I'm back home from hospital (but still very much in pain)

[Kirsten]

No, I'm on my own, nobody came to help today. Didn't think this would be so painful, this is much worse than my spine surgery 3 years ago. Even cleaning litterboxes is an ordeal!

I have to go and see my doctor tomorrow, and I need to buy groceries.

And no, I have no pain meds, but tomorrow, I will ask my doctor for it.

I really wonder if this pain is still normal. The first two days were much better, and now it's getting worse with each passing day. Meanwhile, I could scream when I'm trying to rise from my bed. And one of the incisions look somewhat infected to me, so my doctor definitely has to see this tomorrow.

Kirsten

[Freedom]

Kirsten, glad to her you are home, continued good news with the doctors and a quick healing!

[Catty1]

OMG...if you have no painkillers the pain is definitely normal!

It was over a week before I could start cutting down.

I used extra-strength Tylenol at first, then ibuprofen as that helps inflammation. (Drink lots of water and get fibre, as Tylenol can cause constipation.
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Getting out of bed...try this(was taught in hospital):

1. Roll onto your side.

2. Use your arm that you are lying on to push you up to a sitting position.

3. When your feet touch the floor, shift forward a bit if you need to to get to the edge of the bed.

4. Use your LEGS to push you into a standing position, with your arms behind you on the bed starting you up.

This will be more comfy.

Kirsten - does the hospital have a social worker? Or does your doctor know one? I am just hoping in-home help would be available for people who are on their own, covered by your insurance. Heck, you are paying their salaries! Ask for this.

ALSO: Ask your doctor about lifting restrictions. Your groceries may be over that limit. Also...the inside dissolving stitches take 3 weeks to start dissolving...so you have to allow as MUCH healing as possible in the first 3 weeks!

If your grocery store delivers, it might cost a bit more - but you don't want to risk another surgery!

Good luck tomorrow!

[Grace]

And no, I have no pain meds, but tomorrow, I will ask my doctor for it.

I really wonder if this pain is still normal. The first two days were much better, and now it's getting worse with each passing day. Meanwhile, I could scream when I'm trying to rise from my bed. And one of the incisions look somewhat infected to me, so my doctor definitely has to see this tomorrow.

Kirsten

Absolutely, you should have some pain medication - actually, you should have been sent home with some.

Helpful hint for getting out of bed: roll over on your side and rise up that way, using your security pillow/blanket across your abdomen. that's how I used to instruct my patients. You put less pull on those abdominal muscles rising from a side lying position.

[anna_66]

It's so very nice to hear that this was caught so soon! Your so very lucky.

Sorry your in pain right now and I do hope the incesion is not infected. Healing vibes being sent your way. Feel better soon.

[Kirsten]

Will make this short, because I'm in terrible pain! I saw my doctor this morning, and yes, the incisions ARE infected and don't look good. Got an ointment, and painkillers, and was told to rest a lot (which I try to, but I have no help here, so there's still a lot to do for me).

But right now, the pain is almost unbereable! My entire abdomen seems to be burning!

Kirsten

[Catty1]

Kirsten - please call your sister and mom! Tell them what is happening with your incision.

You HAVE to rest! Could even a cat-rescue friend not come over?

{{{hugs}}}

[Kirsten]

My sister lives 400 km away from here, and my mother has her day off, and they're out. And I cannot pay people for coming over and help me.

Just looked at the incisions, and one of them (the biggest one) looks really bad. It's scaring me!

Kirsten

[Catty1]

You mean...your health insurance won't cover any kind of home care? OMG.

If it covers an ambulance, you might want to seriously consider going to Emergency.

Why you weren't given antibiotics is beyond me!