Going into my hernia surgery this time, I was in the best shape of my life emotionally, physically and mentally (not socially – but as a hermit living under pandemic social distancing conditions, 3 out of 4 ain’t bad).
Like my first hernia repair, I carefully mapped out my recovery process and set expectations for goals in Week 1, Week 2, Week 3 and so on until I have completed recovered.
I thought this time would be easier because I’m in better shape than last time. My core is far stronger. I weigh less. I understand more about the recovery process having been through it once before.
I thought I might recover faster and even start doing Prasara yoga as soon as 1 week after surgery.
Mike Tyson said it best, “Everybody has a plan until he gets punched in the face.”
I was thinking I could get back to swimming in a week or two. Last time I was cleared to swim after 10 days (except, at the time, the pools were closed for 5 more weeks due to covid). So this time if he clears me, I could conceivably be back swimming in < 2 weeks.
Today – which is day 2 – I’m having a hard time doing much of anything. My energy level is low. I don’t want to do much but lounge around. I have no oomph. I’ve already napped twice and it’s only 2 PM.
Last night, I woke twice to take pain medication and get ice packs to deal with the pain. I still haven’t ended to take any Percocet, just Advil and Tylenol so my mind is fairly clear.
I forced myself to go on two longer walks (15-20 minutes each) and two short ones (5 minutes around the block) today. I will be doing at least one more of each before sundown. It felt mentally good to walk longer even if my steps are slow and deliberate and my hernia suture is protesting.
The pain and stiffness has increased as my anesthesia and long acting pain meds wear off.
What I’ve read says to allow my activity levels to be guided by pain. If something is painful, I should stop. If I am tired I should rest.
I’ve learned to listen to my body and pay attention to it. And so, I am doing a lot of sitting and laying around. Reading, writing, and watching Netflix as I slowly lose my mind.
I will really enjoy when I can be active once again.