Feeling anxious

Morning folks! My PS is scheduled for this Friday and I am starting to feel anxious about it. I am having an extended mastopexy and extended abdominoplasty done with Douglas Forman, and I trust his skills, so that isn't what I am nervous about. What I am worried about is the pain and difficulty in moving that seems to be part of recovery from tightening the abdomen. I have been reading past posts and I'm really not looking forward to this. I definitely want the results, the loose skin really bothers me, but the recovery time has me worried.

I've prepared as much I know how, bought a power-lift recliner, have my arnica tablets and gel, lots of fluids and protein on hand, bought a shower chair, more pillows for propping. Now I just have to walk through it.

Any thoughts, encouragement, advice on how to make it through the tough time?

Thanks and I'll keep you all posted!

Janet

Pretty much you just suck it up and do it. In the scheme of things it will really suck for about 1 week and then life will be considerably better and you'll make gains every day! Plus, just think - 6 weeks from now you'll be ready for the beach!

Thanks Erin! Let's just say that the reality i****ting me since it is so close. No thoughts of changing my mind, just a little last minute panic

I was so nervous the morning of that I kept wanting to pass out while he was marking me and I had to lay down several times. It's totally normal to be scared and it's a big procedure, but you will do fine and you'll be so glad you did it in a few weeks!

I highly recommend taking pain meds as often as you are allowed at least for the first week. Do not wait until the pain starts or it is hard to get it back under control.

I had a lbl/bl at the same time. By the end of the first week I could do everything myself and the pain was not bad by then.

Funny enough, I wasn't panicked about the pain...more so the idea that I was going to be cut circumferentially. For whatever reason, that freaked me out. The pain was well managed the first night in the hospital, and then the second night when I was at home, I took my pain pills and went to bed. BIG MISTAKE. I should have set up an alarm for 3 hours and 55 minutes later to get up and take the pills, rather than be woken up out of a dead sleep with abdominal pain! But what at that moment felt like it took my breath away, was back under control within 20 minutes, and I just kept on top of my pills going forward. It honestly isn't as bad as you expect. It hurts to rise into a sitting position but hey, just lounge around and watch netflix :) You will be so astounded with the amazing body you have hiding under the skin that it will feel worth it! Here is my most recent post with pictures (and a link to my original post immediately after surgery) in case it helps. Just have your water, pain pills, chapstick, and a baggie of snacks (so you don't take the pills on an empty stomach) very close to you at night. I put them on a stepladder next to my bed so I wouldn't have to awkwardly reach to my nightstand. You will do great!

Maybe don't read my post from a minute ago. I am struggling with everything but pain!

I will undergo a procedure sometime next week too! Im here reading some comments and stories to prepare myself mentally and emotionally.

What are you having done? Keep us posted on your progress.

Today is my last pre-op day. I took off work and have lots of errands to run and then coming home to do a last good clean of the house and laundry.

At 4:00 a friend is coming over to drive us to the hotel where we will stay for the night. The hospital is about an hour from home and since I have to be there so early for surgery, we will sleep at the hotel and then take a cab to the hospital in the am.

I am feeling calmer today but will stay busy to keep my nervous at bay.

I was odd when I took a shower this morning to wash the saggy skin on my belly and breasts and think about that soon it won't be like this. Crossing my fingers for a smooth recovery.