Two Decades Later

Feeling much better. Abdomen area still very sore but that is to be expected. There are times when it is more sore in random areas but that’s also to be expected. Three nights ago (Thursday) was such a horrible experience for me. The itching and nerve “shocks” made me want to peel my skin off. I have been taking Claritin because I knew the itching would get worse before it went away completely. That night was very tough for me. I also had shock sensations but not painful feelings just uncomfortable sensations that caused more itching. I slept for a total of two hours that night and three hours two nights ago. My body also gets restless at night now. Since the constant pain has subsided my mind wants to go back to being in a physical position that I was in before the surgery but of course that is not possible. I am also still sleeping in the recliner as it is more comfortable than sleeping in the bed. We are working on our pillow situation/setup to find me comfortable positions though. The hardest things at this point in my recovery is not being able to sleep on my side and the mental plight of me wanted to be healed already. The inside of my abdomen still has a ways to go as far as healing is concerned. I also still get out of breath faster than usual when moving around.

Took my first shower alone today without hubby to help. I still cannot reach high as it pulls on the abdomen area. I had to squat down a bit when I was washing my hair. No big deal. I rested against the shower wall a couple of times when I felt tired. I also was able to cook dinner today. I had to sit down several times as I am still getting tired when moving about. It was a simple meal so did not take too long. I also had to have hubby lift a pot for me because I knew it would be too heavy. The past week or so I have been feeling really nauseous. This is a feeling that I absolutely hate. I mean I’d rather deal with day 1 post op pain than feel like that. I was able to eat oatmeal in the morning to take the antibiotic and anti-inflammatory and then try to eat crackers and toast the rest of the day (it was a real struggle). So Saturday morning I ended up sending Dr. Strock a text. This is something I really did not want to do as I do not like to bother professionals on their down time but nothing I was trying was working. I was even doing two doses of the nausea meds with no positive changes. He had me stop taking the antibiotic, refilled the Zofran and had me start taking a probiotic. With his suggestions I only ended up having to take one nausea pill this morning. Not sure what has been helping (lack of antibiotic or addition of probiotic) but I am so glad that I was able to speak with him. He called right back too. I was surprised but I shouldn’t have been. I say it again here that I am so happy that I chose him. I know over the course of his professional career that he has heard the same things over and over, yet he does not make you feel that you are annoying him with the same concerns or that you are just another number (patient). Still wearing the binder and am able to tolerate it more now. I am moving around easier as well. Can’t quite stand up all the way as things are very tight still but that is to be expected. Not rushing my healing journey as I want things to heal the way they should. Other than walking around here and there I have just been resting.

10am

Happy to report that I woke up only feeling like I had a little more swelling than I have had yesterday. I have learned this is normal for me in the mornings. I woke up, ate breakfast, then took antibiotic and anti-inflammatory. When I stood up this morning, I didn’t feel like I needed to hold my abdomen area. All this is good but last night was a completely different story. The after affects of my coughing fit last night was long lasting. I did take more pain meds because I was so sore afterwards but still woke up about an hour later in so much pain. First time I have cried since getting out of the hospital bed on surgery day. It was like I was feeling the effects of the meds mentally, but my abdomen was not. My husband did give me a Zofran because I was so nauseous. I was also able to get down a few crackers and some water. I eventually fell back asleep but that was such a terrible experience. Currently I do not feel like I need pain meds. The pain is very much tolerable. Now later today will be my 2nd attempt at showering. Don’t judge because I have not showered since the morning of my surgery. I use adult body wipes every day but also remember that everyone’s experience is different. Like I have previously stated I have a low pain tolerance. I have known this most of my life. The 1st attempt at showering combined with horrible feeling without the binder on has me waiting until I am completely comfortable with trying again. I will also take another picture during that time as well. This healing journey is definitely like a roller coaster ride so get in, buckle up tight because you will be all over the place. Not related to last night but one thing I wished I would have started the day after surgery is MiraLax. I normally mix the capful with 4-6 oz of ginger ale and drink it with a meal. I have constipation issues on a good day, so I knew it was going to be an issue after surgery. Tbh I didn’t even think to start drinking it until yesterday, which is a huge fail on my part. You will definitely need some type of stool softeners and I hate using enema/suppositories unless absolutely necessary (like the other night).

7pm

Today wasn’t too bad. Did some work emails from 630a-3p. I was able to make it through the day without too much pain. Around midday I started feeling burning sensations in abdomen. I wasn’t even doing anything but sitting down. Who knows what was causing that feeling. Your body is healing and we cannot see what is going on so unless it lingers forever and doesn’t go away or unless my husband cant explain it I don’t worry about it. I will tell you that my mind decided it wanted to go against what I knew was a bad idea…but I did it anyway. I’m sitting here minding my business and I get a thought…maybe if you take the binder off for a while you won’t have so much tightness. Now I knew better but sometimes the devil on your left shoulder gets the better of you. So I took the binder off. Instant regrets! My husband was moving about cleaning the house so I just sat in the recliner with my “dumb” face internally scolding myself. No you are not tight because of the binder. You are tight because well….that’s what you paid your money for. I said wth was I thinking. I had to go to the bathroom and didn’t have time to wait for husband to help get it back on. Regrets. So then he asks if I want to go ahead and shower while in bathroom. This will be my 2nd attempt at showering (don’t judge). Everyone goes at their own pace. It was a success. I will state some things here you should know. Day 9 you will still feel much pressure with gravity without the binder. I am not able to take deep breaths without the binder being on. Having a conversation without the binder is nearly impossible for me because I have to stop so many times to catch my breath. It is not fun. I am back in the recliner. Oh and I did have to do a 2nd enema today. I did take a dose of MiraLax this morning but this stuff is about as slow moving as a fully loaded Mack truck or prob because I don’t take enough of it during the day. Either way I really hate enemas. They make me feel nauseous and then Mr. had the audacity to heat up some fish in the microwave. Zofran loading…because why as my caregiver and husband can you not read my mind and know that nemo will only make me feel worse haha.