For the throat, I recommend that you drink a lot of ice water.  My son was on pain meds for over a week after a (teenage) tonsilectomy, so don't expect to go off them soon.  Pineapple juice has an enzyme that breaks down protein, and this fights both viruses and bacteria; but ask your doctor if it might also interfere with healing.

Keep on top of questioning about whether or not they took out the correct lymph node.  Don't be afraid to annoy people.  Be 100% sure, if only for your own peace of mind.

 

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

My issues right now are a rather constant case of heartburn (someone thinks it might be the Oxycodone I'm still taking) along with intense back itching. It's actually the tape holding on the still-bloody bandages that itch so much. I'm supposed to leave it on at least until tomorrow, if not the next day, and then can take it off and shower. On the one hand I can't wait because I think my back is allergic to the tape, but on other hand I'm not convinced the gash is going to be closed by then. If it doesn't, can I still take it off? I'd like to replace the bandage, but we have no tape or anything to do that with.

Suggestions are welcome.

'02 Check out my CAP_INFO, and join my new WEBSITE. Coach Del Rio: "Respect every opponnent, and fear nobody."

As far as the heartburn, just a guess but if you can't sleep on your back it probably aggrevates reflux.  I recommend sleeping on your left side as an alternative.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

I don't think I've posted in this yet, but I have been reading it, and I have been praying for you.

Jon

As a person who's been much too accustomed to surgeries over the past few years, I can say that the itching is normal. It's part of the healing process, and it's worse for some than others. If you've ever had a bad sunburn, 2-4 days later, the itching is terrible. It's the same thing, just the body's way of rebuilding. If it makes you feel better, it should pass in a day or two though. The oxycodone may not make the itch go away, but I'll bet you won't care about it nearly as much. Just be careful with them..............they're terribly addictive.

Don't Take Life Too Seriously

I managed to get all the bandages replaced today. It doesn't appear as though they're ready to come off just yet. I might not even shower until Sunday.

I also slowed down to one Oxycodone every four hours instead of two, and that appears to have let the heartburn go away. I think the meds weren't settling right with my stomach, but one pill is enough to take care of all my pain.

Three things are going on with me right now as far as how I'm feeling...

1. I'm a little tingly all over if that makes any sense
2. I still have very little appetite
3. I'm still unable to sleep for more than 2 hours at a time.

What is the next step?

 

"History has demonstrated that the most notable winners usually encountered heartbreaking obstacles before they triumphed." - B.C. Forbes