I just can't seem to feel good since I've been back from Holland. It's now been 3 weeks.
I saw the chiro again on Friday, and that was good. I still am so tight around my neck, shoulders and upper back though. The pins and needles have been v. minimal, but this morning I woke up and it happened very strongly for a few minutes. Thankfully it stopped again. I went to the pool on Saturday and it was lovely, nice and quiet and I had a WHOLE lane to myself. Heaven! I was going to go again on Sunday but I got quiet ill on Saturday night and was up most of v. early Sunday being sick. I finally got a little sleep, but not nearly as much as I needed, and I was wiped out. Thought I would crash hard on Sunday night but no such luck, just tossed and turned and couldn't sleep for the life of me. And so the viscous cycle of no sleep = pain = no sleep, etc, etc, etc... begins.
Yesterday I thought I would go to the pool but between the exhaustion and back spasms I passed. I did take a long hot bath to help with the back. I also had a little wine and a clonazapam which usually does the trick, but I still didn't sleep all that well, back and forth from one side to the other. It's all v. frustrating. I am praying I can get a good nights rest tonight so I won't be a total wreck for the long weekend. I have a lot of things I am hoping to do.
In the interim of waiting for my appointment at the end of December, I have been reading a bunch of new articles on treatments for FMS and CMP, not sure what I think I'll find, but perhaps I will be lucky and find some sort of magic solution for me. Ok, I know, but a girls got to dream.
I am on the phone waiting to see if I could get in sooner to see him, but no luck. :-(
Happy turkey day!
PS - reading anything and everything may pay off - I found a website for the Tri-State College of Acupuncture (never knew it existed) and from there found what I believe is the same thing as dry needling - APM - Acupuncture Physical Medicine. From that I did a search in NYC and have come across some people who might be doing exactly what I want, or so it sounds from their websites. You have to love the web, well, they probably won't since I've bombarded them all with emails. We shall see if I reap any rewards with this. Fingers crossed!!!
Showing posts with label sleep. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sleep. Show all posts
25 November, 2008
10 April, 2008
Not sure
about what this medicine is doing. Yesterday I was feeling very good. Walked a lot and wasn't even in pain afterwards. Then today I got to work and started feeling pretty achy all over again. I'm very confused as to what the cause is. It's lovely out and warm, though I think it may rain tomorrow, and it did last night, so that's always a possibility. Plus I didn't sleep too well. We shall see. I have been taking the Mobic 7.5mg 1x/day and a 500mg Tylenol in the afternoon as directed. Still not keen on upping the dosage of either until I have reached the two week mark, that's how long the doctor said it takes to really work. I am going to the pool after work so will see how that goes.
I sent the PT people an email on the 7th asking if they'd sent the letter to my insurance company but still haven't heard anything back from them. Hmph!
But on the brighter side of life - I am discovering that some of my trousers that hadn't been fitting last year are now fitting - some good comes out of everything! :-)
I sent the PT people an email on the 7th asking if they'd sent the letter to my insurance company but still haven't heard anything back from them. Hmph!
But on the brighter side of life - I am discovering that some of my trousers that hadn't been fitting last year are now fitting - some good comes out of everything! :-)
26 March, 2008
Ice is Nice
Last night I slept like a baby! It was so nice. I guess that I was really exhausted from lack of sleep plus I got some things off my mind which I'm sure helped. I actually woke up in the same position as the one I fell asleep in, a rare thing indeed.
Unfortunately I must report that my hand, even with wearing the splint every night, seems to not be doing too hot. Today it's hurting a lot by the injection site and I don't think the injection is actually working anymore. However, I'm not quite ready to call in the the surgeon yet. We will see. Also my hips are a bit wonky today. At present I am icing my right hip, and will do my left as well.
So happy I have my chiro tomorrow. I really missed it last week when he was away. Those therapeutic massages really make the world of difference to my body. Thankfully the new ortho part of my insurance company covered some visits, so I am praying they keep that up because I really don't know what I would do without them.
Progressing with my website, slowly but a little bit at a time and eventually it will get done - I hope at least! :-)
Unfortunately I must report that my hand, even with wearing the splint every night, seems to not be doing too hot. Today it's hurting a lot by the injection site and I don't think the injection is actually working anymore. However, I'm not quite ready to call in the the surgeon yet. We will see. Also my hips are a bit wonky today. At present I am icing my right hip, and will do my left as well.
So happy I have my chiro tomorrow. I really missed it last week when he was away. Those therapeutic massages really make the world of difference to my body. Thankfully the new ortho part of my insurance company covered some visits, so I am praying they keep that up because I really don't know what I would do without them.
Progressing with my website, slowly but a little bit at a time and eventually it will get done - I hope at least! :-)
27 February, 2008
Home bound
Today I stayed home from work as I was in too much pain this morning. My whole right side was just flipping out. The weather was bad yesterday and add the lack of sleep and stress, it's the "magic" combination for a flare-up.
I actually went back to sleep and slept till about 11.30! Guess my body really needed it.
I did go to the pool yesterday, and it was good. I stayed in for a little longer, almost 30 minutes this time. At one point my right hip started to hurt whilst I was in the pool but then it went away so I just kept on plugging along. Last night when I was in bed watching telly my left hip started a stabbing sort of pain right in the joint. Such fun! But I finally did fall asleep, sans drink or my sleeping pill, so that was an accomplishment.
I am meant to go to PT later, but am going to see if I can go in earlier as I don't really feel like going at all, so if I have to wait till 6 I can't see it happening. We'll see if they can accommodate me.
I actually went back to sleep and slept till about 11.30! Guess my body really needed it.
I did go to the pool yesterday, and it was good. I stayed in for a little longer, almost 30 minutes this time. At one point my right hip started to hurt whilst I was in the pool but then it went away so I just kept on plugging along. Last night when I was in bed watching telly my left hip started a stabbing sort of pain right in the joint. Such fun! But I finally did fall asleep, sans drink or my sleeping pill, so that was an accomplishment.
I am meant to go to PT later, but am going to see if I can go in earlier as I don't really feel like going at all, so if I have to wait till 6 I can't see it happening. We'll see if they can accommodate me.
28 January, 2008
I love my lidocaine patches!
This weekend went fairly smoothly. Getting to the airport was pretty easy and I was fortunate that I did not have to wait long for the train or bus. (Btw - I never knew there was a HUGE Pathmark at 125th and Lex. It's enormous!) Thankfully the traffic was moving well too and I made it door to door in under an hour.
I walked in the terminal, seemed like a hassle to have to explain about needing a wheelchair since the gates were not too far from the security.
Saturday my mother and I went down to the Corcoran. We took the metro - interesting people on the metro these days - and it was only about a half hour journey. It was FREEZING out though. The walk to the gallery was a bit longer than I had anticipated. Thankfully I had put a lidocaine patch on my left hip as a preventive measure. I'm getting pretty clever at this point - took me long enough!
I brought my digital automatic camera with me and was having fun taking shots all around, even though we were as cold as icebergs on the north pole.
Thankfully we made it to the exhibit before the masses and did not have to queue up for too long (The line that existed when we left went around and around the whole building - madness!). The exhibit was quite large, about 150 photographs I believe. I was definitely getting worn out by the end of it and craving a seat. But it was so worth it. It reminded me of why I love photography so much, and how much I miss shooting black and white especially. I am now very determined to try to get a Mac with lots of memory and good printer and scanner for my 2 1/4 negs so I can truly get to work on my pictures. It's been way too long since I've focused on my art, and lord knows I have to start cataloging and doing something with it at. (If anyone wins the lottery and feels like donating to the cause, you know where to reach me :-)
Afterwards we stopped for lunch - my mother insisting on eating, and I was happy to sit as well. My right side did hold up fairly well though so no complaints there. I was a bit sore on the metro on the way back but thankfully we were able to get seats after a few stops and that definitely helped.
For the party that night I threw on a lidocaine patch on my right hip just to make sure I didn't have to suffer all night in case it flared up. After standing for a while I had to sit down and take the pressure off. But all in all it was ok.
Tonight I have PT for the first time since the 16th! I think it might have helped a bit to have a slight break though, since the hips were all irritated. We shall see how it goes tonight. I am planning on still going on the easier side as I don't want a repeat.
I walked in the terminal, seemed like a hassle to have to explain about needing a wheelchair since the gates were not too far from the security.
Saturday my mother and I went down to the Corcoran. We took the metro - interesting people on the metro these days - and it was only about a half hour journey. It was FREEZING out though. The walk to the gallery was a bit longer than I had anticipated. Thankfully I had put a lidocaine patch on my left hip as a preventive measure. I'm getting pretty clever at this point - took me long enough!
I brought my digital automatic camera with me and was having fun taking shots all around, even though we were as cold as icebergs on the north pole.
Thankfully we made it to the exhibit before the masses and did not have to queue up for too long (The line that existed when we left went around and around the whole building - madness!). The exhibit was quite large, about 150 photographs I believe. I was definitely getting worn out by the end of it and craving a seat. But it was so worth it. It reminded me of why I love photography so much, and how much I miss shooting black and white especially. I am now very determined to try to get a Mac with lots of memory and good printer and scanner for my 2 1/4 negs so I can truly get to work on my pictures. It's been way too long since I've focused on my art, and lord knows I have to start cataloging and doing something with it at. (If anyone wins the lottery and feels like donating to the cause, you know where to reach me :-)
Afterwards we stopped for lunch - my mother insisting on eating, and I was happy to sit as well. My right side did hold up fairly well though so no complaints there. I was a bit sore on the metro on the way back but thankfully we were able to get seats after a few stops and that definitely helped.
For the party that night I threw on a lidocaine patch on my right hip just to make sure I didn't have to suffer all night in case it flared up. After standing for a while I had to sit down and take the pressure off. But all in all it was ok.
Tonight I have PT for the first time since the 16th! I think it might have helped a bit to have a slight break though, since the hips were all irritated. We shall see how it goes tonight. I am planning on still going on the easier side as I don't want a repeat.
30 September, 2007
Just can't get the hang of it
Sleeping that is. I took one of my "magic pills" on Friday night and I actually slept through the night. Well, sort of. At least when I would wake up and shift positions I passed out straight away. Unfortunately that magic didn't work quite as well last night.
Yesterday was a big one. There was an Oktoberfest around the corner from my flat, just one block mind, so I thought it would be nice to go out and test the walking. I was okay getting to the end of the block, but after stopping for a slice, I was wiped out and getting back home was beyond a challenge. The hip wasn't too bad, but the left hip was hurting like hell and I thought my hands were going to fall off. I iced all four when I got home for a bit before we left for the island. I must have been exhausted because I slept most of the ride out there and then for another hour or so when I got home. Perhaps that is why I didn't sleep too well last night.
My mother just got back so I suppose I must get myself sorted with a shower, PT, etc. so I am signing off for now.
Yesterday was a big one. There was an Oktoberfest around the corner from my flat, just one block mind, so I thought it would be nice to go out and test the walking. I was okay getting to the end of the block, but after stopping for a slice, I was wiped out and getting back home was beyond a challenge. The hip wasn't too bad, but the left hip was hurting like hell and I thought my hands were going to fall off. I iced all four when I got home for a bit before we left for the island. I must have been exhausted because I slept most of the ride out there and then for another hour or so when I got home. Perhaps that is why I didn't sleep too well last night.
My mother just got back so I suppose I must get myself sorted with a shower, PT, etc. so I am signing off for now.
28 September, 2007
L O N G recovery ahead
Yesterday I had a lovely outing sitting outside across the street at Starbuck's. It was the first time I've really gone out for anything other than to and from a place. We sat out there for a little over two hours which was huge for me as I have not been able to sit in a chair that long since surgery. Unfortunately the fresh air didn't help me sleep any better though. I would kill for a good 8 hours in-a-row of sleep. Again, not so much for the pain, which is getting better on the operated side (unlike the rest of my body which is getting worse), but lack of comfort. I was even desperate enough to try to sleep on my stomach, which didn't last very long.
Today I went for my post-op today and the sutures were removed. They told me that I couldn't shower for a day or two as when they remove the sutures they put a tape with some sort of sticky glue stuff on top and want that to stay put for a while. I wish I had known that as I had thought I would be able to take a shower after the visit, so neglected getting up early to take one before. Oh well.
Dr. Kelly came in afterwards and asked how I was doing and moved my right leg around. He said that I could cut the CPM down to one hour a day, but I asked if I needed to keep it because I would have to pay another $350 for two additional weeks. Thankfully he said that was fine to return it and I've seen the last of that machine - they are coming to pick it up today! He then showed me the pictures they took when they were doing the surgery. I cannot believe how red it was inside, really bright, bright red! He showed where I had a bone spur and where they shaved that off and the other bone that was shaved down as well, and also my psoas before and as they were cutting it. All very amazing to look at. Unfortunately the post op report was not typed up yet, but I was told I could ring them next week and they would fax it over. We went over my PT and he said he actually wants me to go very slow, and that my recovery would take about six months. I was not too surprised from this, but it was still not thrilled about it. The key thing is he wants my psoas to stay slightly tight since I have the laxity issue, but at the same time not scar up completely. It is a very fine line and my rehab is going to be very specific because of my multiple issues. He already told me to change one of the exercises I was told to do as he does not want me to externally rotate the leg too much. He said internal rotation is fine for now. I asked if he could reaffirm this with the PT guys as they were having a hard time believing me about having to do only two hours on the CPM and four. I also asked him why he had to make four incisions and he said that was because they had to get to the other side of the bone to cut it down. Fair enough I suppose. He said also to use the brace as long as I want because he doesn't want me to hurt at all. I am to try to put more weight on the leg but only as I can tolerate, it's very important to not inflame the hip. Regarding the crutches I will most likely be on them for a few more weeks. I kept laughing in my head when everyone kept saying I'd be on them only two to three weeks. I knew this was going to take a long time to be able to walk again without pain. But I don't want to mess up everything that was done so I will do exactly as I am told. The last thing I could deal with is having to go through this all again (poo poo, touch wood, etc.).
After I had been home for a couple of hours I noticed that one of the incision site tapes had liquidy stuff seeping through it. I just rang the office and spoke to Arianna. She said that sometimes the incisions open up after the sutures are taken up and that is should heal by itself, and to keep and eye on it and make sure it stays dry. Hopefully it will do this quickly.
I think that's it for now. I'm tired so going to have a bit of a kip if possible.
Today I went for my post-op today and the sutures were removed. They told me that I couldn't shower for a day or two as when they remove the sutures they put a tape with some sort of sticky glue stuff on top and want that to stay put for a while. I wish I had known that as I had thought I would be able to take a shower after the visit, so neglected getting up early to take one before. Oh well.
Dr. Kelly came in afterwards and asked how I was doing and moved my right leg around. He said that I could cut the CPM down to one hour a day, but I asked if I needed to keep it because I would have to pay another $350 for two additional weeks. Thankfully he said that was fine to return it and I've seen the last of that machine - they are coming to pick it up today! He then showed me the pictures they took when they were doing the surgery. I cannot believe how red it was inside, really bright, bright red! He showed where I had a bone spur and where they shaved that off and the other bone that was shaved down as well, and also my psoas before and as they were cutting it. All very amazing to look at. Unfortunately the post op report was not typed up yet, but I was told I could ring them next week and they would fax it over. We went over my PT and he said he actually wants me to go very slow, and that my recovery would take about six months. I was not too surprised from this, but it was still not thrilled about it. The key thing is he wants my psoas to stay slightly tight since I have the laxity issue, but at the same time not scar up completely. It is a very fine line and my rehab is going to be very specific because of my multiple issues. He already told me to change one of the exercises I was told to do as he does not want me to externally rotate the leg too much. He said internal rotation is fine for now. I asked if he could reaffirm this with the PT guys as they were having a hard time believing me about having to do only two hours on the CPM and four. I also asked him why he had to make four incisions and he said that was because they had to get to the other side of the bone to cut it down. Fair enough I suppose. He said also to use the brace as long as I want because he doesn't want me to hurt at all. I am to try to put more weight on the leg but only as I can tolerate, it's very important to not inflame the hip. Regarding the crutches I will most likely be on them for a few more weeks. I kept laughing in my head when everyone kept saying I'd be on them only two to three weeks. I knew this was going to take a long time to be able to walk again without pain. But I don't want to mess up everything that was done so I will do exactly as I am told. The last thing I could deal with is having to go through this all again (poo poo, touch wood, etc.).
After I had been home for a couple of hours I noticed that one of the incision site tapes had liquidy stuff seeping through it. I just rang the office and spoke to Arianna. She said that sometimes the incisions open up after the sutures are taken up and that is should heal by itself, and to keep and eye on it and make sure it stays dry. Hopefully it will do this quickly.
I think that's it for now. I'm tired so going to have a bit of a kip if possible.
26 September, 2007
Spoke too soon
The last two nights I have been getting about 4-5 hours sleep and then waking up and not able to go back to sleep. It's not so much pain, as I took some pain pills before, but the fact that I just can't get comfortable on my back or on my side with a pillow between my legs. I am a bad sleeper to begin with and lack of comfort with sleeping positions is just exacerbating the issue.
Yesterday we came back to the city. Thankfully I wasn't queasy on the drive back; I thought I was going to be so ill on the way out to the island last week. I did the CPM for two hours and when we were taking my leg out of it, I must have twisted or turned a bit too much one way as my hip started screaming in agony. I was so annoyed as I hadn't needed to take a pain pill since I went to be on Monday night. After this incident the pain just got worse leading me to cave in and take a pain pill. I was quite a grump the rest of the night. (Until House came on - I LOVE HUGH LAURIE!!! I've been watching the complete set of Jeeves & Wooster - I put it on when I have to spend the time on the CPM - and I absolutely love it. They don't make television like they used to, for the most part. Anyway, I highly recommend watching this series, Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie are completely brilliant!)
Haven't taken a pain pill yet today, trying to get on without it. I'll see how I'm doing before PT, may take one just to avoid the after effects of the torture. So not looking forward to this outing. Then again, at least it will get me outside for a bit.
Yesterday we came back to the city. Thankfully I wasn't queasy on the drive back; I thought I was going to be so ill on the way out to the island last week. I did the CPM for two hours and when we were taking my leg out of it, I must have twisted or turned a bit too much one way as my hip started screaming in agony. I was so annoyed as I hadn't needed to take a pain pill since I went to be on Monday night. After this incident the pain just got worse leading me to cave in and take a pain pill. I was quite a grump the rest of the night. (Until House came on - I LOVE HUGH LAURIE!!! I've been watching the complete set of Jeeves & Wooster - I put it on when I have to spend the time on the CPM - and I absolutely love it. They don't make television like they used to, for the most part. Anyway, I highly recommend watching this series, Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie are completely brilliant!)
Haven't taken a pain pill yet today, trying to get on without it. I'll see how I'm doing before PT, may take one just to avoid the after effects of the torture. So not looking forward to this outing. Then again, at least it will get me outside for a bit.
24 September, 2007
Yay I finally got some sleep
Well it wasn't a complete night but at least 6 good hours so I'm quite happy about that. I was so desperate for it and it was desperately needed as well. Once more I didn't have to take a pain pill when I woke up, waited until about 10 am today! My parents think my walking with the crutches has gotten better too. Improvement all around methinks!
Today was a very busy day. I had a dentist appointment this morning. Yes you would think I had enough pain inflicted last week, but it was a long overdue visit. Thankfully I didn't have any cavities, and the cleaning wasn't too bad as the lovely lady numbed my mouth up first. I do have to go back next week to have some bonding done on 3 teeth as I have a few very sensitive spots and this seems to help them out, but thankfully it's not painful.
After the dentist I went for my eye exam. I hadn't had one in almost two years so thought it best that I got that out of the way whilst I am on the island as well. My eyes haven't gotten worse, and I got to get new glasses as well. All very exciting, considering my level of excitement has been nil. Don't get me wrong, I love spending time with my parents, but at least in the city I had some visitors. I'm going a bit mad being trapped out here in the boonies! Thankfully we will be returning to the city tomorrow and not back here till Saturday. I am completely wiped from the appointments though. The crutches, though much better than typical ones, still irritate my shoulders and hands, and it's quite tiring dragging yourself around with them as well.
I have another PT appointment on Wednesday afternoon and a post-op appointment with Dr. Kelly on Friday morning. I hope my stitches will be coming out and that he will tell me I can stop using the bloody CPM machine. It's not that I mind using it that much, it's just going to be another $350 for another 14 days, and am not looking forward to the additional cost. Bloody unbelievable the cost of these things!
Today was a very busy day. I had a dentist appointment this morning. Yes you would think I had enough pain inflicted last week, but it was a long overdue visit. Thankfully I didn't have any cavities, and the cleaning wasn't too bad as the lovely lady numbed my mouth up first. I do have to go back next week to have some bonding done on 3 teeth as I have a few very sensitive spots and this seems to help them out, but thankfully it's not painful.
After the dentist I went for my eye exam. I hadn't had one in almost two years so thought it best that I got that out of the way whilst I am on the island as well. My eyes haven't gotten worse, and I got to get new glasses as well. All very exciting, considering my level of excitement has been nil. Don't get me wrong, I love spending time with my parents, but at least in the city I had some visitors. I'm going a bit mad being trapped out here in the boonies! Thankfully we will be returning to the city tomorrow and not back here till Saturday. I am completely wiped from the appointments though. The crutches, though much better than typical ones, still irritate my shoulders and hands, and it's quite tiring dragging yourself around with them as well.
I have another PT appointment on Wednesday afternoon and a post-op appointment with Dr. Kelly on Friday morning. I hope my stitches will be coming out and that he will tell me I can stop using the bloody CPM machine. It's not that I mind using it that much, it's just going to be another $350 for another 14 days, and am not looking forward to the additional cost. Bloody unbelievable the cost of these things!
23 September, 2007
pain is getting worse
I am not sure why the pain is getting worse, but it seems to be. Yesterday I took it easy and barely did anything other than my rehab routine. I iced with the GameReady for a while, did the CPM for two hours and then after dinner did my PT. The exercises hurt even more than the first day I had to do them. Agony was an understatement.
After watching telly for a bit with my mother I did another hour of the GameReady hoping to numb my leg up before bed. We then decided I should take a second pain pill, hoping this would help me sleep through the night, or at least most of it.
I passed out about 11.30 pm and then at 12.30 am woke up with a start! I have no clue what woke me but whatever it was made me jump, which is not good for my hip at all. I have been getting leg spasms, supposedly from the psoas release, and it's driving me mad. I fell back to sleep and then slept till about 4.45 am. After I go up to go to the loo I was in pain so decided to take two more pain pills hoping I'd pass out again. Sadly this was not the case. I would sleep for a few minutes and then wake up again, this went on till about 8 am. I was feeling (am still actually) incredibly wonky from the pills so just vegged for a bit and finally just ate something. I'm now thinking the two pains pills wasn't the best idea. I think between the pain and not being able to move around whilst I sleep is what is keeping me up at night. Normally I sleep like a wild woman, all over the place and wake up in pretzel-like positions. Sleeping on my back is just making me ache all over even more. I tried sleeping on my left side again with a pillow between my legs but that doesn't seem to work for me.
After watching telly for a bit with my mother I did another hour of the GameReady hoping to numb my leg up before bed. We then decided I should take a second pain pill, hoping this would help me sleep through the night, or at least most of it.
I passed out about 11.30 pm and then at 12.30 am woke up with a start! I have no clue what woke me but whatever it was made me jump, which is not good for my hip at all. I have been getting leg spasms, supposedly from the psoas release, and it's driving me mad. I fell back to sleep and then slept till about 4.45 am. After I go up to go to the loo I was in pain so decided to take two more pain pills hoping I'd pass out again. Sadly this was not the case. I would sleep for a few minutes and then wake up again, this went on till about 8 am. I was feeling (am still actually) incredibly wonky from the pills so just vegged for a bit and finally just ate something. I'm now thinking the two pains pills wasn't the best idea. I think between the pain and not being able to move around whilst I sleep is what is keeping me up at night. Normally I sleep like a wild woman, all over the place and wake up in pretzel-like positions. Sleeping on my back is just making me ache all over even more. I tried sleeping on my left side again with a pillow between my legs but that doesn't seem to work for me.
22 September, 2007
sleepless in new york
Last night was Kol Nidre services. I always find the Kol Nidre prayers very moving and I try to attend every year. This year I was hoping to just make it through the first part of the service since I just had surgery this week. Miracle of miracles, somehow I made it for two hours sitting on a folding chair with my brace on. At that point I was hoping to make it through the rest of the services, but my hip was getting the better of me and I had to concede it was time to go home. I don't know if this made the rest of my night worse or if it was just a coincidence.
I decided I would go to bed later last night and by this hopefully sleep longer. Unfortunately my plan did not work. I was up around 4 am and even though I just laid in bed for two hours, sleep did not come. I was in pain when I woke up, but also achy all around as my body does not seem to like sleeping on my back. I did try for an hour or so to lay on my side with a pillow between my legs, but that didn't seem to help either.
After two hours of nodding off for a few minutes then waking again, I gave up and put the telly on. There is absolutely nothing on the telly that early on a Saturday morning so I just left something random on and was hoping to drift off, but I had no luck with that. By 8 am I was starving and had to get something to eat. Not wanting to wake my mother, I hobbled into the kitchen and was going to get some challah. My mother heard me though and followed me in. (As a side note, I know it's Yom Kippur but for medical reasons I'm not meant to fast).
After having a small bite I went back to bed and my mother came in and watched some telly with me. Again I just couldn't seem to drift off. Finally by about 10.30 or so I tried to fall asleep but kept having spasms in my legs, especially the right one. I was told this might occur from the Psoas release, and had been given muscle relaxers for it. I usually take one of those at night but I couldn't stand it so took one then, and also we put on the GameReady. I believe I finally fell asleep for a bit on and off till about 1pm.
I'm still knackered but at least took a shower. My mother had to go get me some more bandages, and when she gets back I will do the CPM machine and then my PT. That's the plan at least.
I decided I would go to bed later last night and by this hopefully sleep longer. Unfortunately my plan did not work. I was up around 4 am and even though I just laid in bed for two hours, sleep did not come. I was in pain when I woke up, but also achy all around as my body does not seem to like sleeping on my back. I did try for an hour or so to lay on my side with a pillow between my legs, but that didn't seem to help either.
After two hours of nodding off for a few minutes then waking again, I gave up and put the telly on. There is absolutely nothing on the telly that early on a Saturday morning so I just left something random on and was hoping to drift off, but I had no luck with that. By 8 am I was starving and had to get something to eat. Not wanting to wake my mother, I hobbled into the kitchen and was going to get some challah. My mother heard me though and followed me in. (As a side note, I know it's Yom Kippur but for medical reasons I'm not meant to fast).
After having a small bite I went back to bed and my mother came in and watched some telly with me. Again I just couldn't seem to drift off. Finally by about 10.30 or so I tried to fall asleep but kept having spasms in my legs, especially the right one. I was told this might occur from the Psoas release, and had been given muscle relaxers for it. I usually take one of those at night but I couldn't stand it so took one then, and also we put on the GameReady. I believe I finally fell asleep for a bit on and off till about 1pm.
I'm still knackered but at least took a shower. My mother had to go get me some more bandages, and when she gets back I will do the CPM machine and then my PT. That's the plan at least.
19 September, 2007
almost 48 hours after...
This has been quite an "adventure". I will be as detailed as I can for now as I've just popped another pain pill before I start to hurt like hell again. Last night was rough.
In chronological order:
I set my alarm for 4.30 am on Monday as I was told to report to the hospital at 5.45 am. This turned out to be completely needless as I went to sleep around 8 pm on Sunday, woke up about 12.30 am and could not for the life of me get back to sleep. I've never been a good sleeper in the best scenario, so this was really no surprise to me. The worst part of no sleep was the fact it was making my fibromyalgia flare-up worse. Lack of sleep and stress are two of my three big triggers.
After I took a shower and put my pj's on (yes I wore pj's) we took a taxi to HSS around 5.15 am and were the first people to arrive in the ambulatory surgical waiting area. I filled out some forms and then waited for a nurse to call me to the back area. It was freezing cold in the waiting area so I couldn't sit still. Around 6.15 am I still hadn't been called so I went to the bathroom. Of course that was when the nurse came out to get me. I happen to be someone who wakes up every night to go to the loo. It doesn't seem to matter how much I drink or what I drink, but I invariably wake up around 4 am every night. This was no different that night other than I was awake already, so when I went to the bathroom I really didn't have much left over if you know what I mean. My mother came to get me and I went to follow the nurses to the back area. It was cold in there too, though not as bad. The rule is that they need you to pee to take a pregnancy test. I know there was no way I was unless it was immaculate conception, but the nurse insisted. I explained to her the situation and said that she would hook my IV up early as that would help.
Then the nurse asked me tons of questions, all of which I had already filled out on various forms. Redundancy was the word of the day it seems as this went on with every new person I met. My nurse was very nice but I think my small veins intimidated her. After her having one go on my right hand for the IV, she decided to get the "pro" in. Personally I think she should have done this at the beginning because she kept looking at my hand and saying how small the vein was and seemed pretty nervous about it. At least she only had one go though. I've had people try over and over when it was obvious they didn't have what I call "the touch". My nurse sent in the "pro" who definitely knew what she was doing, you could tell when she looked at my veins in my hand that this was going to be easy for he, which was a huge relief to me. She got it in one go, though I did think my arm was going to fall off because of how tight she put the tourniquet on. They put the drip on high so I would be able to go to the loo quickly, and that worked as I was able to give them a small sample, which thankfully was enough.
I had requested a specific woman anesthesiologist which was ok'd by her office and Dr. Kelly's office, but it seemed that she was busy elsewhere. I was a bit worried because the last anesthesiologist I had was a man who completely butchered me. Dr. Kelly came in to sign my leg and we went over a few things, and he reassured me that all the anesthesiologists were great at HSS. I was still weary but then a very handsome one walked in with a great sense of humour, so surprisingly that made everything alright! Funny that :-)
The OR nurse had come in to go over everything paper wise one last time. He was nice but I could barely understand a word he said, I don't know if it was because I was exhausted or he had a very thick accent. Either way we managed to get everything sorted and then we walked down to the OR. The OR was freezing as well, and the last thing I remember was the cute anesthesiologist telling me he was putting sedation in my IV and the nurse putting a nice toasty blanket on me.
I really do not recall much about post-op initially other than pain. Lots and lots of pain. I do remember telling anyone who would listen that I really, truly love demerol and they should please keep giving me some. Anyone who knows me is aware of my dislike for pills, and pain pill are usually something I stay away from as they make me loopy and I hate loopy, but it's amazing the transformation into addict I become after surgery. At some point I maxed out on the demerol so the nurse had to send a message to the handsome anesthesiologist to ask him if I could have a pain pill, which thankfully he said yes. I believe it was around this time that a very nice "helper" came over to try to convince me to eat something. I'm not much of an eater to begin with, and hospital food really doesn't make me want to eat more, so we finally agreed on some sort of roll with butter, and orange juice. This didn't seem to be a plan my stomach agreed to as after I had one bite I was nauseous. Thankfully that passed or I passed out, who can remember. At some point they put me in the CPM for an hour. I remember crying in agony at first. My mother was there, but then they told her she could leave for a while because I'd be on that for an hour. I was not happy about that, so kept bugging the nurses. After the CPM my mother was not back yet and I had to pee desperately, so the nurse said that I should get in a wheel chair to go to the loo. Earlier I had used a bedpan and that was bloody difficult just to move my hip a bit, so I was not too keen on her idea of actually moving my whole body. She insisted though and I suffered immensely. I'm sure she was doing her job but I doubt she was ready for the level of my agony and my incredibly talented way of letting everyone in the universe know of it. The only thing I can remember from getting me to the chair from the bed was me crying so hard I could not see a thing. The nurse did bring me a whole box of tissues though because of my crying. I couldn't stop. I've been through many surgeries and even my four wisdom teeth being removed, and anyone who has TMJ and has had to do that knows how painful that is. This pain though surpassed all others combined. I still don't know how I made it through. The nurse and the pt took me into the loo and helped me the whole time, but I'm sure the people out in the waiting room were able to hear me screaming in pain. When we opened the door to go back to the hall my mother was standing there and what a look on her face! She looked in as much pain as I was feeling. After this charming trip, they moved me into "phase 2".
In phase 2 they want you to sit in a chair instead of lying in a bed. The PT and nurse both agreed that it was best to leave me in the wheelchair and not even attempt to move me into the chair. This was a great idea because I had no strength to move as well as a huge amount of fear in doing so. I sat there for a while, still I had no concept of time, and then the PT decided it was time to get me walking on crutches. Somehow I managed to walk down one side of the room, and actually climb up their little practice stairs but it's all a blur to me. The pain had taken over my whole body so my brain had all but turned off completely. I said to the PT that a hip replacement would have been easier and she said "oh absolutely".
Finally I was approved to go home, it now being about 4 pm or so. We waiting downstairs with all my new toys for a cab. After we finally got one I thought going in the front would be easier. I don't know if this was a good idea or not, but I just wanted to get home so I could take another pain pill. The cab ride was horrid, every bump made me want to scream. Getting out and into my building is a fuzz to me as well.
I do realise that I've been whinging a bit about the pain this whole write up today, but i have to say that this is the worst most painful thing I have ever gone through. My poor mother is wiped out already. I asked her how she was going to make it three weeks with me if she couldn't handle a day and a half. Hopefully I will improve a bit each day so will not be as reliant on her. I did try to go to the loo last night myself when she was sleeping. I actually did really well, until I tried to get back into bed. I really hurt myself doing that and was a wreck, my dad actually heard me crying and woke up my mother. She was so tired she was in a very deep sleep. The whole point was to try to not wake her, but man was she mad at me for trying to do it myself.
Today I get to take a shower! I don't know how I'm going to get into my shower as it's not the easiest one, but I am determined. And this afternoon I have PT. I am not looking forward to trying to get into a cab again that is for sure.
I will write about what was actually done later as I am exhausted now from all of this typing.
In chronological order:
I set my alarm for 4.30 am on Monday as I was told to report to the hospital at 5.45 am. This turned out to be completely needless as I went to sleep around 8 pm on Sunday, woke up about 12.30 am and could not for the life of me get back to sleep. I've never been a good sleeper in the best scenario, so this was really no surprise to me. The worst part of no sleep was the fact it was making my fibromyalgia flare-up worse. Lack of sleep and stress are two of my three big triggers.
After I took a shower and put my pj's on (yes I wore pj's) we took a taxi to HSS around 5.15 am and were the first people to arrive in the ambulatory surgical waiting area. I filled out some forms and then waited for a nurse to call me to the back area. It was freezing cold in the waiting area so I couldn't sit still. Around 6.15 am I still hadn't been called so I went to the bathroom. Of course that was when the nurse came out to get me. I happen to be someone who wakes up every night to go to the loo. It doesn't seem to matter how much I drink or what I drink, but I invariably wake up around 4 am every night. This was no different that night other than I was awake already, so when I went to the bathroom I really didn't have much left over if you know what I mean. My mother came to get me and I went to follow the nurses to the back area. It was cold in there too, though not as bad. The rule is that they need you to pee to take a pregnancy test. I know there was no way I was unless it was immaculate conception, but the nurse insisted. I explained to her the situation and said that she would hook my IV up early as that would help.
Then the nurse asked me tons of questions, all of which I had already filled out on various forms. Redundancy was the word of the day it seems as this went on with every new person I met. My nurse was very nice but I think my small veins intimidated her. After her having one go on my right hand for the IV, she decided to get the "pro" in. Personally I think she should have done this at the beginning because she kept looking at my hand and saying how small the vein was and seemed pretty nervous about it. At least she only had one go though. I've had people try over and over when it was obvious they didn't have what I call "the touch". My nurse sent in the "pro" who definitely knew what she was doing, you could tell when she looked at my veins in my hand that this was going to be easy for he, which was a huge relief to me. She got it in one go, though I did think my arm was going to fall off because of how tight she put the tourniquet on. They put the drip on high so I would be able to go to the loo quickly, and that worked as I was able to give them a small sample, which thankfully was enough.
I had requested a specific woman anesthesiologist which was ok'd by her office and Dr. Kelly's office, but it seemed that she was busy elsewhere. I was a bit worried because the last anesthesiologist I had was a man who completely butchered me. Dr. Kelly came in to sign my leg and we went over a few things, and he reassured me that all the anesthesiologists were great at HSS. I was still weary but then a very handsome one walked in with a great sense of humour, so surprisingly that made everything alright! Funny that :-)
The OR nurse had come in to go over everything paper wise one last time. He was nice but I could barely understand a word he said, I don't know if it was because I was exhausted or he had a very thick accent. Either way we managed to get everything sorted and then we walked down to the OR. The OR was freezing as well, and the last thing I remember was the cute anesthesiologist telling me he was putting sedation in my IV and the nurse putting a nice toasty blanket on me.
I really do not recall much about post-op initially other than pain. Lots and lots of pain. I do remember telling anyone who would listen that I really, truly love demerol and they should please keep giving me some. Anyone who knows me is aware of my dislike for pills, and pain pill are usually something I stay away from as they make me loopy and I hate loopy, but it's amazing the transformation into addict I become after surgery. At some point I maxed out on the demerol so the nurse had to send a message to the handsome anesthesiologist to ask him if I could have a pain pill, which thankfully he said yes. I believe it was around this time that a very nice "helper" came over to try to convince me to eat something. I'm not much of an eater to begin with, and hospital food really doesn't make me want to eat more, so we finally agreed on some sort of roll with butter, and orange juice. This didn't seem to be a plan my stomach agreed to as after I had one bite I was nauseous. Thankfully that passed or I passed out, who can remember. At some point they put me in the CPM for an hour. I remember crying in agony at first. My mother was there, but then they told her she could leave for a while because I'd be on that for an hour. I was not happy about that, so kept bugging the nurses. After the CPM my mother was not back yet and I had to pee desperately, so the nurse said that I should get in a wheel chair to go to the loo. Earlier I had used a bedpan and that was bloody difficult just to move my hip a bit, so I was not too keen on her idea of actually moving my whole body. She insisted though and I suffered immensely. I'm sure she was doing her job but I doubt she was ready for the level of my agony and my incredibly talented way of letting everyone in the universe know of it. The only thing I can remember from getting me to the chair from the bed was me crying so hard I could not see a thing. The nurse did bring me a whole box of tissues though because of my crying. I couldn't stop. I've been through many surgeries and even my four wisdom teeth being removed, and anyone who has TMJ and has had to do that knows how painful that is. This pain though surpassed all others combined. I still don't know how I made it through. The nurse and the pt took me into the loo and helped me the whole time, but I'm sure the people out in the waiting room were able to hear me screaming in pain. When we opened the door to go back to the hall my mother was standing there and what a look on her face! She looked in as much pain as I was feeling. After this charming trip, they moved me into "phase 2".
In phase 2 they want you to sit in a chair instead of lying in a bed. The PT and nurse both agreed that it was best to leave me in the wheelchair and not even attempt to move me into the chair. This was a great idea because I had no strength to move as well as a huge amount of fear in doing so. I sat there for a while, still I had no concept of time, and then the PT decided it was time to get me walking on crutches. Somehow I managed to walk down one side of the room, and actually climb up their little practice stairs but it's all a blur to me. The pain had taken over my whole body so my brain had all but turned off completely. I said to the PT that a hip replacement would have been easier and she said "oh absolutely".
Finally I was approved to go home, it now being about 4 pm or so. We waiting downstairs with all my new toys for a cab. After we finally got one I thought going in the front would be easier. I don't know if this was a good idea or not, but I just wanted to get home so I could take another pain pill. The cab ride was horrid, every bump made me want to scream. Getting out and into my building is a fuzz to me as well.
I do realise that I've been whinging a bit about the pain this whole write up today, but i have to say that this is the worst most painful thing I have ever gone through. My poor mother is wiped out already. I asked her how she was going to make it three weeks with me if she couldn't handle a day and a half. Hopefully I will improve a bit each day so will not be as reliant on her. I did try to go to the loo last night myself when she was sleeping. I actually did really well, until I tried to get back into bed. I really hurt myself doing that and was a wreck, my dad actually heard me crying and woke up my mother. She was so tired she was in a very deep sleep. The whole point was to try to not wake her, but man was she mad at me for trying to do it myself.
Today I get to take a shower! I don't know how I'm going to get into my shower as it's not the easiest one, but I am determined. And this afternoon I have PT. I am not looking forward to trying to get into a cab again that is for sure.
I will write about what was actually done later as I am exhausted now from all of this typing.
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