I'm now 10 weeks post op from LBL and arm lift
on 1/13/11 10:45 pm
Nov. 5th I had LBL with a large hernia repair and arm lift with liposuction and removal of a large benign tumor. I remember how frustrated I was with my lack of energy and speed in those first few weeks after surgery. I know many posting now have just had their surgeries and are going through that annoying phase. Reading OH members post where they were and how they felt helped me to see the road ahead.
There is light at the end of the tunnel. Each week I felt better, needed less rest and could do more, move faster and I could see healing in my wounds. At the 2nd week I could lift my arms fairly high and was able to do most of my housework. I had full range of motion in my arms by the 4th week. Some time around my 6th week I felt I was more or less back to my normal activities and my surgeon cleared me to return to to my full exercise routine and removed lifting restrictions. By the 8th week I was able to walk at my very brisk pace that I enjoyed prior to surgery. And this week I have cleared snow from my large driveway and sidewalk twice by myself without any pain or soreness at a fast pace.
I know shovelling is a weird thing to focus on or to be proud of, but 2 years ago I couldn't shovel because my muscles were swollen and I couldn't stand up without help or use my arms to chop veggies or set the table..... and if I had I probably would have had a heart attack from the exertion. This year, 9.5 weeks after having major, aggressive surgery I was able to shovel down to dry pavement without feeling like I had done any exercise and to turn around and to it the next day again.
My arms rarely swell now and that burning pain that I felt sometimes seems to have ended.
My LBL is still swelling, especially in the front where the hernia was repaired and in the auto-augmentation in the rear - I still wear my binder during the day to minimize swelling. I rarely have muscle pain from coughing or sneezing, and none while shovelling. I still have that burning pain in the rear, especially when sitting or beginning to stand - it is getting better.
My scars are starting to fade, especially on the arms. I still have large areas of surface numbness some of which may remain permanently but I won't know full extent for about 2 years while the nerves repair themselves.
I look forward to reaching that magical 6 month mark when the swelling, hopefully will be history.
My DS 
It is so nice to read your update. I am one of the ones that is right behind you and reading your posts give me something to look forward to. I have to say that my recovery from LBL, arm lift and breast lift was much more than I thought. I am 5 weeks post op and have had my share of issues with just my arms. I am on antibiotics now for an infection in my left arm. I know that the issues I have had with my arms are why I am not where I should be with my recovery.
I feel like I have no stamina whatsoever. I get short of breath if I talk too much (I love to talk) and I swell alot more at night. I am starting to get out.....grocery shop, nails done, short errands but of course I want to be back to my old self again running all day. I know all good things take time and I CANNOT wait to see what my stomach and arms will look like after some more healing and less swelling.
Alice
on 1/14/11 3:52 am
I'm sure that infection in your arm must be making you more tired - and it will slow down your healing - it's funny, but in a couple of weeks you'll look back and see how much progress you've made. It's good that you're getting out and slowly getting back into the groove.
