44 Year Old Mother of 2, Taking Time for Me!

Each day I feel a little bit better. I've noticed the swelling by my ribs has gone down. I asked dr when I saw him today and he indicated just as my bruising will get better from top down, so will my swelling. I can actually feel my rib bones! Yet I feel really bloated today. I think it might be because I ate salty food last night and because I'm doing more. I want to start exercising again (got cleared to do eliptical by dr) but with more activity comes swelling. Ugh. To do or not to do? Because the area is still healing and irritation will cause inflammation. Makes sense. But I'm really missing my gym routine. Here are photos comparing before and today and then comparing last week and today. I see a difference but like I said I feel bloated and can see it in my lower abdomen - the pooch! I'm patient. It'll come in time.

After reading many people using Arnica I went and purchased some. I got it at Walmart for about $8. It is a gel form. It felt so good the moment I applied it. It's a cooling sensation with a bit of numbing. I got it hoping it would help with the bruising. I still hope I get some results in that department but will continue to use it 3 times a day as prescribed simply for the soothing effect it has had. The second thing I scored at Walmart was a 'Flexees' by Maidenform body shaping garment (size large). It goes from mid thigh up to bra line with arm straps. It has a slit for going to the bathroom. But the best part is it feels so good. The material is firm and snug but not binding. So all in all it's been a really super day!

After my first week I'm already seeing not only the difference from before the surgery but also gradual improvements each day. The picture I've included today compares my last post to today. I feel and see a difference in the swelling around my waist. My doctor said just as the bruising would get better from top to bottom and I'm noticing so is the swelling.