I have Undifferentiated connective tissue disease, a 3 level lumbar spinal fusion from a graft taken from my right hip, arthritis all through my spine and hypermobility BUT, the reason I’m here is because I tore my labrum up pretty well.
Oh my goodness, this is a HUGE amount to have to deal with, no kidding! Just one of those items would set anyone back for weeks, never mind having to deal with this list. Remember to be kind to yourself first and not to put to high expectations on yourself as this can lead to disappointment when there are setbacks. I get the impression from your style of writing you are an achiever who possibly can be a little bit more demanding on the self whereas really right now, self kindness is needed.
Accepting that your body isn't working the way you want to is not easy and it takes time. It took me a long time to accept that I needed a hip replacement - in fact it took me three years from when the surgeon told me that I needed it, to the point that I accepted the fact that I had to do it. Three years. The first time I heard the words, I burst into tears, boxed the idea away and went on a massive fitness campaign, losing loads of weight and building up muscle. Meanwhile my partner was getting more and more frustrated that I was trying to deny the evitable, something I just struggled to accept just fighting through the pain, and the later period of this time not able to do much at all. It took me this time, to get my head around what needed to be done, accept it and put myself in the right frame of mind to actually go through the operation, pain and recovery. I am telling you this story, as what you are emotionally feeling is very natural and it's ok to feel how you do. It is hard, it is ****, it's not what you want, it's not your choice, it's just something that you have to deal with as you don't have the choice. People who haven't gone through this, won't understand. It's not just fixing the body, there is an enormous mental health issue to manage aswell.
I have seen alot of people talk about this, some of it appears to be related to recovering from drugs used in the Op itself and the continued use of drugs for pain can have a massive impact, as depression can be a side effect. I came out of the op in an extremely good mood and this was maintained for two days, though I do think this was also a drug side effect, maybe the morphine. I am fortunate, this good mood seems to have continued post getting off the meds. I had prepared myself for feeling at times weepy, in pain and down as many have talked about this - maybe being prepared for it has helped, that it is normal.
Cabin fever is distructive and frustrating, the need to find a purpose while laid up not able to do alot. Some people are ok with this, I struggle with it, so I decided to take a history course that is taking up my spare time when I am not doing exercises. Have a think about what hobby or something you can do that may be able to help you focus your mind on something else to keep you occupied.
I bought a walker, however the PT at the hospital was genuinely very surprised and then made it clear that I am to use crutches!! I am in the UK - I think walkers are used in the US.
I wish you all the best with losing the nerve pain, that must be so difficult to deal with - it's a load of **** that you having to deal with now, but it will get better.
Australia
But I keep doing it - promise.
