Recovering at Home

Well my surgery took a little longer because they had to go back in and reposition one of the leads. Everything was good with last check before being released. Just trying to take one minute at a time. Haven't gotten much sleep because of a terrible gas pocket in my back for the past two days. I am usually a stomach sleeper so it will just take some more time to get used to the sleeping on my back.

Not really sure how I am supposed to feel the first few days. Most of my arms and chest feel as though a mack truck ran over me, but I guess that is typical of any surgery. I also have fibromyalgia which makes me much more sensitive to pain. The one thing I did notice was that the "brain fog" I had been experiencing is pretty much gone.

Thank you all for your good wishes. I will check back in on the site with an update in a few days.

4 Comments

sleeping

by irisheyes317 - 2010-02-06 04:02:17

It really is the hard part. When I'd lay on my left side, it'd feel like the device shifted and was going to come thru my chest! Way heavy! When on my right side, I'd feel pressure too, especially in my neck for some reason. So sleeping was really hard. But,I'm a belly sleeper too and 2 nights ago, I was able to do it again, with no pain at all! 1st night I slept thru the entire night! So you'll be able to get back to normal in a week or 2. The pain in your shoulder & arm will get better each day. Just remember, there were muscles & nerves cut. Try some ibuprofin (I take 4). It not only takes away pain but it reduces the inflammation & swelling around the wound, reducing more pain. Seems like we really are healing right on schedule and a day or 2 does make a difference. Hang in there.

Your recovery...

by Pookie - 2010-02-06 12:02:53

sounds right on schedule to me.

I agree, the sleeping part is the toughest, but will get better with time. Lots of pillows and learning thru trial and error where to put them will help eventually. Take lots of naps because you need your rest.

So glad to hear your brain fog is pretty much gone, that is such a positive!!!

Give yourself plenty of time to heal.

Pookie

The pain

by Sharon - 2010-02-07 09:02:13

I had my op last Saturday, and the same thing happened with me regarding the leads.The operation took three hours, as they had to keep trying different positions for the leads, to be honest the least i know about what they were doing the better!. The pain is alot better now and i am just taking pain relief when neccessary.
I too am a stomach sleeper and am finding it very uncomfortable at night, but to make up for it i am still sleeping during the day, i can't wait to be able to sleep on my tum again!
How is your scar healing? Mine still looks very sore and angry, my kids think it looks like a stick on scar!!

hi Sharon

by MAXI1439 - 2010-02-07 09:02:25

I still have strips covering the scar, so don't know what that looks like. But I also have burn on my chest from when the doc removed original bandage and it took off two layers of skin. Also because I am buxom, I have marks on the left boob from the tape used to keep it in place during procedure. Haven't been able to sleep at all during the night due to gas pockets I keep getting. I am thinking it may be partially due to the anesthesia and also the antibiotic in my system. So I also tried to lay down in the afternoon yesterday. Rested but didn't sleep.

Today I need to try to go to the grocery store with my sister. When we get home it may take a few hours to bring in the packages. Will make sure they are light on the right side. My sister has a walker and can't carry anything, so we may need to just get things that are light like chips and marshmallows, lol

I have a visiting nurse coming today and will see what she thinks about my pain. I think it is worse because of my fibromyalgia. Glad you are getting some relief from your pain.

Hope everyone in the club is doing okay. Thanks again for being here to let us all vent when needed.

You know you're wired when...

Airport security gives you free massages.

Member Quotes

It may be the first time we've felt a normal heart rhythm in a long time, so of course it seems too fast and too strong.