Naomi – The Worst Day Yet
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Two days after the surgery to replace her prosthetic hip, Naomi suffered through the most painful and difficult day recovering from any of her surgeries. After having remained in bed continuously for two days, since the surgery, the physios and Naomi both wanted her to get out of bed to move around a little. Due to the almost complete blocking of sensation due to the epidural, the physio wanted to take Naomi off the drug, so that she would have some sensation in her legs when she stood up. Unfortunately, it seems it was too soon to cut this pain relief, and as a result, transferring from the bed to a chair and back was equal to the most painful thing Naomi had ever felt. Even sitting in the chair was so painful, Naomi could only manage it for 40 minutes, in agony the whole time.
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After a brief sit out of bed (top), Naomi transfers back to her bed, assisted by a frame and two nurses, the pain clearly visible on her face.
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Moving around and exerting herself partially opened up the approximately 33cm (13in) wound, requiring additional bandaging.
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Even after returning to bed and being given high doses of oral painkillers, the pain was too severe for Naomi to tolerate. Mercifully, the nurses resumed the powerful epidural drug that completely blocked all pain from the lower back down. The change in Naomi’s disposition was like night and day, within a mere 10 minutes of the reinstatement of the epidural. Seen here at the lower left is the patch and bandage on Naomi’s back where the epidural enters her spine, to deliver the drugs. The bloody bandage at upper right covers the surgery wound.
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The following day, the epidural had to come out permanently, or risk infection. Fortunately a good alternative was available. Naomi was given a PCA (patient controlled analgesia), an IV painkiller that Naomi can control herself with a button whenever the pain becomes too severe. There is a limit of one dosage every five minutes. Naomi was using it to its limit, but was gaining significantly better pain control than the previous day – though not quite enough for comfort.
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Due to her immobility and the swelling in her right leg, Naomi is required to wear a “TED” stocking, to help prevent the occurrence of a deep vein thrombosis, or DVT.
Fortunately, and to our great relief, Naomi’s condition today (day 4) is much improved on the days described above. With an extra day’s healing, a doubling of the dosage given via the PCA and a short but very productive physiotherapy session today, Naomi’s pain is at a much more manageable level and she is actually able to enjoy some measure of comfort. I plan to visit Naomi earlier in the day tomorrow to hopefully photograph her doing a physiotherapy session.
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Jeff
Hang in there Naomi. It will get better. You are always in my prayers for a speedy recovery. I am sorry to hear about all the pain you had to go through.
Kaalli
get better om nom! *thumbs up*
Carlos Manta Oliveira
Hopefully also the last of the bad days, and the turning point towards recovery. You’re very brave Naomi!
Roger
My goodness, I cannot imagine what it must be like to have that type of surgery and the recovery required. The picture of the reopening of the wound really struck a cord with me. I am glad to hear that things are taking a more positive turn. Get well soon Naomi, and Neil I know this must be hard for you to witness as well. It’s never easy to see a loved one in pain and not be able to do anything about it.
LisaNewton
I wish you both the best. My only reference is the 4 C-sections I’ve had. I know how hard it can be to get up out of bed with after an operation, but I have no idea how hard it is especially trying to walk on the area in question.
My thoughts and prayers are with you both. I’m so happy to hear things are going much better…………..:)
sam mutimer
OMG! Wow – you are such a gun! Keep strong babycakes! Remember you will have these blog posts to look back on. It will be awesome evidence of what a strong person you are! Rahhh – strength of a bear baby! Keep getting better.
High fives
Sammyx