I had my post op follow up yesterday, and the nurse was asking all kinds of questions, and she asked me about pain and I said "no pain". My husband said oh yes she does... the nurse asked to rate it and he said a 5. He said I have trouble getting comfortable at night. And I my swelling is bad. She said if I have pain and swelling, that tells her that I'm up too much.
I was really dumbfounded, that I'm just so used to it - pain is normal. I guess I have just experienced it all my life, that I don't express it enough at the doctor's office. I'm fortunate to have my husband with me, to express it for me.
It always cracks me up when they ask about pain levels. I reply with the question; in relation to what? The constant daily pain that I have dealt with for 30 years and am somewhat numb to, the pain of natural childbirth, or like the the five days of a ruptured appendix with complications? That usually gets my point across! I used to feel uncomfortable telling about my pain. I feel like they sometimes see us as whiners, but this statement lets them know that I have dealt with pain for a long time and that I know the difference between common and uncommon pain.
Please don't take to much pain for granted as you'll make yourself alot worse plus your not long getting over your op and somethings do take time to settle.
I'm really pleased Tommy was with you and spoke up, as he's been golden and worried stiff about you why you was going through the op and after.
Did she say if they can help otherwise with the pain and swelling besides you resting also?
My thoughts and love are with you my dear friend & please take it easy :) xxx
