The day of my surgery, I was taking both acetaminophen and ibuprofen. On Saturday, I went down to 1 prescription-strength ibuprofen (600 mg) a day. Surprisingly (to me), I noticed that when the ibuprofen wore off, I could feel pain in my throat, presumably from being intubated for anesthesia. This morning I woke up without much pain anywhere, so I'll see if I need the ibuprofen today.
My bellybutton (where an incision was made) and the right incision actually feel practically normal. The left incision, where the giant bruise is, still feels tender, swollen, and mildly painful. It's basically just this big bruise that makes it difficult to walk and sleep. To be honest, if I didn't have that bruise, I think it's possible I would feel almost recovered! That would explain why so many people refer to laparoscopic surgery as "easy" - maybe it is, if you don't get bruised. The NHS in the UK says only 1-2% of laparoscopy patients have minor complications, including bruising. Again with me experiencing a "less common" outcome! What's up with that!? It's getting pretty frustrating.
Anyway. I'm easily drinking 80-96 oz. of water a day. I didn't drink nearly this much water before surgery, even when trying to drink more water for the sake of my liver, but I guess my body really does need it. Even when I wake up every 2-3 hours in the middle of the night to pee, I'm thirsty.
Waking up to pee prevents me from sleeping well, but also it's hard to get comfortable with that bruise around the left incision. Still, I've noticed that when I get up each morning, I really do feel a little better. Like it hurts a little less when I cough, or I can clear the excess mucus a little better, or I can walk just a little faster.
My shoulders are much improved. I'm still taking the prescription-strength generic Colace.
Both my dad and my aunt brought me homemade Chinese chicken soup, so I've been eating that for at least one meal every day, sometimes two! It makes me think I really ought to learn the recipe so I can make it for others when I'm an Asian elder.
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