Getting Rid of This 'Twin' Belly - Birmingham, AL

Good Morning to all my fellow tummy tuckers, I have a question for you... When did the muscle repair pain go away completely?? Mine had seemingly gotten better for a few days but now for the last week it seems to have reverted back to a constant soreness that is really getting old!! If I sit too long I have to stretch the stomach muscles when I go to stand up because they are so tight. It actually feels good to do that sometimes and then other times it hurts. Rolling over in bed still requires grabbing a hold of the head board and helping my body roll to the side which is aggravating because I basically have to wake up every time I want to roll over. Coughing, sneezing and laughing all still hurt too, especially sneezing! I guess maybe I'm expecting too much at this point?? I don't know, but at 5 weeks post op shouldn't this be getting significantly better? I can handle the swelling and taking care of the scar etc. but I hate taking pills and I don't want to have to take Tylenol etc. every few hours to keep this nagging soreness at bay. Anyone have any suggestions???
Thanks to everyone here for all the support and care you've shown over the last month and a half!! My husband has been great, but there is nothing better than sharing my own experience with someone who has been there as well!! Hope everyone is doing wonderfully on this fine Monday morning and for those who are having surgery today, I'll be waiting for you on the flat side!!

OK, so after what seemed to be hours of waiting (this is my only complaint about Dr. Hedden) my PS came in and after discussing the fact that my output is still just above 50cc per 24 hrs, he looked at my drain site and said the drain had to come out. He said it looked like some cellulitis might be setting in and the last thing we need is an infection. So, even though I wasn't the leasr bit nervous about the surgery, I WAS nervous about removing the drain! I've heard too many pain stories I guess but the nurse reassured me it would burn for just a few seconds, told me to take a deep breath and before I could get a deep breath it was over with and I didn't feel a thing!! No burning, no pulling, no weird sensation in my tummy, nothing!! I was so thrilled and we laughed about my fear having been unfounded. So, not having any idea what cellulitis is I just assumed it may be a minor infection and wasn't concerned. PS gave me a script for Bactrim, some ointment for the drain site and belly button and told me if I started to run a fever or feel bad to call them. I went on my merry way and then IMd my sister who had a major reaction to the cellulitis news. Seems her boss had it and it was pretty major and took several months to get rid of. So, I did some research and as it turns out, cellulitis is a bacterial infection which generally affects the lower part of your body. It can involve just the skin or the skin and tissue. If not treated appropriately it can spread quickly and can spread to your lymph nodes and blood stream. Once there it can be life threatening. Now, as for mine, the area is red and somewhat inflamed, but does not seem to be hot to the touch and I've been monitoring myself for fever, it's been 97.1 and 96.9 so I think I'm ok there! But, I will say that now that I know it's more that just some 'little' infection I will be very careful about taking the meds as directed as well as using the ointment and keeping a VERY close eye on the area!! He released me to do most physical activities with the exceptions of core work or crunches and heavy lifting. Tape is still on so I haven't gotten to see my scar yet and they want the tape to stay on until my 4 week checkup so for now all I can do is trim the areas that become loose. I'm anxious to see what the incision looks like, but also want the best possible results so def following Drs orders!!!
I hope all you RSers are having a great day and everyone is on the road to recovery (or farther!!)

Have a f/u with PS today and I am praying he takes this drain out!!! I am sooo tired of it getting pulled on or pinched every time I move!! He said I had to be below 50ccs and I've been hovering right at 50 for the last 2 days, I'm praying that is close enough!!! Going to ask how much exercise I am ok to do and when I can do some laser hair removal in my pubic area. I'm sure he's going to say at least 4-6 weeks, but it may be longer than that. Does else have any experience with that? I've had a couple of treatments so it won't be new for me, but not sure when it will be ok to assault that skin again! Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes!! Right back atcha and good luck to all those having surgery today, see ya on the flat side!!!!!