Last night, the second night post-surgery, I slept through the night, awaking briefly with an alarm at 1AM to take a Percoset. When I awoke in the morning, I was a few hours past the scheduled painkiller, but I didn't feel much pain. Decided it was time to stop the painkillers. In all, I only used the Percoset for about 40 hours post surgery.
Able to hobble around the house today walking on my heels. Also made it into the doc's office with short steps so as not to put weight on the toes. Used a walker in the doc's office to get down the hall; much easier to walk when you can lean your weight on the walker. Spouse teased me that I look like a 70 year-old using a walker ("all you need are tennis balls on the back legs"). Pain is gone except if I put pressure on or try to move my big toes.
Took a much-needed bath, using waterproof covers that wrap around your legs to keep the water out of the wound.
Doc removed my bandages and put on fresh ones; swelling not nearly as bad as I had imagined (see pic of incisions and stitches below). He advised that I rest and not try to do much for the first two weeks; most people who have problems are trying to do too much too early. He also said that I'll have to be patient with recovery; it took another patient who had a similar degree of arthritis a full year before he felt no pain and completely recovered.
Day 3 Aug 22
ReplyDeleteLast night was a big turning point. Today I have had minimal pain. Not sure if this is because I am far enough from surgery day, or because all the opiates are out of my system or because the bandages are loosened.
Last night I walked to the toilet by myself using a rolling walker/seat. Heel walking of course. Still hurts when ever I have my feet below my heart. And then it takes a while for the pain to subside afterwards. So I have stayed in bed all day. I tried to do some computer surfing but it was too exhausting so I chatted with my friend and listened to books on tape but didn't really feel up to doing anything else.
I am keeping my feet elevated (as I did yesterday). I am up in the bedroom. I would prefer to be sitting in my zero gravity chair but it is downstairs and I don't feel like venturing downstairs.
I took headache tablets this morning which have helped with the pain. It is now four hours later and I will try taking Ibuprofen to see how that helps.
I have had a friend come over every day to help me with whatever I couldn't manage on my own. It has been such a help. Don't do this on your own.
I have managed to eat some yogurt, toast and tea for breakfast, small bowl of soup for lunch and small dish of pasta for dinner.
Unlike Michael, I don't expect to see my doctor for a followup until 16 days after surgery.