6 Weeks Following Coccyx Excision (Tailbone Removal)
It’s been six weeks following my coccyx excision (coccygectomy) and I’m happy to report that the visit with my surgeon went very well today. My wound is still open by about 1/2 an inch, and it’s slowly closing from the inside. The doctor said that my wound looked the best he’s seen since the surgery. There is no sign of infection, and he thinks it will take about another month to fully heal. The pain levels are getting better, but I’m beginning to experience a myriad of sensations near the surgical site. While I still feel pain 100% of the time, the pain is much lower while I’m laying down and keeping pressure off the wound. I am still only able to sit for about 45 minutes per day, so there hasn’t been much improvement in...
Read MoreSleeping Following a Coccygectomy (Tailbone Removal)
Approximately 6 weeks ago I had my tailbone removed in a procedure known as a coccygectomy, or coccyx excision. One thing is certain: if you have a coccygectomy, you’ll be spending a lot of time laying around as you won’t be able to sit for at least a month. I have spent about 95% of my time laying around since my surgery. The first couple weeks were brutal, and luckily I had a surgeon who was not afraid of helping me control my pain. That, combined with my handy contour foam knee pillow, I was more comfortable sleeping and laying on my side. I bought my pillow at Bed Bath and Beyond, but these can be easily found on amazon.com as well. I have read of people using a massage table that allows a person to lay on their stomach without their face being...
Read MoreDriving After Coccygectomy Surgery (Coccyx Excision)
Prior to having my coccyx removed, one of the things I stressed about most was whether I’d be able to drive shortly after the surgery. In my case, it was about 3 weeks into my recovery that I was able to drive short distances. It has now been about 5 weeks following my coccyx excision and I’m able to drive 45 minutes in a day. I’ve found that the amount of time you can drive is directly related to how long you can sit at a desk. I can’t drive 45 minutes every single day, as I do pay a price a couple of days after the activity: increased pain levels. In my case, the wound is still open, so I have to sit in a way that relieves pressure from the wound. I use my coccyx cushion and lean over to one side to relieve the pressure. The most...
Read More1 Month and 5 Days Following Coccygectomy
Today was my bi weekly meeting with my surgeon. He is happy with how I am progressing. One of my concerns is that my wound tends to bleed more often than at the beginning of my recovery. The surgeon told me it is because the wound is not as deep as it was before and there is no place for the drainage to go except for up and out of the wound . In fact, he says that the bleeding is a sign that there is healthy tissue just under the surface of the wound. So all in all a good visit with the doctor. Share this:EmailPrintTwitterFacebookPinterestTumblrGoogle +1
Read More15 Bean Soup
Following my coccygectomy (tailbone removal) I needed to find recipes that would cut down on the amount of labor required and that were healthy enough to prevent me from gaining weight since I could not be very active. This 15 bean soup fit the bill, and since the soup was made in a slow cooker, there was very little labor involved, and there was enough for about 6 meals. 1 package of 15 bean soup mix (dry) 4 celery stalks, diced 1 can of diced tomatoes 2 smoked ham necks 1 teaspoon of fresh cracked black pepper Simply place these ingredients in a slow cooker, and cook on low about 8 hours. What this soup lacks in color is made up in flavor. Share this:EmailPrintTwitterFacebookPinterestTumblrGoogle...
Read MoreSupport Following Coccygectomy
Members from my church were so kind as to bring meals to me every other day for a month following my surgery. They coordinated the meals through www.mealtrain.com. They would have continued bringing me meals after the 30 days but at this point I feel as if I am fairly self-sufficient. Grocery shopping is still a bit of a chore, and I am still unable to lift heavy items and I get winded very easily. But for the most part, I am able to get my groceries and cook my meals. To cut the amount of labor required to cook my meals, I am cooking meals in a slow cooker so that I can make a meal that will last me about 3 days at a time. I am so incredibly thankful for the willing mass of my church to help me in any way possible and I am convinced this is one of the reasons I...
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