Well I'm 6 weeks tomorrow post-op (1st one) and I have to say that I am quite pleased with my progress so far. Seeing my surgeon again on Tuesday when I hope he will give me the OK to start hydrotherapy at my local hospital. So what have I been doing this past week...
Tablets & pain - well I've managed to cut out two more painkillers this week which means that I'm now taking approx. 50% the number I was when I first came home. I take the 'full monty' of painbusters (2 Tramadol, 2 Paracetamol & 1 Diclofenic) at 8am and again at 11pm and a booster at 4pm. Not so sure it has been a good idea to cut these pills as I have been getting some breakthrough pain late evening and during the night but I am going to persevere if I can. I will be sensible though and stay at this level for a couple of weeks. Coming off all these drugs is part of my roadmap... Pain in the leg is 'shutting up' slowly but I have had some weird sensations in and around the wound site - one night I felt as though the area was one giant pin-cushion - I was up for a couple of hours in the night not exactly in pain but in discomfort. I've also experienced the 'fizzing' my Pilates friend talked about - it's like rice krispies (snap,crackle & pop) under the skin! My friend says it's where the inflammation is going and the nerves are crackling back into life. Whoa!
Exercise - I have upped the amount of daily exercise now to include exercises such as sciatic nerve mobilisation (hamstrings), side-side knee rolls, lying in extension and flexion (legs) in lying - these exercises in particular help with stiffness caused by surgery, restore muscle & tissue length and reduce scarring - damaged tissues can heal up and become short and less flexible.
Anxiety - I talked about this in my last post. Things haven't improved this week I'm afraid - in fact, I have experienced a number of anxiety attacks this week with one developing into a full-blown panic attack. This is frightening for me as well as for Dr Vic who has to get me breathing properly again and calm me down. I feel like I've got a million and one things going round in my head - stupid I know, I'm going to mention this to my surgeon on Tuesday just to see if it's 'normal'. Maybe it's just that I have too much time on my hands to think...
Out and about - sadly I missed my graduation ceremony and a dear family members 70th - it was optimistic of me to even think that I could attend either event. BUT I did manage to do some christmas shopping in the Fraser sale. I was under strict intructions from Dr Vic - I had 45 minutes to shimmy (well hobble with my stick!) around and get some gifts. Felt really pleased with myself as I got loads of nice bargain stocking fillers (most of my shopping has been done on the Internet). Mind you the exertion combined with all the drugs made me sweat profusely, so much so that one assistant actually asked me if it was raining outside. My goodness, I looked like a drowned rat but boy DID I enjoy myself!!!!
So for both of us, this week has seen a small return to something resembling normality... I know I still have a mountain to climb but it was wonderful to enjoy the moment and see a huge smile on Dr Vic's face again, he's been so worried about me...
Sunday, 30 November 2008
Sunday, 23 November 2008
5 weeks on.... overwhelming feelings
This past week has been OK - still experiencing various problems with my right leg and still on 16 tablets a day BUT I am improving! I know if I sit for too long that I will experience lots of pain in the right leg above the knee and if I walk too much, then it will play me up below the knee... The top of the leg has been hurting me now for 2 days but I'm hoping that some exercise a bit later tonight will 'free' up the nerve(s) that are acting up. Biggest problem still is constipation caused by the morphine & codeine based pills - Dr Vic's expectant face followed by "Anything?" every time I leave the loo just makes me laugh out loud - bless him!
Funny thing started to happen to me this week - and it may be because I can now concentrate on other stuff - and that has been the wave of feelings, good and bad, that have come over me. On the odd occasion that I've been out in the car I've been worried that Dr Vic is going to drive into the back of someone or someone is going to crash into us and jolt my back. I'm worried with the winter coming about falling over. Worried to wear any other shoes than the bright green Crocs that have been a feature of my feet for the past 5 weeks - they're non-slip, light, shock-absorbent and SAFE! I'm panicking about travelling by plane again! I'm not normally an anxious person but I seem to be worried about lots of stuff now.
I've also been feeling a lot of anger and sadness about the last 5 years. Anger about the many times I've had to justify to non-believers that I had a back problem or was in pain. If I had a pound for every time someone said I didn't look like someone with a bad back or walk like a typical back sufferer then I would be a rich person. We don't all walk around doubled over in sack-cloth and ashes ringing a bell, "unclean, unclean, oh woe is me"!! Some of us just get on with it... The sadness I feel is for my "old life" - my career, London, social life, skiing, gym, having a good drink! Most of all, spontaneity - the freedom to do anything without really thinking about it too much. I have lost count of the number of holidays and social engagements that I have had to cancel or miss. Sadness that whilst I thankfully have some very loyal and caring friends, others have fallen by the wayside. Why? For some it was distance, others unreliability (mine) and for others I guess they identified with the "old Kelly" - the 'game-on girlie' who was up for pretty much anything - they wanted that girl back! She's gone, went a long time ago... I'm still the same person inside but I have to live my life differently now. Out of necessity, enforcement even, I have a different focus. And whilst I may have a disability, I've still got a life, and a bloody good one at that! it might have taken me a damn long time to accept and get used to that idea (and I did have quite prolonged bouts of depression along the way) but you know what, I like my life now. I've come to accept the new me but who knows what the next 12 months will bring? A NEW new me maybe???? Bring it on, I'm ready...
Funny thing started to happen to me this week - and it may be because I can now concentrate on other stuff - and that has been the wave of feelings, good and bad, that have come over me. On the odd occasion that I've been out in the car I've been worried that Dr Vic is going to drive into the back of someone or someone is going to crash into us and jolt my back. I'm worried with the winter coming about falling over. Worried to wear any other shoes than the bright green Crocs that have been a feature of my feet for the past 5 weeks - they're non-slip, light, shock-absorbent and SAFE! I'm panicking about travelling by plane again! I'm not normally an anxious person but I seem to be worried about lots of stuff now.
I've also been feeling a lot of anger and sadness about the last 5 years. Anger about the many times I've had to justify to non-believers that I had a back problem or was in pain. If I had a pound for every time someone said I didn't look like someone with a bad back or walk like a typical back sufferer then I would be a rich person. We don't all walk around doubled over in sack-cloth and ashes ringing a bell, "unclean, unclean, oh woe is me"!! Some of us just get on with it... The sadness I feel is for my "old life" - my career, London, social life, skiing, gym, having a good drink! Most of all, spontaneity - the freedom to do anything without really thinking about it too much. I have lost count of the number of holidays and social engagements that I have had to cancel or miss. Sadness that whilst I thankfully have some very loyal and caring friends, others have fallen by the wayside. Why? For some it was distance, others unreliability (mine) and for others I guess they identified with the "old Kelly" - the 'game-on girlie' who was up for pretty much anything - they wanted that girl back! She's gone, went a long time ago... I'm still the same person inside but I have to live my life differently now. Out of necessity, enforcement even, I have a different focus. And whilst I may have a disability, I've still got a life, and a bloody good one at that! it might have taken me a damn long time to accept and get used to that idea (and I did have quite prolonged bouts of depression along the way) but you know what, I like my life now. I've come to accept the new me but who knows what the next 12 months will bring? A NEW new me maybe???? Bring it on, I'm ready...
Wednesday, 19 November 2008
Meet the "Doctor"
A couple of Kelly's oldest and dearest friends sent us something that really made us laugh. Thanks guys!
I think it's time for you all to ..."meet the Doctor".
I think it's time for you all to ..."meet the Doctor".
Monday, 17 November 2008
One month on...
Hi guys, Dr. Vic signing on. Here's what's been happening these past few days...
Drugs: Kelly has significantly reduced the number of drugs she is taking from 5 sessions a day down to 3. Mind you, it hasn't always been successful and I've had a couple of "give me some drugs NOW!" Still cause for concern - constipation - but nothing a large dose of prunes, fruit juice and more drugs can't sort out.
Exercise: Kelly is doing well here - she says that her back feels supported and strong. I guess her previous years of Pilates have really paid off and as I mentioned in an earlier blog, she believes that Pilates or some other form of core-based exercise should be a pre-requisite to this type of operation.
Days out: We ventured out a couple of times this past week, the first was a short car ride followed by a stroll in the wheelchair. What a disaster! The pain Kelly endured afterwards was very bad, she couldn't have spent more than 20 minutes in the chair, so sitting for any period of time is still out of the question. It certainly set her back at least 2 days. We tried again yesterday, this time with the stick and without the chair - same amount of time and it was OK. We've decided to put this into our routine, a short walk to clear the cobwebs perhaps every other day, until we see Kelly's surgeon early December who hopefully will give her the OK to start hydrotherapy and other physio.
Passing the time: How do you pass 16 hours a day in bed? Highlights include having a shower with Dr. Vic assisting :-) "oo-eer missus", reading 2 newspapers, Nintendo DS/Brain Training (I'm hooked too, so we're challenging each other every night), quick lunch/dinner downstairs, exercises and sleep.
Millie (the dawg): Our wild and crazy little madam, but you know what, she has engaged well with Kelly's situation. Funny isn't it how pets have a sixth sense - she seems to understand that she mustn't jump up and that Kelly cannot bend down to stroke her. Somehow she's worked her way onto the bed so that she can be near to Kelly and stroked.
Dear mum,
Hope you are feeling better,
love Millie, ruff ruff xxx
Drugs: Kelly has significantly reduced the number of drugs she is taking from 5 sessions a day down to 3. Mind you, it hasn't always been successful and I've had a couple of "give me some drugs NOW!" Still cause for concern - constipation - but nothing a large dose of prunes, fruit juice and more drugs can't sort out.
Exercise: Kelly is doing well here - she says that her back feels supported and strong. I guess her previous years of Pilates have really paid off and as I mentioned in an earlier blog, she believes that Pilates or some other form of core-based exercise should be a pre-requisite to this type of operation.
Days out: We ventured out a couple of times this past week, the first was a short car ride followed by a stroll in the wheelchair. What a disaster! The pain Kelly endured afterwards was very bad, she couldn't have spent more than 20 minutes in the chair, so sitting for any period of time is still out of the question. It certainly set her back at least 2 days. We tried again yesterday, this time with the stick and without the chair - same amount of time and it was OK. We've decided to put this into our routine, a short walk to clear the cobwebs perhaps every other day, until we see Kelly's surgeon early December who hopefully will give her the OK to start hydrotherapy and other physio.
Passing the time: How do you pass 16 hours a day in bed? Highlights include having a shower with Dr. Vic assisting :-) "oo-eer missus", reading 2 newspapers, Nintendo DS/Brain Training (I'm hooked too, so we're challenging each other every night), quick lunch/dinner downstairs, exercises and sleep.
Millie (the dawg): Our wild and crazy little madam, but you know what, she has engaged well with Kelly's situation. Funny isn't it how pets have a sixth sense - she seems to understand that she mustn't jump up and that Kelly cannot bend down to stroke her. Somehow she's worked her way onto the bed so that she can be near to Kelly and stroked.
Dear mum,
Hope you are feeling better,
love Millie, ruff ruff xxx
Wednesday, 12 November 2008
What a difference a week makes...
Well, I cannot believe the change from last week. Sure, I'm still in pain but the past couple of days has seen the pain no higher than 6 and I've managed to 'lose' some tablets at 4am and 2pm (5 tablets in all). This in itself is good news plus it might mean that I can cut out the other tablets I'm taking for severe constipation!!!
I'm showing a marked improvement in back and core capability - I can see / feel it when I do the prescribed exercises and moving around. Hamstring length is improving, although I've got some funny niggles in my right groin tonight which I'm not happy about, so perhaps I've overdone that one. I've been told that I should try to start putting my back into extension - I've always struggled with this, particularly when lying face down, but over the years I have built up resistance. But I am now back to square one - I could only do it for about 4 seconds x 3 yesterday - I don't like how it makes my back feel, I'm a little bit scared of pushing it too far.
Still can only sleep on my back with a pillow under my knees - have tried lying on my side, whilst it doesn't hurt as such, it is v. uncomfortable plus (and I know this might be psychological) it makes me feel sick because I think I can feel the Dynesys in my back! As for 'jiggy-jiggy' - don't even go there - my Pilates Back Book has some wonderful positions in it, yeh, right!!
Still need help with showering particularly back, legs, feet and hair. Hair washing and drying is a real challenge, v.tiring - looking a bit like the wild man of Borneo at the mo'.
Scar is healing nicely - District Nurse recommended Aqueous Cream to heal and lubricate it. It's a wonder cream as it is also curing my scaly, dry back and legs (I guess from laying in bed a lot) and the hard skin on my heels. AND as a bonus it is so cheap - £1.99 for a huge tub from the local chemist. No longer will I salivate over the Molten Brown counter in JL - I'm a convert.
The experts have told me that 3 things are of the utmost importance to safeguard long-term relief from pain and the integrity of the Dynesys hardware:-
I'm showing a marked improvement in back and core capability - I can see / feel it when I do the prescribed exercises and moving around. Hamstring length is improving, although I've got some funny niggles in my right groin tonight which I'm not happy about, so perhaps I've overdone that one. I've been told that I should try to start putting my back into extension - I've always struggled with this, particularly when lying face down, but over the years I have built up resistance. But I am now back to square one - I could only do it for about 4 seconds x 3 yesterday - I don't like how it makes my back feel, I'm a little bit scared of pushing it too far.
Still can only sleep on my back with a pillow under my knees - have tried lying on my side, whilst it doesn't hurt as such, it is v. uncomfortable plus (and I know this might be psychological) it makes me feel sick because I think I can feel the Dynesys in my back! As for 'jiggy-jiggy' - don't even go there - my Pilates Back Book has some wonderful positions in it, yeh, right!!
Still need help with showering particularly back, legs, feet and hair. Hair washing and drying is a real challenge, v.tiring - looking a bit like the wild man of Borneo at the mo'.
Scar is healing nicely - District Nurse recommended Aqueous Cream to heal and lubricate it. It's a wonder cream as it is also curing my scaly, dry back and legs (I guess from laying in bed a lot) and the hard skin on my heels. AND as a bonus it is so cheap - £1.99 for a huge tub from the local chemist. No longer will I salivate over the Molten Brown counter in JL - I'm a convert.
The experts have told me that 3 things are of the utmost importance to safeguard long-term relief from pain and the integrity of the Dynesys hardware:-
- respect my back and the hardware in it and don't do anything silly - if I've got to think about it, I shouldn't do it
- exercise (pilates / swimming) every day for the rest of my life
- maintain a healthy body weight and BMI
No problem with 1) and 2) - been doing them for 4+ years. But as some of you know, I'm a bit chunky (as my surgeon said post op.2!!! tee hee... ) so 3) will be a challenge. It's been hard controlling my weight these last years when I have been unable to do any 'proper' cardio - runner, x-trainer, bike - but it can no longer be an excuse. I am determined and as such have already lost 8lb since the operation (I have no appetite at the mo' though). I'm in this for the long haul and I am determined that NOTHING I can control will put me back in daily pain or the operating theatre - I've made this promise to myself and to Dr. Vic - that much at least I owe him after all he's had to put up with these past 4+ years...
Lastly, Mom and Dad (in-laws) in Canada have bought be a Nintendo DS to wile away the hours in bed. Big sloppy kiss, mwah! It's great fun - but I am a bit worried that I'm going ga-ga - so far my brain age has been 80, 65, 58 and 57. Even worse Dr. Vic is beating me - his best score is 35, I'll never live that one down.
My friends who have had major ops have told me I may experience some 'fizzing' in my body as the inflammation subsides and my nerves kick back into action. Also to watch out for post op / anaesthetic low moods. Flak jacket and helmet on, I'm ready... x
Sunday, 9 November 2008
Settling down...
Hello troops, well it looks like things are starting to settle down with Kelly - it is still a roller-coaster with regards to pain, but overall it's manageable. Kelly is still reliant on the maximum amount of drugs per day and spends the majority of time in bed BUT it does seem to be working.
This being the case, so as not to bore the pants off you all, we will only post to the blog as and when there is something worthy to report regarding Kelly's recovery or other useful information we can provide.
Kelly is still keen to keep her blog going for the benefit of current / future Dynesys patients and back sufferers, so you guys, do keep checking in.
Again, thanks for your overwhelming support these last weeks, Kelly and I cannot thank you enough.
Ta ta for now. Dr Vic
This being the case, so as not to bore the pants off you all, we will only post to the blog as and when there is something worthy to report regarding Kelly's recovery or other useful information we can provide.
Kelly is still keen to keep her blog going for the benefit of current / future Dynesys patients and back sufferers, so you guys, do keep checking in.
Again, thanks for your overwhelming support these last weeks, Kelly and I cannot thank you enough.
Ta ta for now. Dr Vic
Friday, 7 November 2008
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