postsurgery

My surgery went well yesterday! I had a sacroiliac joint fusion revision surgery. The plan was to take out 1 or 2 of the loose screws and replace them. Instead, my surgeon kept all 3 of those screws and added 2 larger bolts which I don’t love but I trust my surgeon very much . So in my Sacroiliac joint I now have 5 screws and 7 screws in my lumbar area. I was in the post-op recovery for 3 hours because my pain could not be controlled. I kept asking to see my mom but they wouldn’t let her back to see me. I was in tears most of last night and now today. I only received two doses of IV pain medication after midnight and now my surgeons assistant is switching me to oral pain medication not much stronger than what I took before surgery. I’m feeling very #anxious and scared for the pain when I go home later tonight 🥺My initial SI joint fusion surgery in March was the most painful surgery out of my precious 3 fusions and I remember what that felt like. And this is bigger than that surgery with a longer recovery.
I understand there are so many restrictions now with opioids and people abusing these medications. I know doctors have a job to prioritize patient safety and I very much appreciate and respect that and the laws. I just also know how severe of pain I’ve had with surgery in this area and am anxious about being in so much pain once I’m home. My surgeon is amazing and has done all four of my fusion surgeries, I’d like to think he won’t leave me hanging in tons of pain. Of course it’s almost the weekend too when offices and places are closed. I just needed somewhere to vent and share my anxieties. I’m in a lot of pain but I’m doing my best to stay optimistic, it just feels a lot harder to do right now. 🥺😓 On a positive note, I’ve had amazing nurses, anesthesiologists, nurses aides, etc. I am also Catholic and just now out of no where, a member from a nearby church came and offered me communion and healing prayers. 🙏🏼It almost seemed like a sign for me to be positive and keep going?! 🙌🏼
#ChronicPain #postsurgery #Backinjury #SacroilliacJointPain #BackPain #Anxiety #ChronicIllness #spineinjury #SpinalFusion