Surgery Recovery

So felt pretty good when I got home from surgery. I opted to have a nerve blocker, where they inject localised anaesthetic into a nerve in the lower leg to block any sensation for the next 12-24 hours. I chose this as I didn't want to risk being in any pain at all with a long drive home. Worked successfully and wore off within about 10-12 hours. Apparently I metabolize drugs fast just not food, haha.


The next day, wow. Pain to the max. Pressure from swelling and I could feel where the stitches were. I was taking my meds every 4 hours to keep on top of the pain. All I could do was lie on the couch, elevate as much as possible, and ice continually to help reduce swelling. This apparently helped as by Thursday it was feeling a lot better, and has continually improved since then. A combination of Oxy and Aleve seems to work the best. I was taking every 4 hours, and now 1 week after surgery I have stretched this out to 1-2 times per day maximum.


Pretty much from surgery on Tues through to Sunday I just chilled on the couch with my leg up and iced as often as possible. I have been eating as healthy as possible (no preservatives, no soda, no caffeine, no alcohol) and taking calcium, multivitamin, magnesium, fish oil and liver support tablets. All to help promote healing and also support my liver whilst taking meds. I had a couple of trips to Safeway, but this was hard work whilst on meds. I found I was exhausted easily, and got lightheaded, head spins, and very hot if I was up for too long. So couch time it was.


By Sunday (Christmas) I had lowered my meds right down and was feeling good in general. I was aware of where my stitches were but it was not painful, and the swelling was still down. I went out for Christmas dinner with a bunch of friends and to a party afterwards. No issues whatsoever, until I had a glass of wine (hey, it was Christmas, just one!). I could feel my ankle swell again so I won't be drinking anymore for awhile. 


I went back to work (light duties where I could elevate my leg) on Monday. I worked a 12 hour shift and was exhausted by the end of it, my whole body ached. My leg was sore too. I think it was just the shock of being back, upright and mobile after being on the couch for 2 weeks. I worked again today (Tuesday), another 12 hour shift, and felt a whole bunch better. I have my leg up again tonight but it is feeling good.