So, Nick's now at 4 weeks post op. A few days ago I was anticipating a very different 'this is where he is at' type post than what you are getting! For the moment I am going to update during the day to see how this flare up is developing. Hopefully by the end of the day I will manage a proper 4 week summary.
10 am. We were up early to see Nick's GP. Not looking too bad, some pain but clearly very worried about it all. The doctor has helped us with a pain management plan for flare ups consisting of a 10 day course of anti-inflammatories (diclofenac), some muscle relaxants (diazepam) for the next few days and some painkillers (codydramol) to use when he needs. Also gave him some anti-bacterial cream and anti-fungal spray for his tummy button. We talked about longer term neuropathic medication but decided to manage this flare up first.
Nick currently curled up on the sofa with a hot water bottle on his back (says that feels really nice) waiting for meds to kick in. Says he is feeling a bit better than yesterday which is hopeful. We have decided to ditch doing his mock exams, although he will need to go into school tomorrow for a French GCSE listening paper which being a public exam has to be done at school. Hopefully meds will have started to take effect by then.
11 am. Nick fast asleep. Very pleased - probably the best thing for him at the moment.
1.15 pm. Nick's just had some lunch and is looking so much better. Before lunch he was a bit groggy but after a bite to eat he began to perk up. Joking, laughing and generally happier. Very little pain, and did some very basic and gentle exercises (from just post op days) without problem. Can stand straight again. However, he doesn't want to overdo it so is back on the futon resting.
School called to say that they have arranged for him to do his GCSE exams later so he doesn't have to go in tomorrow after all. The teacher in charge of exams has had a micro-discectomy himself so genuinely understands what Nick is going through. Very helpful! Fingers crossed that all will keep on improving.
6.30 pm. Nick is still feeling a whole lot better. Very little pain (not taken any more painkillers since this morning) and more cheerful. He's gone for a couple of short gentle walks and done more stretches as he is concerned that he doesn't get stiff lying down so much. Still likes to lie on the hot water bottle!
He's decided not to take any painkillers tonight, just the anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants. The downside of taking a stack of meds in one go is that you can't tell which one is having the right effect, so the plan is to drop the painkillers first and see if he is still doing OK.
Fingers crossed - looking like this was just a flare up.
Posted with Blogsy
No comments:
Post a Comment