I found that avoiding pants at all as much as possible was best for me when drains were in place. I wore night shirts or loose sundresses. My drains were uncomfortable with any movement and underwear needed to have LOOSE leg openings, waist didn't matter much because of compression garment. I liked scrub pants after drains were removed as I could adjust exactly to my comfort day to day.
I stayed one night, had a PCA pump with Dilauded until next morning. I was really out of it surgery day, but PCA pump was great for pain control and I was able to use my breathing exerciser very well those first 12-24 hours. Found that once home it was harder to take those deep breaths that are critical to avoiding pneumonia. (I did keep using it at home). I had a couple of unexpected sneezes in the first couple of weeks. OW! If you can eat, drink, empty bladder and walk short distances and have someone at home to help you move from sitting to standing and who can cook, remind you to eat and drink and assist with washing up you'll do fine at home. Also, if you are going to have drains, it helps to have someone else also learn how to care for them. I was to empty mine 3 times each day (same exact time every night) and sometimes at first I was very tired and really appreciated husband's help with drains, recording amounts and rinsing measuring cups afterwards.
Use your medications as prescribed and as needed, don't wait until pain is terrible to take meds. When you begin to feel uncomfortable, if it is time take it. Will need less in the long run, also remember stool softeners.
I found it helpful to divide my daily walks into short sessions after each trip to bathroom. Only had to get up once for 2 tasks! Nap a lot. If you hate the way your belly looks as much as I did mine, you will be very happy you went through it all. Good luck
Lisa43
I waited 4 weeks for nice gentle sex. I remember not being ready for sex for months after childbirth, but back then I had a newborn and other children to care for. Probably was just too tired back then. My kids are grown and I dedicated myself to doing my best to heal after TT and breast lift. No cooking, cleaning or chasing after little ones. You'll know when you are ready. Good luck.
Southernbelle 1291,
My surgeon recommended a stool softener rather than a laxative. I took colace 3 times a day first week while I used my prescription pain med. After I had first normal BM, felt much more relaxed. Any narcotic will have constipation as a side effect, severity varies by individuals. Taking short walks each time you are up to the bathroom helps with bowel regularity too. Also drink plenty of water, eat small meals balanced with good protein and natural fiber. My surgery was 9/6/12, drains in groin for 13 days was probably the worst part. I still have swelling. It increases as day goes on and decreases again overnight. I love the flat shape of my new abdomen even with the swelling which I am told will decrease by 3-12 months (a really big range there). It's very similar to the belly I didn't appreciate when I was 22, I'm 47 now and very happy!
I am almost 6 weeks post TT and breast lift. Your post was very encouraging for me. Per Surgeon's orders I am only walking for exercise, not allowed to lift more than 20lbs. Can begin exercise Friday! Will start slow. I don't return to work until 8 weeks post op but that is because I occasionally must lift between 50-100lbs. I am sort of worried about going back to 12 hour shifts because even now I am worn out after what used to be an easy 40 minute walk. I guess time will tell.
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