Day 3 - Post-op
I was in better spirits. I chose to walk to the clinic in the rain. A walk that would normally take 8-10mins. became a full 35min walk. The nurses changed my bandages and again reprimanded me for loosening it up. But I explained it was really a problem when I sleep. Then after, I met up with a person in this forum at the mall. I was fine because I used the umbrella as a cane. But after we had dinner, walking became increasingly unbearable so I had to call it a night. I was so happy we met up, and we did make plans to see each other again but I knew the moment I got home that it would be very difficult to keep those plans. My feet got so swollen after all the walking, I can’t imagine going anywhere having to keep up.
I woke up that night extremely uncomfortable. The worst part is that I was getting brain fog as well. When I got home 5pm, I crashed in bed and woke up around 8:30, feeling drunk with a migraine. I couldn’t find a comfortable position to sleep at all. I made a snap decision to move to a fancier hotel for the rest of my trip. It really had to be done. I spent the night spacing out my ibuprofen intake just to manage the pain in both my feet, calves and head. Another bad night.
Day 4 - Post-op
My only plan for the day was to move hotel. I notice a pattern in me: waking up in the morning and walking around my own room and the guesthouse, I feel immense pain and discomfort that I can’t imagine leaving for anywhere. However after a few hours, it gets more bearable. It’s not painless to walk, but I can manage. My pace is slower than a grandma for sure. But I keep my head up so even if people look, they just think I have a sprain or something.
Also, it’s hard to find a balance with stretching and pain management. I feel like I am making my headache worse when I stretch, because every stretch is so painful that my ears feel hot and my heart rate speeds up. It aggravates the brain fog and my whole mood. But I must do it. I stayed in my new hotel the rest of the day, feeling very pleased with my decision. Even though my trip already had unexpected expenses with being upcharged, and having to pay with card, I still felt I should be kind to myself and put my comfort as priority. Pain is now at 8, and I still sleep in increments of 2-3hrs.
Lessons from today:
I was in better spirits. I chose to walk to the clinic in the rain. A walk that would normally take 8-10mins. became a full 35min walk. The nurses changed my bandages and again reprimanded me for loosening it up. But I explained it was really a problem when I sleep. Then after, I met up with a person in this forum at the mall. I was fine because I used the umbrella as a cane. But after we had dinner, walking became increasingly unbearable so I had to call it a night. I was so happy we met up, and we did make plans to see each other again but I knew the moment I got home that it would be very difficult to keep those plans. My feet got so swollen after all the walking, I can’t imagine going anywhere having to keep up.
I woke up that night extremely uncomfortable. The worst part is that I was getting brain fog as well. When I got home 5pm, I crashed in bed and woke up around 8:30, feeling drunk with a migraine. I couldn’t find a comfortable position to sleep at all. I made a snap decision to move to a fancier hotel for the rest of my trip. It really had to be done. I spent the night spacing out my ibuprofen intake just to manage the pain in both my feet, calves and head. Another bad night.
Day 4 - Post-op
My only plan for the day was to move hotel. I notice a pattern in me: waking up in the morning and walking around my own room and the guesthouse, I feel immense pain and discomfort that I can’t imagine leaving for anywhere. However after a few hours, it gets more bearable. It’s not painless to walk, but I can manage. My pace is slower than a grandma for sure. But I keep my head up so even if people look, they just think I have a sprain or something.
Also, it’s hard to find a balance with stretching and pain management. I feel like I am making my headache worse when I stretch, because every stretch is so painful that my ears feel hot and my heart rate speeds up. It aggravates the brain fog and my whole mood. But I must do it. I stayed in my new hotel the rest of the day, feeling very pleased with my decision. Even though my trip already had unexpected expenses with being upcharged, and having to pay with card, I still felt I should be kind to myself and put my comfort as priority. Pain is now at 8, and I still sleep in increments of 2-3hrs.
Lessons from today:
- If you can go outside, do it. Even just for a while. Even if you are walking 1 step per 30 seconds. It is worth it to get fresh air. However, don’t overdo. Be mindful that you will pay for consequence that night.
- Brain fog/tension headache may happen. This is what I found super debilitating, like I was getting sick. Get sunlight, stay hydrated and take naps.