatic the last set of shots was and offered to remove the hardware without the repeat injections. He seemed genuinely concerned about my well being, mentally, having another set of shots. I told him I would do anything he deemed appropriate to stop the pain, even if he wanted to send me to a witch doctor, acupuncture, therapy, psych doc, massage therapy, I don't even care anymore. I told him I'm barely hanging onto my job, that I've started calling in sick, and taking vacations because of the pain. He tried to gently tell me if this doesn't work I would probably have to start the disability process. Not thrilled with that. I like working, it just isn't good right now. I can't do anything outside of work, no shopping, no cooking, just laying in a recliner on a heating pad, or resting in the bed. I'm actually taking my full prescription now too. Not happy about that either, but can't do much without it. By the way, during all of this the PM doctors office called and cancelled my appointment again, can't remember when I'm supposed to go now.
On a side note, I did manage to take a holiday with my mother. During one of my worst episodes, when I took a week off work, we packed up and she drove us down to Florida. The car ride was hell, but worth it. We stopped every couple hours so I could walk around and take my painkillers. We went to Panama City Beach. She was looking for a house, and she found one. We got there on a Monday around 11pm and checked into the hotel room. Then moved hotel rooms because of a dirty towel in the bathroom (looked like blood and footprints). Anyway by Friday she had found a home she wants to buy. I'm so happy for my parents and hope they get the house. The put in an offer, but since it's a short sale they are waiting on the banks approval. So Friday afternoon and Saturday was just laying around and going to the bar on the beach to watch other people sing karaoke. There were these really cute little kids doing the Bieber song, Baby. They did it perfect. I'm hoping to be able to go back in July with my family. It wasn't the best week I've ever had in Florida. It rained the first few days and was chilly, but after she found her house the skys cleared and it warmed up.
On a side note, I did manage to take a holiday with my mother. During one of my worst episodes, when I took a week off work, we packed up and she drove us down to Florida. The car ride was hell, but worth it. We stopped every couple hours so I could walk around and take my painkillers. We went to Panama City Beach. She was looking for a house, and she found one. We got there on a Monday around 11pm and checked into the hotel room. Then moved hotel rooms because of a dirty towel in the bathroom (looked like blood and footprints). Anyway by Friday she had found a home she wants to buy. I'm so happy for my parents and hope they get the house. The put in an offer, but since it's a short sale they are waiting on the banks approval. So Friday afternoon and Saturday was just laying around and going to the bar on the beach to watch other people sing karaoke. There were these really cute little kids doing the Bieber song, Baby. They did it perfect. I'm hoping to be able to go back in July with my family. It wasn't the best week I've ever had in Florida. It rained the first few days and was chilly, but after she found her house the skys cleared and it warmed up.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Cancelled Appointment
I was supposed to go to my pain management doctor yesterday, but the doctor got sick and cancelled my appointment. I cried, I've been at a cross roads for a while now and this is just pushing it too much. I wanted so much to tell him my problems with the pain. The seemingly insurmountable difficulty working. The anguish of the various shots not working. What to do now? They rescheduled for nearly a month away. I waited a month for this appointment, now I've got to wait another month. Doesn't really seem right for a pain doctor to turn away a patient in pain. I need help and I just don't know where to turn anymore. I even asked for an appointment with my surgeon but he doesn't have anything open either. I'm getting more and more depressed every day. I'm hoping they call today with better news. The receptionist was supposed to talk to both of their nurses to see if there was anything they could do to get me in sooner.
I said work was getting too difficult and I actually admitted that to my management Monday. I told him I have a superman complex and try to do everything. While it is a good trait to have at work it is a horrible trait to have as someone in pain. I tried to explain to him that I've been doing my job, the maintenance job, and my partners job just to keep my area running. I told him I was going to have to scale back on the amount of things I'm doing and that it would effect how my area runs. I can fix my machines a whole lot better then the maintenance and quicker but I can't keep doing it. I feel so bad trying to let it go and letting them do their jobs. I guess really I never should have tried taking on so much but again superman complex. I can do everything. He seemed to understand that I was going to scale back but I still don't feel he understands how much I've been doing to keep my line going. It was actually a decent conversation. I told him it would show in the down time and I wasn't doing it to be vindictive but doing it for my health.
Anyway that's where I'm at now. In a holding pattern until I can get in to see a freakin doctor.
I said work was getting too difficult and I actually admitted that to my management Monday. I told him I have a superman complex and try to do everything. While it is a good trait to have at work it is a horrible trait to have as someone in pain. I tried to explain to him that I've been doing my job, the maintenance job, and my partners job just to keep my area running. I told him I was going to have to scale back on the amount of things I'm doing and that it would effect how my area runs. I can fix my machines a whole lot better then the maintenance and quicker but I can't keep doing it. I feel so bad trying to let it go and letting them do their jobs. I guess really I never should have tried taking on so much but again superman complex. I can do everything. He seemed to understand that I was going to scale back but I still don't feel he understands how much I've been doing to keep my line going. It was actually a decent conversation. I told him it would show in the down time and I wasn't doing it to be vindictive but doing it for my health.
Anyway that's where I'm at now. In a holding pattern until I can get in to see a freakin doctor.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
The WALKER
OMG, so now I'm using the walker on and off again. I never planned on using it again. I even had it stored in the basement thinking I wouldn't need it until I'm in my 70's. I tried to get some of my vacation time since my pain is out of control but was denied because people are off already. I don't like this at all. What should I do?? I can't get off work, but I'm not able to do it without crying. My common sense says go on medical leave but my moral sense says you need to work to get paid. What is wrong with me? I'm killing myself, for what? I don't leave the house for anything other then work. I haven't been to the grocery for weeks. The pain that is going down my thigh is horrible. I think I just needed to vent. Hopefully this weekend will make me feel better.
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