Happy 50th Birthday to Me . . . Charlotte, NC

First I want to thank everyone for their support and encouragement. This has been quite a journey, but I think I have turned a corner.

I started itching last night and thought that I was definitely experiencing what many real selfers mentioned in their posts. I was like, wooohooo - the incisions are healing and I am well on my way to recovery. Well, today I have a nice the rash all over that indicated otherwise so hydro-cortisone and benedryl it is - try working on benedryl, LOL! The hubs said I scratched all night. Anyway, I woke today feeling pretty good other than the itching and rash which is just another speed bump in the road.

For your amusement: I went to my husbands senior sports softball game last night which was a breath of fresh air. Of course, we haven't held back on letting folks know what I did so while the wives were inquisitive regarding the procedure and progress - the men would hardly look at me! It was as if they wanted to, but were afraid they would be too obvious not that they could tell anyway, LOL! So, me being me - I made sure I addressed each one just to make them uncomfortable (fun times)!

Anyway, my appetite is back and I think my girls are starting to drop. The incisions are looking much better as well. I don't have pics to post, but will do so soon. I just wanted to give everyone an update and shout out to you all for being so great and encouraging!

Happy healing!!!!!

I have waited a couple days to post because I am having a hard time finding the positive, but truth is that this journey is not all roses. Again, patience is key and so I decided to bring the honest to this post. Also, the pics I took before my post op appointment Friday disappointed me, but I am posting them anyway. After all, it was only 16 days and based on other reviews I have a long way to go! So here it is . . .

The not so good: pain and discomfort more than I expected, but at my appointment I was told it's a good thing that nerves are coming back; I am back on antibiotics because my right breast has redness that was suspect - preventative; my bladder is squished from muscle repair which cause many trips to pee, ugh; swelling - holy hell; work - managed getting through week 1, but even working from home was harder than expected; my TT t-scar is gnarly and scary - I am told it is normal; my boobs are not what I expected, but again - they have to drop and fluff (patience); my butt has a gap in the crack and seems to be flat and sitting on hard services is no bueno; fitted with a god awful girdle and opt to keep wearing the compression binder; finally - food intake is a challenge as I really have no appetite and can't seem to eat much without the full feeling.

The good: The Dr. Ferrari was beyond impressed with my progress and very encouraging regarding the end results; I no longer need pain meds and can take ibuprofen; the hubs seems extremely happy with results so far and other than my butt, I look pretty good in close; I lost 1 inch in my upper abs and 2 inches off my hips. I haven't measured anywhere else; I can sleep on my side and have plenty of spanks from my pre-surgery arsenal that I can wear at night; I am up to walking a mile a day; I am moving into week 3 and it can only keep getting better from here.

I know there is more not so good than good, but I expect that to change with time. Dr. Ferrari asked if I hated him given I paid for this pain - LOL! There you have it - the good, bad and ugly. Again, I am not happy with the pictures and trying to stay positive by reminding myself it is only week two. Here is to week 3 and more progress!

Happy healing ladies!

Today I returned back to work which for most sounds crazy; however, I have the luxury of working from home so it is not a stretch. As of last week I got both drains removed and ditched my pimped out walker. With the hubs in tow I also managed to go to Walmart, Lowes and get my nails done - woohoo. I also bought a fit-bit to start tracking my steps. While I am not blazing the trails, I feel I am making great progress.

Things that are not so fun are gas, swelling and allergies - all in full swing. I am still taking pain meds, but only at night. I think the most aggravating of all is the swelling. Well that and the girls still riding high on my chest. How long does it take for them to drop and fluff? I know to expect swelling to continue for quite a while so I am practicing patience where that is concerned. I have another follow-up on Friday to get the stitches removed from my belly button which I find exciting. I will also get my sexy binder which I guess is a necessary evil - UGH! So anyway I am moving along pretty well.

BTW, When I was in the office last week, there were lots of giggles about the year and the scare I put into all involved with my post surgery ER visit. I am guessing they will avoid touching me again; unless, it's done under local, LOL!

Regardless, I am very happy with the results so far. I actually have a curves I never knew were under all the skin and fat. I haven't taken pics since my last post but will do so soon. Happy healing!