Days 1 and 2

I got to the hospital on time yesterday, only to have to wait about 15 or 20 minutes.  I'm not going to lie, I was nervous.  Not so much because of the surgery itself, I knew that was going to be fine, but for the recovery.  Like I said in my first post, I didn't know what to expect.

I went through all the fun stuff that one goes through during pre-op.  The questions, ceremonial shaving of the legs, IV in the hand, talking to the crazy anesthesiologist.  Got to talk to Dr. Battaglia again, and then it was off to the operating room.  We entered the room, an injection was given to me, and the next thing I knew my calves were the size of footballs and I was back where I started in the pre-op room.

In post-op, I found out what I had to do the next few days.  I also found out that I won't be able to see the incision and staples, in my leg, until Friday.  The first few steps I tried to take were a doozy.  Even with the crutches.  I had 2 nurses making sure I didn't fall over.  To be honest, I don't know what they could've done if I were to fall.  I am way too big and they were way too small.

I would like to take this time to mention that one of my nurses names was Linda Blair.  She served me ginger ale, not pea soup.

Eventually, I was able to leave.  My first time in a wheelchair.  First class service right to the curb.  I got in the car and 20 minutes later I was home.  About 4 to 5 hours after I left.

After getting settled at home, I learned how to use my crutches very well for things other than walking.  I've learned how to grab a pillow or blanket from another seat.  I learned how to close the curtains with them.  I've also come up with several inventive ways to carry things while using the crutches, and even how to use both crutches with one hand. Walking isn't too bad, and doesn't hurt that much.  I've gotten accustomed to that.  The pain comes when trying to get up.  The percocet doesn't seem to help me much, either.  It helps put me to sleep, and I suppose that's good enough.

The first day was getting accustomed to the new life I have to lead for a few days.  Day 2 was really just relaxing the best I can.  The pain that comes with the surgery is pretty intense.  At times I can feel where the staples are, but pretty much all the time there's a sharp pain in the front of my leg.  It kinda feels like I have horrible shin splints all the time.  The swelling in my left leg is pretty extreme, too.  I may need to call the doctor about that.



I spent most of day 2 watching some movies, browsing the internet, and sleeping.  I had a few visitors that brought me food and kept me company.  I also kept myself amused by timing how long it took for me to do things.  For example, I had my phone charging on a table about 10 feet away from me.  It took me 5 minutes, from my resting position, to get up, get the phone, then get back to my resting position.  It took about 15 minutes to use the bathroom and to get an ice pack.

I also read up on my post-op paperwork.  I read it yesterday, too, but I'm just OCD like that, I guess.  lol...  72 hours of keeping my legs elevated.  Icing needs to be applied 2-3 times a day for 3 days.  On Friday I get to unbandage my legs to put new bandages on them.  I also get to take a shower then!  Then there's also painkillers as needed, antibiotics, and asprin.

Speaking of, I just took some painkillers and am getting a bit tired.  Day 2 is almost in the books, and although the road to recovery is still a long one, I know this surgery was a good decision.