3 Weeks Since Extended TT and Ventral Hernia Repair- Still feels like being punched in gut...

Can anyone relate?  I'm 3 weeks out from the TT and big hernia repair that was located on the old open RNY site.  TT went really well - PS used an "onQ pump" before closing me which greatly reduced the pain.  Unfortunately, the hernia surgeon didn't install a pump after doing his part and I am still so painful. I do have fibro, so I know that has caused me more pain/recovery time with past surgeries - just wi**** would let up by now, along with the fatigue.  Heading in Monday to see the hematologist - low iron since surgery and probably headed for another round of infusions.

It's so much fun, though, to have a flat tummy and be able to see my belly button.  Never thought I would see 125 lbs. and a size 4.  What a trip!


~ Anne
SW:  316
CW:  125

~*~  NEVER GIVE UP!  ~*~

I can relate - hernia repair, fleur-de-lis and mastopexy.  Really hurt at 3 weeks out, still sore (especially boobs) at 7 weeks!

And agreed, so cool to wear size 8 pants!

I am going to have a fleur de lis on Feb 8... how long were you out before you went back to work?  I was told by my PS office I could go back after 2ish weeks.

Thank...

Helen

 I was told back to work at 3-4 weeks was reasonable but possible at 2 weeks.  I took off 4 and struggled the first week back still but I also developed infectious diarrhea that required an overnight hospital visit and meds 3 weeks post-op.

 Finally at the point that I don't think about the surgical sites every time I move - 8 weeks post op.  My boobs and the hernia repair are more problematic than the fleur-de-lis.

Thank you.. .hopefully... since I am only getting the TT... and I have a desk job... I can go back to work after 2 to 3 weeks.  My friend had a LBL and she was out for 6 weeks.. but she had a major hemotoma.

Helen

Having major surgery and dealing with low iron is such a double whammy. It was the same for me. I also have to get infusions. Hopefully an infusion will make you feel better and I suggest to really push the protein. It helped so much in my healing. Hope you feel better soon!

Thanks, guys, for your replies - guess I'm not the only one!  I'm really hoping the iron will help as I need to get back to work.  Still needing Oxycodone, 15mg about every 3-4 hours.  Only takes the edge off the pain, so sleeping ALOT. I have returned to  the pool for light workouts, though hurts alot to do, I know it's important to keep moving.  I try and shoot for 80 grams of protein a day, challenging due to the abdominal pressure I already have. Still do a protein shake a day.  Should I increase the total?

Since they put off the adrenal mass/gland removal, I need to save all the time I can for that surgery (plan on throwing in a thigh lift and BA then, too) in about six months or so.  Rene - I kept picturing your beautiful new tummy prior to surgery!

I felt a lot of restriction with the muscle tightening and eating all of my protein was a challenge at first. I would add another shake if I were you. I depended on my shakes until the tightness relaxed just a bit. My normal appetite returned but it took a few weeks. I think my surgeon tightened me as tight as possible. It's been a year and a half and my abs are still hard as a rock.

Thanks for the compliment. Hang in there it'll get easier!

Thanks, Rene - How long did you think your tightening was painful?  I hear you  about the shakes - some days I do two - food just doesn't sound good nor feel good sitting on my gut - who would think I would ever say that?!