glad I had a spinal block as recovery faster. Discharged on day 4. Sleeping is the biggest issue, waking every 2 hours for toilet, seems fluid retention dissipates while in bed. Stitches removed after 14 days and a very neat scar. Doing the Physio exercises regularly and today I walked 1&1/2 miles on 2 crutches. Hoping to sleep on operated side but a tender spot at top of scar. Presume there are internal stitches. Definitely no infection. My check up is on week 8 and been advised to follow all precautions till then as I have severe osteoporosis. Not taking pain killers. Convalescence very frustrating
Hi Ann, you are doing very well. It takes time for your body to heal as the muscle has had to be cut inside, so will be sore for a while. Yes there are internal dissolvable stitches.
You must be patient and soon you will be able to do the things you want to do again.
Sleeping is the biggest issue everyone has and when you do manage to get to sleep, you get women up by having to go to the loo but this will ease after a couple of weeks and you will begin to see major improvements at about 5-6 weeks.
Although recovery seems to be slow when you are going through it, when you look back, its only a short time and the I Improvements are amazing.
So take your time and rest and recuperate, it will be worth it you will see.
Thank you Christine. It help to know I am not the only nocturnal 'hippy' on the planet. I sometimes resort to TV in the small hours at least it gives a change of position and eases the stiffness in the back. Take a nap in the day to catch up. At least the fluid retention is so much better
Hi Ann. Yes sleep was def the worst part. I am 8 weeks now but still remember the two hour sleep pattern and the excitement when I managed three hours! Recovery is frustrating but you are doing really well. Keep going x
Hi Ann
Good to virtually meet up....
Yes fluid retention was a concern for my Doctors cos I couldn't pee after my op.... till catheter inserted...when I produced a litre of urine in about 5 seconds!
Then on day 4 told I must pee in next hour, when catheter removed, which was a bit like saying don't mention the war! Anyway I did....and advised to drink plenty of fluids at Home. also took about 6 days to poo...prob effect of spinal?
Your walking sounds very cathartic and helpful....tis all slow but sure.
Take care
Mic
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