1 month post-op
Last week was my 1 month post-op appointment with Dr. Millis. It was a brief appointment and I have to come back in a month.
The doctors said I am healing well, and I should continue with the exercises that I'm doing (I can do them by myself now), and I'm now also allowed to walk in the pool without crutches.
My pool is not open yet, so I think I'm going to head over to the public pool at some point, when I have the time.
Driving: I started driving at about 3 weeks post-op, maybe even a little earlier - it doesn't bother me at all - sitting down is not as bad as changing positions, and since the op was on my left side, there is no pain when I'm driving. The biggest disappointment is that RMV still haven't sent me my handicap placard, which means in some cases I have to park far and crutch across the parking lot, in other cases I do take the handicapped spot and I feel like I have the right to, since it's RMV's fault for being so slow. I think I might have to pay them a visit, which is annoying to even think of. Ugh!
Working: I officially started working part-time at 2 weeks post-op, although I did stay on top of my inbox and even did a few things here and there at 1.5 weeks (from home). I went to full-time in the office at 3.5 weeks. It's going pretty well, apart from the fact that crutches are frustrating, I hate not being able to carry my stuff around and I get really exhausted at the end of the day and look forward to going in my recliner and putting my legs straight.
Pills: I am taking 1/2 of pain pills overnight, with 2 Tylenol, a chewable aspirin, multivitamin, calcium and vitamin D. Last night I passed out and didn't take my pain pill, as a result I woke up about 5 times during the night from pain and it wasn't fun. Pain wasn't that bad, I just couldn't find a comfortable position.
Sleeping: I still sleep in a recliner and it just feels blah, but more comfortable than in bed. Dr. Millis said I can start taking pillows out from under my leg, so I am going to try that soon. It is painful, but feels good to stretch.
Overall I move around fine, but I am really hoping that I would be able to drop a crutch at my next appointment in 4 weeks. I don't want to spend all summer on crutches (although it is better than crutching through the winter, especially one as bad as our last winter was).
Shower and dressing: I shower on a shower bench, and need help getting in and out of it. It is a bit of a challenge, but nothing compared to using 3 and 1 commode! I am definitely glad I bought that bench. I can get dressed by myself, although it takes a while.
I really can't wait to go back to working out and doing a cleanse, and taking a bath or a normal shower, and wearing pants! I feel like everything in my life is so slow now because it takes me forever to do even the simplest things (like walking).
Overall I feel pretty optimistic and positive about the future and the outcome of the surgery though, it definitely is easier second time around and knowing what to expect!
The doctors said I am healing well, and I should continue with the exercises that I'm doing (I can do them by myself now), and I'm now also allowed to walk in the pool without crutches.
My pool is not open yet, so I think I'm going to head over to the public pool at some point, when I have the time.
Driving: I started driving at about 3 weeks post-op, maybe even a little earlier - it doesn't bother me at all - sitting down is not as bad as changing positions, and since the op was on my left side, there is no pain when I'm driving. The biggest disappointment is that RMV still haven't sent me my handicap placard, which means in some cases I have to park far and crutch across the parking lot, in other cases I do take the handicapped spot and I feel like I have the right to, since it's RMV's fault for being so slow. I think I might have to pay them a visit, which is annoying to even think of. Ugh!
Working: I officially started working part-time at 2 weeks post-op, although I did stay on top of my inbox and even did a few things here and there at 1.5 weeks (from home). I went to full-time in the office at 3.5 weeks. It's going pretty well, apart from the fact that crutches are frustrating, I hate not being able to carry my stuff around and I get really exhausted at the end of the day and look forward to going in my recliner and putting my legs straight.
Pills: I am taking 1/2 of pain pills overnight, with 2 Tylenol, a chewable aspirin, multivitamin, calcium and vitamin D. Last night I passed out and didn't take my pain pill, as a result I woke up about 5 times during the night from pain and it wasn't fun. Pain wasn't that bad, I just couldn't find a comfortable position.
Sleeping: I still sleep in a recliner and it just feels blah, but more comfortable than in bed. Dr. Millis said I can start taking pillows out from under my leg, so I am going to try that soon. It is painful, but feels good to stretch.
Overall I move around fine, but I am really hoping that I would be able to drop a crutch at my next appointment in 4 weeks. I don't want to spend all summer on crutches (although it is better than crutching through the winter, especially one as bad as our last winter was).
Shower and dressing: I shower on a shower bench, and need help getting in and out of it. It is a bit of a challenge, but nothing compared to using 3 and 1 commode! I am definitely glad I bought that bench. I can get dressed by myself, although it takes a while.
I really can't wait to go back to working out and doing a cleanse, and taking a bath or a normal shower, and wearing pants! I feel like everything in my life is so slow now because it takes me forever to do even the simplest things (like walking).
Overall I feel pretty optimistic and positive about the future and the outcome of the surgery though, it definitely is easier second time around and knowing what to expect!