The doctor and the physical therapist both said that day 2 after surgery would be the toughest. What it's meant to me is that I can't keep my eyes open. I think the reason I can't keep my eyes open is because I haven't had my daily fix of Starbucks!
I've taken some interesting medications. Ultram, Tylenol, Celbrex, hydroxyzine, lovanox, and oxycodene for immediate pain relief. Don't mistake this for oxycontin. Rush and I do not have anything in common!! According to Nurse Rose the Ultram, Tylenol and Celbrex are called the "Savage Cocktail". She said this is Dr. Savage's protocol and all of his patients do great.
Last night was rather uneventful. The usual rounds of waking up every couple of hours to get something done. Again, I didn't have any problems going back to sleep. Perhaps this is the drug combo.
I have to inhale using a thing called a Voldyne 5000. Sounds cool doesn't it? The description is "Incentive Deep Breathing Exerciser for Maintaining and Improving Inspiratory Volume and Respiratory Fitness". Sounds pretty impressive. Here's what it looks like:
I bring this up because on day one this little device was presented to me. It's to help prevent pneumonia. You do a suck on the hose in a controlled fashion. I had a low grade fever this morning and they insisted I suck on this...but I had been good and whenever I woke up (or was awakened) I sucked on this doodad. Comments anyone?
Evelyn, the physical therapist, is a tiny girl but she is tough! She came by today and I held off on taking pain meds unti she got here. We did all the exercises and then I walked up and down the hallway! I wore a cowboy hat just because my hair is a greasy mess! Speaking of this, they should really come up with a way to let someone get cleaned up. I think that would help with the healing process. Right now I'm really skanky.
I would like to mention how fabulous the staff has been. Nurses Rose, Cynthia, Megan, Mrytle and Nurse Nice Ponytail. She was my first nurse and she had the prettiest ponytail. I wish I could remember her name. Techs Robin, Sally and Tabby did all the heavy lifting. The vampires were nice, too. They slid in drew blood and slipped out quietly. There was a very nice gentleman who brought my food and even the lady who cleaned my room was professional and courteous. I felt very important.
The final word this afternoon (yes it is afternoon now, remember I have that little problem keeping my eyes open) is that the only other feeling that I can describe is nauseous. I've downed a lot of graham crackers...
Word on the street is that because I'm doing good with physical therapy and pain control that I may get to come home tonight! How awesome would that be? Keep your fingers crossed.
Later-
debie@TbedB
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