justn444

Hi Nervous&Happy! I had my surgery on 10/28 and I like you was in serious pain. There was no comfortable position I could find anywhere. At one point on my second day home I happened to lean up against the arm of the couch in the fetal position and because it was the first time I felt semi-not-in-pain, I told my wife to bring my meds and let me stay there for the night. She did and of course it lasted about 2 hours and I no longer was comfortable. For me, I had to time the meds right. Even though they prescribed liquid hydrocodone that I was supposed to take every 4 hours, I learned that the pain would increase at about 3 1/2 hours. So for the first full day home, I took the meds every 3 hours or just after. I also walked from the bedroom to the kitchen for 10 minutes at a time. I walked like a 90 year old snail but at least I was walking. By the second full day home, I was able to go 4 to 4 1/2 hours before pain increased. And I took meds accordingly. Those first few days for me were the worst pain I'd ever had. But I listened to what everyone on the board kept saying, "walk, walk and walk". I wanted to punch anyone that told me to walk but it is true. By day four/five I could actually sleep and that made the difference. Between the pain, lack of sleep and the shock to the body the first few days are tough. I does get better slowly. Your not alone. I know you've heard it all before but just take it moment to moment. Get through this moment and don't worry about the next until it comes. God Bless!

Chelle, How did it go? I need to live vicariously through you tonight. I'm still on liquid for one more week. Two weeks out today. Doc says everything is on track. (I just wish the track included puree's this week.)

Hello All! One week out today. (Feels like the hardest week of my life.) I'm looking for some help/clarification. What exactly is considered a "meal" during the full liquids stage? I've just been drinking water, eating popsicles (praise God for those), sipping on the protein shakes and having SF Jello or SF Pudding without a schedule or anything. I know I'm not supposed to drink liquids 30 minutes prior or after a meal but just not sure what is considered a meal. If I knew, I could develop a better schedule. Any help is appreciated!

Unless it came in regards to my wife, hormones were the farthest thing from my mind. I'm only what, four days out and I spent all day crying like my 4 or 6 yr old daughters. I'm 38 and don't cry ever in front of my girls. My girls came home today from in-laws and my daughter gets me crying b/c she drew a book for me. After telling my wife today that this was the biggest mistake of my life, and crying on HER shoulder for once, she mentioned that the things I'm saying were the things she said during post-pardum (sp?) she had after our first. Prolly TMI for guys but I know I'm not the only guy that has the WTF moment during the first week.

Found this group today and I'm thrilled to see how others progress along the same timeline is me. Good luck and swift healing to everyone. Start: 300 ==> Day of Surgery 10/28/13 @ 280 ==> GW165

Had my surgery on Monday. Came home yesterday. I had two strips last night four hours apart. I haven't needed them all day today, but I've been able to walk a lot more today. I'm too scared to take too many of the strips because I'm afraid I won't be able to have a bowel movement. Which I still haven't had.

I'm with you on the forever thing. I'm four days out and still trying to get my mind right. The pain of the surgery surprised me. I've had back surgery, but this was in a totally different league. I remember them saying in class that there would be a slight discomfort. SLIGHT? Today is better than yesterday, so I know this too shall pass. I keep staring at the 1 oz cups wondering if I can squeeze 5 oz of water into it.