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Up To Hour 46 Post Op


Brigsby

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Day one Post Op:

Pain  and Mobility Expectation - To be too sore to live and need help with absolutely everything.

Reality - I have taken my pain meds every 4 hours, and I am not in much pain, just a little sore. It's more of a discomfort.I am able to lift cups of water and pillows. I can't lift my arms higher than my chest muscles, but turn on lights using my head. I couldn't twist bottle caps off yesterday but I can tonight.

Comfort (sitting, lying) Expectation - I wasn't sure, but was expecting it to be miserable and hard to get up and down.

Reality - I first have to use my LEG muscles to sit on the edge of the couch and slowly scootch back. I have a "dead" neck pillow behind my low back, two firm pillows propping up my legs and a pillow under either elbow, plus a neck pillow. My caregiver needs to add these to my sitting situation. Bed is the same except I have a regular pillow under my back and a leg pillow sits slightly under my butt. If it's not there, I am not comfortable at all.

Sleeping Expectation - I thought I'd be out cold for a week!

Reality - The most sleep I have had in one batch was 2 hours and 16 minutes. Oddly, I am not that tired. As soon as I watch tv, I doze. I hear the show with my eyes closed, but not sleeping per se.

Burping Expectation - None.

Reality - OMG OUCH! Also,last night I thought I was going to vomit prior to every burp. I got the bucket ready, and just burped into it (Except once, which was just from eating an orange)

Drain Tube Expectation - Not sure, but assumed there would be some.

Reality - None.

Bruising Expectation - Lots and dark.

Reality - Minimal (but I guess it could get worse over the next few days)

Recovery isn't as terrible as I thought it would be. I don't know what would happen if I wasn't taking my pain meds though. I saw my surgeon for follow up today, and the car ride sure sucked with all the bumps. My left nipple is still bleeding, she said thats normal. It also appears that I do have nipple sensation still, which was very important to me. She asked if I could feel my nipples, and I said no, so she came over and scratched me harder than I was doing and I felt  a tiny sensations. She said that would most likely come back stronger with time.

The most odd thing about this experience is that a small portion of my bottom lip is numb, still 46 hours post op. It's from the ventilation tube.

Honestly, the worst part about this entire experience was getting the IV put in. I have small  and curly veins, so they pricked me a few times. I was also expecting my hand to be bruised because if it, but nope, not at all.

I guess if I had to give advice to anyone having (top) surgery in the future it would to be to work your core and leg muscles, because those are the ones you'll use to get up and down. Also, have a wide variety of sizes and firmness in pillows on hand.

 

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I want to put triple antibiotic ointment cream on you!  I really wanted to put it on my incision too, but was told to leave it strictly alone.  I think I have a weird obsession with the ointment.  I hope you heal quickly and are feeling top notch very soon, and love your new body!  *hugs*

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With surgery like this is bound to be some degree of discomfort but I always view this as "Pain is transitory" and well worth the time it takes to recover. In regards to legs, I found it difficult to keep my arms down for breast augmentation and would guess this is similar to what you have gone through. Hopefuly they prescribed decent pain relief meds for you.  

Best wishes on a speedy recovery!!!

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Congrats, Brigsby.

In your previous blog entry, you mentioned that you had wanted the inverted "T" method.  I've been too lazy to google it and wondered, is there a benefit in getting the inverted "T," or does it have anything to do with cost (perhaps not as expensive), or what?  I'm wondering if the inverted "T" method is why you don't have any drains - this is the first time I've heard of anyone having top surgery and not having to deal with drains.

-Michael

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Michael,

in regards to why I wanted the inverted T method, which is also a benefit would be to preserve nipple sensation and less risk of nipple necrosis because the nerves and blood supply aren't severed.

the thought of nipple necrosis freaks me right out! I have no idea what the cost difference is between double mastectomy with free nipple graphs and the inverted t.

the other procedure I was looking at was the "fishmouth" because again, they don't sever the nerves and blood supply.

My surgeon said she never uses drains in any of her procedures because they mostly cause dog ears which usually need unnecessary revisions later down the road. 

Honestly, I hadn't come across any stories without drains either, so I was surprised when she said she didn't use them.

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Congratulations Brigsby,but I am confused by the two pictures. In the bottom picture is that you with implants? Just trying to take it all in.Thanks for your post

 

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