Well . . . one of the first things I really noticed post surgery was that the pins and needles were no longer there in my arm, either one. I am happy to report that since surgery they have not returned.
That first afternoon after surgery, my grip strength was tested and was amazingly back. Tested the next morning and still there. I've been mostly pain free in my arms and hands as well. I do still have the numbness in the right thumb, but let me tell you, how it's looking now, it was more than worth it to have the surgery.
The first night was rough, mainly because of the throat soreness. Swallowing was the most pain I have ever experienced with anything in my life. I had as many vicodin as they would allow and unfortunately, it barely dulled the throat pain. It did however, help with the back pain I had that first night. That first night back pain and spasms fired up and down my back.
The next morning, I continued to do well. The throat was the major issue and I was still having pain in the back, but mainly the upper back and neck. I woke up, ate some breakfast, went to the bathroom and took the next dose of vicodin.
I went down for my X-rays and then when I got back, was told that I would be discharged very soon. That was happy news. Overall, I give the hospital I was in extremely high marks, but who wants to be in the hospital for long, right?
I went home and was feeling pretty good except for that throat. That throat would go on to plague me until about Tuesday when it started to feel more like a normal sore throat. Today, there is just a touch of soreness though it is still tough to swallow. By Monday, I was only taking 2 vicodin a day. I still am through today because the upper back and neck pain will get to be pretty bad after about 12 hours.
I have been on several walks, including two today in the glorious sunshine, and have simply been amazed. I am not winded the way I was for the past 3-4 years nor do my legs feel like lead as I pushed them along. I feel good, really good and imagine with time, I will be able to feel even better. As of yesterday, I have all of the bandages off my incision site. It doesn't look too bad, but part of me imagine it popping open to much gore.
On a sad note, I learned yesterday that a friend had died on 4/17. I just saw her on 4/12 and had discussed Stephen King books with her. We both had that in common. I was going to start The Wind in the Keyhole, which she had already read. I finished it today with a little more sadness than I usually would have because of that loss.
I counted 40Kia's yesterday and 26 today. I also had the Alexa site ranking SPAM email yesterday and today.
Best of all, I've had some really wonderful text conversations with you. I am still rather tired at times during the day, but I am going to try to get back by next week to my normal pattern of work and writing and eventually doing so much more! I have to keep this damn collar on. I know it's needed, but it really cuts down on what I can do.
With love,
MNP