BigOwl
Well-known member
Marny: try sleeping in your own bed tonight. Use a couple to 3 pillows to angle yourself a little better if you don't feel like being flat (I usually use 2 pillows, the top one of which is a memory foam neck pillow. At six weeks post-op I can sleep on my right side fairly comfortably, and have been able to for a couple of weeks--but I use a sausage shaped pillow for support under my ****s. Still can't sleep on my left side.
I went back to work today (I teach, but don't have any classes because it's halfway through the quarter; I'm only doing admin stuff) but crashed after about three hours. I was cleared to drive after three weeks, but didn't do so until week 4.5, and then only to the coumadin clinic. I do feel better almost every day, but when I push myself, I still get really tired and it feels like I've made two steps back. So my best advice is just to take it easy. If you don't feel like walking, don't. Do some small things around the house instead (tidying up, not real housework). If you can't really do anything in the yard, just sit outside when it's nice and enjoy the weather. The yard can wait, but being out and able to hear the birds and stuff is really about the best therapy you can get. Take whatever OTC pain reliever your doc will allow, and that will help take the edge off; you don't need the goofiness factor that the high-powered pain meds give you, and you'll actually get better faster if you've got a clearer head.
Be good to yourself, too. You've been through a lot and you deserve to pamper yourself a bit. You'll get there, so don't be too impatient--and best of luck!
I went back to work today (I teach, but don't have any classes because it's halfway through the quarter; I'm only doing admin stuff) but crashed after about three hours. I was cleared to drive after three weeks, but didn't do so until week 4.5, and then only to the coumadin clinic. I do feel better almost every day, but when I push myself, I still get really tired and it feels like I've made two steps back. So my best advice is just to take it easy. If you don't feel like walking, don't. Do some small things around the house instead (tidying up, not real housework). If you can't really do anything in the yard, just sit outside when it's nice and enjoy the weather. The yard can wait, but being out and able to hear the birds and stuff is really about the best therapy you can get. Take whatever OTC pain reliever your doc will allow, and that will help take the edge off; you don't need the goofiness factor that the high-powered pain meds give you, and you'll actually get better faster if you've got a clearer head.
Be good to yourself, too. You've been through a lot and you deserve to pamper yourself a bit. You'll get there, so don't be too impatient--and best of luck!
