We're becoming quite the sailors.
I showed you this photo before of my IV being moved to a different place in my arm. I'm not sure what happened, but my hand started burning and hurting, and my nurse said it needed to be moved.
My hand has been very painful ever since, and the first few days after I got home it was almost unbearable. The swelling in my hand has gone down, and the pain gets a little bit better each day. You can see at the bottom right that my vein is still swollen.
I've learned that this is a condition called thrombophlebitis, and thankfully, it is a temporary one.
Drains. Ugh! Four of them, two on each side. I've had drains in for over three weeks...I'm kinda over it. Did I mention Ugh??!!
Twice a day, the tubing has to be stripped. One alcohol pad to strip a tube, one alcohol pad to clean the bulb after it's emptied.
All measurements have to be recorded. Once a drain slows down enough, it can come out at the next doctor's appointment. I have an appointment tomorrow, but sadly, I think only one drain will get pulled. Of course, one is better than none.
I can "shower" but I'm not ready yet to shower. My doctor has given the OK, but honestly, I'm too nervous to let my bandaging get wet. I don't want to do anything that will jeopardize the healing that's going on. Probably an unfounded fear, but I'm going to wait until the bandages come off to stand up and take a sure enough shower.
Drains and drain bulbs have to be managed while bathing, and I found this nifty little item online. It's called The Marsupial, it's made of terrycloth, the belt is stretchy, and each pocket holds two bulbs. Best part, it can get wet, and it can be tossed in the washing machine and dryer. I'm happy to have it, but I'll be even happier when I don't need it.
I've been dealing with some restless legs and feet--I'm over that too. I wish I could roll over and sleep on my side. Today I'm fighting lower back pain that I think is due to sitting and lying down too much. I want to rest, but this is making it hard to get comfortable. And finally, Jamie went back to work today. He didn't want to go, and I didn't want him to go, but we're adults here, and it just had to be.
Ok, enough moaning and complaining. I knew this was a setback, and I knew this recovery would be slower. Just gotta deal with it. But thanks for listening.
Have you tried magnesium to help with your restless legs? I take 400mg every night.
I still have compression gloves that have helped me with the discomfort of discontinued IVs. People are very challenged at times as my tattoos throw them off when inserting an IV. I was taught by touch not sight. I have even jokingly said “pretend I’m black“. My husband was horrified. Infection is the enemy of every surgery but you two are so organized. I think you are doing a marvelous job. The Internet is a marvelous thing. Love the marsupial pouch. Signed…old school RN 🥰
Given all you're going through, this isn't complaining, it's venting which is healthy. You are a badass warrior woman. Don't forget that.
Go ahead, you deserve to bark and complain. Even louder if needed. The healing process is a PIA for sure. Susie had many of the same complaints. The biggest was not being able to turn over. She hated always sleeping on her back. It may have been one of the top discomforts. Yes, vent. Because you are blogging though means you are getting better.
hugs Adrianne!