It's actually Thursday night, but I'm feeling thankful early. Almost exactly one week ago, I woke up in the recovery room after having laparoscopic gall bladder removal surgery. I love the woozy feeling of waking up from anesthesia. But it didn't take long for the pain to break through that warm, fuzzy feeling. YIKES! I wasn't expecting it to be so painful. The nurse gave me two Percocet, and told me that I'd get a good night's sleep now.
NOT! It was a very long and sleepless night. My mouth was so dry, my lip kept getting stuck above my teeth (a very attractive look). I couldn't wait for the required 4 hours to be up so that I could take some Vicodin. Although that helped some, it wasn't much relief.
On Tuesday, I called my doctor, because I was concerned that I was still in so much pain after five days. I mean, everyone else I've talked to who have had this surgery have recovered much more quickly. What's wrong with me? The nurse reassured me that it was completely normal to still be feeling so much pain, especially since there was significant inflammation. But it is not normal to have so much breakthrough pain while taking Vicodin, so she recommended Percocet, a stronger drug. Bring it on! I couldn't wait to get that miracle drug! The next day, Gene picked it up, and I happily took one and settled in for a nice, pain-free nap.
No such luck.
I tried taking a second one, just to get things started on the new drug.
Nothing.
Argghhhh!!!!
It reminded me of when I was about 13, and I had a REALLY sore throat. My dad told me he was going to pick up some really great throat spray that would take the pain away. I clung to the hope of this amazing spray taking away the horrible pain. The next hour went by at an excruciatingly slow pace as I waited for Dad to come back. When he finally came in my room and sprayed the miracle elixir in my mouth, I almost threw up! It was horrible! And it didn't help my sore throat AT ALL! Wha!!!!!????? Oh, what a disappointment! To this day I hate Chloraseptic.
So, I'm going to pick up a refill for my Vicodin tomorrow. It's been a long week.
But here are some things I'm thankful for as this week comes to a blessed close:
- I've been sleeping A LOT. It's been nice to get that kind of rest. It's been YEARS since I've slept so well.
- The girls have been so sweet (to me, to Gene, and even to each other - a little).
- I've lost four more pounds for a total of 16 since this whole gall bladder thing started.
- Gene has been able to take a full week off of work, and he has been VERY helpful. He even made me a stepstool to help me get into my high bed easier. I love it!
I'm ready to feel better now, please.
