Terrible night last night. My blood pressure was too low to be given oxycontin during the night and wow did I suffer. I was in agonizing pain in my whole spine. Med wasn’t due until 1030 am so I just stayed in bed waiting on that pill. Terrible. Not the staff’s fault. My BP has run low and heart rate high since surgery. My liver enzymes have been high and I needed a liver ultrasound today. Probably acetaminophen related from pain meds.

The rehab I toured and chose ended up not being in the VA network so had to choose between 2 others. I chose a certified brain and spine facility. Transfer was dependent on me having a BM. After Miralax, Colace, enema, suppository, Lactulose, prune juice and coffee….I finally had a BM this afternoon. My belly is still very firm but much better. Hopefully I’ll get more out tonight.

Rehab case manager came and accepted me. I walked with a walker very slowly to the nurses station and needed a wheelchair to get back to the room. Did it again later but a bit shorter distance. Walking is weird. My legs wobble and I’m slightly off kilter. My ingrained way of walking is done. I’m not longer walking hunched over and crooked.

Every day is a bit more moving in bed, a little quicker steps with walker. I need to focus on not holding my shoulders up around my ears. I had no idea that I even did that but it’s probably from walking hunched over for so many years.

Getting the proper pain regimen is everything. You should not be in so much pain that you can’t think. Yes it hurts. Yes there’s pain in my entire body. But a good regimen dulls it and you can almost feel normal.

Possible transfer to rehab tomorrow.