38H to (a tentative) D - New York, NY

Hello all (I realize not all of you readers are women!)

So it's been a week since my surgery. On Friday the 30th At 7:30am promptly, I was walked into my OR, and three hours later I was waking up in recovery. Initially I didn't feel a thing (lots of happy juices flowing through the IV). My sister was called up to see me about a half hour later and shortly after I was wheeled to the elevator and down to have the IV removed and do my first test walk, use the bathroom, etc. not too lint after I was in a cab home with my sister. I literally held my arms across my chest the whole ride home. Bumpy rides are not funny!
The doctor prescribed Vicodin which my sister picked up while I was in recovery. I didn't feel the need to take it really but did because I knew that the morphin and whatnot would wear off and I was afraid to feel too much pain from the stitches and bruises. The first few days I took two every four hours and by the third day was only taking one when I felt discomfort and by the fit day I felt like Tylenol would be enough for the discomfort.
For three days I had tubes in which drained int a bulb on each side. My sister measured the fluid twice a day until we went to my appt. Monday and documented the amount in a log the hospital gave me.
I visited with my surgeon Dr. Z the Monday and she took me out of the bandages and removed my tubes then put me into a open front wire free bra which felt amazing!
Overall even by the fifth day I felt as if nothing. Some tension here and there some pinches and discomfort but really a great relief on my back and shoulders (pause: I should say that my back initially felt so relieved but within the first week I felt a lot of stress and discomfort throughout my back. I attribute this to how I was holding myself in my sleep and throughout the day while I tried not to hurt my chest.)
I did find that I was tired and needed extra rest which I was fortunate enough to allow myself.
Just yesterday I watched a video on YouTube of a breast reduction and it was really uncomfortable for me. But it helped put into perspective the amount of stress my body went through. So I am taking it easy, taking care of me, and making sure not to forget that I am the priority right now no matter what anyone says (cough cough ::work::)

Tomorrow is my third follow up and I've just noticed a medium size area on my breast by my right arm that is a little hard. I remember the doctor saying she needed to know if that happend. I think she said if it did it would most likely be due to fluid, but I could be wrong, I've been given so much information lately. I'm a little concerned and eager to see her tomorrow morning. I went back and retread some of my post op paper work and there was something about expected hardening during the first three weeks so I hope this is normal and not something that will make her have to reopen the incision or anything!

Feeling a little distressed right now and trying to go to bed. Hope your journeys are going well!

-Liz