Hey everyone,
Day 5 check-in coming at you, we’re now sitting at around 97-98 hours post-surgery, and I’ve got some interesting discoveries to share. Some wins, some new challenges, and yes, I’m officially having a crisis about not being able to get proper coffee!
The Daily Walk Victory (Weather Be Damned)
Rain, Wind, and Determination
Managed another walk down the street today, and I wasn’t going to let a bit of British weather stop me! It was raining and quite windy, but I was determined to keep up this daily walking routine. The fresh air felt amazing, even if I did look like a cautious penguin shuffling through a storm.
These little walks are becoming less about the physical achievement and more about maintaining some sense of normalcy. Plus, I’m convinced they’re helping with the circulation and healing process, even if I’m still moving at the speed of a very careful snail.
Sleep Update: Restless Legs Join the Party
New Challenge Unlocked
Last night brought a fun new addition to my recovery experience – restless leg syndrome! Just what I needed, right? I just couldn’t get comfortable, and didn’t finally drift off until somewhere between 11:30 PM and midnight.
Woke up around 5:30 AM feeling like I’d been in a wrestling match with my bedsheets. Not sure if this is related to the surgery, the medication, or just my body being generally confused about what’s happening to it. Either way, it made for a pretty rough night.
Underwear Revelation: Tight is Right
Plot Twist Nobody Expected
Here’s something that completely goes against what I expected – tighter-fitting underwear is actually way more comfortable than loose stuff! I know, I know, it sounds counterintuitive when everything down there is swollen and sensitive.
But think about it: with tighter underwear, nothing can really move around or shift unexpectedly. There’s no rubbing, no sudden movements, no fabric bunching up in weird places. It’s like having a gentle, consistent hug that keeps everything secure and stable.
Definitely wasn’t expecting this discovery, but I’m rolling with what works!
Shower Update: Plot Twist
Second Shower Brings New Sensations
Had my second post-op shower last night, and this time was a bit different from the first. Actually felt a slight sting around the incision site – nothing dramatic, but definitely noticeable enough to make me keep it super quick.
It’s interesting how each day brings subtle changes. First shower was anxiety about the unknown, second shower was dealing with actual sensations as the healing progresses. Made sure to keep it brief and gentle – no point pushing my luck when things are going well overall.
Position Changes: The Uncomfortable Truth
Sitting and Lying Down Reality
Here’s something they don’t really prepare you for – the transition moments are the worst. Actually, sitting down or lying down brings a wave of discomfort as everything shifts and settles into a new position. It’s not excruciating, but it’s definitely a “oh, right, I had surgery” reminder.
The good news? Once you’re actually seated or lying down, the discomfort fades pretty quickly. It’s just those few seconds of position change that your body protests about. Small price to pay, but worth knowing about if you’re preparing for this journey.
The Great Coffee Crisis
What I’m Really Missing
Okay, let’s talk about what’s actually driving me mental – I’m properly missing my independence and, more specifically, my daily barista coffee! I know it sounds ridiculous when I’m dealing with surgery recovery, but it’s the little routine things that you don’t realise matter so much.
There’s something about being able to just walk to your local coffee shop, chat with the barista, and have that perfect cup made exactly how you like it. Right now, I’m stuck with whatever instant coffee we’ve got in the house, and it’s just not the same.
It’s funny how recovery makes you appreciate the tiny freedoms you completely took for granted.
Swelling Update: Slow Progress
Baby Steps in the Right Direction
Still definitely swollen, but I think – and this might be wishful thinking- that it’s starting to go down ever so slightly. It’s hard to tell day by day, but when I compare it to how things looked on day 2, there might be some subtle improvement.
The healing process is frustratingly slow when you’re living it hour by hour, but I’m trying to focus on the overall trajectory rather than expecting dramatic daily changes.
Community Love
Your Comments Mean Everything
Seriously, thank you to everyone who’s been commenting and sharing your own experiences or words of encouragement. It genuinely makes a difference knowing there’s a whole community of people who understand what this journey involves.
Whether you’re ahead of me in recovery, going through it alongside me, or preparing for your own surgery, your support and insights are keeping me motivated. Please keep the comments coming!
Day 5 Reality Check
Today’s Wins:
- Completed another street walk despite the rubbish weather
- Discovered that tight underwear is actually more comfortable
- Successfully navigated the second shower with new sensations
- Possibly seeing very early signs of swelling reduction
Today’s Challenges:
- Restless legs made for a rough night’s sleep
- Position changes still bring uncomfortable moments
- Missing independence and proper coffee more than expected
- Healing progress feels frustratingly slow day-to-day
Key Insights:
- The weather doesn’t have to stop gentle exercise routines
- Underwear choice matters more than expected during recovery
- Each shower experience can be different as healing progresses
- It’s the small daily freedoms you miss most, not the big things
Next Check-In: Day 7
Going to skip day 6 and catch up with you all on day 7 – sometimes there’s not enough change to warrant daily updates, and I don’t want to bore you with “everything’s basically the same” posts!
Hopefully by day 7, I’ll have some more interesting progress to report, maybe even venture further than the end of the street. Living the dream, I know!
Until then, keep the comments and support coming. This recovery journey is so much easier when you don’t feel like you’re going through it alone.
Stay strong, everyone!
Dan
P.S. – If anyone knows how to make instant coffee taste like proper barista coffee, I’m all ears. This might be my biggest recovery challenge yet!
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