I had three main questions for the Doctor:
- What about the numbness and tingling I've been feeling down my right side in my buttock, shin/calf, and top of foot? Dr. Nelson said this was all normal, that he worked the hardware in through the right incision, thus there were more things pushed aside on that side, and that likely more nerves were brushed/bruised, but that after 2-3 months, everything should feel OK.
- What about my walking regimen -- should I push myself through the pain or take it easy? Summer had said to take it easy when I called after experiencing some stronger discomfort last week. Dr. Nelson said to push myself a little bit, but not too much. He said that it is good to try to go a little farther or a longer walk each day, but that pain should be my guide. If things are hurting really badly, then definitely reduce the walking for a day or so to recover. He said the hardware was in there really solid, so I was very unlikely to do anything to mess that up, barring falling off a cliff or something.
- What about trying to reduce my intake of pain medication? He wanted me to taper off the percocet if possible. He said that 3 months (if not sooner) is a good goal and is normal for people to be off all pain medication. That seems ambitious at this time, but I am all for getting off these drugs! I asked about getting back on ibuprofen (anti-inflammatory) and he said that although it probably would give me some pain relief, that it could impede the fusion process. So, I should hold off for at least 6 months. On the gabapentin and flexeril, he wants me to wean myself off those as well, dropping to 1 or 2 each day, and then none. I need to figure out a plan to do this....
I can't find Mom's notes, but I'll add those when I do....
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