Day 9 (Sunday) - Sunday Stroll.

Today was mostly restful.

I woke up from 10 deep, comfortable hours of sleep (back on Percocet at night), took my time getting up, and then mostly just chilled for the day.

We did cut back our overgrown morning glories this afternoon, so I did a little weeding but was very careful in any pulling.

What my back is going to look like.

It was such a beautiful day, that I also thought it would be the perfect time to go for my first walk. Richard accompanied me on a stroll around the block. The air smelled so nice, and the trees are gorgeous with all the leaves turning.

My core felt pretty good for it, and my legs felt great getting some solid exercise. Funny how I'm qualifying a slow, quarter-mile walk as exercise for myself, when 2 weeks ago I was running a 5K. Oh well, I'll get back to where I was. Still no regrets.

I'm really looking forward to the day I can stand up completely straight. It really tires my back to not be able to. In the long run, I suppose I'll have a stronger back for it all.

Day 8 (Saturday) - Part 2: Pants don't fit.

After trying on four different pair of jeans and chinos, I've given into the fact that I still cannot wear normal pants (instead of stretch/sweat pants). Even the ones on which I can get up the zipper comfortably, the button is just not happening.

As we're about to go on a daytime outing (!) to the pharmacy, I insist on looking like a well put together human being. So, instead, I am wearing a skirt. Luckily, I still had one that was in line to be given away.

Note: Always keep on hand at least one non-athletic-looking skirt or pants with a super stretchy elastic waist band, no matter what your age. You just never know when you'll be grateful to have them.

Day 8 (Saturday) - Good morning!

View from my bedroom window

It's going to be a beautiful autumn day which will be a boost of energy. The rain clouds are already dispersing and sun trying to come out, and temperatures might reach 72F/22C.

The perfect day to go into town and dance on the streets of Boston with my sister! (plug for the day) My energetic task for the day will be to decorate our front yard for Halloween.

In recovery news:

I'm still feeling better today, now that I'm up. But I went no-Percocet last night for the first time and didn't sleep well.

My doctor had said the drug would primarily help at night when I rolled around in my sleep, and she was spot on. From around 3am on, it was very uncomfortable every time I changed position, which made me change positions all the more.

That said, I was reviewing my 'home instructions' this morning, from the hospital, and I have been right on track with the things to expect.

I experienced everything on this list, and in all cases the pain/whatever stopped within the time frame stated. Bleeding from surgery even stopped within 3 days -- Go robot cutting precision! And go me!

Day 2 (Sunday) - Part 2

I am still feeling very bloated, but things are a little better now that I have done two things:

1. managed to take a poo (full disclosure here!); 
2. taken a Percocet (which may not lessen the gas/shoulder pain, but certainly distracts me from it).

In the meantime, since it is my third day in a row of taking a narcotic, I thought I would read up on it a little.

Things I learned about Percocet [oxycodone/acetaminophen]:

• opioid = synthetic narcotic; opiate = naturally active narcotic found in opium
• oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid derived from thebaine, one of the three major natural opiates found in opium (the other two being morphine and codeine)
• Health communication note: While either the term narcotic or opioid can be used interchangeably for opioids (narcotics being more general, opioids more specific), people generally perceive each word differently. 
• While drug dependence can be a concern related to narcotics abused or used over a long period of time (generally not an issue when prescribed post-surgery pain), equally or more concerning with Percocet is overdose of acetaminophen (Tylenol). In fact, this is the main thing I was specifically cautioned about regarding my prescription drugs in my written home care instructions (though I was verbally instructed on both my ibuprofen and Percocet).

Just thought I would share, since I've never really used an opioid before. Though I took codeine (pure opiate) w/acetaminophen post wisdom teeth surgery several years ago for one day. It made me incredibly nauseous and sick, so I coped with the pain after that. This time is much better. Guess there's a reason for the semi-synthetic versions.