The four words you always want to hear, and I did hear, after surgery: “Everything went very well.”
Recuperating, though, hasn’t gone nearly as well – bad headaches from the spinal anesthesia, nausea, stomach pains and general lethargy. Which was why I hadn’t written anything since my arthroscopic hip surgery four days ago. Sorry.
The good news is that my very skilled surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York fixed the torn hip labrum and shaved down part of the bone in the hip joint that caused the tear. Aside from some soreness at the site of entry, my left hip actually feels better already. I promise to reveal more in future posts, so please stay tuned.
The bad news, of course, is the side effects from the spinal anesthesia, or spinal tap, a regional anesthetic injected into the spinal canal to completely numb the area while the patient is under conscious sedation. Shortly before the surgery, the anesthesiologist explained the procedure along with the possible side effects, which included leaking (headache-inducing) spinal fluid caused by the puncture. But quickly added, “Side effects are pretty rare. Only about 3 percent of patients will experience headaches afterwards, and they usually go away after three to four days.”
Hmm … maybe I should buy some lottery tickets now!
Been meaning to ask–how can I subscribe to the site? Would love to get your posts.
K-
Thanks so much, Kathleen! I am actually starting to feel a little better.
Hey Vivian,
So glad to hear surgery went well and your hip is feeling better. Hang in there with the headaches, nausea, etc. They will soon pass.
Enjoy your recuperation period. I’m sure it will be productive in many ways.
Best,
Kathleen