Yesterday, I ventured out on my own. Not far, not for long, but I did it. I was feeling pretty good. The itching under my bandage, which had started to bother me, intensified. Sooooooo much tape! Never mind having to wrap my leg in garbage bags to shower this stupid thing had passed inconvenient and become painful. Between Mike and my Mom we trimmed back the tape. I assumed giving it some air would help and I'd make it to my follow up on the 11th with the bandage intact. It's the ONLY disadvantage to day surgery: you go home with the bandage they put on in the operating room. They ALWAYS over do the tape. When you're admitted to the hospital they change your dressing before discharge. You get a little air and they're more conservative with the tape.
When they trimmed my tape it was obvious my skin was breaking down. It kept me up last night it was so uncomfortable. This morning I called the doctor to report this development. I was afraid I'd be stuck like this for several more days. Nothing causes a psychotic break like the interrupted sleep caused by and sheer torture that is constant itching. Not to mention the wounds caused by skin breakdown/scratching. Luckily, they had a cancellation so I only had to make it until noon.
The nurse looked sympathetic and told me anyone with any skin sensitivity has issues with the tape they use in the OR. I get welts from bandaids so it isn't surprising I was having such a miserable time. I was stunned when they took it off and told me my stitches could come out (almost a week early). It was mildly unpleasant to get them out, but it meant no more tape. WOOHOO! I didn't really feel it until it until I got back to the car, but Ouch! Not that I'm complaining, I'll take the temporary pain over constant itching any day. Phew. I hope this means decent sleep tonight.
Onward healing process. Now I don't have to go back to the Ortho until after Christmas. Yay!
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