cannygirl
member
I haven't had the concentration or energy to post yet but my journey so far:
My surgery was nearly a week ago and I was well cared for with appropriate pain meds given when I needed. This was a a very different experience from 3 years ago when I had a TKR where, despite being written up for strong opiates, I was not allowed to request them until the point at which they should be given (eg 4 /6 hourly) when there was invariably a long delay and a search for the nurse with the keys to the drug cupboard! I have been discharged with 2 sticks and 2 toilet raisers. Since returning home I have bought a grabber/dresser hand and a gadget to pull on compression stockings. My husband is trying hard to do 'total care' but it is difficult for him as he has not experienced any disability and finds it difficult to imagine....and I hate to keep asking for things. This morning it took me 2 hours to shower and fully dress on my own using all my gadgets. Exhausting but successful. I have slept almost all day since!
I have an urgent question: I find the night time so painful and uncomfortable. I am using Oramorph at night as it worked in hospital but
a) I am not sleeping and am restless - waking every hour,
b) still in pain mainly in my lower back and in the knee of the operated leg (this may be referred pain but is persistent.)
c) my sister lent me a large, heavy pillow to allow me to lie on my side
but I do not know if it is too soon to do this. I am alway on my side when sleeping but am unsure of the best advice on this.
I am seriously dreading another night and wonder about staying in my recliner instead.
any help please?
My surgery was nearly a week ago and I was well cared for with appropriate pain meds given when I needed. This was a a very different experience from 3 years ago when I had a TKR where, despite being written up for strong opiates, I was not allowed to request them until the point at which they should be given (eg 4 /6 hourly) when there was invariably a long delay and a search for the nurse with the keys to the drug cupboard! I have been discharged with 2 sticks and 2 toilet raisers. Since returning home I have bought a grabber/dresser hand and a gadget to pull on compression stockings. My husband is trying hard to do 'total care' but it is difficult for him as he has not experienced any disability and finds it difficult to imagine....and I hate to keep asking for things. This morning it took me 2 hours to shower and fully dress on my own using all my gadgets. Exhausting but successful. I have slept almost all day since!
I have an urgent question: I find the night time so painful and uncomfortable. I am using Oramorph at night as it worked in hospital but
a) I am not sleeping and am restless - waking every hour,
b) still in pain mainly in my lower back and in the knee of the operated leg (this may be referred pain but is persistent.)
c) my sister lent me a large, heavy pillow to allow me to lie on my side
but I do not know if it is too soon to do this. I am alway on my side when sleeping but am unsure of the best advice on this.
I am seriously dreading another night and wonder about staying in my recliner instead.
any help please?