Biology Happens. - Salt Lake City, UT

It is post op day 6. I woke up feeling better today, almost myself. I am still pretty really swollen in my legs, but I realized today that I am healing up pretty nicely.

This evening I undressed to take shower number two. I peeled off each layer contemplating taking pictures for you ladies to see (kind of embarrassed at all my bruising) when I caught a glimpse of me in the mirror. And grinned. Like Huge Christmas morning grin.

I am stunned by how incredible I look. All beat up and bruised and swollen and sore- I look better now than I did two decades ago.

I have no regrets. It has been tough this week, but Dr. Dunkley has been supportive (responding to a late evening text with a phone call back and more reassurances this evening.)

Ladies. This process has been transformative. I cannot believe where I was a week ago.

New pics tomorrow for day 7.

So this morning I hit the emotional part of the recovery. By 8:00 a.m. I was incredibly miserable from the swelling. I waited until 9 when my doctor's office opened and asked if my misery was normal and if possible to ascertain how to alleviate it. I am not normally a whiny person, but the nurse asked me to send pictures to Dr Dunkley's cell phone. Within minutes of my texting him, he replied that I was healing up nicely and was normal, inviting me to stop by later to get a larger sized corset. We exchanged several messages, including that it typically takes 2 weeks for swelling to go down.

At this point I broke into sobs. Heart breaking sobbing. Wow. Crazy emotional rollercoaster. It was so kind of him to get back to me so quickly and generous to offer a more comfortable option. We arranged for my hubby to stop by later to get the larger corset and discovered a prescription to fill to help me stop the swelling (presnisone.)

Getting comfortably back in my chair, layered in ice packs and a dose of pain medication later, the world seemed less unbearable.

I am simply stunned by how painful the swelling is. My incisions are still numb, laughing and coughing hurt my repaired abs, but the unreal swelling (2 more pounds today) is what is causing so much discomfort.

And then I logged onto real self to see that you ladies were supporting me. Thank you so very much for your kind words and suggestions. I went onto amazon and ordered a faja. It will arrive tomorrow. It will be a challenge to get on, I am sure, but with the prednisone, I bet it will get better over the next few days.

Thank you all for your support. I am more of a go into my cave and lick my wounds kind of girl but am now a firm believer in the healing power of others.

Thank you my friends. Happy healing!

Okay ladies here is a little information no one really mentions, an unglamorous event on the healing process. We all know about swelling. But somewhere you may not have thought to consider is how swollen your genitals will be. Do not panic. But do not forget to ice there.

I am up 12 pounds since prior to surgery, but my waist is already dowm 4 inches.

I took my first shower today. My cute husband washed every inch including my hair. Nothing says happy father's day quite like an invalid woman.

I am getting more proficient at moving around. I even strolled around the yard, smelling flowers and listening to birdsong. I am getting stronger. I am adjusting. I would love to be rid of the insane swelling. I sneak an unfastened hook or three every couple hours. I can't wait to see how it will all settle out over the next few weeks.

To sum it up, i look and feel like frankenstein. Pretty miserable. But better than yesterday.

I hope you are all recovering well. Anynody have suggestions to help with the swelling? I feel loke a roasted sausage about to burst out of my tight skin.

Help please!