4wk3d post-op! *updated pics 5/4/13*-Rockville, MD

One day post op! I added some before pictures.

Surgery went well, I can't say enough good stuff about the whole crew. Got there at 1030 and filled out some paperwork, then went back to change. I took everything off except bottoms to be marked in and put on a gown and some TED hose. Vitals taken, IV started, and a chat with each nurse and the CRNA about what to expect. Oh, and I got some antibiotics.

Dr T came in and we talked about the procedure and after care, then he took pics and marked me up. I tell you what, boy is it weird to stand under bright light and have the part of your body that you've been doing you best to hide for years be photographed and drawn on...lol

After that I got on the table, talked a bit about my kids. Then I woke up! Apparently after surgery I told the nurse my pain was 3/10...ha! Well actually I was more nauseous than anything. So they got my symptoms under control and I was given a goody bag and sent on my way. I left with one drain on my left side, and a Foley catheter. Reasoning behind the catheter is that if I had urinary retention I would have it in the AM vs sometime in the middle of the night.

The pain last night was terrible, and I have a high tolerance. My ps doesn't use pain pumps, so I just look at it like my first night was the worst instead of my 2nd or 3rd. Imagine holding your abs as tight as humanly possible for like 3 days straight, and then doing 1000 crunches. Yeah, that's what I felt like. I did have muscle repair so your mileage may vary. It was also really hard to get comfortable with trying to sleep so upright, but I finally found my sweet spot in the recliner. Instead of pillows under my knees I used a large comforter. Dr T called last night to check on me, I thought that was very nice.

Oh, and my boobs? Like I took a cheese grater to them, but not as bad as the tummy because you don't really use boob muscles ;)

Fast forward to this morning, feel 80x better. I got up and took out the foley so now I have to pee on my own before 1pm or so. As far as meds I'm taking Percocet, valium, stool softener, abx, zofran and Zyrtec. I only had to take one zofran so far, right when I got home. I've found the pain is much more bearable when I take Percocet with Valium, about 30 mins apart. My toilet seat riser is awesome, and I also think makeup remover wipes are nice no have as well as feminine wipes.

My husband has been so wonderful, especially since I know that surgery makes him squeamish. I really couldn't do this without him. So, my advice to everyone is make sure you have at least one person to help you. You use your ab muscles for everything. Everything. Definitely try not to cough or sneeze, but if you must don't hold it, that can make things worse.

Whoa, dozed off while typing so I should probably go for now! I'll update more later.

3 dpo~ early in the am:

Things are going ok. My tummy and breasts are a little sore, but nothing unbearable. Right now I'm doing Percocet every 4-5 hrs, and using the valium when I get really stiff. I'd say the pain is about 4/10.My two biggest issues today? My lower back and itchy cleavage...lol I've found that getting down on all fours helps take some pressure off of your back. I'm just going to have to deal with the itchy cleavage, because all that has to stay on until my follow up. Can't wait to see my boobs unwrapped, like a present! Oh, and they no longer feel like they've been hit with a cheese grater but they are still sore.

I got a quick peek at the tummy yesterday, and I'm impressed with what I saw!

The kids are a little nervous, especially the 7 year old. He was afraid to touch me at first but he came around. He is still unsure about the whole thing, so we sit and talk and I answer all of his questions. My older two have been great. I made them a list of dinners to choose from, one cooks and the other cleans up.

Let's see what else.....so far I have not used my mumu/housecoat so it might just go back to Walmart. I've just been in my sweats and a tshirt. I bought these little diced dried plums from Sunsweet called 'plum amazins' and they are really tasty. Every little bit helps to keep you regular, right? I also got some bioFreeze roll on gel and its lovely. When you get down on all 4s like I told y'all about have a helper roll some on your back. It works and the best part about it is it doesn't smell. Don't forget to drink all the water you can but as a treat try something called Sparkling Ice. No sodium, no calories,no nothing. Great if you are craving a little carbonation.

One last thing, don't forget to use your incentive spirometers. We can tend to take more shallow breaths beause of the pain but it's important that we really move air in and out of our lungs!