Two weeks ago I wrote about my progress after the surgery I had in October. Since then it felt that not much has changed. I was walking daily, up to 4.3km, sometimes even twice a day. I still thought I was feeling the same kind of pain levels each day, had good and bad days, and didn't see that much progress.
But to be honest: progress was there. And it was good. After being at home for about three weeks, I started having enough energy in the evening that I couldn't sleep on my back anymore. That was something I had feared for a while as I generally sleep on my front or my side. And if you ever had cracked ribs, you know how sleeping on the front or the side goes with that: not at all! So, after these three weeks of being damaged and tired enough to at least fall asleep at some point during the night, I was done. No way I could sleep on my back anymore. Then I checked with the surgeon's team and they told me that I was allowed to sleep on my side. YEAH!!!!
Since then I generally sleep well, though I wake up being stiff and sore. But I can feel it getting better every day now. Less waking up, less discomfort in the morning. I'm on the right track!
Today was the final check in with the surgeon's team, a long hour of questions and answers and some checks with an experienced cardiology nurse. So far, everything looks great.
But ...
The big downside - I'm not allowed to carry anything heavier than 2.5 to 5kg (~ 5 to 10 pounds) for the next two weeks at least. Then not more than 10kg (~ 20lbs) for another few weeks. No riding my bicycle for the next four weeks. At least I'm allowed to drive my car again. Of course, I'm not allowed to get into an accident, but that's something I like to avoid anyways ...
What it also means is that it will be another four to five weeks until I can ride my Tiger again. It'll be close to Christmas by then! The poor Tiger is sitting in the garage, cold and sad, waiting for me. And I can't ride.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh!
Guido:
ReplyDeletereally glad that you are progressing. I can only sleep on my back, otherwise by morning, bones are in the wrong places and I cannot move much.
you are fortunate that you are improving and have a timeline where you will be able to do what you want.
If you are going to be anywhere near SFO on the weekend of Jan 4-6, 2013, you are welcome to join a few of us for a meal or two
Click HERE for more details
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
My Flickr // My YouTube
We are very likely in the area - let me know where you are when and we get together. It's a great idea!
DeleteRegarding the timeline, it's great to know that at some point I will be pretty much back to normal again, on the other end it just takes soooooo long.
Guido:
DeleteI couldn't find your email link, so I added a link so you can e-mail me, check my right sidebar. I will be arriving on Friday January 4th, 2013 before noon. I will email you contact info when I have a way to contact you
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
My Flickr // My YouTube
At least you have something to look forward to. Riding by Christmas is a good goal. I am glad that you are healing well and feeling better.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it funny how being forced to sleep in an unnatural position to what we are used to effects us? I've been like that with an ankle cast and also after abdominal surgeries. No fun.
The sleeping thing still drives me crazy. It's really surprising how bad it became for me lying on my back. Since I'm not completely drugged up and exhausted every evening I can't sleep on the back anymore. On the side - no problem.
DeleteIt may seem like a long recuperation but now that you can get around more, hopefully the time will pass a little faster. After some abdominal surgery, I had the same lifting limitations and was warned by the doctor not to pick up the bike if it dropped for at least the first month (after I was allowed to ride at all).
ReplyDeleteYeah, when I ride, I will certainly not pick up the bike if I drop it. The first ride will be more for getting the bike moving again, emptying the tank and getting fresh fuel in than for anything else. Smooth roads and light traffic will be very much preferred.
DeleteI will certainly not try to lift the bike until at least five to six months after surgery. That also includes putting it on the center stand, maybe not as long but likely pretty close.
You need to tell your riding partner that she should practice picking up your bike ;-)
DeleteI can tell her that all day long - whether it's going to happen, I don't think so. She doesn't even want to ride for fear of dropping it (while it's still not dropped by me) ... ;-)
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ReplyDeletePoor Guido, poor Tiger. But given the excessive surgery you've had, I believe you are making excellent progess (you are just not a patient patient...), and you will be able to enjoy live and activities the more from next year on, once you are healed completely, and have nothing health related to worry about any more. Wishing you continuous recovery!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sonja. I know, it's feels much nicer to get on the bike when you haven't been able to in a longer time. And you're right, I'm not very patient. I'll get there, I know, it's just that it gets harder every day when I feel better.
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