13th January 2006
Hi!
Welcome from another newbie! :wave:
I understand re: ice... I can't even stand to go outside in this cold weather! My back goes into spasm as soon as I sit on the leather seat in my car! :nono:
The pillow under your knees should help. I've had to sleep that way for the last 7 years. Has your doc tried any anti-seizure meds for the nerve pain down your leg (if that's what you're having)? I know they have a lot of side effects, but when they work, it's almost miraculous. The pain should subside as the swelling goes down, & that just takes time. I know it's hard to be patient & wait while you hurt, however!
I find heat helps, especially moist heat like soaking in a tub. As long as your incision isn't infected, a good soak a couple of times a day might be beneficial. Also, any anti-inflammatory should help...aspirin, ibuprofin, aleve, etc. They'll reduce the inflammation and help w/ the pain. Just be certain that there's no reason why you can't take any of them. (I can only use Aleve b/c of chronic ulcers and a genetic bleeding disorder.) Actually, plain old generic aspirin is still the most effective anti-inflammatory w/ the fewest side effects as long as you don't have any history of bleeding problems or stomach problems like ulcers. Also, you DON'T need to spend the extra money for brand names...generic naproxyn (Aleve), ibuprofin, aspirin & acetominophin work as well as the brand name meds for about 1/4 of the cost. (Sorry if I appear to be "talking down" to you, but you'd be amazed at how many people still think you must buy "Bayer" to really get aspirin!!)
Another thing...you're about 6 weeks post-op. Will your doc prescribe any more pain meds for you? As long as you're in pain, it's going to slow down the healing process. You may not need something as strong as what you had right after surgery, but you may still need something more than OTC meds. If what you have isn't helping the pain, you need to let you doc know.
Keep us posted & I'll keep you in my prayers!
Hugs & God bless ~
Midge :angel:
Welcome from another newbie! :wave:
I understand re: ice... I can't even stand to go outside in this cold weather! My back goes into spasm as soon as I sit on the leather seat in my car! :nono:
The pillow under your knees should help. I've had to sleep that way for the last 7 years. Has your doc tried any anti-seizure meds for the nerve pain down your leg (if that's what you're having)? I know they have a lot of side effects, but when they work, it's almost miraculous. The pain should subside as the swelling goes down, & that just takes time. I know it's hard to be patient & wait while you hurt, however!
I find heat helps, especially moist heat like soaking in a tub. As long as your incision isn't infected, a good soak a couple of times a day might be beneficial. Also, any anti-inflammatory should help...aspirin, ibuprofin, aleve, etc. They'll reduce the inflammation and help w/ the pain. Just be certain that there's no reason why you can't take any of them. (I can only use Aleve b/c of chronic ulcers and a genetic bleeding disorder.) Actually, plain old generic aspirin is still the most effective anti-inflammatory w/ the fewest side effects as long as you don't have any history of bleeding problems or stomach problems like ulcers. Also, you DON'T need to spend the extra money for brand names...generic naproxyn (Aleve), ibuprofin, aspirin & acetominophin work as well as the brand name meds for about 1/4 of the cost. (Sorry if I appear to be "talking down" to you, but you'd be amazed at how many people still think you must buy "Bayer" to really get aspirin!!)
Another thing...you're about 6 weeks post-op. Will your doc prescribe any more pain meds for you? As long as you're in pain, it's going to slow down the healing process. You may not need something as strong as what you had right after surgery, but you may still need something more than OTC meds. If what you have isn't helping the pain, you need to let you doc know.
Keep us posted & I'll keep you in my prayers!
Hugs & God bless ~
Midge :angel: