One Week Post-Op

Yesterday marked the one week milestone of my surgery and my second post-op visit with the surgeon.

I’m happy to report that everything is going well. My swelling is beginning to go down and the compression garment and I have figured out how to be friends (for now).

At my appointment yesterday, I had my fingers crossed that they would be able to remove the drains, and thankfully they did. It is such a relief to no longer have those tubes coming out at my hips. I was always afraid of accidentally getting them caught on something and pulling them. I also feel like I could go out in public now without having to try and hide the grenade like bulbs that were pinned to me.

While at the appointment, I also had the stitches removed  from my belly button which was a weird feeling. I have no feeling in my belly button at this time, but a numb sensation in the area around it. It’s really freaky and I hope feeling returns sooner than later. The surgeon did mention that I may not have feeling between the belly button and the center of my incision for about a year. That completely freaked me out but I’m staying hopefully that that won’t be the case.

I’m allowed to walk and do small things around the house now. I have to go back to the surgeons office on May 1st for another follow up appointment, to make sure no fluid is collecting since the drains were removed.

I’ll be happy when more of the swelling goes down so I can fit into my clothes. It was a little disheartening when I tried to put a pair of shorts on yesterday and they wouldn’t button. I have to remember this was a major surgery and things take time to heal. Until the healing happens, I’ll have to hope for sundress weather or chilly days so I can wear sweatpants.