I have a lot of uncertainty and pressure about the outcome of this SI joint fusion surgery for my chronic pain. It’s completely natural to have these concerns—chronic pain can be such a difficult, isolating experience, and when you place hope in a treatment, the stakes feel even higher.
I will not know the outcome of this surgery for several months, and right now I am only dealing with the expected acute pain that comes with this surgery. Honestly, this recover has not been too bad on the multimodal analgesics. I mostly have to sleep on my non-affected side, and often ice my surgical site when lying supine (on my back).
POD #1, Friday Oct 18th: My very good friend May Goetsch took me out to lunch. I was able to walk with a single crutch and sit without any discomfort (on meds of course). We ate at Cava for the first time, and I highly recommend this mediteranean food! This was sooo kind of her, as she drove a far distance to come pick me up. She was there to comfort and distract me. May provided a light hearted atmosphere for an opportunity to just talk without needing to “fix” anything. I try to remind myself that the outcome, whether positive or not, doesn’t define me or my strength. I am taking things one step at a time and want to be honest with myself and others about how I am feeling without the pressure of having a “perfect” result.
POD #2, Saturday Oct 19th:
I was able to sit in a lawn chair and watch my competitive and athletic daugther play soccer with i9 sports! It brings me so much joy to see my kids run circles around me.
POD #3 & 4, Sun Oct 20th & Mon Oct 21st.
I had to clean our 50 gallon fish tank, as I had somehow accidently unplugged the filter for a few days. This could not be put off, as there were fishy lives at stake! I put my kids to work and they were very attentive to my needs. This did take hours, as it was my first time to approach such a difficult task. However, this was good for me. It has honestly been difficult to adhere to NO BENDING, LIFTING, PUSHING, PULLING, AND TWISTING.
POD #5, Tues Oct 22nd:
Today, I made pancakes for the family! I didn’t even do that before surgery …haha! However, I paid for that… lots of lounging around.
I was also truly surprised with a delivery of Tiff’s Treats from another truly exceptional person. Thank you Dana Ermis. She has encouraged me to have a fast and smooth recovery. I love her quote “Remember a cookie a day helps keep the ICU provider away. ” LOVE THIS!! However, I don’t think work can keep me away for too long. I love what I do as a nurse practitioner.
Thank you again for all of your prayers and words of encouragement. I continue to take this one day at a time and I am currently hopeful that I will see good results from this surgery in the coming months. I will keep you all updated.
Living with Chronic Pains 