6 days post-op, doing a lot worse then I expected

I had surgery the 26th and was discharged from the hopsital on the 29th. I think the morphine made me really sick. I was miserable in the hospital and was short of breath - I had to go for 2 CT scans and have a sleep study, both of which were fine. Now I'm at home with an oxygen machine, and can barely get out of bed because the pain in my head/neck/shoulders is so intense. Sometimes I get really dizzy and then my vision goes double and I get really nauseous. Today is the first day I've actually done anything (go on my laptop in bed). I also sometimes have muscle spasms when I'm falling asleep, I've never experienced that before, mostly my limbs twitch. I've also had moments where I can't control my fingers, they move on their own, or they twitch uncontrollably.

Sometimes the pain isn't there at all in my head/neck/shoulders (just stiffness) until I move...but moving usually causes a lot of pain and dizziness. I'm on oxycontin every 1.5 hours and oxycodone every 12 hours, muscle relaxer as needed every 12 hours apart (it makes me tired so I don't like to take it in the morning), and that's all for pain, nothing for nausea. I haven't been eating much so maybe that has something to do with my headache, but I think I've been doing pretty good - broths, jellos, applesauce, italian ice, oatmeal, I tried soup, but my jaw is so tight I couldn't open my mouth wide enough to fit the noodles in!

I haven't washed my hair at all, but my husband helped me wash from the neck down. I also haven't had a bowel movement and have been taking stool softeners but then I haven't been eating any solid foods either. My mom and mother in law both work in hospitals and have been taking care of my inscision, they say it looks great but I have an allergy to the medical tape, it makes my skin all itchy, so I can't keep it covered anymore. I go back to the neurosurgeon tomorrow to have the staples removed, I can't wait to see him and see what he says about my recovery.

If anyone has any advice about what I'm going through please let me know.

Doodledee,

I am so sorry that your having such a difficult time. That's amazing that they let you out of hospital so quick. I'm also surprised that you can sit up and use the computer and it's so coherent. It's such a difficult surgery to recover from right afterwards. Did they give you strong enough meds? Are you swollen? Some doctors give steroids to help with swelling. It sounds like if you could take the muscle relaxant more you might be more comfortable. Maybe the doctor can give you one that makes you less drowsy so you can take it during the day. I do know with pain like that it builds on itself. Once your in such terrible pain it's hard to keep it under control. So just make sure you don't skip a dose of pain meds.

The other thing is does ice or heat help? Have you tried either? Some people really feel like ice helps after the surgery. I used heat because the ice made my muscles spasm more. You can also alternate the two. When I had my surgery I found that for several weeks after a soft collar helped stabalize my neck and made me feel a little more comfortable. I am glad your going to doctors tomorrow you can talk to him/her about pain and meds. Bring a few pillows for car ride and maybe an ice pack for ride home. Also take meds so they kick in around time that the doctors going to take staples out.

The great thing is that you are on the other side of it and everyday should be a little better than the one before. Just be careful not to do too much while you heal and sleep as much as you can because that helps you heal. I am sending you prayers and healing energy. I hope you feel better soon. .......................................Wendy

The hospital kept telling me they were releasing me each day! It was crazy. I wasn’t even eating solid foods! I think they are so busy with so many patients they wanted me out as soon as possible and I told them I wanted to go home. I have been usin ice, but not heat. I’ve been getting these heat flashes where I sweat I get so hot all of a sudden. my most pain is when I alter my position - as long as I’m still I’m OK, just tense and sore, but as soon as I move my head, I get lightheaded. Maybe I will try some heat and see if that helps at all, I mean, I guess it can’t hurt.


Doodledee,

That happened with me too with the hospital. I couldn't believe it either. I think they do that for insurence purposes. Beeba has been through this recently so I'd listen to her. Just be kind to yourself and take it day by day.

Wendy
doodledee216 said:

The hospital kept telling me they were releasing me each day! It was crazy. I wasn't even eating solid foods! I think they are so busy with so many patients they wanted me out as soon as possible and I told them I wanted to go home. I have been usin ice, but not heat. I've been getting these heat flashes where I sweat I get so hot all of a sudden. my most pain is when I alter my position - as long as I'm still I'm OK, just tense and sore, but as soon as I move my head, I get lightheaded. Maybe I will try some heat and see if that helps at all, I mean, I guess it can't hurt.

Rest is what you need. Keep taking the muscle relaxants. Ice is good for the inflammatory process your going through. You need to drink plenty of fluids. Ask you NS to order some Reglan or Zofran for nausea. The pain meds can make you nauseated. I had the hot flashes and strange muscle contractions (my arm picked itself up without me controlling it) also post-op. Senna-lax tea worked great for constipation. I'm 4 months post op, still having muscle spasms in my neck. Take care. It will get easier as time goes by.

Mary

Thanks everyone, I don’t know what I expected but I guess I didn’t expect to be in constant pain and barely be able to leave my bed. I mean my neurosurgeon had orders for me to be out of bed the first day out of surgery!! Of course I couldn’t, lol. I feel a tiny bit better each day so I guess that is a good sign. I am worried about being in bed too much because Im already starting to get lower back pain and leg stiffness from lack of movement. I’m scared of doing more damage to my body since I was fairly active before. Now I’m in bed and my husband is literally doing everything for me. He did massage my legs though to help circulate the blood. My husband also has been massaging around the incision and I think that has helped to break up the stiffness back there. I can’t wait to see the ns today and see what he says!

I did walk to get the mail and paper and around the outside of the house the first week post-op. My NS said for every 2 hour I was up, I should lay flat for 30 minutes(to prevent post-op hydrocephalus.)

marybs said:

Rest is what you need. Keep taking the muscle relaxants. Ice is good for the inflammatory process your going through. You need to drink plenty of fluids. Ask you NS to order some Reglan or Zofran for nausea. The pain meds can make you nauseated. I had the hot flashes and strange muscle contractions (my arm picked itself up without me controlling it) also post-op. Senna-lax tea worked great for constipation. I'm 4 months post op, still having muscle spasms in my neck. Take care. It will get easier as time goes by.

Mary