POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS
1 month out.. feeling better every day!
ORIGINAL POST
This time last week I was in the hospital recovery...
rebec67April 5, 2013
WORTH IT$7,500
This time last week I was in the hospital recovery room. My Tummy Tuck took about 3 hours. I am actually doing very well. The Surgeon that did mine has learned a method that does not use drains. So I am very thankful that I didnt have to worry about those. The only problem I have is that the anesthetic always makes me sick, so I woke up vomitting as usual, even though they did give me anti-nausea meds. The second day after my surgery I did have a low grade fever. They told me that it is normal. But since I am a massage therapist and lean toward more natural ways of healing, I tried to do without my pain meds that day.. NOT a good idea. It hurt so bad to just breathe! As soon as I started taking the pain meds again I started feeling better.
As I said, I am now one week out and was able to go all day yesterday without pain meds. I did take one to help me sleep. Unlike my usualy hyper self... I have stayed on the couch watching TV or sleeping all week. Because of the risks of blood clots I have gotten up every other hour and walkied around the house or walked out to get our mail. I am still not standing up quite straight but am very close. Overall, this has not been that bad of an experience. My stomach is completely flat and my scar, though it goes from hip to hip, is very thin. There is still quite a bit of swelling in my abdomen but I am told that takes 3-4 mos to completely go away. Oh! I also forgot to mention the muscle spasms. They started on day 4.. honestly felt like labor pains, I told my surgeon though and he gave me a muscle relaxer which helped pretty quick. I hope my post will help anyone who is thinking about having a Tummy Tuck. I would definitely find a surgeon who does the technique without the drains. They sound awful! Good Luck everyone!! The cost that I am posting included everything. (Hospital fee, anesthesiologist, surgeon.. etc)
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UPDATED FROM rebec67
Sorry it's been awhile since I've updated. I have...
rebec67April 17, 2013
Sorry it's been awhile since I've updated. I have commented on others posts. I've been able to keep a pretty positive outlook throughout. I felt like. my PS gave me enough info that I knew what I was getting into and that it wouldn't be easy. However, now that my incision has two gaping holes in it with serous fluid draining constantly, I really just want to sit and cry! It has been doing this for 6 days now. I have to change my dressing almost every hour depending on how much I'm up and about. Sometimes sooner. It soaks through my clothes and everything' I've tried about every kind of bandage you can buy. And those things aren't inexpensive! I saw my PS yesterday he said the only thing to do Is watch my sodium intake & wear my binder. Both of which I've been doing all along. Sorry to be so negative I just think my nerves are shot bc of all of this! I welcome any suggestions.
Replies (3)
April 22, 2013
I had a spot on my back that oozed and I promise it did heal. I understand to well how these set backs can make you depressed but hang in there. I am now a little over 4 weeks and just amazed how different and better I feel from week 3.
Stay positive. I do feel its mind over matter with tummy tucks!!
April 22, 2013
Thanks Miranda! I finally figured out a good compression bandage so at least I'm not changing bandages and clothes every hour. I do agree with the mind over matter attitude. The openings do seem to be healing. I can see a stitch sticking out of one of them. I see Dr. Jones this week and suspect he will have to clip it back. I know if there's no flesh around the stitch it wont desolve and will keep the wound open. My husband offered to do it and I trust him completely, but would rather let Dr. Jones see it and make that call since this is his artwork ; ) I like the fact that he gets takes so much pride in his work. I am feeling much better this week too. It will be 4 weeks for me this Thursday. Are you back to work full time now? I was going to start back last week. But wasn't even close to being strong enough to stand for an hour and give deep muscle massages. Am hoping to start back next week. I went to church yesterday morning and wore dress pants for the first time. They fit me much better than before and were even a little loose. So that is encouraging. Thanks for your encouragement. Its good to hear from someone who had the same surgeon and is a few steps ahead of me. Maybe we have made it through the roughest parts now. = )
April 26, 2013
I actually went back to work part time on day 10 post op and was full time again on week 3. I have the luxury of sitting when I need to so it was easy for me to go back. Today is week 5 and I still have swelling if I stand to long at work.
I agree I do hope we are through the roughest parts!
UPDATED FROM rebec67
I am finally able to sleep on my side!! Yay!! It's...
rebec67April 24, 2013
I am finally able to sleep on my side!! Yay!! It's amazing the difference just between this week and last. The places in my incision that opened are healing and barely seeping now. I still have trouble walking through a grocery store without my abdomen tightening up and running out of energy. The best part is how my clothes are looking on me!! I am finally getting excited to go clothes shopping! I can fit into a small top in my stomach area again.. but after having an augmentation a couple of years ago.. small no longer fits my chest area. I think thats a good problem to have though = ) And for the first time in over 20 years I am ready to go bikini shopping!! I still have some pain, but it is controlled with Advil. My lower abdomen still has swelling too but still looks so much better than before my TT. I'm told it can take up to 4 mos for that to completely go away. But I
can say for sure now that even though recovery is slow and pretty tough... it definitely is worth it! Happy Healing to everyone!!
can say for sure now that even though recovery is slow and pretty tough... it definitely is worth it! Happy Healing to everyone!!
Replies (8)
April 29, 2013
I'm investigating a full TT and would very much like the drainless. Are there any restrictions on who qualifies for a drainless TT, do you know? I live in the Indy area and am uncertain of who in this area performs drainless. Dr. Jones is the only doctor I'm aware of at this time. Anyone know differently?
April 29, 2013
Also, how long did it take before you were able to meet with your PS and the length of time from that appointment to the actual surgery? Thank you for any input you can provide. :-)
April 30, 2013
Hi! I am pretty sure Dr. Jones is one of the only PS in Indiana that does the drainless procedure. He is a super nice person. Check out his office website at www.myplasticsurgerygroup.com. I think it only took about a month after my first visit with him until my surgery. I had thought about it for years and he did one of my good friend's TT a few years ago, So I was pretty sure when I met with him that it was exactly what I wanted and that I wanted him to do it. I hightly recommend him. I dont know what qualifications they have to have. I just know that its a more tedious surgery and it takes a little longer than when they place drains. I'm glad that I had it done. Just be prepared for a long recovery. I'm getting a little impatient, I must admit = ) I will be seeing Dr. Jones for a follow up appt tomorrow. Good Luck and feel free to keep in contact when you have your surgery. I will be glad to give you any info you need.
May 1, 2013
Thank you so much for the info--appreciate it! I've contacted his office and am getting additional information. Thanks again!
May 1, 2013
Good! You've taken the first step! He is a really good surgeon I have no complaints about his work. I'm just ready to get back to my normal activities and am not patient enough. I am 5 wks PO tomorrow and really don't feel bad except my muscles are still contracting when I'm on my feet very long and of course the swelling that won't be gone for another couple of months. Patience is the key. Good luck to you. Dr. Jones is very good about telling you what to expect as he takes a lot of pride in his work.
May 2, 2013
How did your postop appt go? I took the next step (called for consultation). I'm trying to figure out best time of year to have this done. How long were you off work? I have a desk job, but things are going to get very busy beginning in July or August, and I will have to travel. Originally, I was thinking Oct or Nov but that will be extremely busy at work. If I do it sooner, I don't want to be unable to swim all summer (and was hoping to lose another 20 lbs). Dilemma! Hope your recovery is going well. Any input, advice, tips are certainly appreciated. Not sure which PS I'll be consulting with, but it will be someone from Dr. Jones' group.
Did you have the procedure done at St V's? I have so many questions. I could write pages. Haha.
May 3, 2013
Hi! My post-op went great! I don't go back to see him again until late June. Believe me, I put a lot of thought into the timing also. I just started back to work this week. But I am a deep muscle massage therapist which is very physical. I can only do three a day right now. I make sure I can rest in between. My abd. Muscles still get really tight and cramp up when I'm on my feet too long. A lot of people go back to desk jobs at 2 wks. But from what I've read on here .. It's not easy. I was still taking pain meds at night at that point. I would think after the first of the year would be a good time.. IF you want to wait that long & of course I don't know your schedule. You might be able to swim this summer..if you have it done pretty soon.. But the swelling does last for 4-6 mos. in the mornings my abs look great but by mid afternoon it's almost as big as pre op just from swelling. I had my surgery done at St Vs Carmel. Everyone was really nice. I stayed overnight just one night. I hope I've answered all of your questions. I was in Surgery for 3 hrs. Sometimes it takes longer. I don't know you're situation. I am 45 yrs old 5'2 & weighed 150. I also had a vertical csection scar. My scar is gone and my abs look so much better! It's definitely worth it. Just have patience and give yourself time to heal. Happy to answer your questions and will be 100% honest with you!
Replies (4)
Congratulations you are doing amazing!!