When the self-pity phase kicks in...

I had my catheter for a week. It was a PITA, but soon it will be a distant memory. Hang in there!!

It's so crazy how different surgeon's have different rules! Some people are served soft food in the hospital after RNY, others can't eat soft food for two weeks. Apparently the same goes for plastic surgeon's! I was allowed to shower on day 2 I think...even with drains. I hooked the drains to my lanyard and it felt incredible to be able to be clean. I am so sorry you aren't allowed this simple joy! You are totally allowed to have a pity party, you poor thing. It all sounds very frustrating. But like Erin and Laura said, this will literally be such a distant memory. I almost can't even conjure up how I felt that first week and it's only been 2 years. Plus, I saw your surgeon's before and after pic, and once you're clean and the swelling has gone down, I can already tell you are going to be THRILLED with your new body! Hang in there, come and vent anytime, and know that this too shall pass :)

Thank you! I don't get why the rules need to be so different either! It makes no sense. I guess he just fears infection? But I feel far more germy in this state...

I mean, I am no medical professional so I am tempted to tell you to carefully climb in the tub and take a warm shower. BUT, if you had a medial thigh lift, I can't tell you to do anything because from what I understand, that healing process and time is a whole different beast...just ask Cynthia (NYMom) who had various openings and issues...it sounds very stressful and I don't blame you for having a cry fest. Just remember there is an end in sight! And unlike, say, hernia surgery, this result will be visible to you and make you so happy!

You are reminding me that I need to be more kind and giving when someone I know has surgery - do more than just check in via a text or call. I forget how hard it is to feel helpless. I also hate relying on others and asking for help.

Hang in there!

Thank you! I am a pretty compliant patient, so I'll go along with his rules, but I will tell him today how it's wearing on my mental state. Maybe he'll take pity on me...

I?m curious why the PS office did not suggest you have 2-3 compression garments so you can wear one while laundering the other(s)?

Hope you feel better soon. Your results are going to be amazing!!

They do, but they start you out pre surgery with 2 sizes and decide after surgery while you're still on the table which size is best. You get a second at your first post op when they can ensure the one you have is not too loose. So the first week is just a *****

ugh!

Mine did not suggest 2 and quite honestly I was not going to spend the money on a second garment. Good ones are expensive.

By day 5 I was able to do most everything myself, including washing and drying my compression wear.

So the pity party descended again after a pretty good day. I had my follow up appt today, got the catheter removed, got 2 of 6 drains removed, my pain pump removed, a clean garment, incisions looked at deemed in good shape and cleaned up of some chippy glue. Betadine was applied. Bandages were changed.

Got home and was so exhausted I took a 4 hour nap. When I woke up, I felt fine, knew my friend was coming over so thought I'd go tinkle to get it out of the way. Chaos ensued. Suddenly I had to go with a crazy intensity and couldn't get my clothes and garment straps off. They got wrapped around each other and I got stuck. I totally wee'd all over my new clean garment. Then I had to clean myself again, push off the garment which is almost impossible to get off solo because it's so tight on my swollen legs, rewash with body wipes and my gross garment from before was in the washer so I couldn't get dressed again and my friend was coming any second. I am sobbing in the middle of family room hanging on the walker, managed to find a robe. My friend came in and I had to explain what happened. She took all my soiled clothes to the washer and put the first garment in the dryer to air dry. I'm still inconsolable and can't stop crying because I am not someone who pees their pants let alone then can't clean it up! She shoved a Valium in my mouth, cleaned me up, helped me make new pad chains for wound covers for my thighs, got me redressed, yada yada. What a horrible experience!!!! I feel like a helpless child and I was not at all expecting to still be this dependent on the kindness of others at this point.

please God, let me move past this stage soon. Please, please, please. I'm not in pain, but I am weak and helpless and I hate it. I have gotten by with wonderful friends, but I should have hired a full time nurse.