HI again,
@Rubyroo... You know, in fact, this time I did NOT have the level of anxiety, feelings of helplessness and intensity I did with #1. I think, in part, that was because I realized later, that I was sensitive to the Oxycodone they gave me last time, which I finally got off of, and instead, used the Bonesmart recommendation of Tramadol and Tylenol. That two-drug combo worked amazing wonders for me.
I think the Oxy really did NOT alleviate pain for me, but instead masked it, caused extreme anxiety, sleeplessness and depression. So, once I studied it some, looked deeper into issues others have had with it, and really thought back to my experience, I realized I must be allergic, or sensitive to it or just that it doesn't work and I was simply in awful pain that was unrelenting! I did not hurt nearly as much this time. Simply put, Oxy does not work for everyone, and having lived through it once, I was sure to avoid doing the same thing again! The pain was manageable this time,I took my medications by the clock, at least for the first 3 weeks, then, as I realized I was not needing the go by the clock as much, I'd let an extra 15 go by, 30 minutes, soon, then 45, then an hour. I gradually decreased the dosages and time as I was able, and it was a natural process. I iced a LOT, had the ice machine on 24/7 for the first 2 weeks, just about. Elevated as I knew that really helped. Did not overdo anything, sat and vegged out with my kitty on my lap!
So, you know more of what to expect, AND you can plan better, think things through better now, since you know what you're dealing with better! This time, I had a friend stay with me for 4 days and nights, and really, I didn't need her help, physically, but she helped my husband get set up to do the care once she left. He is now legally blind, and has severe balance issues, but together they figured out how he could fill my ice machine and carry it (using a computer rolling case for wheels!), she helped him figure out some other helpful things so he was safe and I could trust he could do tasks needed. I had a MealTrain a friend set up, and 3x a week, people brought food we could eat! I learned who the inventive cooks are, too, among my friends! I hired a long time colleague who had just retired to do shopping for us, and drive me to PT, etc. for 3 weeks.
So, don't be quite a worried as you might be, as you DO know more going into this now! and you can set yourself up better this time!