Recovery from major surgery is a slow process, but I feel 1000 times better than when I was in the hospital. Drain tubes came out on Monday (this was an answer to prayer, as my original appointment was set for Tuesday). I was SO thankful to have those things removed. Someone asked, “what is a drain tube?” I'll add a description at the bottom of this blog if you really want to know.
The doctor was pleased with my progress. Come back in one month and we will see how everything has settled. We will have a few more minor surgeries to complete the reconstruction process, but those will be nothing compared to what we just went through. Recovery is no more than “a long weekend.” Sounds reasonable enough. For now, don't lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk for 8 weeks. Don't even think about it. This includes pushing shopping carts, doing laundry, cleaning house, cooking, etc. Even some doors are too heavy for me to open. So I'm getting a bit spoiled, and my hubby is reverting to chivalry. I could get used to this!
I've posted on Facebook a description of the way I am walking…very slowly and bent over. The incision from hip to hip that stretches across my belly does this to me. Admittedly I'm straighter than I was a week ago, but I still look like an old lady with osteoporosis. Fortunately it's a temporary condition.
My nurse/case manager told me to walk throughout the day, the best I can. There are many benefits in doing so, and the fresh air is just one of them. The first night Tim and I walked in the neighborhood it was a beautiful balmy night, 72 degrees with a cool breeze and the smell of spring in the air. The street was filled with neighbors soaking in the fresh air. As we were making our way back up the driveway the sun was setting. One of our neighbors was out with her boys. She made the comment on how we were all walking with sons and mothers. “My son is walking with me as a child and you are walking with your mother as well” she said to Tim. Yes, she did. I feel sorry for him really, having to live with a wife who looks so old, but he also looks so young! He's always looked younger than his age. I had a good laugh when I pictured her chewing on her foot when she figures out the truth.
Well, today we went to the movie. Draft Day! Aside, this was an excellent movie and I learned a lot about football that I never knew before. It feels so good to get out of the house, even if for a couple of hours. He let me out by the box office so I wouldn't have as far to walk. Without asking, the attendant said “$14.00” for our two tickets. I paid, but wondered why the price seemed a bit low…he had applied the Senior Discount! You have to be 60, yes SIXTY-PLUS, to get the senior discount. I don't think he cared how old I am. I just turned fifty, but hey, why argue when it's to my benefit! Sheesh…It's been confirmed and reconfirmed. I look at least ten years older.
Maybe it's time for a new hair color.
The good news is, the doctor and nurses were right – I've lost all the surgery water-weight now that I'm walking around. In fact, I'm down below my pre-surgery weight and still losing. I'm feeling really good, and I'm able to get around on my own. It's beautiful outside and in addition to walking the neighborhood, I have been sitting on the porch reading, studying the Bible, and working on some ideas I've never had time to fulfill. My goal is to do something productive every day while I'm recovering so I don't turn into a couch potato. And by the end of the year I plan to look ten years younger!
Until next time…
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Drain Tubes – As promised. Well, imagine a very long, flexible tube the size of a drinking straw, attached to a bulb. Half the tube is like a soaker hose, and the other half is like a regular hose. The soaker is inside the body, and the other half is outside attached to the bulb, which is suctioned to pull out any fluid that might collect inside the body. The surgeon stitches the tube to the skin, so it doesn't pull out before it's time. I had four of these, and walking around with all those tubes is quite a feat. Like I said – I was SO glad to get them out! As the doctor pulls each one out, it feels a little bit like tiny bites or pinches. Or like someone is pulling a few hairs from the inside. Doesn't really hurt, but you're glad when it's over!
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