DAY 1

When I got home from the hospital my parents filled my prescription for the liquid vicodin. I was surprised at how much I was given (but, it was necessary!).

I made myself a place on the couch and set up the humidifier, a box of kleenex, a trash can, bottles of water, cup of crushed ice, and medication on my night stand. I sat and slept in an upright position.

I forced myself to eat as much crushed ice and drink as much water as I could. I was warned by the doctors and my others that because the pain gets worse it's important to get fluid in when you can. I hydrated as much as possible.

My biggest complaint was that my tongue was so numb and felt so big in my mouth. I felt I couldn't move it around. I was surprised that my jaw and mouth was not sore. My throat was uncomfortable, but I wouldn't say it was painful.

It's very important to take your medication religiously in the beginning. I could take a dose every 4 hours. By hour 3 I was already craving it for the pain most the time. Even in the beginning when the pain wasn't bad it's important to stay on top of it. It's a lot easier to be preventive then take it too late and suffer the pain.

That night I slept well sitting up, but woke up every 3 hours as the pain medication wore off. Once I took the medication I was back asleep in 30 minutes.