Everything Looks Good

I had my post-op visit with Dr. Cava on Thursday.  It was very short.  He said everything looks good and I can return to work.  Still no lifting and still no exercise for a few more weeks. 

And I return to see him again in March to make sure all it still well.

Post Hernia update...My Life as a Slug

One week ago today, I had the hernia surgery done. 

Dr. Cava had told me ahead of time that it would be painful.  He explained that when they attach the mesh that they use to repair the hernia, they attach it to muscle so there is pain involved.  Now, most of the time, the pain has been bearable, but definitely there.  The only time it was unbearable was the first time I stood up to go to the restroom on the day of the surgery.  The pain was so bad, I broke out in a sweat and thought I was going to throw up.  I knew it would hurt REALLY bad to throw up, so I got back to bed as quickly as possible, they gave me some IV pain med and I went to sleep.

Monday and Tuesday passed with me pretty much sleeping the whole time.  I did come home on Tuesday and came home with ultram for pain.  (I don't take Vicodin because I can't breathe right when I take it)   The ultram probably eased the pain somewhat and I slept through most of the day Wednesday also. 

On Thursday, I decided to try Extra Strength Tylenol and put aside the ultram.  I got about the same results so I have stuck with the Tylenol since then.  I take it as needed, not on a regular basis.  I've been doing ok and have stayed awake a lot more.  The weekend passed with me basically doing nothing.  The boys were here and Quentin took great pride in helping me up out of my chair and generally taking care of me. 

I felt so much better yesterday (Sunday) that I...wait for it....GOT DRESSED!!!  A few weeks ago, I gave a bunch of clothes to Goodwill.  Unfortunately, I gave away all but one pair of  my sweat-type pants because they were all pretty old.  Since I still have some swelling, I don't want to try to wear jeans yet.  So, I got on the internet and ordered some new pants.  Hopefully they will be here tomorrow, but just in case, I have to wash the sweat suit I have on right now:-)

I might try driving a little tonight since Geoff is home.  The doctor said I can drive whenever I feel it is safe and I am no longer taking the pain meds.  If I don't try tonight, then tomorrow.  Elizabeth and Adriana came up today to visit.  We went to lunch then came back here and hung out.  It was nice to get out for a little bit.

I will be going back to the doctor on November 1 and hopefully back to work after that!

A New Development...Hernia

Well, not sure if people will get notified that I have posted again since it has been almost a year since this blog was active, but here goes... In April, while on vacation, I noticed that my stomach would "pop out" when I ate. It was just a little ball in between my ribs and it didn't bother me much. I went to the doctor for a regular checkup and he told me it is a hernia. Over the past month, it has gotten quite large and a little bothersome. It has been painful almost every day...not all day, but some pain every day. I was kind of waiting to get to a time where some of the time I would be off would be when we are closed in October anyway. So, I went to see Dr. Cava yesterday. He will do the surgery to repair the hernia. He was very nice and took a lot of time answering questions and explaining the procedure. I talked to his scheduler today and the surgery will be on Monday October 15 at 8am. I have to be at the hospital at 6am. It should only be an hour and a half surgery and I will stay over one night (23 hours) unless the pain is not under control then I will stay longer (probably one more night). It all sounds pretty routine and should go well. And hopefully this is my last surgery!!!!!!