One week later... Wow, seems like yesterday AND seems like a month ago. Did a quick scan of fellow late Apr/early May TKR-ers and am relieved to see our stories pretty much line up.
Thinking that others might benefit from my experience and I might gain insight as well, here are some of my talking points/curiousities. Forgive the redundancy if I’ve already made any of these points before. Brain/drug fog!
1) This was my first time w/ spinal and femoral nerve blocks. As others have said, discomfort stemmed from the preliminary numbing injection. And even that was brief and manageable. Not fun, mind you, but tolerable. What was a bit disconcerting for me was the medical assistant who stood in front of me gently holding my shoulders....as if I were about to bolt/fly off the table. O_o Didn’t even feel femoral block actually. Spinal block itself was more about them feeling around to find right spot, my mimicking an arched cat back, and a slight pressure sensation. Final take: much ado about nothing. BTW, anti-anxiety stuff (“happy juice”) in IV *does* help. ^_-
I did get a chance to look around OR before I was sedated. Kinda cool. But glad I didn’t see the power tools. Felt a bit concerned when they were moving me from gurney to table. Was thinking (and might have even said aloud), “Okay, fellas. I’m no Barbie. Please don’t drop me!” =‘D Not sure exactly when sedation occurred. I was awake, then I wasn’t! Then I opened my eyes “a few seconds” later.
2). Like a couple others said, I was content to be in hospital. Felt safe and looked after. Knew I wasn’t alone and in good care. The staff at OHSU were nothing short of angels. Had only one pain meltdown in hospital. Wasn’t treated like a nuisance. Had two at home. Calls to friends helped me through. Doing MUCH better a week later. Still hurts like the dickens to get in/out of bed/chair/toilet...and first few steps of walking upon rising, but I feel in control.
3) Hoping to avoid physical dependence on the oxycodone this rodeo. It was a real challenge on previous two TKRs. Have only used 10 mg a handful of occasions this time around. Have stretched my 5 mg Oxy from four, to five, and now six hrs. Still doing 1000 of Tylenol every 8 hrs. 81 mg of baby aspirin 2x a day.
4) A friend spotted (stood near) me as I entered shower (step in tub/shower combo w/ sliding doors) the first time. Was nervous about getting out. Getting in, not as bad. Glad I waited instead of going it alone. Oh, and what a glorious feeling to bathe after nearly a week! =P
5) Had my very first run-in w/ diabetes at hosptal. An 6.7% A1C (collected at preop) led to regular pre-meal finger sticks, two insulin injections, and meals limited to 40 carbs. Apparently high blood sugar invites infection. =| Was instructed to use glucometer each morning at home and follow up with PCP. Readings have been 142, 117, 99, and 100. I really think my body freaked at hospital. The anxiety and the meds, etc. Hopefully I can stay on top of this before it rears its ugly head again. No more bingeing on tasty grape juice. Who knew?
6) The tightness and inflammation are alarming. Feels like incredible pressure tugging at sutures/dissolvable strips. I know it’s normal though. No signs of fever, fresh blood, redness, or hotness.
7) Potty matters. The big “C” has NOT been an issue this time. I think not having GA and limiting the oxycodone helped a whole lot! Was given powdered laxative and stool softeners at hospital. Did business once or twice there. Haven’t taken anything at home. All seems to be functioning well enough. Coffee, of course, helps! =P
Speaking of the potty...
TTYL, Elaine ^_^
United Kingdom
The spinal will be fine. It provides pain relief for a period of time after. Bonus!
Spinal block wasn’t horrific. Numbing is ouchy, but fairly quick. Spinal itself wasn’t felt much. Just pressure/a sensation of movement. Nerve block at knee/thigh was barely noticeable.
. So many of us suffered with the opposite after this surgery. You are blessed.
