2 months post-op TT.............

What is or was your pain/discomfort level at 2 months post-op TT?  The upper portion of my abdomen is extremely sore.  It feels like I have done a marathon of crunches?  My umbilicus is very sore as well and I swell-up like a tick by the end of the day!  I took my measurements one morning and compared them the same night.  There was a 2 " difference between morning and night!@# I saw my plastic surgeon last Tuesday about my concerns, but he told me that everything is "normal". He said that I am "doing too much and my body is not in sync with my mind".  I don't feel that I am doing too much.  I understand that the swelling can lasts for months, but is the pain "normal"?  Oh, and I should add that I have a desk job, but still end up with "swell hell" by the end of the day!  My pain tolerance is very high, but this is really starting to bother me. Anyone else experience this?  I know this too shall pass, but the pain is very concerning to me. 

Thanks in advance!

Kim

I literally just almost cried out of relief while reading your note. I am having continued pain and tenderness that really has me concerned and I thought I was alone because I don't hear a lot of others complaining about residual pain this long. I'm about 2-1/2 months out.  I still have a lot of pain when I try to sit up in the morning after sleeping. Even tender to the touch in spots. My surgeon says the same things--normal, par for the course, you had a lot of work, yadda, yadda, yadda. No disrespect to him. I really do respect his opinion and I'm trying desperately to stay patient, but it is hard. I really am at that place where I wonder if I'll ever feel normal again. I was just boo hooing to my husband today about the fact that I got this surgery so I could be more active and that is the furthest thing from what I am at this point. I am dealing with a couple large seromas and I'm hoping that when those are taken care of things will feel better.

I do see the surgeon tomorrow and will press the issue about the continued pain and see what they say. Is it a nerve regeneration issue? Are we just screwed? I'll definitely let you know what he says.

Hang in there!!

Denise

I'm glad to know that I am not alone.  I surely do not want anyone else to be in pain or discomfort, but I was beginning to think that something was really wrong with me.  Anyway, I hope "we" start to feel better soon.  What did the surgeon say about the seromas?

You hang in there as well!

Kim

 Thanks for your response.  I'm hoping that I will begin to have some relief in the near future.  As far as compressions garments, I have had a really tough time finding one that fits comfortably.  Currently, I am wearing Assets by Sara Blakely (Spanx) and I'm pretty happy with the fit and compression.

I can't say I have "pain" but I really "hurt."  I'm 6 months post fleur de lis TT & brachioplasty.  I did have tissue necrosis that left an open wound for a couple of months - so that must be taken into account.  I hurt above and below the belly button - feels like I've been Judo kikked in the gut.  The achy, firm feeling gets worse as the days wears on.

I did alot of Christmas decorating - reaching high, carrying boxes, squatting, etc.  My belly has been killing me.  I use essential oils for pain and relaxation.  I use heating pad.  Soak in the tub in ho****er.  I get a massage every couple of weeks to help with circulation and healing.  My arm incisions burn from all the stretching.

It is  very discouraging.  By early afternoon - it hurts to stand erect.  My energy level is affected.  I am staying active, but getting tired of my  belly hurting all the time.  My PS says it is normal and may take a year to be better.

You are not alone!

Thanks for your response Penny.  I remember reading your posts regarding your recovery several months ago.  Did your open wound finally heal?  I certainly hope so.  

I really like the massage idea :)  I've heard that lymphatic drainage therapy/massage can be helpful with the swelling, so I think I will research that treatment a bit more.

Your statement "My belly has been killing me" is exactly what I say to my husband.  I agree.  It is very discouraging.  Maybe I'm just being impatient.  I'm just used to being "always on the go" and this surgery has really set me back.

Hang in there and I'm sure it will get better.