x-post Day 9 update
It's hard to believe I'm leaving in less than 48 hours! Having Fab and Brit down here definitely made time fly. Thanks, ladies! I definitely feel ready to go home.
I'm hoping I'll get at least one of the arm drains out tomorrow. The left is at 35 and the right is at 40, so if the left can get below 30 by tomorrow, then I can get it out. My last mons drains is holding steady at 60 CC's, so I think I'll be leaving with it. I've found the easiest way to deal with the drains when out and about it to clip them and then tuck them in the waistband of my pants. Since they're stretchy and drawstring, they hold them down nicely and I don't have to worry about them falling out.
As far as pain goes, the most painful part has been my left breast. Since Dr. S put the implants under the muscle, there's more pain. Tylenol can usually cut it, so it's not terribly painful. I'm not having any more muscle soreness in my abdominals. The only other uncomfortable thing is when the swelling in my legs makes the incision feel a little tight. Otherwise, no real pain to speak of.
I'll be going home with all my stitches in, which I am kind of happy about. I was worried about getting stitches out right before I would be sitting on a plane for several hours. I definitely don't want an opening to form because of that. My PCP said she would take them out, so I'm going to have her do all of them at the same time (by 21 days).
As everyone says, Patty is wonderful! She's so gentle and kind, which means so much after going through all of this. Most of the nurses in the clinic were good, with two caveats. Marcella was not good for any of us. She tried to avoid doing anything during her shift, so you have to be forceful. Also, make sure that whomever gives you your first shower, does not try to run your thigh drains up your legs and out the crotch instead of through the bottom of the leg opening. I questioned her, but she said it was better, which didn't make sense since I didn't come out of the OR like that. Fab was more forceful and didn't let her do that. Patty changed it once I got to the hotel.
I just posted some new full-body pics. They are password protected and you need to be a friend to see them. I'm pretty happy so far. I still have some swelling around my middle and, of course, the breasts. As Dr. S suggested, I'm doing some massage. I googled it to find a video and it was A LOT more vigorous than I would have thought. They're a little too sore for that yet, but I'm working up to it. Their shape is still a little odd (not as rounded at the bottom), but Dr. S said it takes a while for everything to settle in place. Makes sense to me.
Also, I finally weighed myself this morning. I put it off b/c I didn't want to get stressed out about swelling. No worries. I came down at about 151, and was 148 this morning. I've been eating things I never eat at home (in addition to making sure I'm getting plenty of protein), but obviously my body is using it all up right now.
As far as supplements, I'm taking the Make Me Heal post-op vitamins whi*****ludes Bromelain. Also taking Arnica and eating lots of pineapple.
Anyway, that pretty much sums it up.
Eileen
I'm hoping I'll get at least one of the arm drains out tomorrow. The left is at 35 and the right is at 40, so if the left can get below 30 by tomorrow, then I can get it out. My last mons drains is holding steady at 60 CC's, so I think I'll be leaving with it. I've found the easiest way to deal with the drains when out and about it to clip them and then tuck them in the waistband of my pants. Since they're stretchy and drawstring, they hold them down nicely and I don't have to worry about them falling out.
As far as pain goes, the most painful part has been my left breast. Since Dr. S put the implants under the muscle, there's more pain. Tylenol can usually cut it, so it's not terribly painful. I'm not having any more muscle soreness in my abdominals. The only other uncomfortable thing is when the swelling in my legs makes the incision feel a little tight. Otherwise, no real pain to speak of.
I'll be going home with all my stitches in, which I am kind of happy about. I was worried about getting stitches out right before I would be sitting on a plane for several hours. I definitely don't want an opening to form because of that. My PCP said she would take them out, so I'm going to have her do all of them at the same time (by 21 days).
As everyone says, Patty is wonderful! She's so gentle and kind, which means so much after going through all of this. Most of the nurses in the clinic were good, with two caveats. Marcella was not good for any of us. She tried to avoid doing anything during her shift, so you have to be forceful. Also, make sure that whomever gives you your first shower, does not try to run your thigh drains up your legs and out the crotch instead of through the bottom of the leg opening. I questioned her, but she said it was better, which didn't make sense since I didn't come out of the OR like that. Fab was more forceful and didn't let her do that. Patty changed it once I got to the hotel.
I just posted some new full-body pics. They are password protected and you need to be a friend to see them. I'm pretty happy so far. I still have some swelling around my middle and, of course, the breasts. As Dr. S suggested, I'm doing some massage. I googled it to find a video and it was A LOT more vigorous than I would have thought. They're a little too sore for that yet, but I'm working up to it. Their shape is still a little odd (not as rounded at the bottom), but Dr. S said it takes a while for everything to settle in place. Makes sense to me.
Also, I finally weighed myself this morning. I put it off b/c I didn't want to get stressed out about swelling. No worries. I came down at about 151, and was 148 this morning. I've been eating things I never eat at home (in addition to making sure I'm getting plenty of protein), but obviously my body is using it all up right now.
As far as supplements, I'm taking the Make Me Heal post-op vitamins whi*****ludes Bromelain. Also taking Arnica and eating lots of pineapple.
Anyway, that pretty much sums it up.
Eileen
Plastics with Dr. Sauceda 6/8/12!! - LBL, BL/BA, Arm Lift & Medial Thigh Lift
Sounds like you are doing great, how exciting!! I have been reading your post and I am so happy for you. Its great that you have a supportive PCP. I would love to be your friend and see your results =) Congrats on everything and have a safe trip home.
VSG Aug 9, 2010 with Dr. Shieh in Fort Myers, FL 
HW 366 Day of Surgery 334
PS: Extended TT, Arm Lift, Fat Transfer to the rear 6/6/2012.
HW 366 Day of Surgery 334
PS: Extended TT, Arm Lift, Fat Transfer to the rear 6/6/2012.
You look totally awesome! This is some of the best work I have seen Dr. S do! Everybody that goes to him look really great. I know you are really going to enjoy your new body!
Tess
Starting Wt 306; Losing Wt 155; Goal Wt 145: Regain Wt 225; Current Wt 157
PS: FDL Tummy Tuck, Hernia Repair 5/17/12, TT Revision, Butt and Thigh Lift 4/18/13
Glad to hear that things are going well. You are at the point that I was when I got homesick in Costa Rica. It's fun for a while, but there comes a time when you just want to be HOME, huh?
I don't know how in the world you girls can have all of that surgery at once. Granted, one recovery period is nice, but it would be WAY too much for me at my age.
Well, hope your trip home goes well. Heal well...
I don't know how in the world you girls can have all of that surgery at once. Granted, one recovery period is nice, but it would be WAY too much for me at my age.
Well, hope your trip home goes well. Heal well...
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