Day 3

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Day 3 has been much better than the second part of Day 2, which ended with me sobbing so much I couldn't even talk to my mom on the phone.

I think it was simply a tough day, mentally and physically, and it all just took a toll on me. It started with the nurses forgetting to bring in my lunch (not a big deal, really, just the start of the chain of events). Then, during my blood transfusion, the catheter site started to hurt really bad (we think because the vein was small and blood is thick.) So we pulled that catheter and added a new one. Again, no big deal. Plus, everyone said I got my color back afterward. Cause I was really worried about my color.

Later that night , one of the nurses inadvertently pushed an ice pack into my incision, which made me cry out in pain and then start to cry uncontrollably. "Oh, are you still sore there? Is that where your incision is?" she asked. Yikes. So I was hurting and upset at that point and then my sister noticed I was violently trembling. She started to think it either hormones or a reaction to my transfusion and got worried. No need to worry though; it was only my ice packs leaking and completely soaking through the sheets and bed. At first, I just wanted to lie in it because the thought of trying to change my sheets made me want to die. After much complaining on my part, we were able to lift my heavy butt up long enough to slip new sheets underneath. Ouch.

Today has been much better, and PT came by twice to sit me up again. Tomorrow morning at 7 I go off the epidural (gulp) so tonight at seven they start me on oxycontin and some other drug cocktails so I'll be ready pain-wise when the epidural wears off. I've been told that the pain won't be a whole lot worse, but mostly different. I'm a little scared.

Everyone says I'm doing well -- they can't feel the uncontrollable itching ;) -- and tomorrow should be even better once I can actually feel my good leg and use it to help me move around.

I feel like a giant walrus.

Comments

MY PAO STORY said…
Hang in there!! Don't be afraid to tell the nurses if they are doing something you don't like! Most of my nurses/nurses aides did not even know what kind of surgery I had! They thought that because I was on a CPM machine - that I had knee surgery. Make sure you tell them (especially when they are moving you) what kind of surgery you had. AND don't be afraid to complain - I did!
Beth
April 26, 2008
LH said…
Hi Cass,

The itching will get better once your epi comes out. You can also ask the nurse for benedryl to help in the mean time. Hang in there!

Laura
April 26, 2008
VB Guru said…
Hey there,

Sorry I can't be there with you and help. But, I know you will get through this just like everything else in your life.

You will get better and before you know it, we will be playing volleyball together again.

I will talk to you later.

Love ya,
Lee
April 26, 2008
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