Today is Tuesday April 21st. It is my first day out of the house (fully and able to drive) since having surgery...5 days ago. I originally said I would be up and running the day after the surgery. And I probably could have been except I was exhausted. The anesthesia kicked my ass for several days plus the pain killers.
So day 1 of recovery: I spent most of it in bed watching TV. It was hurting to sit down but I was able to lie down comfortably with no pain and stand up/walk with no pain. I took several pain medication that night for shoulder pain. I am telling you I had stomach surgery and was on pain meds for shoulder? Even when I woke up in the recovery room I thought they did shoulder surgery accidentally. But I did read later on, it is the gas they used to separate my organs and see that caused the pain.
As well I had a lot of family and friends calling me and coming over throughout the day. I even left my front door opened so people would come in and I would not have to walk up and down the stairs too many times. But it felt comforting knowing there were people there.
Day 1 I was even able to take a shower by myself and that even felt good.
Day 2&3...over the weekend it went well. Nothing serious happened and I spent a good portion of it sleeping and taking pain meds for my shoulder.
Only problem with those pain meds was the post-op depression. I felt so alone and depressed since I woke up in the operation that I can't even explain how I felt. I did not feel like killing myself but I felt just sad in general. It was definitely the pain meds that were doing it in general. It was the side effects...and now it has been 24 hours since I have last taken one and I have felt a lot better.
Day 4 of recovery I went to IGA for my first outing. I went with my mom. It felt long, but honestly it always feels long. I hate shopping in general that's why it felt long.
Day 5 of recovery is better. Been 24 hours no pain meds. I feel normal, maybe a little more tired then usual. I was able to drive today. Have not gone far but it felt good. I grabbed some breakfast and watched some figure skating. It has helped me more emotionally then anything. I am not ready to jump on the ice yet...but inching closer.