Swell hell!

I am 2 weeks out from an achor TT. I am so swollen it looks like I have a panni back. I don't think it's a seroma, more like a generalized swelling. Called the surgeon and his answer is "tincture of time". But I'm soooo dammed inpatient! I've been doing everything right. Keeping the binder on, either standing or reclining most of the time, drinking lots. Today I even tried the heating pad to help my body absorb it. GRRRRRRRRR! I just want to fit back into my pants. I know this too shall pass but not soon enough! I see him again on Thursday and hopefully get clearance to go back to work at least part-time. I am sooooo bored. I had hoped to be able to get some quilting done but since I'm not supposed to sit for prolonged periods, that elimated that plan.

It sucks I know and I feel your pain.....been there, done that! I would love to call you and let you hear my curren****er issues.....Everytime I move my right arm you hear "swoosh swoosh" Putting on deoderant sounds like the ocean, I obvioulsy have some fluid. It is kinda embarrasing at school when I reach into my bag or whatever and you hear water swooshing, it is LOUD! Now about the heating pad....You might want to call your PS, but mine said NEVER NEVER use heat, it exaggerates the swelling.....you need to use ice!! When you push on it does it move ......I mean can you actually see the fluids move? Maybe start taking some bromelain....it really helps and is a safe all natural supplement. I found mine at Hyvee (health food dept) by GNC and also at a local vitamin store. And at the appt on Thursday if it is still really full like being able to see the fluid swishing around, maybe he can asperate(sp) some of it for ya.....it is pretty quick and easy.....needle in, suck out some fluid and it does help.....When I had my fluid build up/seroma.....I had more fluid than asperating would help so they had to cut me open every two weeks and drain me Wishing you luck and thinking about ya Take Care jesi

I really don't think it's a seroma. Since I did bleed, especially on the left side, I'm guessing it's still some old blood that accumulated after the drain was removed. It's fairly solid swelling. My surgeon says to use heat this far out. It increases circulation thus helps reduce the swelling by helping the lymph system reabsorb it. It's just so danged frustrating. I have cabin fever to the max! But tomorrow I'm going to Victoria's and use my $10 off birthday gift card. Something to look forward to. Sexy panties! I think there is a little less swelling today. Maybe, crossed fingers. We'll see how I do after bell choir tonight. I have to go since I'm the director and we haven't had practice for 2 weeks. Thanks for everyone's responses. I'm going to recline now.

I think you are very brave for even having the TT. I can't even think about it without making me cringe with pain. You will be so happy when all the swelling and healing is done. It probably seems like that will never happen, but it all takes time. Don't rush back to work to soon, that could set you back with healing. Once all the swelling goes down you will probably need new clothes because your pants will be to big. Oh darn shopping Who wants to do that. I used to hate to shop now I would shop every day if my purse would hold out. My job just doesn't pay enough, besides my closet isn't big enough. Well take it easy get some good book to read, you can read standing up or sitting down. Enjoy your down time if you can. Keep in touch. Cindy G.

Lyn, The swelling is nasty but your surgeon's advice is good. I didn't have much with my plastic surgeries but did after my bypass. Give it time, if it isn't a seroma, that is, & try to stay off your feet as much as possible. I know it's hard as we are now used to moving around & exercising, but it is the best thing. Just get in that recliner or bed with lots of pillows & a good book or the TV, and stay there as much as possible. NO LIFTING! Drink lots of water. Jesi probably is right about the heating pad but I have to confess that I used it on my backside. It felt wonderful & I never got a seroma with that surgery. My surgeon wants his patients to not exercise at all for 6 weeks, even walking. I could only walk as much as necessary for my job & for around the house. He says it will make you swell even more. He must know what he's talking about because I really had only a small amount of swelling & it was gone before I went back to work at 2 weeks. Of course, once I went back to work, I did swell some. Too much moving, I suspect. Dixie