Drain and Swelling Rant

I understand that I may be impatient but the swelling and the one drain my PS left in is driving me nuts.. I am trying to keep everything in perspective.. Please tell me this gets better and when..

My right breast is higher, harder and feels bigger than the left.. I grow tired of the implant massage thing too..

There are times in the day that I just start crying. Self doubt creeps in.. I already feel like I'm gonna have to a revision of some sort..I have never felt this unsure of something in my life.. After this surgery, I dont want another one. I wish I had just done one this at a time..

I go back to the doctor on Tues and need reassurance big time..

Oh my, I might have to take something just to relax.. I massaged my arms and legs to try and relax..had a cup of tea.. 

Those of you who have had PS, please give me some insight on this recovery process...

Thanks,
Michelle  

 You are going to be just fine. The way you are feeling right now is totally normal and many, many of us have felt the same way during our recovery periods.    I literally just responded to JaneM on this same subject on Jan. 6th.  We all go thru so many of the same things, here is a quote below from my response to her. See if it doesn't fit you too!

This does get better!  You will get better and you will be able to enjoy the results complete with pretty panties and hours spent prancing and twirling around in front of the mirror.

Recovery takes time and patience. The hard one to come by is that second one. I'm sure you didn't recover in a few days from your RNY and what you just had done is far more extensive, even if it didnt mess with your guts.  Remember you are only 10 days (?) out!  You might have more bumpy times ahead but "this too shall pass"!

Hope you feel better soon!

Raven

"Whoa girl! You need to just take a couple of deep breaths and try to calm yourself.  Most patients have at least one "freak out" day which is caused by a the release of hormones and the aftereffects of anesthia and having tissues disturbed.  According to my plastic surgeon it usually happens around day 4 or 5 post op. I didn't have the freak out day until day 10.  Maybe you are having yours now?

Basically this release of hormones and chemicals along with the withdrawal from anastheia can make it seem like you are having the worst possible case of PMS.  It, of course, doesn't mean that your concerns are not valid or legitimate. It just means that how you are perceiving things at the moment can be skewed or overblown.

When it happened to me, I cried and cried and cried.  I sobbed in the shower because my drains hurt. I cried about my binder. I sobbed about the choice and money spent for the PS. It wasnt until I was crying when I was telling my husband that he probably doesnt even like me anymore that I realized - hey, I am not myself. Hopefully, you will feel better about things tomorrow.

Swelling

I just wanted to make sure that you are understand why you are swelling and why this is totally normal for this point of your healing."

It then goes on for quite a while to talk about swelling. Check out the thread -

www.obesityhelp.com/forums/plasticsurgery/4488528/Swell-Hell/#37141234

I was out yesterday and we drove by Dr. L's office so I would know exactly where it is located.  I have driven by it who knows how many times.   There is a little Greek grill that is very popular right across the street.  I had no idea that is where he was located.  You would not know it was a doctor's office  just by looking at the building.   I'm calling today to schedule a consultation.  Thanks for all your input.

Thanks Raven for the encouragement.. I am going to post this somewhere near my bed.. and read it everyday.. cause this morning.. I do feel like PMSing.. crying at the drop of a hat.. kind of like right before my TOM.

I dont really mind the binder or the front closure bra..

My drain isnt really putting out a lot of fluid today or yesterday.. so it will probably get removed tomorrow.. I will try to calm down.

I'll have to engage my positive thinking for sure.. Maybe I will call my massage friend..and schedule some light circulatory massage for my legs, head and arms.. Next week my support group meets, I'll seek some support there too..

There should be a handbook that should be given out after PS.. I just thought PS would have been a little easier emotionally..

So, Raven thanks again!

Michelle

 Hang in there Michelle! I promise this gets better.  Getting that drain out tomorrow will make everything so much easier.

If you can, invite friends over to watch a movie, or take you for a little walk.  I've been going out to the movies with friends to be amused.  You'll be able to do more and more as time goes on.

Everything you're feeling is completely normal.  Our daily activities are so restricted post op.  all the things we generally do, like exercise are put on hold.  I'm still not driving, though I could, but I'm letting myself just be pampered.

On my last day in Mexico, I was terminated from an 18 year career in Senior Management.  Along with surgery recovery, I'm having to use all of my positive attitude skills to stay out of the dumps.

We can do this.  In a short time this will be a distant memory.  Go look at VS for cute undies to cheer you up.

Let us know how the appointment goes tomorrow please.  :)

Thanks Lee!

When I read about your career termination thing, OMG.. I thought.. what in the heck.. You my dear.. can do anything.. I can tell in your spirit and words...that you are a fighter. It will be no time soon when we will be hearing about your new fabulous job at a super duper company! I will pray for you on this too. I know how it feels to be "let go" due to downsizing. I think especially for us career oriented gals, we we lose that part of us even temporarily, it hurts bad.

I have been driving.. I enjoy it. I go to Target and walk.. I dont feel safe walking in a park or something like that.. the quick motion of people makes me nervous.. I do have a plan to go to Target today.. even small talk with strangers seems to distract me from my PS concerns.. I think I am going to buy a new wet/dry shaver.. With these new implants, I can shave like I used to.. My arm pits seem more concave..

I will for sure let you know how my appointment goes tomorrow.

Michelle

I know all about not being able to shave like you used to. I joke that I need to go shave my arm-"tits" instead of my armpits. I'm sorry you are stressing. You are so right that there should be a manual that goes with this surgery stuff. The boobs are annoying for a bit, but I'm sure they'll settle down. My right one is still fighting me and I may need a revision, but he says it is a quick, 20 minute in and out to open up the pocket, so I'm trying not to freak. Sounds like you have some good ideas for relaxation and distraction. And then there is always your little friend that you bought before your surery for you-know-what!  LOL!

Looking forward to hearing your appointment went great!

Denise

Denise,

I am so trying to follow your lead on this stuff. I am going to Target ( as soon as I find my friggin car keys) to by an electric wet dry shaver. I can stand the hair thing..

Yes, my lil' friend helps. I think I am going to up my Vit D since I havent been outdoors. That might help with  my mood..

Please let me know how your right boob works out.

Thanks for all the encouragement..

Michelle

Hello Michelle!  I just had TT and arms done Friday.  Just returned from my first post op appt with my surgeon and we are both excited with the results so far.  He removed 3 of my 4 drains, One left on my left hip area.  Cleared to shower but must continue with compression garments.  Mine are cute!  The brochure that my surgeon hands out says that MANY post op plastics patients have a few days of depression because unlike our WLS surgery, you may not see the results you were hoping for right away.  Weight loss started immediately and now we are spoiled into wanting instant outcomes with the plastics.  Remember that these result will improve with time.  You will be great before you know it.  Look at a "before" WLS pic and that should cheer you up.   Hope you feel better soon!

Thanks Lisa!! I will have to keep that in mind..I finally got the energy up to take a shower, wash my hair, and get dressed.. Go**** takes me forever to shower and dry off, put my binder and undergarments on...
I feel a little better.. I think I need to get out of the house a little bit.. If I could find my keys I would be heading to Target already.. but where are my keys?

Michelle