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Recovering MARCH Tummy Tuckers!

By 3boys 1princess on 07 Apr 2011

Thought I would start another thread for recovery questions and comments. Here goes the first one... How long have you had your drains or how long did you have them? I am 10 days out and still have both. NOT happy about that. Think that I am doing too much, but LIFE goes on. Was supposed to get 1 out tomorrow but drainage jumped back up to 40 today. YUCK!! Hope everyone is recovering nicely and if you have any questions or comments POST THEM HERE!!

Comments (512)

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beaful1 9 Apr 2011
Was so bummed to see thread closed for comments- glad that you started a new thread.
I had 1 drain and it came out at week 2. I thought that was too soon compared to, but trust my PS.
Yes, life sure does go on. We are preparing to put our house on the market so at 3 weeks out I need to start scrubbing the house down. I still have a stubborn spot that has not healed but I consider it 3 weeks behind the rest bc of a stitch that needed to come out that was impeding healing. Other than that my scar is already light pink and super smooth. My back is killing me. I am still slightly hunched over at times and try to make a conscious effort to straighten out. And still sleeping on my back. Trying the sides but it hurts a little. Swelling is not too bad but I leave the compression gar on 24/7 except to shower and clean the open area. I think I need a tighter garment though- I have a Velcro one and with my husbands help, get it as tight as it will possible go and I still feel like theres room to go tighter. My PS is out for the week so I will ask about it when he comes back. So question, how long does the numbness last in lipo'ed flank area? Feels so gross when I touch it.
Aylmer 9 Apr 2011
do not over due it with cleaning, it will only cause the swelling to worsen. I did that after my Hysterectomy and regretted thinking I had to do it.
I had my TT on March 17th, my surgeon suggested replacing my velcro fastened compression binder with a lovely soft( firm control) girdle.....well the store discontinued them. But what I did find at Walmart was a really nice camisole that is firm control. I believe the brand is Sweet Nothing, it is extra long so it goes down past my suture line and has a soft lace trim. I wear it all day and then when I am up being more active or out for my long walks I wear the velcro compression binder.
Be kind to your body, the more you try to do...the more you swell.
beaful1 9 Apr 2011
sorry, I'm actually 4 weeks...time flys
Happy135 9 Apr 2011
I got my one drain out at 8 days p/o and the other one out 2 days later and today I had a seroma that needed to be drained. When I got my drains out it was only at 19. I wish that I still had my drain.. So be thankful that you have it there. I know it's such a hassle but it's worth it!!!!!
3boys 1princess 9 Apr 2011
Beaful1: We are putting our house on the market here in a few weeks. Will be moving over the summer out of state regardless if the house sells or not. I am NOT looking forward to getting it all ready and packing stuff up while still somewhat recovering, but such is life again...

I am not draining that much at all anymore and my activity level is medium to high. Should be interesting what the drainage is tomorrow after my sons opening day double header. The drain sites are KILLING me though. Small price to pay to not have to go back in for being treated for a seroma.
3boys 1princess 9 Apr 2011
Oh and I forgot to add. The lipo sites are HORRIBLE. I didn't get any bruising at all, but it is so numb and feels so weird at times. Like it is on fire. SOOOO looking forward to that being over.
3/24/11 11 Apr 2011
Im feeling great beside swelling!! Im standing straight finally started this am. Yoohoo
3boys 1princess 11 Apr 2011
OH how I want to stand straight. I want my drains out too, but standing up straight would be AWESOME!!
So happy for you!!!
3boys 1princess 11 Apr 2011
WOOT! So happy for you standing straight finally!!
I can't wait for that and to get my drains out!!
3/24/11 11 Apr 2011
When was ur surgery?? 28th??
3boys 1princess 11 Apr 2011
Yes, I am 2 weeks today
3/24/11 11 Apr 2011
Still have drains holy moly...lol
3boys 1princess 11 Apr 2011
I think it is because I am doing too much. But my life can't stop. I have 4 little ones and I can't just SIT all day long. My mom is here and she is a big help, but we are still a busy family. Getting really frustrated at this point.
Aylmer 11 Apr 2011
better to leave drains in until your Dr is sure, you do not want a seroma, you will be in real misery if you have to go have them drained everyday.
I had mine 10 and 11 days, happy to have parted with them. My surgery was March 17th and I am now walking 2 x's 1 mile walks a day, several 5 min stints on the elliptical trainer and doing upper arm exercises with my 5lb weights.
illinois8551 11 Apr 2011
So I am here, it's been a little bit. 4 weeks this week and the binder is off. I feel ok, I just wish that when I get up in the morn that the swell would be gone, FOREVER. It is hard to distinguish what is swell anymore and what isn't. sighhhhh....wish the swell would get the swell out. I am still feeling disappointed with the results. Someone slap me and tell me at 4 weeks it is way too soon.....Or not and I should take my money back from PS.
3boys 1princess 11 Apr 2011
Oh sheesh, I am so sorry swell hell has gotten you! I am only 2 weeks out and so swollen I am lopsided today. Not a good feeling at all!
Also one of my drains is falling out as of 2 hours ago. NOt sure what is going on. I am not draining that much but enough that they can't come out. Starting to get so discouraged with the drains. Now scared to move because I don't want the thing to fully come out. I have a feeling there will be a LOOONG road ahead of me in healing. YUCK.
turbo111222333 11 Apr 2011
Oh, man. I'm sorry about your swelling and drain! :( Has the doctor said anything about it coming out slowly? I don't think it'll completely slip out, they really have to pull on them to get them out. I hope you feel better sooner than soon!
3boys 1princess 11 Apr 2011
doc said as long as it still has suction not to worry. the fluid today is clear but up around 30. I am PRAYING really HARD that tomorrow is the day!
turbo111222333 11 Apr 2011
I hope it is! I know how annoying and painful it is to have those in! Keep us posted. I'll have my fingers crossed for you. :)
illinois8551 11 Apr 2011
Wow, the drain thing is horrible. My drains were both out 6 days post-op. As for the swelling, well, just another day in TT world. I really hope it is leaving me behind, soon, as well as everyone else. I am not really sure why there is so much swelling and why it happens for so long.
turbo111222333 11 Apr 2011
Hey everyone! Hope everyone is healing up nicely. I just updated my profile and posted some 2 week PO pictures. I'm doing good, still some swelling, but nothing intolerable, but the fatigue definitely gets you by midday! :)
3boys 1princess 11 Apr 2011
YOu look great! So happy for you!
turbo111222333 11 Apr 2011
:D Thanks!
3boys 1princess 11 Apr 2011
OH MY GOSH LADIES!! My drain decided to start coming out, literally, coming out. The white part was 1.5 inches out, I was freaking. I called my doc and he said to just take it out. It was so COOOOL!!! I just slowly pulled and VIOLA it was out. I am not really leaking from the site much, but worried it was done too early. Doc says that my body was forcing it out and I will be ok, but now I worry about a seromas. He said to come in the office tomorrow and he will remove the other. I am going to have a list of questions cause I am really nervous about it.
turbo111222333 11 Apr 2011
:O WOW!!! Insane! Well, just for tonight or whatever if it helps my doc cleaned it lightly with sterile water then a dabbed neosporin on it, gauze on top. Just to hold you over! So freaky! Let us know what happens! Your body was just like, Get the HELL out of me! lol

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