Today was three weeks since my surgery and I believe that things are generally getting better. I am settled in my apartment and have most things figured out. But I get quite frustrated at how many things I drop and can't pick up. I am on a little less pain medication but the nerve pain and neuropathy in my left arm and fingers is pretty severe. I am dealing with the side effects of the drugs I am taking. There are always the issues with constipation cause by the opiates (it is a good thing that I like prunes!). but worse is the insomnia, blurred vision and depression caused by the Gabapentin for nerve pain. I can only sleep in one position and that last about 2 hours before I wake up in pain and have to move about to relieve the pressure of the brace. Then I am wide awake and can't go back to sleep. At first the insomnia upset me, but I have decided not to fight it and just try to work with it. So I usually get up, make myself a cup of Sleepy Time tea, and read a chapter or two of my book and then try going to sleep again. I can usually get in 5 to 6 hours of sleep that way. With a nap, I seem to be doing OK and am not too tired during the day.
When I first got to the apartment, I had a helper come in for an hour a day to get me settled and things arranged so that I could get to the things I need. Now I am having someone twice a week to change the beds and help with my showers and hair washing and drying.
The weather has been quite nice and I have wanted to get out to walk (When it is nasty I can walk on the treadmills in the health center). I am not having a lot of luck finding someone here to walk with me. I was told that the first fellow who volunteered was the fastest walker here. But he almost collapsed halfway through the walk and I thought I might have to call 911 for him! Becca walked with me yesterday and saw that I am very stable on my feet and careful to watch what is coming up in front of me so she decided that I might be better off just walking by myself and not having to worry about someone else.
I am really missing friends in Corvallis and am in the process of planning a week in Corvallis in early April to see everyone, play bridge,go to book club and dinner with my dinner group..Will also fit in some appointments and a couple of potluck brunches. It is something positive to look forward to. As always, your kind thoughts and healing energy help me to fight the pain and stay positive.
When I first got to the apartment, I had a helper come in for an hour a day to get me settled and things arranged so that I could get to the things I need. Now I am having someone twice a week to change the beds and help with my showers and hair washing and drying.
The weather has been quite nice and I have wanted to get out to walk (When it is nasty I can walk on the treadmills in the health center). I am not having a lot of luck finding someone here to walk with me. I was told that the first fellow who volunteered was the fastest walker here. But he almost collapsed halfway through the walk and I thought I might have to call 911 for him! Becca walked with me yesterday and saw that I am very stable on my feet and careful to watch what is coming up in front of me so she decided that I might be better off just walking by myself and not having to worry about someone else.
I am really missing friends in Corvallis and am in the process of planning a week in Corvallis in early April to see everyone, play bridge,go to book club and dinner with my dinner group..Will also fit in some appointments and a couple of potluck brunches. It is something positive to look forward to. As always, your kind thoughts and healing energy help me to fight the pain and stay positive.
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