I Had a Life Changing Procedure Done Successfully

The decision to embark on this journey spanned many years of deliberating, thinking and introspecting. All of my doubts were eased when I consulted with Dr. Sameer Kankannis. I might say that Dr. Karkannis was one of the three cosmetic surgeons we carefully and painstakingly short-listed for the consultation. I was advised what procedures would best suit the outcome I was expecting. We were briefed regarding the process, post-operation, cost and any other doubts in our minds and hearts. I arrived at the clinic at 6 am. Undertook the covid test, prepared and dressed for the surgery. Now I waited with antagonizing anticipation. Finally, it was time … I was upbeat and walked myself into the operating theatre. There I met the ever polite and confident anaesthetist of the team and the efficient and effective nursing sisters, headed by Sister Lizzy. The Operating Theatre was unlike any other I had ever seen (believe me, I have seen a few). It was warm and inviting. On the walls, there were life-sized paintings of a famous band. It was like walking into a music concert. Dr. Karkannis entered like the show stopper of the event. He spoke with me and assured me everything was going to be okay. He asked me for my favourite song, and low and behold, and it started belting out on the music system. This would be my last moment with the extra loose skin I have been hosting for over ten years… An agonising 8 ½ hour later, I woke up …. groggy, scared, shivering, thirsty and in pain. The nursing staff, The Anaesthetist and Dr. Karkannis surrounded me. I opened my eyes and held cognizance momentarily… Enough to acknowledge the presence of my most loved ones, my better half and my daughter. After that, I slumped back into oblivion. The night was not pleasant. Aided by a drip, antibiotics, pain killers and the undying patience from my better half. I navigated through the night restlessly and in pain like a ship in a sea storm. No doubt, the following morning greeted me with pain and discomfort. I was assured by Dr. Karkannis that all went according to plan and that it was an extensive surgery that lasted a little over 8 hours. The next three days I spent at the clinic. I was mobilized on the second day. Whilst the mobilization was painful and uncomfortable, I was relieved to know the possibility existed. Day 3… The day I would go home. The catheter and drains were removed, and new dressings were done. I was given the green flag for discharge by the doctor. The next challenge was getting the “pressure garment” on successfully. After much tugging, pulling, oohs and aah's, the garment was on. Getting into the car was no easy task. I did not have the liberty to assert any pressure to either my legs or arms. Disembarking from the vehicle was equally difficult. As per instructions, we didn't touch my dressings for a week. I had the “pressure garment” on all the time, except when bathing. Believe me, it was a tight squeeze. In the following days, I kept a limited intake of food and liquids to bare a minimum by choice because I was afraid of the lavatory process. It was very difficult for me to walk and also to use my hands and arms. My back ached, probably from laying on my back all the time and also from not straightening my back when walking. I mean, I couldn’t because I didn’t have proper use and strength in my legs. I was afraid of hygiene issues, as the stitches extended all the way to my groin on both sides. I actually developed a unique “duck walk” that was hilarious to look at. Pain and disconformt were the orders of my day. My hope, my light at the end of a dark tunnel, was that recovery was approximately three weeks… I was ready to sacrifice this time. I was visitng the doctors rooms on a weekly basis now. As of now, I looked awesome in the “pressure garment” but, mentally and physically I was breaking. One night I woke up to use to toilet and, and as I stood up, blood started flowing from my left thigh… I almost died. I didn't know if I should scream, worry, be scared or cry. Am I dying? What is happening? My better half was scared beyond imagination… I could see it on his face, even though he didn't say anything. He comforted me and decided to visit the doctor the following morning. We were off to the doctor's clinic early the next morning. In true Dr. Karkannis style, the doctor played it down. Diagnosis: THE WOUND HAD OPENED UP. The doctor prescribed medication for four days, then back to Operating Theatre for deep stitching. At this point, my mind was a mess. I was so afraid, anxious and apologetic. I didn't care if my body looked like a patch rug… I was only concerned if I would have the optimum use my legs. This also meant that the "3 week recovery period" was a thing of the past. The trip back to theatre was painful but unavoidable. As it was done under local anaesthesia, it was excruciating, especially to the eye and the psyche. All through this, Dr. Karkannis was calm and collected. His team was fantastic and supportive. Armed with medicines and lots of motivation, it was back home for healing. During this time, I asked often myself, did I do the right thing? Was I overweight? Is God punishing me? Sometimes I cried silent tears and sometimes, i cried out loud, I asked God for some divine intervention. Through all of this, my family was always supportive. Now it was time to remove the stitches. It went smoothly. However, contrary to my thoughts, this was not the final act… I still had a rough road ahead. Bleeding and oozing were still evident in a lot of spots, and of course, I still couldn't make use of my arms and legs optimally. I was still treating the wounds for bleeding. I was still walking like a duck, a skill that I acquired along the way. After what seemed a very long time to me, my fresh scars started healing. By this, I mean, there was no more blood on my wounds. The drying process had begun. As it dried, the wounds pulled tight, causing tightness and tension around the wound. It began to scab and it seemed like I was in the phase of “moulting”. All the dead and damaged superficial skin around my wounds was shedding. The advice from the doctor was to let the scars fall off themselves. By now Dr. Karkannis was my "leading light", and I listened to him blindly. Eventually, most of my scabs had fallen. We came across some stray stitches that were hiding from us. Between Dr. Karkannis and myself, we got them removed. I was now mentally much more robust. The instruction from the doctor was to take it easy for another three weeks. Well, let me tell you, after all of this, my body decided that she was her boss. From now on, I was dictated to by my body. She allowed me to walk for short periods, and stand for a limited time. Lift things with my hands in moderation and rushed back to lie down in a flash. My body was now in charge. I respected the new management and slowly worked towards a symbiotic relationship. Presently, I am in my element about the effects of this surgery. It has given me a boost of confidence, and it has changed my quality of life. Now, the scars have healed beautifully, like I never anticipated. In my opinion, Dr. Karkannis is a gifted man. Apart from the technical and academic knowledge and accolades he holds, he is compassionate, gentle and more than anything realistic. He has magic in his hands. Thank you so much Dr. Karkannis, for being with me every step of the way and lifting me when I was on the stage of giving up. To the team at Karkannis clinic: you all were terrific. Empathetic, patient, kind and caring. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. A special thank you to sister Lizzy for being a surrogate mom to me in the absence of my mom. She is caring and loving and yet commands a sternness that amplifies her persona. To my partner and my daughter Yovana. A million thank you’s will not be enough to express my gratitude. A maiden journey to both of you in taking care of a patient. A patient that is not an easy one. Thank you for putting up with my quirks. You both tendered to my every need: dressed my wounds, helped me walk, combed m hair, and gave me courage and support when wounds were leaking like water from a tap. You both are genuine heroes without capes and masks. Finally…. Me! I am so satisfied. I am more confident, happy and genuinely enjoy the new, improved version of Priscilla.2022 …. Would I do it again, if given the choice ? Yes, in a heartbeat. Will I recommend this procedure to anyone ? Most definitely. Recommendations: I would recommend that each patient have a preliminary session with a Life Coach. Much like the preliminary session with the anaesthetist. I believe that the patient should be given some mental motivation to prepare them to cope and embrace the process.