14 Days Post-Op :(

I am feeling better, but frustrated at not being able to do things without complete exhaustation. I think I am feeling a bit depressed as well. It's hard to have your partner do everything and fel so exhausted and worst not be able to have sex!!! We have been active, yes, very carefully, but I am trying to reward him for EVERYTHING he is doing. I couldn't be happier--the irony. I hope as I heal and get stronger that this slight depression will pass.....I just want to be able to stand straight and lay in a bed flat.....

Day 9- 48 Hours later....Showertime!!!!

This is what I have been waiting for. Washing my hair, taking in the warm water, and just being clean. I wasn't looking forward to removing the steri-strips around my scar, band-aid around the belly button, and around my pubes (aahh yeah). I let the hot water soak up all these adhesive products so that it would be easier to remove...Taking a shower while still not being able to stand up is difficult and extremely exhausting. We used a small bar stool and it was heaven. My hubbie was absolutely wonderful, but quick to the draw when pulling off the band-aids..OUCH!!!

Things are getting easier, but still unable to pick up my 5 month old;( Will continue to count the days until that is a possibility...

Day 7- Showertime!!!! ....not yet...

Today was the blessed event of getting my drains removed (it's all based on the amount of fluid being released). It was such a different feeling with them off. Still feeling numb throughout the tummy area, but it looks so great. Every time  I am at the Dr.'s office I forget to take pictures;( I am sooooo pleased at the results..will post how awesome it came out soon.

Day 4 Post Op- Yeah

So today I went to see Dr. Bresnick and I got some sutures out. I also got to finally see what I look like underneath this binder that is wrapped around me---can I just say I love it!!! I can't believe what an amazing job Dr. B did. I never imagined that it would have turned out to look the way it does. BUT, we forgot to bring the camera:( We will be returning again to the office this week, hopefully to get the drains out, and will post some shots of my new tummy.

I have been pretty drugged up, but slowly am moving away from the valium and percocet and using tylenol instead. I am also integrating more foods so hopefully my stomach feels better in a few days...no pain no gain is my motto today....I am sooooooooooooooo happy!

Day 2 - I have to pee...and hope to pass gas.

Being on a diet of clear/mild foods (water, chicken broth, jello, applesauce, etc.), I go to the bathroom every 20 minutes - not a fun adventure when in this much pain while moving around. Tip: Set yourself up somewhere close to the bathroom - preferably no stairs in between - as it can be mighty unpleasant getting back and forth. Babywipes make the many visits bearable as they are both cool and clean.

The doctor says I need to pass gas before moving on to a more robust diet (this demonstrates that the bowels are working properly) and my husband is filled with child-like anticipation at my reaching this milestone...

To keep the personal information coming, I was "lucky" enough to get my period the night before surgery - adding some extra steps to the bathroom visits. Note: this did not interfere with the procedure in any way and the Doctor said he had seen this several times before. Again - babywipes to the rescue along with Always with Cleanwipes.

I miss holding my 5-month old, but am not allowed to lift anything heavier than 5-lbs, so it's going to be a bit longer before I'm back putting him to sleep...

I was able to help my husband go to sleep tonight, however, with some creative handplay...like the blog reads - my tummy hurts, but it's sessy...

Day 1 Post Op - Ouch!

Day 1 - surgery went well, but the pain is substantial. My doctor, Dr. Stephen Bresnick (Encino, CA), suggests patients to stay the first night at a nursing facility (Tranquility) - and I'm glad I took him up on his suggestion. 24-hour nursing care not only allowed me and my husband (Nate) to get some rest after a long day, but allowed to see many of the care steps (line milking, medicine distribution, positioning, diet, etc.) demonstrated first hand by a professional.

Another key suggestion of Dr. Bresnick was the pain pump, inserted directly into the wound, which automatically dispersed painkillers at the source of the problem - this came at an extra expense ($300), but it was well worth it.

That being said - this still really, really, really hurts. Not as bad as natural labor...but I wish they gave me a 2-week epideral for this...

Day 3 Post Op - Helpful Tips I Have Learned

Some tips that really have definitely come in handy are the following:

1. Have a good husband/partner/mother to take care of you for awhile (2 weeks minimum) - doing things on your own is NOT possible


2. Baby Wipes


3. DRUGS....USE THEM ALL THE TIME


4. ask your doctor about a pain bump- it works wonders


5. start your diet off gradually - stock up on jello, applesauce, yogurt, tea, chicken broth, pudding, applejuice, ritz crackers, water, etc.


6. If you can afford it, go to a nursing care facility (I went to Tranquility which was great) for the first night or two


7. Walk around even though it is painful


8. Buy a good stool softener - not that ex-lax crap;)


9. use a comfy pillow over your tummy when walking around


10. make sure you have the right type of clothes with you for the surgery and post-op (loose fitting sweatsuit jackets, comfy cardigans (need to open in the front) and loose jogging pants/sweatpants


11. sponge baths will have to do for awhile - so see #1


12. sleep - take it when it comes and enjoy it


13. stock up on movies, books, etc. to help you pass the time