I went for my first post-operation check-up. I spent more time trying to take off my shirt and bra then I did with the surgeon.
But, for good reason.
Everything is healing perfectly. In fact, unless I have reason to be concerned I do not have to go back for another check-up.
I’m told:
- There are no signs of infection. (Yay!!!)
- The bruising is completely normal, even though it looks absolutely horrific.
- I’m a few weeks away from returning to exercise. But walks are a good thing for now.
- I can fly. Which is good because I have a project meeting in a few weeks that will require a quick flight or a multi-day driving trip. So, flying it is.
- The stitches should start dissolving any-day. If any creep to the surface just to cut them back and leave them alone to dissolve.
- I am going to have random clear liquid coming out of the incision for at least a few more weeks, but it’s nothing to be concerned about. Just continue lining the incision with panty-liners. (I still find it hilarious that I’m essentially stuffing my bra).
- No underwire bras for 4 weeks post-surgery. But, evidently I may not even need or want underwire again.
- For the next few months I’m going to feel random twinges as the nerves around the nipple begin to reattached. (This has already started and it’s weird).
- There is no weight limit for what I can pick up. So, when I feel ready to pick up Baby MPB, I can. I don’t feel ready yet and I’ll probably err on the side of caution because I’d like to continue to heal perfectly and not cause secondary damage which will end up dragging out the healing process. Also, Baby MPB is super-duper wiggly these days and I’m very nervous about him knocking into an incision. (Mr. MPB is still being super amazing and friends are also helping when needed).
- When I feel as though I can safely shoulder check and I’m off Tylenol 3’s I can drive.
And in other news:
- I can now shower on my own! (But, I still need help putting my bra back on while holding the panty-liners in place).
- Sleeping is not fun. I’m a stomach sleeper normally. I absolutely have to sleep on my back right now. My back is killing me from not being able to get comfortable at night.
- I’m no longer taking Tylenol 3’s. In fact, I’m at about 36 hours without any pain medication.
- I LOVE my new boobs.
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When I met with my anesthetist I had to go over my past medical history. I had to go over every time I’ve been under a general anesthetic. This meant I had to go through all of our losses.
I told my story, just as I have so many other times. I explained that in the panic/rush of the emergency D&C we have no idea if I was under a general anesthetic or not but we know my heart rate and blood pressure did not do what it was supposed to post-surgery and resulted in a longer then normal hospital stay.
I went on to tell her how scared I was of being put under and not waking up again. I told her now that we have our little boy I just wish I had done this sooner as I don’t want to miss out on his life. I also told her that despite this, I knew I wanted this surgery, it was time. As I shared my fears with her, she was compassionate in her responses. She told me I’d be okay and we shook on it.
Tears continued to run down my cheeks as they prepped a few more things in the OR. I begged them to knock me out quickly so I wouldn’t be aware of anything that was going on.
They put the mask on me and the next thing I knew I was waking up.
The most amazing thing happened when I was waking up in the recovery room. The details are foggy, but I distinctly remembering the anesthetist saying something like:
Of course you are scared. All of your past experiences have resulted in immeasurable loss. It’s like you have a form of post-traumatic stress disorder. But, it’s okay, this time everything went well.
She got it! She took the time to remember what I told her and to tell me how this time was different. And even more, she demonstrated that she not only heard me but she also validated my past experiences as legitimately painful.
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My Perfect Breakdown 