Post-op Day 1

I wake up at 3:30 am not feeling too well. I throw up. I still don't feel well, but I really want out of this hospital bed. The nurse comes and helps me into the chair and takes the vibrating pillows off my feet. I am grateful for that. I didn't mind the vibrating pillows at first, but there is only so long one can tolerate a foot squeeze. She says she will put them back on in a bit…doh! Also, help is a big word here, she basically carries me into the chair…left leg is so stiff and so sore. I start thinking, "maybe they could just cut it off. I would still have one after all." Still feeling bad, the PA comes in and tells me that they may have overdone it on my pain meeds and she is switching medications.

Mid morning, after I am done throwing up, a physical therapist comes in and teaches me how to walk using a walker. I have never used a walker/rollator before. I think about the posture of everyone I have ever seen use one (stooped over, head up like a turtle) and I try to engage my core. I realize that this walker thing is not as easy as it looks. It is difficult to engage core, hold onto walker and walk with normal steps. I clunk down the hallway, lifting the walker up instead of smoothly gliding it along the floor. I am definitely not committing any crimes any time soon. I can be heard a mile away and not only do I look like a turtle, I move like one too.

After PT, an occupational therapist visits me and teaches me the basics. How does one put pants and socks on if their left leg doesn't lift when you tell it to? How would one get into bed without the pain making them see stars. Turns out, there are all sorts of fun devices. A little grabber thing that looks like a robotic arm (my son is going to love this), a sock device and there is a technique where you use your working leg to "lift" your maimed one. Helps for getting into the car and bed.

By afternoon I am feeling better and am told I have group physical therapy. To my surprise I am feeling up to the challenge. I am a very competitive person and I think that my 34 year old self will be a winner in the group class filled with senior citizens. The nurse hands me a walker and tells me to walk to class…clunk, clunk, clunk. My neighbor, a 70 something man, cruises past me (glides really) and I think that I am not going to ace the class like previously thought.

The class itself is easy. I learn stairs and a few exercises to do at home. To my surprise, once the muscle is warmed up it will move in the general direction I tell it to. It certainly hurts, but it is not unbearable. I no longer want to cut off my leg.