kayde

TT and Flank Lipo - Cincinnati, OH

Thanks, Puggymom. I just got back from my trip to Reno. I was so miserable the whole time at the conference. The altitude and dryness (as well as the jet lag) really kicked my butt. I felt exhausted and like I had the flu -- my sinuses killed me and eventually felt like I had a sore throat and fever. I also didn't feel like eating much either. I swelled a bit while out there and wondered if the altitude might have caused or made worse the swelling. Posted a Q&A.
Literally, 24 hours after I got home all symptoms completely disappeared.
Went to the Doctor today. He extended my antibiotics for another week. He removed the drain and said the abscess looked pink inside and was healing. Just have to make sure it heals from the inside out. Will take 3 weeks. So I'm feeling pretty good today :)
Hope all is well with you!

You are looking so good! And just think, it's only going to get better!!

Date of TT- December 2, 2011

Pain meds needed- 1 Percocet every 6 to 8 hrs for 3 days. 1 vicodin as needed (sometime none in a day and sometimes 2). Currently using Ibuprofen to manage any aches and pains.

Drains removed- My drains were removed at 16 days PO

Wearing CG (how long)- 5 weeks (still wearing). Expect to wear for 2-3 more weeks according to PS

weight gain/weight loss- 4 lbs was removed (2 off abdomen and 1 off each flank). Down about 5 pounds from pre OP

scar management- Don't let garments rub on incision. If gets red, apply neosporin. Once all healed, maintain light pressure on it.."like spandex of some sort" (per PS)

When you could get back in regular clothes- My first attempt to get into regular clothes was at 12 days PO and had no issues getting comfortably in even with the layers of compression garments, towels, etc. Even went to put my phone in my pocket and accidentally slipped it under my waist band :)

Emotions- (break downs/positives/depression)- All of the above. Begins with building anxiety about having the surgery. Sometimes I felt like I was going to jump out of my skin before surgery day came. After the surgery I was down about how I looked (different but not as I had hoped -- swelling). If there is one thing I really didn't understand about having a TT was really how long of a process it is. Mentally days can be tough because I have to remain less active. Essentially living every minute of the first two weeks in 100 square feet space. BUT the ups feel sooo good! :) Wearing an outfit I would have never been caught dead in and feeling awesome. Wanting someone to look, not praying no one was looking. A "happy" I'd never felt in my life :)

Complications- none really. Have normal issues with swelling

Anything you learned about yourself or TT's that you WISH you knew before the surgery- I wish I had prepared more for lack of activity that is required post TT. I rely on exercise and physical activity to help me remain mentally tuned. When that activity was disallowed, I didn't really have a substitute to help relieve stress. If I'd realized my dependence on activity for my mental health, I would have identified an alternate acceptable activity to help me deal with the stress of life and being PO TT.

NC AuctionQueen - congratulations on getting your drain out! Didn't it feel good to finally be free of it?! I had my drain in for 16 days. I was just this past Wednesday (PO day 26) released to go to the gym. PS wanted to be cautious as I had so much drainage out for a longer than comfortable time. That is so awesome getting into that 10! Just think how great your going to look without all the layers and in a smaller size! :) I think we're going to have fun buying new spring and summer clothes!

Puggymom - thanks for sharing. It is so nice to hear someone's experience that is a little more PO than me. You're words are so encouraging and appreciated :) I think I am finally at the place where I can believe that things will get better for the next several months.
I've mostly abandoned the extra padding on my hips. It was just constantly uncomfortable and, as you said, I need to breath :) I'm going to keep doing the compression without the extra padding on the hips and keep lightly exercising. I just keep playing what the PS nurse said "don't kill yourself...it will go away eventually". At 5 wk PO I've decided I'm pretty much done most of what I can do. Now it just needs time to do the long term healing.