While the nerve block was in full effect it was not too bad to sleep, but as the night went on, I could feel the hand jumping and then I got a rude awakening at 3am which was a deep relentless ache (to be expected) I tried some distraction techniques and 1 Tramadol, but this didn’t work at all, at 5am I had to get some Ice and 2 Paracetamol.

Day One Nerve block is completely off as I can fully move my fingers now, which is both good and bad. Glad I have full feeling, but that of course means pain. I know the first few days are the worse, so I’m just going to watch things on netflix, ice, elevate, and drink water. And tell myself it’s worth it in the long run (always had to do that with hip surgery recoveries too)

By 10am I was desperate to take the Dihydrocodeine 30mg and get some relief. With a plan to take 2 paracetamol at midday 12. Clearly the tramadol wasn’t enough to stay ahead of pain, so I’m chasing it a bit for now, so for a couple of days I will just take the Dihydro and Paracetamol as best as I can. So far it’s like a crushing pressure feeling.

It’s been a painful today, but I think I’m getting into a rhythm, especially with 1 ice pack while 2nd one goes into freezer. It has been as expected really. I’m forever grateful to have assistance making drinks, and food. As the day progressed I managed to take out of the splint and move fingers more, to stop stiffness.

Day Two what a difference a good night’s sleep makes, and taking 1 Dihydrocodeine every 6 hours and 2 paracetamol every 3 hours after the Dihydrocodeine dose, so that works out every 6 hours too. ( Helps to have a dose coming every 3 hours) My biggest weird feeling is my elbow feels wet and cold, but it’s dry and warm?? Could be a nerve feeling weird so not worrying about it too much yet. The armpit is bruised and tender, but expected after the block needle went in there.

I had an Auxiliary nerve block, quite fascinating to be honest how it all works. And the wet cold feeling is from the Ulna nerve, well I had a bone graft took from the ulna region so it’s probably all connected.

Tomorrow will be a test as I need to go out to see family for birthday celebrations. So real clothes need wearing and moving around a bit, rather than just binge watching TV.

One huge bonus of being awake for surgery is, I feel totally like myself , not an emotional wreck as I usually am after a general. And I can eat properly too. So would I do it again, Yeah I would, and will do on the other hand.

Noticed that as my fingers are free to move, I can use that hand to stabilise things I’m holding, so not feeling as disabled as I thought I would. This also has a mental kickback too, so then I can do things for myself, and not feel like a burden as much. I even managed to put a scrunchie in my hair!!