What to expect from a Fleur De Lis TT???

Hello all:
Fleur de lis sounds so beautiful doesn't it..LOL,  but I can only imagine what is in store for me on June 16th.  Can anyone tell me what to expect from this procedure?  Whats the pain like?  Showering?  Bending/sitting? Sleeping? Will I be able to go dancing two weeks after?  LOL  Compression garments, sleep with them or without?  Sex?  Everything I want to know about this, please tell me; i want to be mentally prepared for whats ahead!!  And whats this i hear about a drainage tube???

I had a TT, pannie removal as well as a BL/BA on April 6th.  Was expecting the worst as far as pain goes, but was very pleased at how well it went.  Pain was manageable.  I slept in a recliner for about a week & a half, then put pillows under my knees & back when I went to bed, for about another week.  I walked bent over for about a week, then gradually starting straightening up.  Wore my compression garments 24/7 for about 2 weeks, then could take it off at bedtime.  I had 3 drainage tubes, which were not painful, just a nuisance.  I've read where some people had them removed after a few days, I had 2 of them for 2 weeks, then 1 for 3 weeks.  It all depends on how much you are draining.  I am thrilled with my results & still have swelling, which I understand can last for months.  Good luck & I hop your recovery is as great as mine has been!

thanks for your response.  When you say drainage  tubes..these are tubes sticking out of your incision sites..what exactly do you drain?  Where you able to shower with the compression garments? How long do you have to wear the compression garment for?

Each doctor is different about when you can shower.  Some make you wait until after your first post-op vist, others until after all your drains are removed.  You remove your garment to shower taking that opportunity to wa****  If you have  a second one you wear it while the first dries.  You will want a couple tank style tee shirts to wear under your garment.  Many woman wear the men's wife beaters.

Your drains will come out of little incisions, usually near your goin and are held in place by a single stitch.  They drain off fluid mixed with blood that would otherwise accumlulate under your skin.  You will be taught how to empty them.  They will be pinned to your garment or clothing.  When you shower, you pin them to a cord, lanyard or lace around your neck.

You may be up tp watching dancing at two weeks out.  You will have retrictions from exercise for about six weeks.  Most people wait until their drains are out to have sex.

Each surgeon and patient varies about how long they use compression garments.  Many of these question will come up at your pre-op appoitment.  Start your list now.  :)  Good luck, Loris

Hi and thanks for all the info...I will have to take notes.  I hope I will be able to sleep, I love my sleep..LOL  I told my job that I will be out for a month, I hope a month is enough time off.  I am a secretary, so there isn't much heavy lifting involved.  LOL...Thanks again!