Sepcompression Surgery went well

[KiaSister1]

My surgery went well.  Now I am at home recovering.  I had to stop narcotics because they made me vomit.  But the pain management with OTC drugs is going better than I expected, but I am still frequently nauseas.   I don't really have much of an appetite.  When I sit to eat something I just can't eat it.  Jello and soup are what I ma living on now.  The Zofran doesn't seem to help with the nausea though, I think it might make it worse. Can't wait for this to be over.  

The good news is that at least one symptom is gone as a result- my numbness.  Once I got all of that stuff off from the hospital, I noticed no numbness- that at least will make life better.  

I just want to wash my hair.  I can shower, with a cap, but It doesn't feel like I am clean because my hair is still nasty.  I have to ask the doctor about that though.  I thought he told me as soon as the dressing was off, I could wash it in the sink with help, just not get the incisions wet.  The nurses told me, no washing it for 10 days.

[LisaM46]

As far as the nausea... have you tried adding mashed potatoes to your menu?  I did well with the Jell-o, which was good, but the potatoes were soothing to me.  It was actually the first thing that I didn't have a hard time choking down while in the hospital.

I agree with the others.  Take it easy so you don't have any setbacks.  You'll get there - be patient.

I was able to wash my hair the day I got home from the hospital (day 6).  We taped some plastic wrap over my incisions.  I sat in the shower on one of those "geriatric" shower seats, my husband also covered the incision area with a dry washcloth, and I used the hand-held shower head to wash my hair, leaning slightly forward.  Gotta have that extra set of hands though, I wouldn't do it by yourself.
Good luck & take it easy!!
Lisa

[*Stormy*]

Just wanted to say that I know how it feels when you feel disconnected with your kids, I felt that way too!! But, you are doing them the biggest favor of all by resting as much as you need now, your will be able to be back in motion a lot faster if you do. I made the mistake in my 2nd week post op of trying to get up and make the kid's lunches and it set me back a few days. So REST, don't feel guilty!! My kids liked to come and lie with me in bed and tell me about their day and just talk...even the little one. After a few weeks, the recliner should be a little more comfortable, I found it ok if I had something around my neck for support...but I still could only do a hour or so at a time.

I'm glad to hear that you are making some progress with the nausea!! Memory foam pillows rock...I never leave home without it!!

Carolyn

[KiaSister1]

Well the pain management with OTC didn't go so well like I initially thought. I had to go back on the narcotics.  I spoke to the PA at the NS office yesterday and he put me on a different anti-nausea medication and that seems to be doing the trick, but it makes me super groggy.  I forgot to ask them about the hair, I have a few other questions so I will call back today and ask about that today.

The nausea is positional as well, I have to lay flat in the bed in order to control it without the phenegrin.  That is annoying because I have young children and I feel so cutoff from their world being in bed so much.  I have nice recliners in the living room, but that doesn't cut it.I guess I could just lay on the couch if I need too.  

My help has been great. We moved in with my parents the end of last year, just prior to my diagnosis, what a blessing that has been for us.  My DH took last week off, and my mom took this week off work. I can get help next week as well if I need it.  Mom won't let me lift the kids, which a good thing, she won't even left me lift a gallon of milk.  But I feel helpless sometimes not being able to take care of them the way I am used to.  Being out where they are helps me feel more of their lives, but sleeping in my recliner is horrible for my neck.  She lets me go in and rest in my bed as I need, not that I am doing much of anything anyway.

I think with the phenegrin I finally have my meds worked out.  I can take them without nasuea and for the first time in a week I actually ate an entire meal last night, that was so nice.  I do feel a little better each day, though the progress seems slow.  The anti nasuea keeps me pretty groggy.  I really don't like how all these meds make me feel.  I'm glad this is just temporary.  

My niece loaned me her pillow, it is a contoured, memory foam and now I am sending my DH to find me one.  I wish I had it in the hospital, they tried so hard to make me comfy, but nothing ever did the trick.  The pillow has just the right amount of firmness and the countour help too.  

My meds are kickin' in, I had better go lay down.

[selmaS]

  Hi...glad to get an update and hear u r doing well aside from the nausea...is it positional?...do u feel sick when u sit up or does it just come and go?

  I know what u mean about the hair....my DH washed mine at the kitchen sink it was easier for me to stand and lean into the sink..and for him to control the water...and it felt sooooooo much better to get it washed even if only partially done.

Get plenty of rest....and take it slow.

  "selma"

[*Stormy*]

Glad to hear that you are seeing some improvement so soon!! I remember the feeling of being put on my feet for the 1st time after the surgery and realizing that I could actually feel them again!!

I didn't have the trouble with the nausea but I have heard many members who have had to deal with it and it seems like it gets better after a week or two...so there should be a light around the corner soon!

I know the feeling about the hair...it is so gross!! I have curly hair and going for even a day without a shower is pushing it...plus add in the bed head from and it was pretty awful!! I don't think I showered and washed my hair until about day 9...my hubby helped me sit in the bath a few times though but that wasn't very comfortable. Before you know it you will be able to get in the shower and this will be a distant memory!!

Keep in mind too that the symptoms that have disappeared now are only the beginning. I have continued to see slow improvements over the past year.

Take care!
Carolyn

[pamk5]

Hello!  I am so glad that your surgery went well and you are home.  I am sorry about the nausea.  I read that is the nausea center of the brain so it is pretty normal to have this from what I understand.  Is there another medication that they can give you.  I found out I was allergic to Zofran and the doc put me on Tigan for nausea.  It seems to work well.  

I know it is miserable when you cant wash your hair. How long has it been now since surgery?  Sending prayers for a speedy recovery and an appetite.  

Pam