1 reply to this topic

[davebahm]

Hi All,
I'm home now from having the pump installed Friday (three days ago). Wow, this has been a lot more difficult than I expected! The surgery took about an hour, and I was pretty sick and in pain for the first 24 hours. They wouldn't allow me to sit up for 24 hours due to the possible spinal leak and headache (despite the doctor telling them I could raise up a little after 12 hours and if no headache, raise some more). So, I was hot that first night (they used those inflatable devices wrapped around my legs to keep the circulation going, and my legs sweat like crazy). I was throwing up from the pain meds, getting sleepy from the nausea meds, and my lower back was killing me even though they rotated me periodically. Once I was able to sit up I felt much better. I got out of bed about 30 hours after surgery, but was too weak to stand so I spent a second night in the hospital. The next day (yesterday) I was able to stand and move a bit. and was released to come home last night.

I feel so weak, and having a hard time taking steps, especially without twisting my back too much. My arms are floppy, so even typing presents a new challenge!

Those of you who had this done, can I ask a question? How long did it take your bowels to wake up? I haven't "gone" since the day before surgery. Despite the vomiting, I've had some decent sized meals in the last four days and finally had a very small BM this morning. I am staying near the bathroom since I'm moving so slowly. Normally, I am very regular and go every morning after coffee. I had coffee this morning and can feel some movement inside, but this is just weird! I have had plenty of gas, so there's not a blockage, and I'm not in pain in that area. I'm taking half a pill of Norco every five hours for pain (each tab is 325 mg).

Thanks for your advice.
Dave

[Lillehammer94]

Sorry to hear you had a bit of a rough course. I was really sick my first weekend with the pump. Your reports of feeling a bit weak and having trouble walking wouldn't concern me as much (because you just had surgery so those things should get better) as the floppiness. Do you think your dose level is too high? Difficulty twisting and moving are pretty normal this soon after implant. Will you be getting any physical therapy at all? That will really help in gaining stregnth. As for the bowels, I always have that problem after surgery but things usually return to normal within a few days. However, constipation can be a long term side effect of Baclofen for some people so if it continues I'd mention it to the doctors.

Hope this helps and hang in there, things will get better.
Gretta