This 42 YO mommy of 6 is finally back on the Flat Side!

So, I finally did it! Post op day 1 and all seems to be going well. Better than I anticipated, that's for sure. My husband and I arrived in Columbus the night before my SX, to avoid traffic from ATL. No food or drink aft midnight, per Doctors instructions. I washed my hair and showered with Dial and Hibiclense. Woke up at 6:00 am showered again, to two nausea pills sent to me by Dr C.Checked in at the office at 7:15am. They took pics of my body, Dr C marked me up, put the IV in my neck (which was not bad) and I was out. Surgery started promptly at 7:30. By, 9:30 I was pulling off the parking lot. Everyone at the office was super friendly. Today. PO day 1 Dr. C, called my husband today to check on me and to find out how my drainage was going. Currently, draining about 50ccs every 6hrs. I'm moving around fairly well independently. With the exception of getting on and off the bed. Also took my first BM today, to my relief it wasn't a struggle at all. I had tons of anxiety about that, from reading stories. I think the combination of drinking a lot of water, light foods snacks (jello, soup, etc) stool softeners and Mirlax, played a major role with my having a painless BM. Oh, and the raised toilet seat was a lifesaver.

I'm walking around every time I have to us the restroom, or feel the need to readjust. Pain is tolerable, nothing major. The most pain is when my body stays in one position for a long period and I move after. Dr. C, told my hubby I could shower today, but I'm so scared...I have to build up the courage. In the mean while, he's wiping me down with antibacterial wipes. Tomorrow, I'll shoot for a shower (so scared). I have taken a peak at my tummy yet, I guess the reveal will be tomorrow when I shower.

My biggest challenge is getting comfortable so I can sleep. I was awoke all day since 6:00am. Just couldn't get comfortable. Which is frustrating(!!). But, hopefully I'll work out something to get comfortable.

PO Day 2, I took a shower and it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought. My husband is amazing, he has helped me every step of the way. Some of my guaze was stuck to my skin, from old fluids and dry blood, under my binder. We left those pieces on to fall off in the shower. My hubby got in the shower with me (clothed, with his flip flops on), and sat down to hold my drain and wash the areas i couldnt manage to reach. Thankful for our large shower that fit two ppl comfortably. . He wrapped my tummy back up with clean gauze and my bindervand I was good to go. My doc gave him all of the instructions (verbally); thankfully his memory is sharp.

I had my post op appt on Monday, PS said all was good. Drain was taken out...and let me tell you, it felt nothing like i feared. No pain at all and less than 2 seconds. The stiches in my belly button were removed too, and that felt more uncomfortable than the drain being removed. I had a concern with a small portion of my incision, it was dripping light blood since Saturday. My PS removed the tape to evaluate it, and stated all was good, that particular area will just take a while longer to heal properly. Seems as though my suture seperated in a small area. But, Ill trust what he says, that all will be fine. It just looks disgusting, I guess, because its not healed and he removed the bandage and tape in that area(??). I was instructed to keep it clean with dial and hibiclense. Continue to wear my binder for 2 weeks, and then I can wear a girdle/compression.

Other than that....its been all up hill since Monday PO day 10 when my drain was removed. Spirits and all! That darn drain, controlled my life..LOL. Ive been going non stop and I love it!! The only restriction I have is major work outs, need to prolong another 3 weeks. No biggie. Tuesday, I drove myself to get a mani/pedi, did some shopping for the beach trip today (that my doc said was absolutely fine to go and he even said, I could swim, but warned not to expose my incision scar), and washed a load of clothes. Im sleeping much better, and maneuvering 80% better (almost instantly once that drain was removed).
I have a few pics taken yesterday PO Day 11, swollen (!!)
I pray my recovery stays on this positive path, as I know I have a long way to go. Happy Healing to all of my fellow Tummy Tuckers!