Oxycodone and all its glory?

Opioids –they have been long known for the treatment of moderate to severe pain.  I came home with Oxycodone, OxyContin’s mom. The pain reduction/absorption  rate in Oxycodone is 10-15 minutes by oral intake compared to one hour release rate of OxyContin.  The Oxycodone “hit” is instant.  Nurse Lori had stated this is one of the most painful Orthopedic procedures (EHL Severed Tendon Repair), and pain relief is of the utmost importance until pain becomes manageable. I document each dose I take into my Blackberry Calendar; I list the time and severity of pain. I want to keep track. Last night I took a double dose and was able to drift off for 4 hours to sleep. The most sleep I’ve gotten so far.

 I’m not much of a pill popper or narcotics user of any kind-Ever! I feel loopy and drowsy, but it no way shape or form do I feel like I’m floating down the river of tranquility without a care in the world.  My pain is chronic and the OxyCodone just manages to relieve the pain briefly.  4 hours later the pain is back with severe vengeance, forcing me to take another dose.

 In the meantime I’m also taking anti-biotics to fight infection. My foot is swelling inside my cast and making it extremely uncomfortable. I opted for a bag of frozen peas earlier to chill it a bit. The cast is huge and cumbersome.  I’m trying to avoid purple swollen toes, and tightness around the ankle within the cast which are all danger signs.

 Learning how to walk around with crutches is also proving to be a commandeering event.  To keep my foot constantly elevated and to ensure my dorsiflexed big toe does not brush against the ground; any attempt I make on crutches must have my whole right leg leaning straight forward.  A straight leg march if you will. The weight of the cast makes trolling around like this practically unbearable. The whole point is not to walk-at all.

I took a tumble yesterday; I lost balance through my lethargy. My brain is thinking I can do it; my body is laughing and saying otherwise. I bruised three toes on my left foot as I took the impact on my left side to protect my right foot. I’m definitely grounded to the sofa now. I have an arsenal of snacks, water and drugs to assist me. My foot is propped up on two pillows as high as I can elevate it. I’m tired.