This is a process

Hi Everyone.  I am 10 days out from TT with MR and Hernia repair.  I had my one week follow up on Thursday and just want to give anyone who will take it an EMOTIONAL WARNING...
1st, I am really doing quite well physically. I am happy with my results. 
2nd, I had unrealistic expectations regarding my recovery and was very disappointed when things did not progress as I expected. 

For some reason (I dont know why after reading on this board and my PS NEVER lead me to think this) I thought that day 8 would be the magical day I would get my drains out and feel back to normal.  I know it sounds totally ridiculous, but because day 8 came and I DID NOT get my drains out and felt totally crappy I got VERY depressed.  Today is day 10 and I am doing ok.  I will HOPEFULLY get the drains out Monday, but if I dont I am going to be ok.  I know it is for the best and I will eventually be very happy with my results. 

So, I just want to share my experience and what I learned to help those of you newly PO or going in soon.  DONT try to place expectations on your body and your healing.  Your body will do what it needs to do and I think if you have more of a "go with the flow" kind of attitude you will have an easier Emotional recovery than I did.  

Thank you all for you support and feed back during this process. It is truly invaluable and VERY appreciated.

I had my belly drains in for 3 weeks and I was so dissapointed everytime I went and they were still in but after 3 weeks he took them out even though they were still draining a bit cause he said he had to cause they were already in to long, well then I had to go in twice a week to get the fluid drained out of my belly but it did NOT hurt, I would rather have gotten that done then keep those dam drains in, I think I had a lot of drainage cause I had a hysterectomy at the same time.

One thing about PS is the results take time I thiught also that I would come out of surgery and be body perfect, today is 1 year since my TT a and I am thrilled with all of my plastics check out my pix
good luck , you will be great
Susan

Thanks Susan! My PS is in NYC and it is 1.5-2 hours drive each way, so that is why he said to leave them in so he doesnt have to have me come back to drain off the fluid.   I know he is a wonderful surgeon and I trust him and will be compliant.   

I absolutely second just what Jen said! After bouncing back very quickly from RNY last Oct, BA in Sept and gallbladder removal in Nov, I really thought that my TT would go right along the same lines. I have to admit that this surgery kicked my butt both physically and emotionally.

I never had a drain before, and physically it didn't bother me, but it made me cry several times. Why??? I have no idea! Just looking at it brought tears to my eyes. I didn't hurt me or irritate me physically at all. I did have it removed on day 6.

Today is day 10, and I am still quite sore and get tired very easily. I am having less of the 'blues' and feeling less emotional, but not at all back to myself.

Martha

Hang in there.... I had my drains for 2 weeks- I too had unrealistic expectations for my recovery -
Not because my surgeon did not tell me they told me 6 weeks and then swelling and normal life could take 6 months to a year but......... I have always recoverd very fast from anything that was ever done to me so .... I expected to bounce right back. Well it has been 5 weeks and I am doing really well considering the amount of surgery that was done to me. I am back to work, climbing ladders, on my feet 12 hours a day, feeling for the most part pretty normal but NOT.... I have to keep telling myself that this could take 6 months to a year and I have to keep reminding my DH as well. The tightness of the belly and back I had a LBL and the boobs still not a whole lot of sensation to them and one is healing faster than the other in terms of softness. Oh well it is definately a process and much longer recovery than WLS so you are not alone hang in there I am sure we will be normal again some day.

Cheers

NO

As much as we prepare for the physical transformation, there is definitely an emotional side to all this.  I think it was at week 2 for each of my surgeries that I had my break down.  My recovery was quite uneventful and painless.  But I think for me it was the frustration of not being able to take care of myself or my family without help, which I am not used to.  And the drains do suck.  I went home with 4, got two out after 2 weeks,  I think, BUT had the other two for a total of 5 weeks.  It will get better!

April

 

That is alot of it April, I am so used to doing everything for my family and myself.  I am blessed that my DH is so good.  He actually is pushing me to rest more and take it easy, etc...It is just hard for me.  I am involved in so much with my kids school and church and all.  Mo, I usually heal fast from surgeries too.  anyway, today is much better.  Thanks again Ladies for the support. 

I am so scared!  Kind of glad I postponed after reading this.  I just know its going to be hard to come back home and jump right into supermommy mode.  Since I read your post about getting elbowed, I have come to notice how the kids crawl all over me 24/7.  Honestly, I don't know if I will be willing/able to give that up.  I remember how hard it was after my last c-section when the girls would want me to hold them.
Ugh.  Really want the results but so scared of the recovery.  Gonna call and cement my date tomorrow.
Good Luck and hope you feel better!
Ginnie

Ginnie, I am now less than 2 weeks out and feeling pretty good.  Still have my drains in, but able to hold the baby (gently) and getting around pretty good.  I am so glad I did this.  Even though it was hard on the family for a short time, I am very happy.  I hope all goes well for you.  Keep in touch.- Jen