A Normal Day Turns Eventful
Today started as a relatively normal day in recovery. I spent part of the afternoon reading The Invisible Rainbow and had my weekly nurse visit to change my PICC line bandage and draw blood.
A PICC line (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) is a long, thin tube that’s inserted through a vein in your arm and threaded near your heart. It’s used for long-term delivery of medications, such as antibiotics or chemotherapy, and allows for repeated access to your bloodstream without the need for multiple needle sticks.
An Unexpected Turn
But by the evening, everything took an unexpected turn—one that I can only describe as a major turning point. At 8:43 PM, two weeks to the day after my second surgery, I felt a sudden wetness on my leg. My incision opened up near the bottom, and fluid began draining from my thigh. It wasn’t just a few drops—there was a steady drip, drip, drip that lasted for nearly 30 minutes.
Frustration and Relief
The irony of it all? Just yesterday, I told my surgeon that I suspected fluid build-up was causing my pain. She dismissed it, saying that while there might be some fluid, it wouldn’t be enough to cause the kind of intense pain I’ve been experiencing. And yet, here I am, watching fluid pour out of my leg. It’s frustrating to think they didn’t run a proper scan to check for this when I asked.
But honestly, I’m thrilled. This drainage is exactly what I’d hoped for, and I’m feeling hopeful that it might bring some relief from the sharp, stabbing pain I’ve been enduring.
A Magical Moment
I had just gotten out of the shower and walking into the laundry room when the fluid started. After 10 minutes of steady draining, I decided to step outside for a walk—completely naked, but it was dark and peaceful, so why not? My theory was that moving might help release more of the built-up fluid, and anything that could relieve the pressure was worth a try.
As I walked through the yard, something magical happened. I looked up and saw a bright green shooting star streak across the sky, cutting through the light cloud cover. It was only the second brightest meteor I’ve ever seen, and it felt like a sign—a small moment of wonder during this difficult recovery process.
Looking Forward with Hope
At this point, I’m hopeful that the fluid draining will alleviate the intermittent, knife-like pain I’ve been dealing with. The timing is almost eerie: this is exactly two weeks post-surgery, and the same thing happened two weeks after my first hip surgery in July. I can’t help but feel like my body is finally releasing the pressure that’s been causing so much pain.
Now, I’m waiting to see if this discharge leads to more relief in the days to come. Stay tuned for tomorrows update!
Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you made it to the end, I would love to hear from you!
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu