A New Year and a New Start! - Santo Domingo, DO

Well I finally got to pick up my compression sleeves. Let's just say that these are a lesser version of hell than the faja is. Although we finally figured out how to wear them so that they are not cutting the circulation to my arms. When I asked de Estevez, he said I only had to wear them for a month. Anyone who now deals with their body over heating will now have an additional problem. I do not seem to be able to cool off. It is not a pleasant feeling.

I was told that I could have showers! BUT...that I was only use bottled water with my surgical soap. Ok..is that a contradiction or what? Guess I will wait until I get home to have a real shower.

We also are having problems with my drainage reservoir. It lost it's seal. So no suction. At my dr's appointment, another one was brought to my surgeon....but it was the wrong size! UGH! After working hard to get the tubes to fit, it was suggested that I try to seal it at my recovery house. Well, using matches and my candle wax, I thought it was working....but as night progressed, it seemed to have lost it's seal once again. Another one is to be sent with the masseuse.

Ok...nothing and I do mean nothing prepares you for you first massage after surgery. I cried, I laughed....I was in seventh heaven and I hurt like hell! Oh and did I mention that since they have to take you out of the faja, you end up feeling like a sausage being stuffed? There were points when I wanted to sing the praises of my masseuse. At other times I was holding back from swearing. In the end...I just was completely exhausted. She even completely cleaned out my drainage tubes....which really were necessary. There was so much gunk in them...it was really disgusting! But the draining increased tenfold! So happy to have it over with....ans so looking forward to the next one!