44 YO, 3 Young Adult Kids, 195lbs, Doing Something for Myself - Houston, TX

This is my 5 week update. I had to go back to the doctor because my incision has an infection. It split open about 3" long but not very deep. It never did get pus or drain, it just turned the skin around it red and yellow/green inside. The doctor put me on Cipro. The antibiotic gave me a yeast infection. That was easily cured after calling the office. He also had me clean the wound twice a day with Dial soap, Hydrogen Peroxide, antibiotic ointment and cover it with gauze. The swelling is going down. I am also going to start the lymphatic massages to reduce the swelling.

I needed to post this two weeks ago. This is after my 4 week post op appointment. I'm very pleased with the results. I'm still walking and getting around is better. I am finally in my bed. I'm still swollen though it is getting better. I know it is a slow process and not to expect results overnight. The surgery has inspired me to keep up with my diet. Actually eating is just a chore and having to drink a gallon of water a day I'm just not hungry. The no salt is a challenge. Of all the things I miss, I miss salt the most. Having a thyroid disorder salt is my thing. I love it. I'm avoiding it like the plaque though. There is no way I'm contributing to be swollen. I started adding lemon to my water. Not only to add flavor but to maybe help reduce to swelling.

Doing great! I forgot to update at my 2 week post op appointment. I'm off the pain medication and take ibuprofen and Tylenol when needed, mostly before bed. I find it most difficult to sleep in the bed all night long. It is very uncomfortable. I get stiff and my back and abdomen hurt. The more I move the better I feel. I walk a mile in the morning and at night. During the day I do my usual household chores in moderation. No heavy lifting, and resting when tired. I itch often. The garments fit better. I'm not as swollen. Feeling is starting to come back to my skin. I would say this has been a better than expected recovery and I would do this again.