Surgery Update

I’m in my 3rd week of recovery from surgery.

Three weeks ago I had sinus surgery and a tonsillectomy. It’s been a rocky road at times, but I’ve been doing well overall.

The day of surgery was horrible.

My surgery was scheduled for early morning. It went well and I was able to go home that afternoon. After driving an hour from the Veterans hospital to my home, I took a nap. I woke up to a nose that wouldn’t stop bleeding. I also woke up to nausea and pain. I felt awful. I had my husband call the on call doctor who gave us a solution to the nose bleed. After vomiting a ton of blood, I did as the doctor instructed and was able to slow the bleed.

I thought I was out of the woods, but I was very wrong.

Since I was so very nauseous, I took a pill for nausea that they prescribed me at the hospital. Big mistake! It turns out that I have a very strong reaction to Phenegran. I was still nauseous so, I couldn’t keep my pain medication down. Miserable became unbearable fast. I felt like I was going to jump out of my skin. I want able to stay still. I couldn’t lie down but, moving around made me more nauseated and increased my pain. I couldn’t take it!

I had my husband drive me back up to the Veterans hospital emergency room.

A better nausea medication, pain medication, IV fluids, and Benadryl for the reaction later, I was finally feeling tolerable. We got home early that next morning after only spending a few hours at home the day of surgery. Thankfully, I was able to sleep when we got back home.

While not without problems, the rest of my recovery has been much easier.

I’ve had a few more ups and downs and I’m still in recovery, but I’m finally able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. But, what about Loki?

He’s bored.

Loki was an angel the first few days of recovery. I think he could tell that I was in enormous pain. Within a week, he was bouncing off the walls. Alex has stepped up a bit, but he still needs more interaction.

But boredom has kinda been a good thing.

I read in another blog that taking a time out can be a great thing for a reactive dog. I also read that a Malinois needs to be socialized more slowly and carefully than other breeds. So, this has been Loki’s time out. And guess what?

He’s sleeping like a dog should now!

He’s actually napping more and sleeping more. He has even stayed napping instead of following my every move a few times. He also has a calmer demeanor. I really look forward to working with him when I’m up to it again. I get lightheaded just taking a shower from a lack of calories and proper sleep so, I’m definitely not ready for a good walk.

It may be another few weeks before I’m completely healed, but I’m feeling good and I’m seeing a dog who is more relaxed in his environment so, I’m a happy gal :-).