OK, I've discovered the "overdone it" pain. Yesterday I felt great, we had some breaks in the perpetual NW November rains, so I took 3 nice walks outside on my street - seemed ridiculously short and easy, but way more than anything before. Felt so good all day, I neglected to use my previously constant ice packs. . .Woke up today with very sore tight painful area on the lateral aspect of the surgical leg, just below the incision, and a lot more swelling on the distal (lower) area of the incision line. The pain almost feels like a pulled muscle, and is tender to touch.
Darn!! I have been so happy to be virtually pain free, I forgot I had major surgery! And I'm a nurse, who should know better! So, today, I'm icing all day, took an oxycodone this PM, and guess I needed a lesson in patience - my daughter reminded me that I'm much better at being the care giver, and have never been known to be patient, especially with myself!
So, I'm assuming I shouldn't freak out about this and remember it is a marathon, not a sprint. .