I live! (The day after UBL and mastopexy)

Surgery was yesterday. Art and I got to Sibley shortly before check in at 530. Quick drive from a nearby hotel. It wasn't too long before I was called back for pre-op stuff. Peed in a cup, got my hospital gown on, got my IV in.

Then Dr Michaels came in and marked me all up. I think that took 45-60 minutes. I guess boobs are harder than flat spots. Then I had the revolving door of introductions. Anesthesia, OR nurse, etc. Lots of questions. Some people remembered me from last time!

Then I got rolled back to the OR and I remember nothing until I woke up in recovery. I had a very hard time waking up and my blood pressure was super low. Like 80/40 low. I got something for my pain, but they didn't want to give me too much due to the blood pressure.

Finally I was okay enough to move from gurney to chair and taken to second stage recovery where Art could join me. Still couldn't really get pain meds because of the blood pressure issue. But I walked around, went to the bathroom, and felt good enough.

I was discharged at 6pm, so Lance went home from work instead of coming to the hospital and he picked up some supplies (and dinner) on his was home. Ice cream, crackers, and soup for me.

I was lucid enough that I could navigate for Art on the way home. Quite a change from last time!!

I took Tylenol at home to try to take the edge off. When my systolic got into the 90s I was able to take Oxy. I've been alternating oxy and Valium every three hours and that seems to be okay. I don't feel super dopey.

I slept in my chair last night and I assume I'll continue to do so far a few days. My dragon is keeping safe watch over me. I think I'll name this one Mastopex.

Pain is definitely here. It's in the 2-3 range even with medication as long as I'm not moving. Getting in and out of the chair is hard, ditto for the toilet. I can't use my arms since that stresses back and chest muscles and hurts. This will get better!

And, of course, I'm all bandaged up which means I can't see my body so I have no idea what I look like!

I didn't get a drain, which is nice. Although I wouldn't have minded if I did get one.

I guess that's about it. I'm still trying to get ahead of the pain, but I know I'll get there.

Glad to see you are processing life in the land of the living already! I had the same BP issues with my alation in June, so I should tell Dr. M that when the time comes. Similar BP and similar issues with refusal to give me pain meds. I'm glad to hear you aren't so dopey this time!

I checked just now and I'm 115/51! Woo!

Definitely something to warn the anesthesiologist about during pre-op. In fact, I recommend having a list so you don't forget anything. :D

Yay Gwen! Glad the low BP issues weren't more serious. Sounds like you are well on your way. I'm glad the pain isn't too bad.

And today, six days post-op, I'm only taking Tylenol! (And not even "special" tylenol. Like.. normal OTC tylenol.)

Oh my goodness! I can't believe you're home already and your pain level is relatively low. Thanks for the update and speedy healing to you!

Jen

Thanks! It was definitely nice to get to come home on the same day for this one.

That's awesome, Gwen! Sounds like you're faring much better than last time...good to hear!

So much better, oh my gosh. That muscle tightening with the LBL was no joke.

Hello! Very happy to hear you are home and managing fairly well, with help from Dr. Oxy and Dr. Valium. Sounds like the chair is a big help, too. I wish you a speedy recovery with no complications and look forward to more updates.

I had issues with very low pulse after my surgeries and it did make a few people nervous so I understand where you're coming from.

Make sure those men and Mastopex take good care of you. Perhaps a summoning bell is in order?

My best friend had a knee replacement yesterday (with only a spinal and twilight drugs, good grief) and I got her an owl named Oscar to keep her company. Everyone should have something soft and fuzzy to help them recover.

All the best!