“So Far, Worth It and Pleased with Circumferential TT”

Was prepared for the worst (based on reviews here) but the pain was very manageable. Took the vicodan as presecribed and really only had a wince or 2 of pain when I had to lie back (with help), get up (with help). Once settled in my chair, really had no issues.

I am 44 and in good physical shape (have worked out regularly with a trainer for 2 years) and this may be why my recovery was not really bad at all. I always thought I had a low pain tolerance... maybe not the case.

Things I recommend: (1) Purchase wedge shaped pillows for your head and feet, that makes sleeping and lounging much more comfy. (2) Borrow or buy a walker. You can't stand up straight for a couple of weeks, and having this prevented me from experiencing back aches from being bent over. It also helped me be less dependent on caretakers, as it was handy for getting up and down.

The drains were annoying. Really the constipation that results from vicodan was worse than anything else. Sneezing, laughing hard and coughing do actually hurt. Hold a pillow to your tummy if you can.

I am six weeks out. Still have trouble getting comforable sleeping, and on one side a deep stitch is working it's way out, and that is causing a little discomfort. I am still swollen but I can see a figure.

My only complaint: PS told me I would never have to do crunches or sit ups again. But I like to work out... during a post-op appt with the PS, when I asked when I could start baworking out again he restated -- NEVER do situps or crunches. This is quite different than never HAVING to doing them. Any way. I'll wait six months before I try them.