Rebuilding the Dawg

Well, it is 4:00 am now and I'm at the computer because I'm not able to sleep. Nothing is wrong, I am just darn uncomfortable. I'm healing fine, in fact a little ahead of the curve, but I pushed it to hard the other day and I'm really paying for it now. So, here are my words of wisdom for those who are yet to be reconstructed, get ample time to recover. You deserve the time, so take it and allow your body to heal. For whatever reason, I felt that after a six hour surgery that I could return to work after a week. Don't do it, take the time off. This is a very different healing then from WLS and involves other issues. As Reenie has said, it will all be worth it in the end but you just need to go into the process knowing what all is involved and that similar to WLS there will be some bumps along the road. Thanks for letting me vent, the meds have kicked in so I should be able to get a couple hours of sleep. Later, Dawg is out

We live & learn by mistakes You'd think that your mind should no better after that kind of surgery, that you would need more than a week, but like everything else we always try to push things. Glad you are O.K & hope you got some sleep. Thanks for the update!! Marilyn, the Bearlady

Ken, Thanks for posting this. I'm still planning on going forward with plastics as soon as I get an all clear and have been trying to decide how much time off I need. My boss has a cow anytime I'm gone because there's just so much to handle, but I'm going to go ahead and take three weeks. You're post strengthened my resolve on that. My problem is going to be boredom if I'm not busy, but I'll figure out what to do with that later. Thanks for the post. Connie

No problem Connie and boredom is a huge issue. I was going nuts in a lot of ways and didn't realize just how much crap we have on TV as I don'****ch much of it. And as the father of three daughters, rest assured that they will not be watching MTV as long as I'm alive. They should just change the name to SEX TV. Anyway, I won't hope on my soap box or I'll be here for quite awhile. I know the feeling in regards to your boss. But you need to have the time to recover. My feelings are that you, like me have increased your health to the point where going under isn't what it was two years ago. What I mean is that I was removed from the O2 by 7:00 am then next day because my sat. rate was so high and I about sucked the ball out of the devise they give you to help clear your lungs. This is due to cardio work in the gym, plain and simple. I was up, walking at a very normal clip around the loop on the surgical floor where I struggled to make on loop two years ago. What I saying is that I have no doubts that you too will breeze through the surgical part. Once you are home you need to be committed to recovery. If you are having a LBL, you will need somebody with you to help with the drains in the back, help treat your wounds that you cannot reach, and to help with the binder. Just like WLS, every Doc is different so I'm sure yours will have things he will not let you do. You need to listen to them. I started feeling real good, did too much and got my ass kicked. I didn't do any damage, but I did pu**** to the edge. Not a good thing to do as I'm told repairs are major, cause long hospitalizations and suck in general. My Doc's biggest concern that you won't need to worry about is slipping on ice, so I'm very careful when on the sidewalks. Get prepared for your downtime. Get movies, books on CD, books, magizines. I have a tough time tracking print when I'm on pain meds, so the books on CD and movies help pass the time. I was also lucky in that some family members got me DVD's of popular TV series like the Saprano's, The Family Guy, etc. It helps pass the time. Feeling normal again today, but have to guard against trying to do too much again, or suffering a set back. I wish my PS would have just told me I coudn't go back for two weeks, but he said I could do some light work after a week, but count on two. Well, to the ole Dawg here that means full bore after a week, big mistake. Keep us informed, because as you did for Reenie and she did for me, one of the best calls I got was from Reenie. Just something of hearing the voice of another who has been there that really helps. Dawg is out and on a short leash

Connie -- and everyone thinking of getting reconstructive work done -- the message board on the Plastic Surgery forum is an excellent resource. The folks on that board are very responsive. There are a couple of plastic surgeons that are very active posters and responders on the board and will answer any questions or address any concerns. Check it out and feel free to post. They are good folks -- take care, love, Maureen

Dawg, I am so happy to see you are doing so well!!! Well I scheduled my appointment and my surgery is for March 30th and I am freaking out. But in a good way. I will keep everyone posted on what is going on and I will keep you updated. Thanks again for all the past advice. Rhen