Oh gosh, look at the list of pros for moving to the USA/Florida. I had a good chuckle reading it.
Thanks, I was in a particularly sarcastic mood last night with my list of pros, but I stand by every one of them. Sure there will be a few cons of leaving the UK (but not as many as leaving the EU - I hate Brexit with a passion) the main one will be missing my sister and her family. However, my wife has spent 15 years here with me and missed out on a lot with her family in Florida, so it's only fair I make the same sacrifice now both my parents have passed away. Hopefully my sister will accept our invitation to visit, particularly at Christmas. I have spent many a happy Christmas in Florida, which is the perfect time to get away from the cold English winter.
But didn't giggle when reading about your tough nights recently. You definitely are correct, you need to stay ahead of the pain. After the pain hits, it takes a good bit of time to get up on top of it again.
Have you considered making a chart and noting when you are taking your meds? Then take them again at the noted time on your chart. If you aren't doing this and are waiting for the pain to notify you, well it's too late again.
I am using an app to manage my meds, but have now realised thanks to you that it's not really up to the challenge of recording the actual times I take them. It was fine as an exercise reminder and to take my daily Levothyroxine, vitamins etc. but It can do little else. I must find a better one, or use a spreadsheet. Relying on memory is not sufficient when there's so many meds.
For myself, the medications with codeine were for my more extreme pain. tramadol helped when the stronger meds weren't needed but I still needed help.
The hospital's pain guide lists Tramadol as only for severe pain, which for me is thankfully just at night when RLS and burning leg strikes. Having read the side effects on the WHO analgesic ladder that can affect as high as 1 in 10 I'm not surprised it's not prescribed normally.
I think I've now formed a new strategy, just by rationally thinking things thru while composing this repIy to you, so thanks again. Codeine does work combined with the ice pack. In fact last night I managed 3 hours sleep just using the ice pack, no Codeine as I was hoping to get the Tramadol prescription. In the morning I'm going to ask for a sustained release version of Codeine instead, because 4 hours is not enough for a good night's sleep and I always wake up in pain and have to take more. That together with the ice packs should be enough.
Glad to see that you have ordered at least one more ice pack.. several are needed to keep some of them cold and waiting to be used.
Yes indeed. Unfortunately the 2nd one arrived pretty late last night, so wasn't adequately frozen by the time I used it and only lasted about 10 minutes. However, thanks to you I've just realised I'm actually better off with their XlL pad as the hip pack version I got has velcro attachments, which are more of an annoyance to me as I lay on it, rather than use it while standing. I shall return the other two.
You will laugh when I say this, but I thought I read it lasts for 2 hours 22 minutes, not 22 minutes.
If you don't get a return phone call, please be persistent. It sounds to me like you may be undermedicated.
Still no phonecall at 5.55am so I will have to call again in the morning if I don't get a call.
Good luck with your sleep! If it helps to hear it, many of us had sleeping issues immediately post op. In fact, it can last for quite some time. So you are right to snag those naps whenever you can.
Thanks. It seems strange that I can nap successfully during the day without pain, but can manage only 3 hours max at night, but I'm not complaining as that's a bonus.
You also mentioned exercises. So I'd like to remind you of our favorite saying around here:
BIG TIP: Hips actually don't need any exercise to get better. They do a pretty good job of it all on their own if given half a chance. Trouble is, people don't give them a chance and end up with all sorts of aches and pains and sore spots. All they need is the best therapy which is walking and even then not to excess.
Thanks, that is good to know and I had read it before (probably with a bemused look on my face). I'm a firm believer in physio as its really helped with OA in my right knee, and the groin strain I had last year. I have used it as a reminder that it's not absolutely essential I complete my 3 sessions each day if I can't (like last night when I was completely wiped out). Increasing my flexibility and mobility is my prime reason for doing what my physio has advised.
Thank you so much for your reply and advice, you have helped me strategise my next plan of attack. I have now taken 2 more Codeine and replaced my ice pack, and am going to get some more sleep.
I hope you have a fabulous Sunday.