upcoming TT and a random act of kindness (partial xpost)

My questions:

My Dr told me that my drains would be in for 6-10 days, no driving till they are out, no exercise for 3 months, and that I would prob have numbness and swelling for up to 6 months...Is that in line with everyone's experience?  I have nausea issues with anesthesia, so they are gonna give a ****tail to hopefully stave that off.  I have to be there at 6 am and they think I will be heading home no later than 3pm the same day.

Two weeks later is (1) my BFF's son's bday party at Chuck-E-Cheese, and other friend's going away party  (he is going to USMC OCS)...the second party is an overnighter about an hour and a half away.  How plausible to you think going to either (or both) of these things will be?

Also, do you think I will need a toilet seat riser or shower seat?  My Dr said I won't need either, but I would like to hear your experience on this.  I also do not own a recliner, so will a regular couch or chaise be okay in lieu of my bed?

Thanks gals!

The random act of kindness:

I had my final preop appt today for my TT, and after I spoke to the Dr and took my official before pics, they told me to stay undressed- that the nurse was going to measure me so I could order my compression garment.  I knew it wasn't included in my TT and not covered by insurance.  Well, the nurse came in (we know each other fairly well- she was my VSG nurse too) and just told me to get dressed.  When I asked her about the measuring, she tossed me a bag.  She told me she knew that I couldn't afford to buy a good one, so her and my surgeon convinced the hospital that it was important that they start providing them for patients whose procedures were being covered...I was the first patient they ordered one for under the new rule!  It really made my day!

Hi Fawn!

I really don't have an answer about how much you might be able to do because my Tummy Tuck was about 18 years ago!

Four weeks ago I had brachioplasty.  I didn't feel like doing anything social until about a week ago.  But you are so much younger, you will probably feel good sooner that I did!

ANYWAY...I wanted to say that is so cool that your surgeon gave you the garment...I remember you helped me (actually my son) when we needed it.  You sent him your leftover reflux meds that you did not use.  So, see you "paid it forward" and it caught up with you!

Just wanted to say I remembered and thanks!

Brooke K

Thank you for the response Brooke!  I try to help people where I can...just to be a nice person...but I don't ever really consider that it could circle back to me....lol...it sure did though! 

I am worried I won't be able to do either thing, honestly, but am hoping that I am wrong....I hate to let my BFF down, and the other party I wouldn't want to miss out on...it is a big deal in our "circle"...


Oh- one other question per my hubby...for anyone really...if you can't exercise for 3 months, how long before you can have sex?  Sorry...lol...

What the Surgeon told you about swelling and numbness sounds right to me...my surgeon told me the same and it is what I've experienced.

So far as driving I've never heard that you can't drive with the drains....but you must be off the pain killers all together and that could easily take 10 days, sometimes longer.

Regarding the Toilet Seat Riser.....I would encourage you to get one.  I'm so glad I have mine.
Shower seat....I found it is helpful to have one for the first 2-3 showers.  You can get EXHAUSTED with the whole shower ordeal the first few times.  After about the 3rd shower I use mine by my sink after I get of the shower so I have some place to sit if I'm shaky.  The toilet seat riser cost about $20-25 at CVS and Walmart.  I got my shower seat (with adjustable legs) from Craigs List...it was like new and I washed it with bleach before using it so I saved money.

Very cool on the compression garment!!!!!! Congrats!

Best wishes on your upcoming surgery............

Thanks for the response....yeah, I think I will look into those and try to get them..better safe than sorry!  As for the drains- I was suprised too because I drove with them in after my VSG.  He said he has concerns about the steering wheel and hard stops, etc....hopefully my drains will come out quickly- I need to be able to get my kiddos around...

Fawn,

Since both events are very important to you, I know you are going to try!  So, you might tell those you are close to (and yourself, too) that you might be "low key" during the events.  In other words, don't try bopping the mole heads at Chuck E Cheeses and probably no skee ball rolling either!  Don't know about what goes on at the "going away party", but you probably won't feel like getting your normal party on!  LOL.  But go and be with your friends!

Brooke K

No skee ball?!? 

Seriously though...good advice.  I hope I am okay to at least sit around and be entertained by my friends!  LOL

I'm in my early sixties; had my TT w/MR and dbl. hernia and mesh repair two years ago this month.  I am STILL numb across the entire front area where a full pant would touch - hip to hip, top to bottom.  I did not need a toilet riser at all.  But, if you have really low toilets, then you might want to consider one, of course.  If they are of normal height, you'll prob. be okay.  You can certainly buy one from Walmart and just have it at the house if you need it or return it later with your receipt if you don't need it. 

I am 3 weeks post op tummy tuck and I went back to work after 2 weeks.. so hopefully you will be able to attend your party.  Did not have a toilet riser or shower seat altho I did use it day one and two at the hospital so it may be a good investment if your not staying at the hospital..
Good Luck and wishing you a speedy recovery

Natalie

I was able to go out to a social event with no problem (other than having to wear pants big enough to hide the one drain I still had) at 4 days.  Mind you I took it really easy all day and made sure to take a nap.  The event was only about 2 hours.  I didn't drive there although I was able to as I was off the pain meds.  Here's to a quick recovery!