Discouraged

Feeling bad

by Good Dog - 2016-09-15 08:40:52

What you are feeling is perfectly normal. It would be extremely unusual to come home after the surgery and feel good. You may have over-done it initially. You need to drink lots of water to prevent dehydration and protect your kidneys. However, you will be in some pain for a few weeks and have some discomfort for a few months. You felt good intially, because of medication you recieved at the hospital (and what you are taking now) as well as the adrenaline (relief) of having it all over with. You really do just need to take it easy for a couple of weeks while your body recovers from the trauma. Trust me, you will feel like a million bucks in a couple of weeks. It is also very normal to get restless after a couple of days.

Right now you need rest, rest and more rest. Go easy on yourself. For at least a week. You can stop the medication as soon as you feel up to it. I wasn't kidding about milking this. as self sufficient as you might be, this is a time to act like a patient. You are recovering. Allow your husband to help you so that you can rest.

You will be fine. I wish you only the very best!

Sincerely,

David

Felling better.

by grilor - 2016-09-15 10:51:26

Thank you. One thing about it. The medicine works just makes me sleep for several hours.

walk as much as possible

by techiej - 2016-09-15 12:30:56

One thing that my PM and other surgeries have taught me is that the more you can walk - even just a few steps every so often - the better you will feel and the faster that you will recover.

Everyone responds differently and everyone's pain threshold is different.  Let your body tell you how far to push things and don't overdue.

Also, within the boundaries they told you about, do use the arm just don't lift beyond what they told you and no lifting weights with it.

Thanks for suggestions

by grilor - 2016-09-15 13:45:23

Glad to hear the pain diminishes after the 4th day. I did get out and run errands with the husband today. I sat in the car until we got to Walmart. Walked around in Walmart a bit. They did not give me a sling. Last night was the best sleep I had because I have learned how to position pillows. I think maybe I had more pain this morning because it is the first time I did not get up in the night and take a pain pill. So I had went longer. I agree I am going to try and cut back on the medicine tomorrow.

ice pack

by grilor - 2016-09-15 13:46:44

I have been using ice. Definetly helps.

On-Track

by Good Dog - 2016-09-15 15:11:48

It sounds like you are on-track! I just think you just expected too much too soon. As the others said, listen to your body. Increase your exercise very gradually. You'll get there.....be patient!

Recovery

by FaithGrace - 2016-09-15 15:35:23

I'm glad you're sleeping well and the pain is easing up.  Keep Icing and switch over to the Tylenol when you can tolerate it.  I wasn't given any Norco and just started right away with Tylenol.  Hoping your signs of Kidney Infection are going away, you sure don't need that on top of your recovery!!  As the others said, keep moving, but don't over do it!!  Wishing you complete healing and getting back to normal soon! 

That is really good!

by grilor - 2016-09-15 19:38:26

Wow Pacegirl/! Like I say I have never been a medicine taker. I was always afraid with my slow heart rate. But I am impressed you only took Tylenol from the start. I will definetly have to switch off tomorrow. I have been fortunate and do not have any other pain to compare too. It is so nice to be able to talk to peole who have experienced this.

Good job!

by JoFosqk226 - 2016-09-16 12:42:49

I'm glad you are doing better! One thing to be careful about with the norco is that it can make you constipated, so make sure you are getting enough fiber. Awesome that you are keeping up with drinking a lot of water because that will help with constipation, however you might want to throw in a gatorade or a different electrolyte drink to make sure you are getting enough of your potassium, sodium and magnesium. Do like the others said and keep moving! Short trips around the house and then rest :) good luck on the rest of your recovery!

Gatorade

by grilor - 2016-09-16 16:23:29

Thank you, I am not much of a water drinder. I drink caffine fee diet mountain dew. I did switch off to Tylnol this morning. I have not had any Norco today. Had terrible headache. But slept for several hours after I got up. Then took Ibuprofen which has always helped me more. Seem to be doing a little better.

Try seltzer!

by Griddlebone - 2016-09-17 05:02:16

I really don't like drinking water so much, but we switched to seltzer - sparkling water - and now we are drinking a lot more. We tried canned seltzer from different stores and liked one store's better than the others. Later we got a SodaStream and like it a lot, but don't make that investment until you know you like the fizzy stuff. The CO2 gives the water a slight tang and it has the bubbles that are so delightful in soda. I don't like sugar or artificial sweeteners so this worked for me.

I'm glad you're feeling better. You had great advice from the others on recovery. I used a large stuffed bear to position my arm at night - cushioning, positioning, and Teddy Comfort all rolled into one.

post surgery

by maryellen - 2016-09-17 16:33:12

Be patient, and find a good spot when you are sleeping.  I too found pillows really helped.  Before you know it you will be able to sleep on both sides without a problem.  I am six-weeks post surgery and while I have a little discomfort, I am very comfortable.  You will be too.  Prayers