Good Days/Bad Days Normal?
Hello Ladies! I had a great day yesterday (Sunday). Showered for the first time at 4 days out, was able to take less pain meds, drains putting out in a healthy decline. For the first time I thought that I might actually survive this ordeal. Then, I woke up this morning in swell hell. I actually slept all night for 8 hours straight which certainly contributes to the swelling. My lady parts were swollen beyond belief, as were my extremities. The binder kept my tummy swelling in check though.
I took my binder off this morning to shower again and washed it. While it was drying I wore a very tight spanx that really does not do the job. Then, I started having a tummy ache. I have not had a BM in a week (sorry TMI) and it was catching up with me. So, even though I was able to go, I had to strain quite a bit which was very painful. I hope I did not damage anything.
After I pottied and put my clean binder back on, I took a nap. Woke up feeling much better and spend the evening laying around. Had a pretty good night from about 4PM until about 9:00. Now I am feeling bloated and itchy and sore. My lidocaine pain pump is running out and feeling is returning, which isn't fun!
My questions for y'all are:
1) Did you have good days/bad days, or even good hours/bad hours? I was under the impression that I would steadily get better and the setback of feeling crummy again is worrying me that something is wrong.
2) How likely is it that I have damaged something by straining to "go," and how would I know I did?
3) When did you remove your pain pump and/or did you have it refilled?
4) Other than wearing my binder and lots of water, do you have any suggestions to reduce fluid retention?
5) What is this annoying itching about? I am not breaking out in a rash or hives, and the widespread itchiness is present even when I am not taking the pain meds.
6) I still have my 2 drains in, one putting about 75cc and the other 125cc in 24 h. How long did it take for the first one to come out? I am not in a rush if they are helping, just curious.
Thanks a million, I am sure I will have to add more questions at some point in the future, I can't thank y'all enough for your patience and wisdom.
G
I took my binder off this morning to shower again and washed it. While it was drying I wore a very tight spanx that really does not do the job. Then, I started having a tummy ache. I have not had a BM in a week (sorry TMI) and it was catching up with me. So, even though I was able to go, I had to strain quite a bit which was very painful. I hope I did not damage anything.
After I pottied and put my clean binder back on, I took a nap. Woke up feeling much better and spend the evening laying around. Had a pretty good night from about 4PM until about 9:00. Now I am feeling bloated and itchy and sore. My lidocaine pain pump is running out and feeling is returning, which isn't fun!
My questions for y'all are:
1) Did you have good days/bad days, or even good hours/bad hours? I was under the impression that I would steadily get better and the setback of feeling crummy again is worrying me that something is wrong.
2) How likely is it that I have damaged something by straining to "go," and how would I know I did?
3) When did you remove your pain pump and/or did you have it refilled?
4) Other than wearing my binder and lots of water, do you have any suggestions to reduce fluid retention?
5) What is this annoying itching about? I am not breaking out in a rash or hives, and the widespread itchiness is present even when I am not taking the pain meds.
6) I still have my 2 drains in, one putting about 75cc and the other 125cc in 24 h. How long did it take for the first one to come out? I am not in a rush if they are helping, just curious.
Thanks a million, I am sure I will have to add more questions at some point in the future, I can't thank y'all enough for your patience and wisdom.
G
Hi,
I have lots of itching also, I take a benedryl for it. It will be 3 weeks for me since my surgery, the itching only gets worse as the healing goes on. My doctor also had me on daily laxatives while I was on pain meds because they cause constipation, thank goodness, I have finally gotten off of them but it took time since I was taking two different kinds 4 x a day. I am on some antibiotics since I have infection in some of my suture lines. I am still dealing with that *sigh*. I also have good days and bad days it depends on if I overdue and don't take a nap or at least rest in the afternoon. By night time I am ready for bed since my binder feels so tight and I know the swelling will reduce while I am sleeping and I feel better by morning. I am already tired of wearing the binder but know that it will be my best friend for a long time.
Hi;
My surgeon had me take 2 Colace tablets every day I was on Pain meds. Pain meds constipate really bad. As long as I took the colace I had no problems with bowel movements. Hope this helps.
My surgeon had me take 2 Colace tablets every day I was on Pain meds. Pain meds constipate really bad. As long as I took the colace I had no problems with bowel movements. Hope this helps.
Hugs; Barbara
Lap RNY ~ 4/22/2003
5'0" ~253 starting wt. 130 lb loss!
************************
Extended Tummy Tuck with KU Residency Program
01/08/2010 ....Lost another 7 lbs with TT.
Lap RNY ~ 4/22/2003
5'0" ~253 starting wt. 130 lb loss!
************************
Extended Tummy Tuck with KU Residency Program
01/08/2010 ....Lost another 7 lbs with TT.
Hi,
I'm 4 weeks out today from an extended adominoplasty and mastoplexy with lift. Yes I had good days and bad days, but as the further I get out the less bad days I have. Take a stool softener while your on pain meds as they do constipate. I didn't go home with a pain pump so I can't answer that one. My husband had a past surgery and had one and when it ran out they removed it. They took my first 2 drains out after a week and the last 2 at 2 weeks as long as they had under 30cc output in a 24 hr period. Anesthesia and pain meds can make you itchy also the swelling and stretch skin does too. On some of the spots that my binder has irritated my skin (blood blisters
) I used surgical dressing to pad against anymore irritation and drainage.
Good luck and congrats to the new you
Lorraine
I'm 4 weeks out today from an extended adominoplasty and mastoplexy with lift. Yes I had good days and bad days, but as the further I get out the less bad days I have. Take a stool softener while your on pain meds as they do constipate. I didn't go home with a pain pump so I can't answer that one. My husband had a past surgery and had one and when it ran out they removed it. They took my first 2 drains out after a week and the last 2 at 2 weeks as long as they had under 30cc output in a 24 hr period. Anesthesia and pain meds can make you itchy also the swelling and stretch skin does too. On some of the spots that my binder has irritated my skin (blood blisters
) I used surgical dressing to pad against anymore irritation and drainage. Good luck and congrats to the new you
Lorraine
Philosophy of life "Treat others like you wish to be Treated"
Only you can make yourself happy!!!
For the constipation I have found the most wonderful yogurt. I eat one Activia Light a day and not only is it yummy but I definetly have a nice soft bm within just a few hours. It took about 3 days of having one a day before it started to do its "thing", and now I just eat one every day and go to the potty once a day. Best thing ever!
I never had itchy and I am 5 weeks out today, but I did have a large seroma and dead skin. I am now on a wound VAC and starting to heal quite nicely.
Good luck in your healing process.
Fran
I never had itchy and I am 5 weeks out today, but I did have a large seroma and dead skin. I am now on a wound VAC and starting to heal quite nicely.
Good luck in your healing process.
Fran
(deactivated member)
on 2/23/10 9:42 am - West Central FL☼RIDA , FL
on 2/23/10 9:42 am - West Central FL☼RIDA , FL
HI!
I hope you are feeling better.
To answer your questions......
1) Did you have good days/bad days, or even good hours/bad hours? I was under the impression that I would steadily get better and the setback of feeling crummy again is worrying me that something is wrong. Recovery can be a roller coaster ride...especially the first week or so. Hang on it does get better...I promise.
2) How likely is it that I have damaged something by straining to "go," and how would I know I did? I know my nurse warned me about "straining" but I think it would take a lot to do any real damage. Try some laxatives or stool softeners. FYI - Fiber One cereal (the original one) does the trick for me. :-)
3) When did you remove your pain pump and/or did you have it refilled? My surgeon removed mine...I think it latest about 5 days.
4) Other than wearing my binder and lots of water, do you have any suggestions to reduce fluid retention? Buy yourself a Compression Garment. I put mine on at day 5 post op TT. It did the trick...took all the swelling out of my thighs..yes I got swollen in my thighs after my TT...I didn't have much swelling in my tummy. Anyhow.....the compression garments are WONDERFUL!!!
5) What is this annoying itching about? I am not breaking out in a rash or hives, and the widespread itchiness is present even when I am not taking the pain meds. Itching is probably a reaction to the anesthesia and pain meds. Ask your surgeon what they suggest..maybe a change in the prescription...or some benadryl (but check with your surgeon before you take any OTC meds).
6) I still have my 2 drains in, one putting about 75cc and the other 125cc in 24 h. How long did it take for the first one to come out? I am not in a rush if they are helping, just curious. Really depends...everyone is different....think of it this way....the longer the drains are in and are pulling out fluid the less swollen you will be. If you take the drains out today you will swell even more.
Hope that helps.
Feel better!!!
PM me if you have questions
Ruth
I hope you are feeling better.
To answer your questions......
1) Did you have good days/bad days, or even good hours/bad hours? I was under the impression that I would steadily get better and the setback of feeling crummy again is worrying me that something is wrong. Recovery can be a roller coaster ride...especially the first week or so. Hang on it does get better...I promise.
2) How likely is it that I have damaged something by straining to "go," and how would I know I did? I know my nurse warned me about "straining" but I think it would take a lot to do any real damage. Try some laxatives or stool softeners. FYI - Fiber One cereal (the original one) does the trick for me. :-)
3) When did you remove your pain pump and/or did you have it refilled? My surgeon removed mine...I think it latest about 5 days.
4) Other than wearing my binder and lots of water, do you have any suggestions to reduce fluid retention? Buy yourself a Compression Garment. I put mine on at day 5 post op TT. It did the trick...took all the swelling out of my thighs..yes I got swollen in my thighs after my TT...I didn't have much swelling in my tummy. Anyhow.....the compression garments are WONDERFUL!!!
5) What is this annoying itching about? I am not breaking out in a rash or hives, and the widespread itchiness is present even when I am not taking the pain meds. Itching is probably a reaction to the anesthesia and pain meds. Ask your surgeon what they suggest..maybe a change in the prescription...or some benadryl (but check with your surgeon before you take any OTC meds).
6) I still have my 2 drains in, one putting about 75cc and the other 125cc in 24 h. How long did it take for the first one to come out? I am not in a rush if they are helping, just curious. Really depends...everyone is different....think of it this way....the longer the drains are in and are pulling out fluid the less swollen you will be. If you take the drains out today you will swell even more.
Hope that helps.
Feel better!!!
PM me if you have questions
Ruth
1) Did you have good days/bad days, or even good hours/bad hours? I was under the impression that I would steadily get better and the setback of feeling crummy again is worrying me that something is wrong.
Not only did I have good days and bad days, I had some good hours and not so good hours. I'd feel good in the mornings and have energy and then a few hours later I was exhausted. I'd rest for a while, eat something and rest then I was better for a while, etc. It did get better as the weeks passed.
2) How likely is it that I have damaged something by straining to "go," and how would I know I did?
Never heard of anyone damaging anything by straining. They stitch you up pretty darn well inside so I imagine it would take something more than straining to do serious damage.
3) When did you remove your pain pump and/or did you have it refilled?
My pain pump lasted about 3 days and then the doctor removed it. Didn't even feel it coming out.
4) Other than wearing my binder and lots of water, do you have any suggestions to reduce fluid retention?
Keep your garment on 24/7 for as long as you can tolerate it, eat less sodium, drink plenty of water and take bromelain. Exericise and activity may or may not contibute to swelling. This is so individual.
5) What is this annoying itching about? I am not breaking out in a rash or hives, and the widespread itchiness is present even when I am not taking the pain meds.
I never had any itching other than when I had dry skin mainly from my incision areas healing. I'd check with our dr to see if you can take Bendadryl.
6) I still have my 2 drains in, one putting about 75cc and the other 125cc in 24 h. How long did it take for the first one to come out? I am not in a rush if they are helping, just curious.
My first drain came out at about 5 days and the other at about 8 days.
Not only did I have good days and bad days, I had some good hours and not so good hours. I'd feel good in the mornings and have energy and then a few hours later I was exhausted. I'd rest for a while, eat something and rest then I was better for a while, etc. It did get better as the weeks passed.
2) How likely is it that I have damaged something by straining to "go," and how would I know I did?
Never heard of anyone damaging anything by straining. They stitch you up pretty darn well inside so I imagine it would take something more than straining to do serious damage.
3) When did you remove your pain pump and/or did you have it refilled?
My pain pump lasted about 3 days and then the doctor removed it. Didn't even feel it coming out.
4) Other than wearing my binder and lots of water, do you have any suggestions to reduce fluid retention?
Keep your garment on 24/7 for as long as you can tolerate it, eat less sodium, drink plenty of water and take bromelain. Exericise and activity may or may not contibute to swelling. This is so individual.
5) What is this annoying itching about? I am not breaking out in a rash or hives, and the widespread itchiness is present even when I am not taking the pain meds.
I never had any itching other than when I had dry skin mainly from my incision areas healing. I'd check with our dr to see if you can take Bendadryl.
6) I still have my 2 drains in, one putting about 75cc and the other 125cc in 24 h. How long did it take for the first one to come out? I am not in a rush if they are helping, just curious.
My first drain came out at about 5 days and the other at about 8 days.
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