AussieNSFW (imported) wrote: Sat Oct 19, 2024 3:29 am
Congratulations. I am a little behind you, and have my first consultation later next month. Seems that you are now a fortnight post op, a couple of questions, don't feel obligated to answer if you don't wish to. As per WheelyFixed I would have the two procedures done at the same time.
1) In retrospect are there any questions you wished you had asked?
2) Where there any key questions from your perspective for your medical team?
3) Anything you might suggest to do before the operation by way of preparation?
4) Two weeks in are their any issues or tips with your recovery so far.
Thanks for your consideration.
1. Possibly a bit more about what to expect in terms of swelling and so on during recovery, and how best to deal with them... (It is possible that they weren't totally aware of the issues relating to having to do intermittent cathing, so had me pull the Foley to soon, which led to a trip to ER and a new Foley when I couldn't get to my urethra w/ the intermittent cath because of swelling)
2. More about how being a para would impact things - but I'm not sure they really knew as it probably isn't well documented since we are uncommon...
3. They did not suggest ice or recommend Alleve / Naproxen for pain until I was seeing the surgeon's NP after the trip to the ER, when it was to late for ice to be much help... In retrospect I'd strongly advise using ice packs during the first 24 hours or so post-op... According to the NP, Alleve is the best of the OTC pain relief options for dealing with BOTH swelling and pain... (I will not take opioid's for ANY reason having gone through the hell of getting off them after my SCI)
4. It WILL get better.... Don't worry to much about stuff peeling off the incision as long as you don't start getting bleeding or signs of infection....
WheelyFixed
Paraplegic - T-5, ASIA-B. 2010 Injury left non-functional & frustrated. 4/24/22, stop T. 5/4 start 3.75mg Lupron. 6/29 - T ~0. 7/7 - start E. 9/2 stop Lupron. 3/30/23 - GOT LETTERS! surgery (O&S) 9/28/23. Doing 0.75mg/day E patch as HRT