For those of who have had surgery and have healed how long did it take to be able to drive gain, travel again and have sex again. If you cannot discuss openly about the last part please pm me, I totally understand me. I have no shame and can talk to a pefect stranger about anything, but I know others cannot. lol
Thanks in advance. I am going to shoot for a surgery date date in March if I can hold out that long. I would rather recover in the spring than in the winter. That gives me enough time to have a sleep study, see the pulmonologist, see a geneticist for EDS, and get this freaking upright MRI flexion/extension & rotational scan.
I actually went to the beach about a month and a half after surgery but I took pills to knock me out for the ride there and back. I also couldn’t drive for about three months after the surgery because I lost my peripheral vision. As for the sex, I had just broken up with my boyfriend so I couldn’t tell you. I’ve heard of people being able to do all of these things just a few weeks after the surgery. Others take longer. It varies from person to person.
So far, I'm not sure about the driving and sex parts! I'm almost 4 weeks post-op (tomorrow) and I am not medically allowed to drive at least until I go see the NS-Tuesday. I will depend GREATLY on how well you recover and how intensive your surgery is. I had a minimally invasive surgeon. I had 12 stitches, no staples. I was able to remove the dressing (that was stitched over the wound on the corners) the day after surgery and could wash hair/wound with baby shampoo at 3 days post op. As for travel, it is almost 2 hours to the hospital for me--so at least a little immediately! The NS requested stops every 45 minutes to stop, stretch, walk around, etc. for muscle looseness and also to prevent possibly blood clots. I would not be comfortable driving right now, especially not full time. During my "high" time, from like 12pm-5pm, I have great range and can turn left to right almost 160*. But in the mornings and evenings when I start getting tired, I'm lucky if I can get 90*. I'm still also taking Valium which doesn't effect me like a high or anything, but it's one of THOSE meds. I switched from Percocet to Tramadol for pain because it's more muscle tightness than "pain." Hopefully on Tuesday, I can let you know about the sex and driving!!! Honestly, I wish I wouldn't have waited as long as I did! I was so ready for it that I was excited and wanted to do it, so it was hard to wait for it!
I'm D just to let you know everyone has a different recovery story. I went back for a 14 day follow-up to check my wound and sutures. I like Becky-Kelley I had about 12 stitches no staples and was able to clean my wound myself 3 days after surgery. My Doctor suggest washing my hair with a mild soap for the first week I used Dove sensitive. She stated to also use it the clean my wound and pat it dry. Also keep it open while at home a bit so it can dry then cover it with clean gauze. She then stated to use a mild baby shampoo after that.
I used Tramadol for pain the first 4 days stretching the time between doses to see how I could tolerate the pain and I was amazed how I could go longer and longer between doses. I remember Dr.Huang saying to me when I find myself not needed pain meds at the usual dosing try Tylenol in between until I only use Tylenol then no pain meds at all. I must say I was off them in about 2 1/2 to maybe 3 weeks post-op. I had full range of motion by the time of my 4 week check and that same day I saw her she told me I could drive but couldn't take any more heavy pain meds only Tylenol or IB-Prophen if going to drive, and flexril at night before bed.
No sex until you have been cleared by your Doctor that is a question they can help answer also. I waited until I got the all clear from her to continue my normal activity and that's because I did what she said complete rest and no heavy lifting.
Just to let you know Nykki, I had surgery in June and I was on a plane to Jamaica in September. I had 2 complete months to rest and I went back to work in August 2 months after surgery. Just take your time don't rush to do things. I must say it drove me crazy not to do anything or go anywhere but to the doctors and home also the sitting on the porch and walks to the mailbox the 1st month but I'm glad I did. My prayers are with you. Take your time and don't rush to surgery if you can hold off until March when you have the best chance for recovery, but if you get worst don't wait to long. Again everyone is different but the best advice I can give you is take the time to heal. Surround yourself with a awesome doctor and medical team. Positive family and friends.