I've made it past my 4 week post surgery mark! I feel I have finally turned the corner. Recovery has been slow and painful, but this week I'm starting to feel like I can take part in life once again.
My neurosurgeon still warned me about over doing it. He really doesn't want me to start a walking program until spring. I told him this past week I've begun walking on the treadmill for 15-30 minutes at a time at speed 1. He didn't want me walking more than this, and strongly suggested I be extra careful. He understands I've been depressed about not being able to do anything. I will see him again in March at my 3 month post op.
I've started to wean off of the narcotic, oxycodone, and I have the doctor's permission to use Advil. Before and after surgery I was forbidden from using ibuprofen because of the increased bleeding risk and the fact its slows bone recovery. I'm getting by on 1 oxycodone and 2 Advil every 6 hours. I had been taking 2 oxycodones every 8 hours. I was nervous about coming off of the narcotic because I've read I could experience serious withdrawal symptoms. So far, I'm doing well. My hope is to be off the narcotic within a few weeks so I can return to work.
The numbness is still in my right foot and calf. Sometimes I also now experience a feeling like my skin is ripping apart when I first get up and start walking after being off my feet. I've been told, the nerve damage could be permanent or could take up to a year or two to go away. I've decided I can live with this after all. Its annoying, but I'm grateful I can still walk!
The leg pain feels not nearly as bad, but I do have some discomfort. I have hope though this will disappear as I reach a further point in my recovery. I'm sure as time goes by and I'm able to walk more, my leg will get the message.
My biggest challenge is and always has been, not over doing it. When you are drugged, you don't have the pain telling you to stop. Coming off the narcotic, I'm beginning to notice when my body is telling me its time to back off.
I had the neurosurgeon's nurse print me a copy of my MRI showing the terrible disc damage. Although it grosses my children out, I've posted it on my refrigerator to remind me to take it easy. The last thing I want is to end up back in that world of unbearable pain, looking at surgery once again.
This injury has taken two months of my life really, before surgery and then dealing with recovery. I'm now at a point where I feel like I can contribute to life and enjoy moments. I'm working from home a few hours, and I can stand long enough to wash dishes!! I never thought washing dishes would make me so happy but it does!
Being able to function and move is something I will never take for granted again.
1 comment:
Dawn, I am so glad that you are healing and coming along so well with your recovery. Praise God, and praises also to your surgeon and his team, and to your family for their support. You are amazing in your strength and perseverance. You really are an inspiration. Keeping you in my daily prayers!! Thanks so much for the update.
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