Post Op- Plastic Surgery

Oct 17, 2009

October 9th I had an extended TT and outer thigh liposuction. 

I needed to be at the facility for 9:15 am and was on time...only to find out the surgery before mine ran late, so my husband and I sat around and talked until I was called into the back.  We only took 2 pre-op photos because we were rushing to get to the surgery center on time.  In retrospect, I am bummed that I didn't have more photos or take the camera with me, I reallt should have had at least one that really showed how bad my outer thighs were.  My post op photos (of my thighs) do not look terribly impressive since there is no evidence of how bad they were to begin with. 

Once in the back in an exam room I had to change into a johnny, surgery sock and put on a hair net.  Thay also gave me a very bulky and warm robe to wear to stay warm.  I met with the nurse, Paulie, who would be with me in surgery.  WE went through medical historey again, allergies that sort of thing...she explained the importance of tracking drainage output and how to strip the tubing. 

My husband joked around with me about how he could probably do this surgery if he watched a few U-tube clips...I told him no thanks, I'll stick with my Dr.  Then the Dr came in and talked with us a while then proceeded to draw all over me with purple marker....Norman then said, he certainly could have done that at least!  LOL...  There was a LOT of purple, let me tell you.  I wish I had a photo of that...

Before I knew it, I was walked into the operating room, I hopped up on the warm table, and the anesthesiaologist started an IV in my left hand.  Paulie was chatting with me and then I was OUT!!  I woke up shaking like crazy! I couldn't stop shaking and I had trouble talking from the tube that had been in my throat.  I wasn't in pain, very far from it, but it sure was difficult to move.  My husband was brought in to see me...he is the sweetest!!  I am not sure how much time passed before they told him to bring the car around to the side.  They got me in the car and off we went. 

Norm has told me of conversations we had on the way home that I have no recollection of.  That is a weird feeling....

Friday the 9th was a complete blur to me.  Norm gave me pain meds, I basically took meds, drank water, urinated, walked and slept.  The drain tubes caused blustering of my skin where they basically imbedded into my sides due to the pressure of the binder.  The blisters popped leaving open wounds which are VERY painful- I would say more painful than the tummy incision or the lipo.  I am miserable because of these cuts that keep oozing. When the ooze dries to what ever is in contact with it...gauze, a t shirt, bandaids....then when the material is removed (with GREAT discomfort) the cuts start the process all over again.  (this was a problem even up to day 9!!!) 

The next day, the Dr considered that day 2....my best friend came to take care of me because Norm had to work all day.  She took great care of me...we talked alot...I don't really remember what we talked about!!  LOL. 

Day 3..she was with me again.  I was feeling up to taking a shower...I almost passed out after the shower....She got me to bed took a few photos then dressed.  This was the last day that I took pain meds. Bruising is not too bad on my thighs or tummy.

Day 4 I was on my own part of the day....I took it easy....real easy.  It is difficult to move due to the binders I was wearing.  I have been sleeping in my own bed since the surgery...it is difficult, but not impossible to sit up and exit the bed. 
From the couch I instructed Norm and his daughter how to make soup....they made a delicious venison soup!!  I went to dinner with my husband and his daughter this evening.  It was nice to be out of the house!!  It's odd to be in public walking humped over-- usually I am standing tall; not tonight. 

Day 5 I was on my own....I did maybe 4 hours of work (I work from home) just enough to not let thing pile up. I made sure I didn't have any important conversations with anyone.  I took a big nap on the cound when I got tired.  Norm had lunch ready in the refrigerator for me.   When Norm got home I was dying for a shower.  He got me all undressed and into the shower....I wasn't in there more than 3 minutes when I called him to come quick and get in with me.  Just as he got in, I passed out.  Thankfully he had grabbed me under the arms and was able to get me out of the shower and laid on the floor.  He was scared out of his mind!!!  When I woke up, I could tell he was scared.  I had never seen him look like he did.  What I terrible experience for both of us!!  My shower was cut short and he was beside him self with worry. 

Day 6, I worked the entire day.  Norm and I went out to dinner....we had some good Italian and I have enough left overs for 3 more meals.  Bruising is very bad on my thighs...they are yellow and purple and black!!  Tummy looks good. 

Day7 was mostly uneventful. Again, I worked the entire day. I was VERY tired after working all day.  A girlfriend brought over dinner....what a nice treat that was.   I did shower again ...I didn't pass out...and I had a good sleep. 

Day 8....I had my first follow up appointment.  My Dr was very happy with my progress, one drain is draining very low volume, but it is still too much to remove the drain.  I was instructed to call back on Wednesday with volumes from Sun-Tuesday and a nurse would instruct me on when to come in for the drain to be removed.  The Dr felt hopeful that I would be back next week to have at least one drain removed.  We went to dinner with my in-laws..they are such wonderful people.  It was good to see them (I think it's been 2 weeks since I saw them) We watched a movie when we got home, it was sort of like date night. 

Day 9- I went out on my own today.  I drove for the first time and went to the food store to get a few things.  It felt good to be out and about.  I didn't sleep well last night and I laid down to try to nap, but was unsuccessful.  I think I will take a zanac tonight to help me sleep.  I am going to cook dinner for the first time in over a week!! I always cook dinner...it's been odd for us to go out to dinner 3 times in a week and Norm commented that he missed my cooking.  We are making it though this recovery phase and I hope to be fully on my feet again by the first week in Nov.  I have a trade show to attend the second week of Nov, so I hope I am on target.  After the trade show I will stay in NYC for the weekend...I hope I am recovered fully by then. 

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