Recovery Day 8

UPDATED

I find it hard to believe, in a very positive and awesome way, that just about a week post op and I am feeling so great.  I am off all medication (even Motrin) and most of the symptoms I was dealing with are gone!

List of symptoms since the surgery:

1) Dry mouth (from anti-nausea patch that Dr. King gave me).
UPDATE: GONE!

2) Dry nose (from the oxygen that I had during the surgery).
UPDATE: GONE!

3) Upset stomach (from all the drugs I've been taking and the epidural)
UPDATE: GONE!

4) Random times of nausea and dizzy spells
UPDATE: GONE!

5) Random body temperature changes (probably due to the ice machine and 90 degree weather)
UPDATE: GONE!

6) Numb upper left thigh (from the surgery)
UPDATE:  Still dealing, but it is SO MUCH BETTER!

7) Shaking thigh muscles (from fatiguing on the stationary bike)
UPDATE: GONE!

8) Stiffness in the hip, pelvic and upper thigh area (from the surgery)
UPDATE: Getting better!

9) Irritated skin on the upper thigh (from the waterproof bandage tape).
UPDATE: Still irritated, this will not go away until my stitches come out and I can stop wearing band-aids.

10) Anxiety about gaining weight (from not being able to do my normal cardio routine)
UPDATE: This comes and goes.

...I must say that I am so thankful for the friends that I have.  My afternoon with Amber was really, really nice.  We had a delicious NJ diner lunch and then enjoyed pedicures and back massages in Montclair, NJ!  Amber was so sweet, she paid for my pedicure as my "get well" present and I could not have been happier!

I am also happy to report that yesterday, I rode the bike on a resistance level FOUR!  Yes, four!  That is my typical level!!! I broke a big sweat and lasted for 30 minutes with absolutely no pain.  I was dealing with a bit of soreness in my pelvic area last night, but I think it's alright.  I'm just proud of myself at this point and thankful that my hips are such CHAMPS!

Last night, I kept waking up.  For some reason, I am dealing with a bit of "restless legs" for the first time in my life.  I feel like I have to move in order for my pelvic area, thighs and lower legs to feel comfortable.  I really hope this wears off, because it is rather annoying.  :/  I mean, I tried EVERYTHING.  I put pillows under my legs, I put my foam roller under my knees, I laid on my side with my knees bent...

...YES!!! I FINALLY LAID ON MY SIDE WITH MY KNEES BENT!!!!  When I realized I was in that position, I smiled to myself!  It may have been a tiring 4am smile, but I have been waiting a week to finally be able to do this again!  Further, I am thrilled to report that getting in/out of bed and cars has become much easier and is ALMOST back to normal.

Tomorrow is a big day everyone... My first appointment is at 10:30 with Dr. Coleman to get my stitches out and to see how my recovery is REALLY going... AHH!  I'm nervous, so prayers are greatly appreciated!

Love you all,
Ashley