Notes
I had the microdiscectomy surgery Wednesday on my L5S1. The hope is this would relieve the sciatic nerve pain in my right leg. I've been in some degree of pain since it started in Sept 2009. I tried many of the alternative methods but in the end, it wasn't getting better. My surgeon removed a couple pea sized portions of the disc.
I arrived at noon and was home by 9 pm. I tried to relax about the surgery but was still pretty anxious since it was my first surgery. I am guessing that is why my blood pressure was high every time they took a reading. Hugh was able to be in the preop room most of the time. About 2:30 they put some happy drugs in my IV and took me into the operating room. I remember taking about 3 breaths.
Then woke up around 4:15 in the recovery room. I wasn't cold but shivering so gave me some Demerol and that fixed the shaking. They took me to a recovery room and let me have some ice chips. Hugh arrived and eventually I was allowed water. My mouth was quite dry. Then had some chicken broth and gatorade and felt better. After going to the bathroom, taking a pain pill, and getting up to walk, they finally released me. Before they released me, my blood pressure was ridiculously high at 161/92 so they took again a little later and had gone down to 151/83. They thought that was strange since I said I wasn't in pain. Everyone took great care of me and the worst part was just waiting to be released.
Went home, ate some dinner and went to bed and had a hard time going to sleep since I had to pee so much. Finally slept pretty well. No more pain in the right buttock, back of leg, and just a tinge in the calf. The incision wasn't hurting until later this morning so may have to get the pain prescription filled. They have not scheduled my follow up appointment, but am guessing if all goes well, I will be back to work in 2 weeks. Right now, it feels the best to just lay on my back in bed so that is how I am functioning today between my laptop and iPod touch. Answered some work e-mails this morning and will probably start a book later.