Here are some my instructions/restrictions: Sleep with head elevated; remove bandage after three days; do not shower or shampoo hair for three days (letting soapy water to run over incision and gently patting dry) ; might have bloody drainage for 7-10 days; avoid lifting more than 5 lbs; straining, bending, heavy lifting, quick head movements, flying or driving; avoid contact with any who has an upper respiratory infection.
I specifically asked and am not NOT REQUIRED to sleep in an incliner nor do I have to avoid blowing nose or sneezing with mouth closed. Even so, I will use my common sense along those lines.
My mood is so HAPPY that this surgery is over. Even though I’ve had numerous procedures, I may have been more worried about this than I thought. On this, day two, I am feeling a little groggy but thanks to medication I have no pain.
Today, I plan to work on correspondence to be sure that all my family and friends know how much I love and appreciate them for their support, prayers and encouragement. Believe me, I felt it every minute of the day.
JOURNAL PART TWO
Monday, January 9. I felt good upon arising yesterday, Sunday, and because I had a “little” pain, took the pain medication. Almost immediately I was groggy again, so decided I wouldn’t take them again unless the pain was too much. (It never was). Also since I felt so well, I overdid it a little by walking on the treadmill. A little too long (25 min.) and very slowly, but it was not a good idea. I decided (along with the advice from others) to take it easy.
Today, Monday, the nurse called and agreed I did not need to take the pain medication. I had no temperature and felt well. The only comments I made were to tell of some black and blue on the neck below the ear, a very little dizziness from time to time and a “fuzzy” tongue on the left side with no taste.
I was impatient to remove the bandage since it was feeling tighter and more annoying with every passing hour and giving me a slight headache. My glasses were also driving me crazy with only one eyepiece. I was to wait three days before I removed it. I decided that, after two days, 18 hours, I was ready. While I held the bandage (it was stretchy) away from my forehead, Tom snipped away at two layers with a brand new pair of scissors. Nothing like togetherness! It fell right off and what a relief. We put my earpiece back on my glasses and I was good to go. There was just a little piece of plasticized bandage over the incision and I had been instructed to wet that with half peroxide and half water to loosen it. I gathered towel, washcloth, peroxide and measuring cup. Before I began the operation, I just lifted one end and the WHOLE THING fell off! So I put away the towel, washcloth, peroxide and measuring cup.
After inspecting the area with a mirror, I said to Tom, “I don’t think they did anything.” It was truly amazing. After looking closer, we could see the incision, but there was very little hair shaved away. Next was my shower and shampoo. I was careful not to rub the area, but to let the soap and water drip down over it. I felt really super after that shower. I thought I might be depressed that there was absolutely NO hearing in my left ear. But I had already mentally prepared myself for that and was perfectly happy that I could hear out of my aided right ear. Some people are not fortunate to have even that. The balance of sound is missing, but I can certainly live under those circumstances until activation day.
I feel truly blessed and continue to enjoy all the good wishes and prayers that are coming my way. Thank you all.
JOURNAL PART THREE
Day 6, Thursday, January 12. I feel wonderful and chipper! And it’s no wonder, I slept until ten o’clock. That’s underheard of.
Some observations. There is still the black and blue section under my ear on my neck. It’s neither better nor worse. It doesn’t hurt. A scab is still on my outer ear. I don’t know what that’s from, perhaps a bandage being removed. About 60% of my tongue still feels strange and has no taste. But that doesn’t matter, since 40% is enough for me to TASTE my good food.
I can’t see it too well, but can feel the incision in the crease behind my ear which then runs up an inch or so. The outer edges of my ear are numb as is the area behind it. I expected this, not only from what I’ve read, but from experience. Anytime I’ve undergone surgery, there’s always been numbness around the incision site. As I’ve said, I’m wearing one hearing aid and it is very helpful. However, for the first time I’ve noticed some recruitment, so I’ve turned the aid down to a more acceptable volume. That in turn, makes me miss a few things.
As far as TV, everything sounds fine. I’ve been using my Music Link which directs the sound right to my aid by using the t-coil. Of course, I don’t use it on the main TV since all sound disappears and that’s not good for Tom. LOL
Tonight will be a new experience. We will be attending our regularly-scheduled concert of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. Last month when I was there , I experimented by turning off my left hearing aid and was not thrilled with the sound. I decided to wait until I HAD to have no sound in my left ear, and that night is tonight. Next week we will be seeing opera star Reneé Fleming in concert at the Gainesville Performing Arts Center. I had seen her two years ago in La Traviata at the Met in NYC, so I will something with which to compare.
I’ve been continuing my walking, but slowly and increments throughout the day. I say that, so all my friends will know I’m listening to their chastisements. I love them for it.
Finally, I’m scheduled for post-op checkup with Dr. Antonelli on Monday, January 23.
BITS, PIECES AND OTHER ODDMENTS
Yesterday, January 15, I returned to church for the first time since surgery. I was scheduled to be one of the four chalice bearers (those who administer the wine during communion). We generally have about 400+ in attendance but I have been feeling fine so thought it would be no problem. Then, for some reason I was feeling mentally "out of it" and when I went into church, fully vested, with the others, the booming organ and the 60-voice choir really made my head spin. All of that sound going in one aided ear. After the procession and when I was seated, I turned the aid down and that was helpful. However, I could hear neither the announcements nor the sermon. And that was okay, but I was still feeling spacey, so asked another person if they would serve if I felt dizzy. She, of course, agreed. Once I had a backup, I immediately felt better. Even at coffee hour though, I didn't feel 100%.
I don't know why that happened, because I'd been shopping during the week, drove the car, been to the doctor's, etc. I guess I will have to say it was music that overwhelmed me. Strange.
