Post Op Day 5 -Spa Day

Posted on January 25, 2014 by Leah@MyNewEnding
Okay, so I didn’t go to the spa, but it felt like it.  It was bath day today.  🙂 
Today I made it upstairs to my bathroom and my husband gave me a nice sponge bath, including shaving my legs for me (1st time since surgery) and washing my hair.  Though being upright for so long was tiring it felt so good to get a deep clean.  My husband was kind enough to bring a space heater in the bathroom to keep me warm for the duration and I felt so spoiled.  
After my weekly bath *giggle* I went ahead and put some hair products in and put on some makeup. I felt so nice and fresh.  I told my husband, “I’m all dressed up with no place to go.” 🙂 
Actually, my mom used to tell me that getting dressed each day, whether or not you had to be somewhere, just makes you feel a little better about yourself.  I’ve found it to be true.  So, even though I put on some sweats and a t-shirt I felt clean and refreshed.  Just in time to eat some lunch and take a nap.
Going up and down the stairs and undergoing such a slow bathing process wore me clean out.  I remember reading how people said doing the smallest things would wear them out and it’s so true.  When I get up for my little walks around the house I move my arms in racing motions and tell my family I’m working out. They smile at me and we giggle.
I only laugh so much, because laughing brings probably the worst pain I feel physically lately.  There is lots of stretching going on as well, but the jolting of coughing, laughing or crying reminds me I am stitched not just at my incision sites but internally as well.
Part of an abdominoplasty includes stitching the abdominal muscles together to tighten things up.  I guess it’s like a little bonus help in regaining correct abdominal muscle placement.  When I go in for a checkup this week I want to ask the doctor how my abdominal a muscles looked.  He may not remember, but I’m curious.  Watch him say it was a mess.  😀
So, today had been pretty good,  I’ve been feeling a pinch on each side during the night when I adjust myself to get comfortable and I think it’s the sites where the tubes are coming out for the drains.  The incisions are looking really good.  I’ve also only had one pain pill a day for a couple days now.  Its amazing I’m still so full of stitches and yet the pain has really lessened.  
Glory! Things are continuing in the direction they should and I’m grateful.
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Post Op Day 4

Posted on January 25, 2014 by Leah@MyNewEnding
One thing I kept reading repeatedly with regards to abdominoplasty recovery was that day #3 would be “hell”; the day the pain just really hit hard and you wondered why the heck you did this to yourself.  I’m happy to say that has not happened to me. 
My doctor said he is using a fairly new anesthesia that lasts about 48 hours and helps with getting over the worst of the pain. I think between the newer anesthesia and me staying on top of my medications I have not hit a wall of pain of sorts.  Yay! 
Today my quadriceps have begun aching at times, so I have been getting up more regularly to move around. The standing and shuffling around my house feels good for my middle, but it doesn’t take long for me to tire out. Sheesh.  
I think today is the first day I started getting a little stir crazy, so I went and sat in a different room for a little bit.  🙂 I really don’t want to go out with my drains in, so I’ll be home for a bit longer.  Everything I read prior to surgery said this is a long recovery and to just take it easy and slow.  
Unfortunately, with the death of my mom I’m not sure if my lack of interest in movies and the like is due to being stir crazy from surgery or being frustrated I can’t get up and do more.  My phone has been ringing off the hook with texts and phone calls both yesterday and today.  While I’m so grateful for the love and support I am finding it wears me out. Again, I’m not sure if it’s emotionally draining just because of the death or because I’m also recuperating from surgery.  I imagine it’s both and I’m trying to be patient with myself.  
But, everything looks to be healing up nicely and I am standing taller every day.  My drains appear to be holding less fluid each day and that is a good sign as well. I have some steri strips starting to fall off and I let them, though it grosses me out. Blech. 
Last night my family brought the dinner table into the living room so they could all eat with me,  it was sweet.  My husband also brings his food in to eat with me whenever he’s home.  Today he showed my son how to make coffee because my son wanted to learn and help out.
Speaking of my son…this was cute.  He’s 13 and stayed home with me today while my husband went to the girls’ basketball game.  Well, the doorbell rang and it was a floral delivery.  I hear the guy say, “I have a delivery for Leah..” And then I hear” You can sign it.” Some mumbling from my son and “sign it however you like.”  I was awww… My son was probably asking if he had to sign for it in cursive or not.  So cute. That was a first for him,  🙂 
This is getting to be a long post and it’s time for another walk, so I’ll go for now.  Thanks for stopping by!
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Post Op Days 2 & 3

Posted on January 24, 2014 by Leah@MyNewEnding

First off, thank you for the condolences regarding my mom’s death.  I’m told she appeared to pass quietly in her sleep and for that I am so grateful.  I also know for a fact that she had given her life to Jesus at a young age and I know we’ll see her in heaven again someday.  There are lots of things to plan, but for now my job is to heal from surgery.

Yesterday was my two-day follow up and the doctor said everything looks great. With my abdomen covered in stitches from the outside of one hip to the other and a vertical incision up the middle of my abdomen I find it hard to think it looks great, so I told him I would take his word for it. 🙂

I was given instructions on wound care and to go ahead and take breaks from wearing the binder garment. One of the nurses said I didn’t need to wear underwear or a bra either, but … Uh… That’s not gonna happen.  I had put on a regular bra, but did decide my sport bra was much more comfortable.

The told me I can shower now, but that makes me nervous.  My husband said we’ll keep doing sponge baths for a little bit longer.  I bought “dry shampoo” and used that, but it made my hair feel disgusting. I think it’s better when used on people with oily hair, and I am not one of those.

The doctor told me to stay a little hunched over, but not too much.  I think I was walking too hunched overl.

Today has been pretty good.  I did not take a pain pill this afternoon and I think I’m doing okay without it. I did have a couple questions for the nurse to clarify some things I was told yesterday, so I called her. She was sweet and answered everything.

My doctor also said my drains should come out next Wednesdaay or Thursday and I can travel to be with my dad if needed.  My dad has said they will wait to do my moms memorial service until I can get there, so we will see what dates we decide on. My heart is to be there as soon as possible, but my body wants to heal and be in better condition to travel.  My husband will be going with me, so we will see when that is to be.

In the meantime, the nurse told me to take regular little walks, pushing myself a little beyond comfortable to start standing up straighter more often. I still have my stack of books, audiobooks and have been enjoying Pride and Prejudice with my daughters today … Between texts and phone calls.

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My Mother is Gone

Posted on January 23, 2014 by Leah@MyNewEnding
I used the restroom this evening and then planned on sitting down to blog about post op day 2 when my phone rang. It was my dad’s phone number, but not his voice and I knew something was wrong.  
I was called and informed that my mother has passed away. My dad couldn’t talk at the moment and asked I be called immediately.  It looks as if she passed peacefully in sleep and I’m grateful for no foul play. I’ve since spoken to him, but still find myself sitting here in shock that she is really gone.  
So, my friends, I do want to blog about my post op days, but I know you’ll forgive me if I don’t share more tonight. I also know you’ll understand if talking about the surgery is the only thing that keeps my mind off of her death.  
Her death…I still can’t believe I’m saying those words and talking about my own mother. 
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Post Op Day 1

Posted on January 21, 2014 by Leah@MyNewEnding
Well, I’m almost through my first day post abdominoplasty surgery. My husband was home with me all day and we hung out.  🙂
My biggest trouble through the night was staying comfortable in the recliner with regards to my tailbone.  Ever since I lost weight if I’m slouching on the couch my tailbone will hurt.  I’m also not able to do sit-ups correctly because of my tailbone.  My husband said he always noticed it was “high”. I’ve never asked the doctor because I just work around it. But….needless to say I have to adjust my seating when I’m reclined or I get really sore in that area.
I slept pretty well through the night and finally woke up at 5:30 realizing I was in pain.  It wasn’t unbearable, but definitely pain. I took one Vicodin and realized by the next dosing I needed to take two. I remember the doctor saying to stay ahead of the pain and now I know why.  🙂 The good thing about feeling the pain for a bit was it reminded me that I indeed have been cut and need to be careful.
I have compression socks on and they itch periodically.  I think they come off at my follow up appointment tomorrow.  Only this afternoon did I begin to feel itchy just under the binder.  I was instructed not to take off the binder until the follow up tomorrow, so I’m hoping then to be able to see my incisions and my new belly button.
While I did show you how I look wrapped up I probably won’t be showing the incisions.  Sorry. As I told my doctor, that’s an area only my doctors and husband will ever see.  🙂 I took some “before” pictures in somewhat tight clothing so I’ll have some comparisons to show you later. I can already see a major difference in my abdomen.
Today I slept off and on, ate and drank, texted for a bit and have relaxed pretty well.  Every time I get up to use the restroom I go for a short walk through my downstairs.  It feels good to move and I know it’s good for blood circulation as well.
So, that’s about it for today.  I’m sore, but nothing more than I expected and that is good. Things are going fairly smoothly and I’m grateful.
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A Few Post Op Pics

Posted on January 21, 2014 by Leah@MyNewEnding

I’m blogging from my iPad in my recliner,  so please excuse if I can’t get the pictures up here correctly.

Well, this is how I look right now. 

 Tomorrow is my first follow up appointment and they will change my dressings. So hopefully I’ll be able to see my incisions and my new belly button then.  🙂 I’ll be wearing this binder for a few weeks and hopefully the drains will be out in a week.  We’ll see what the doctor says tomorrow.

This is where I’m living right now. 🙂 My little corner of the living room.
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Abdominoplasty Surgery Day – Long Story

Posted on January 21, 2014 by Leah@MyNewEnding
We arrived at the surgery center exactly on time.  My husband and I joined hands in the car and prayed for a safe surgery and thanked The Lord for the chance to make this happen.  Then we got out of the car and he took a pic of me in my new cutie pjs I purchased for this special occasion. 🙂
“My” nurse was going to be in OR, so the other one prepped me for surgery. She has me give a urine sample, of which I had plenty after our drive, and then had me dress in my gown, compression stockings (knee high length) and socks. She took my vitals had me reiterate to her what I was having done and gathered up my belongings.
Not too long after that the nurse anesthetist came in and got my IV set up and going with some saline.  He was an older gentleman who has been doing this for years and was awesome.  Great bedside manner.
The doctor came in and marked up my body for the surgery.  My husband enjoyed watching what he was doing and asked a question or two.  It was interesting to see how he marked me for surgery.  He was making vertical lines for symmetry because he said my stomach would fall to the side. At one point the doctor needed me to hold up my stomach so he could mark the underside of if and I was reminded exactly why we’re doing this.
The operating room nurse came in as well and double checked all the stuff the medical assistant asked me and reminded me what would be happening before and after surgery.  I believe she is the one who walked me back to the operating room.
I wasn’t really nervous, but a few times the reality of what was going to happen to my body made me nervous, scared even.  As I walked into the operating room and saw everything there I had a twinge of ” oh my goodness, what am I doing?” But I remembered a few things….
  • Many people have had success with this surgery, and lots with my same doctor,
  • My doctor does this multiple times a week and doesn’t want to lose a patient any more than I want to die. 🙂
  • I have prayed and trust that if it’s my time to go, then so be it, but I know God is watching over me.
Then I walked over to the operating table and when I saw the little tables laid perpendicularly to the table for my arms it reminded me of the c-section I had with my girls. The OR nurse and the nurse anesthetist got me situated and he started dripping something that would help my mind relax as I waited for the anesthesia to kick in. 
As the nurse was covering me with warm blankets, slapping a freezing cold thing on my thigh (she warned me, but it was still a shock *giggle*) the nurse anesthetist chatted with me a bit. I told him I hoped I didn’t say something stupid and he said I wouldn’t be talking at all once I was asleep.  “The doctor doesn’t like patients to talk while he’s working.” He grinned and said.  I told him I was totally good with that and wanted his focused attention on his work. Then he asked me about my kids and that’s about all I remember…
…. until I suddenly felt myself shaking horribly, chattering teeth and in pain.  It took me a minute to realize where I was and that the recovery nurse was talking to me.  I had been dreaming and then wondered why I was in pain, because pain wasn’t part of my dream. [grin] I was almost frustrated with the pain and chattering, but then I remembered where I was.
I kept telling myself to try and relax and to breathe through the pain. I could feel I was clenching my shoulders up and I knew I was very tense.  I was taking shorter breaths because of the pain, but then the nurse told me to go ahead and try and breath normal.  
She gave me a muscle relaxer right away.  Between the relaxer kicking in and me making a conscious effort to relax I began to feel a little better. I picked up the conversation where we left off and told the nurse the shaking reminded me of recovery after the c-section. 
I want to stop here and say that as I made myself try and relax and take normal breaths I told myself this was not forever and I could get through it.  I also realized this is something I learned through exercising.  There are times workouts or runs got really hard, but I just had to tell myself it wasn’t forever and I would get through it–I could get through it.  I reminded myself of that as I was coming to and the relaxer was kicking in and I was fine. Sure it hurt, but I knew it wasn’t forever. (I sure wish I would’ve learned to think like that for childbirth.. *giggle*)
I was slightly nauseous, but I was dizzy more than anything.  I think it was the warmth, because as soon as I began to get some fresh air when we left I started feeling better.  The nurse suggested we stop for something to eat so I could take a pain pill when I got home. She said, “There’s a Wendy’s next door and a frosty might be nice.” That sounded great. 
She helped me try and use the restroom and dress. They didn’t even try to put my undergarments on and I was mortified… Okay.. Not really. I didn’t even care.  You know you’re fuzzy headed and in pain when you don’t care and are happy enough to be covered.  My pjs covered me completely. 
I was wheeled to the door of the facility and then my husband helped me into the car.  We brought along a step stool to make it easier to get in our Toyota 4 Runner.  I was advised to sit in the back seat because the doctor doesn’t like his patients in the way of an air bag, God forbid it deploys.  So, my husband tilted one of our back seats slightly back and I sat catty corner to him.  We put the stool under my feet with a pillow on top of that because I was instructed to sleep in a somewhat “v” shape for the first bit to not stretch myself out too much.  
He stopped by Wendy’s and got me a small frosty which I ate slowly so I wouldn’t throw up.  It tasted good, but I was queasy.  The coolness felt wonderful on my irritated throat (from the tube that was keeping my airway open). My husband was so kind and even turned on the a/c to keep me cool and help me get over the nausea. It never got any worse and I’m sure it’s because of that.  
I was pretty awake and was able to send a few texts alerting friends and family all went well and I was headed home.  My husband drove carefully and would say sorry if I was jostled in any way. He was so cute! He’d also reach back and rub my foot once in a while. 
I did nod off and on on our short drive, 45 minutes, but also enjoyed relaxing an d knowing I’d made it through the surgery safe and sound.  I texted my daughter when we entered our neighborhood and my husband backed in the garage so I could exit on the side nearest the door to the house.  He told me I had an audience waiting for me and as we walked into the house I hear my daughter snapping pictures on her iPod touch.  A girl after my own heart.  
My husband helped me to he readied recliner and got me situated very slowly; taking extreme precaution to lift the leg rest on the recliner nice and slow so as to not jar my abdomen when lifting my legs. He then instructed my girls to each lift a leg gently to he could place a pillow under them to keep me in a “v” shape. They were eager to help and were very gentle as well.
The roast I had left cooking in the crock pot smelled delicious.. My husband and daughter finished up dinner and I ate a child’s portion from my recliner chair.  After dinner the family put a movie on and I dozed off and on before texting a friend for a little bit.  
I have a great team of family that has been so gentle helping me get in new no out of the recliner to use the restroom. My husband also helped me get my underthings on and emptied my drains. I’m not surprised at his care, but it tickles me just how slow an deliberate he is about every little thing.  He won’t let me pick up hardly anything just yet and keeps reminding me to not strain myself. 
When I’m in the recliner I am most comfortable and feel recovery won’t be so bad.  Then I stand up and I’m like, “Oh my. Yes, I did have surgery today,” yowsa. I’ve gotten up each time to use the restroom and move my legs a bit for circulation, but that’s about it.  
There’s a long road of recovery ahead of me, but I can already tell that it’s going to be worth it.  It’s been an adventurous day, but now I’m going to eat an orange and go to sleep. My husband is sleeping on the couch to be near me.   Aww… What a day! And what a man! 🙂
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Abdominoplasty Surgery Day – Short Story

Posted on January 21, 2014 by Leah@MyNewEnding
The surgery went well.  I was pretty dizzy coming out of anesthesia, so I didn’t ask too many questions except 1) Do you know how much you took off? Weight? And he said, he didn’t know the weight, but it was A LOT and 2) I believe he did indeed do a vertical incision as well as a horizontal incision.  This is the “fleur de lis” incision.  The doctor and his staff were wonderful.  
My husband took me and it was so good to see his face when it was all said and done.  He drove me home safely and has been babying like me like crazy. He’s so sweet.  My kids are real gentle as well. I’m a blessed lady.  Now on to the recovery. Yay!!!
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Maybe A Little Nervous

Posted on January 20, 2014 by Leah@MyNewEnding
As I got in the shower this morning I suddenly got butterflies in my stomach.  I decided it’s the kind of nerves I had before any of my races, but mainly before my half marathon,  — the “I’m doing something I never thought I could/would do.” nerves.  
I’m about to altar myself in a way I never dreamed I would.  Losing weight has been a miracle in my life, but getting rid of the remainder of the belly I’ve carried around for so many years … It’s a big, and very permanent step. 
Then as I showered and lifted my belly to clean under it I thought, “I’m never going to have to lift my belly like that again.”  
Wow.  
And now… I’ve brought down my bathroom stuff, dinner is in the crock pot, I’ve kissed the kids goodbye, my dear friend Steph has already texted me (at 5 am her time) to let me know she’s praying and I’ve seen two comments of encouragement on my Surgery Eve post.  
I’m ready and it’s time to go.  Thanks for the well wishes and I’ll talk to you later.  🙂
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Surgery Eve

Posted on January 20, 2014 by Leah@MyNewEnding
It’s the night before surgery and all through the house…
Just kidding. 
I think I pretty much have everything done that’s going to get done before surgery.  I’ve just finished printing out the dinner meal ideas for about 14 meals that I’ve bought groceries for along with instructions for each meal and recipes if necessary.  My husband is very handy in the kitchen and my kids will help too.  He’ll have to buy fresh stuff, but the meat is all there.  This should be fun!  
I also prepared a package for the mail, put my little bag together with my prescriptions, some crackers in case I’m nauseous and my folder of paperwork.  I’ve downloaded two audiobooks to my iPad for my post-surgery listening pleasure…until I feel like holding the two books I borrowed from the library. 
The only thing left to do is bring down my bathroom stuff tomorrow morning to our powder room because I don’t think I’ll be going upstairs for a few days.  I’ve already packed a bag of changes of flannel pants and shirts and things to change daily after a sponge bath that I can do downstairs.  I bought dry shampoo to try too.  I’d rather be prepared than trouble my family too much ( or get frustrated when they don’t know where to look for my stuff.  lol )
A friend asked me if I was nervous about tomorrow.  
Nope.  I’m not nervous at all about the surgery.  I just had things I wanted to be done before I had it done and they finally are.  My pre-suregery “to-do”s have kept my mind busy with planning and preparing.  My family will do just fine with me out of commission for a bit, but I’m trying to make things as easy as possible for them. 
As I type my husband is saying, “Leah, it’s after 11:00..you need to go to bed.”  So, I will shortly. 
The doctor asked if I’d need valium tonight to relax and be able to sleep.  Nope..I might’ve needed it to help me not be too excited.  *giggle*  Actually, I’ve stayed up late enough tonight I think I’ll sleep just fine. 
I have to be there at 10:15 am and my surgery is at 11:00 (Eastern time).  We live about 45 minutes to an hour away, so we’ll still leave pretty early.  I’m already dreading not having my morning coffee, but I know I’ll live.  lol
I may check in one more time in the morning, but I may not.  Depending on how I feel I’ll check in post surgery.  Otherwise, I’ll be back on Tuesday.  
I still can’t believe this is really happening…to me.  It’s so exciting and still surreal right now.  A whole new adventure in my new ending I never dreamed I’d experience, or actually be in a place where I qualified for such a surgery.  
Goodnight…I’m going to enjoy my bed and sleeping “normally” for the last time in a short while.  🙂
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