March 15th Surgery (Pics) - for Pregnancy Scars

Two weeks post op today!  I went back to work (desk job), and although I was very tired by the time I got home,  it was fine.  It would have been ideal to start with half days this week.

I am walking fully upright, just not too quickly.  Almost all the tightness in my tummy is gone, I can breathe fully and normally and some of the freezing in the belly is starting to come out.  Sneezes do hurt,coughs are uncomfortable, laughter is fine now. 

I am sleeping flat - not quite ready to sleep on my side but hope that will come soon.  

Every day the swelling reduces and the muscles are more defined.   I will post another picture in a couple of weeks.

Yeaaahaa!  Drain out and it didn't hurt at all. I barely slept last night because I was so nervous about it potentially coming out today - what a waste of a good night sleep!  It didn't feel like anything more than a pin prick coming out.   And what a difference it makes to have it gone!

According to the doc, Mederma, vitamin E, ect, doesn't make any difference on the scars.  The only thing that seems to make a difference is wearing Micropore paper tape for 2-3 months, changing it every 5-7 days.

My back is a little still from being slightly bent, so I am trying to straighten it more each day.  My stomach is still numb, although I am starting to get some sensation back - it is starting to tingle a bit just like your mouth does when the freezing from the dentist wears off.  There is certainly shortness of breath, and a tightness in the belly, but I anticipate that will reduce once I relax and the freezing goes away.

The results are fantastic!  I will repost pics again once the swelling goes down more.

Looks like my whole post didn't go in yesterday - probably my mistake as I was still a little lightheaded.

The surgery went really well!  Much better than expected.  I am at day three and only need advil for a little discomfort at the place where the drain enters.  I am off the other painkillers.  (My stomach is still numb).  I had a full shower this morning, including washing my hair.  Brushing my teeth was not a problem.  I walked around for about 1.5 hours and made toast for breakfast, but did have to have a nap afterwards.

My family has been absolutely amazing!!!!  I think they are part of the reason I am feeling so good so fast.  Would definitely recommend waiting until your kids are older before doing this.  Could never imagine having toddlers or young children around during recovery.  Have my sister and dad here which, besides being an incredible help, is a nice treat to have them to visit with too.

I have to admit, despite being so nervous about the surgery, that I didn't ask my doctor so many questions about the after care so was suprised that he only uses one drain (which I am now thankful for becuase that is the most uncomfortable part) and is not a proponent of binders (I just have a cotton wrap loosely around my middle.  It doesn't seem to be affecting my healing, though - it looks fantastic!!!  Even with the swelling I am absolutely thrilled with the results.  My only regret is not doing it sooner.

I will post pictures later today or tomorrow.  If you are thinking of doing this, definitely go ahead with this advice:

-wait till your kids are older.  Mine are teenagers and it feels like an appropriate time -have supportive family there to help for at least a week

-be in good shape, exspecially your upper legs and arms.  Do tonnes of stairs and push ups to get ready

-have tonnes of pillows (over 10).  I have a Lazyboy recliner but was more comfortable in my bed with lots of pillows

-shopping list for before hand:  two snap up/button up light lounge dresses (I got one from Walmart for $10 that was perfect), cotton loose panties that sit low, babywipes, movies, magazines, advil, laxatives/stool softeners, unsalted crackers