Day +1: First Steps & Strange Sensations
Dr. Giotikas’s team provided all necessary equipment—wheelchair, crutches, walker, and a shower stool— brand new and all included in the package for me to keep.
In the afternoon, all the equipment arrived, and the head nurse guided me through some leg exercises. Moving my legs felt weird—it’s like they weren’t fully attached, almost wobbly and disconnected from my body. Every movement made me a bit dizzy, but apparently, this sensation fades as the brain adapts.
We then tried standing up using the walker, which I managed instantly without pain. Walking was relatively easy, using the hopping technique: since the nails are weight-bearing, I can stand as long as my legs are straight, but bending my knees under load is a no-go. The toughest part is going from sitting to standing (bed → walker, walker → toilet, etc.).
Still no real pain, likely because the epidural was still in effect.
Day 2: Reality Kicks In
Woke up at 4:30 AM with swollen legs and pain creeping in, especially in my right leg—about a 2/10 at rest, but any movement spiked it to 5-6/10.
Tried walking to the bathroom but got really lightheaded. Almost felt like I was about to pass out, so I forced myself back to bed with cold sweats. Decided I was going to use the pee bottle instead of risking a fall. The nurse reassured me this was normal and gave me tramadol, which helped a lot.
PT with Mr. Thassos was tougher than yesterday. The same exercises that were easy on Day 1 became difficult, especially for my right leg due to the pain. We practiced walking, stairs (since my Airbnb has three steps), and basic movements I’ll need for daily life.
Later in the day, the entire team was there (Dr.Giotikias + Ms.Voula + Mr.Thassos) were here, they changed my bandages (all wounds were dry—good sign!) and fitted waterproof bandages so I can shower.
At that point I realised how happy I was with my choice to go with Dr.Giotikas and his team. They’re professional and super attentive. Until now they exceeded all my expectations.
By late afternoon, it was time to leave the hospital. I was still loaded up on painkillers, so the ride to the Airbnb was fine. My girlfriend was waiting for me, and I managed the three small stairs without trouble. The head nurse took her time to show me how to shower, use the bathroom, move around the apartment etc.
Being out of the hospital felt great. My girlfriend went to buy groceries. I tried to shower but got the same cold sweats again. Ordered food, watched Netflix, and eventually managed to shower before crashing for the night. Still taking all my pain meds for now.
Day 3: Managing Pain & Finding a Routine
Slept okay thanks to painkillers but woke up around 5 AM as soon as they wore off. Today, I decided to skip tramadol and stick with paracetamol + gabapentin to see how it goes.
Getting from bed to the bathroom is easier now. First attempt was a bit fast, which made me lightheaded again, but I slowed down the second time and managed fine.
Now it’s just about resting and getting used to the new normal. Looking forward to my first clicking session and PT on Tuesday.