First Walk Outside- 10 Days Post Surgery

It is a gorgeous day here in Albuquerque, the Sandia Mountains are lovely, with a light cloud cover that dips and flows westward over the mountains. It's a perfect day to be alive and on the planet.

I've had a vicious allergic reaction to the electrode adhesives and other tape adhesives used on the various tapes to keep the bandages in place. All of these places itch like sin, so, I haven't been able to sleep for more than an hour or two at a time. Dr. Levy's nurse finally called in a script for Triamcinolone Acetonide 0.1%. The reaction has quit spreading and is beginning to dry up.

So, last night was the first night that I've slept. I didn't wake up the first time until 4:00 A.M. I felt like a new woman. About, 9:00 A.M., however, I began to feel really lousy. I was short of breath, and just wanted to get back in bed.

My friend and I figured out that I'd not had any pain medication since the night before, and the pain from the incision area had gotten so bad that I was afraid to take a good long breath. I took a couple of pain pills and in a couple of hours, I started to feel better.

I'm thinking that it is a good idea not to let the pain level get too bad. Take the pain medications as long as you need them. Only you, know what your pain level is like

I've had two long 10 minute walks today, thanks to Kris, my nephew from California, and Lynn, my best friend. The walks are getting easier, and I think I'm walking faster. Everyone is unique, walk at the pace that is suited to you and your condition, but do walk. You will feel better faster if you walk on a regular daily basis.

It's hard to remember to use the incentive spirometer as often as you should. You are supposed to breath in on it 10 times an hour while you are up and awake. Spread the 10 reps out over the hours. Don't do all 10 reps at one time.

I'm in for a treat tonight, Kris and Lisa, my support tag team from California, and Lynn are making homemade pizza. This is going to be delicious. I'm so very grateful for these wonderful friends and family during this recovery phase.

We all plan to watch a movie in the early evening and Kris and Lisa might go to the Sandia Casino later on.

This has been a good day for the most part, with more highs than lows.