Five Weeks Later

Tomorrow will be five weeks post op and I can honestly say I would never have guessed I would still be this uncomfortable and that the recovery process has taken so long - yet everything I read says at least 8 weeks and up to one year to get back to some sense of normal.   I can say in the last few days the tightness in my abs is different and the feeling in my stomach is returning slowly and my skin has sensitivity.  At night when I sleep I am most comfortable lying on my back and stretching my ab although it is tight like I have a corset on.  I still look really odd but the doctor thinks I look great - so much for the "eye of the beholder".  I have seen him a lot more than I expected but happy that his office gets me in anytime I need some attention and for that I am thanksful.  I even called him on a Saturday when we were in Florida to ask direction about fluid in my abs.  That is the kind of doctor I like and trust.

So, Wednesday I see Dr. Logan again to check my ab for any additional fluid.  He has aspirated my abs three times so far with the first time getting 60 cc's of fluid and the second and third times getting nothing.  I think the fluid portion is just about done and now is just is a continuing process of healing. 

The incisions all continue to stay closed and continue to heal and I keep the Scarguard painted on them to improve their look and eventually will use the Vitamin E lotion I have. Also, my belly button finally is almost all healed up and much smaller closing up more than I originally thought.  I would never have guessed that would take 5 weeks to heal either. 

So, the plan right now is to take off back to Florida right after seeing the doctor on Wednesday (April 4th).  My appointment is 7:45 a.m. (another thing I like about my doctor - he is an early morning person) and I expect clearance to travel and we will try to get between Nashville and Knoxville by day's end and then the following day get to Mike and Pat's for a few days before traveling to Fort Myer and enjoying nothing but lying by the pool or going to the beach.  I am so happy I do not return to work until April 17th.  I would never have been able to return after 4 weeks like some people have - I guess I am getting old or just getting to be a big sissy. Either way, I am taking my time.

I have been reading all the e-mail from the office and to tell the truth it is overwhelming all that is going on at work.  I have not even tried to keep up with it all - I did a couple days answer some issues, etc. and just find I can't think about it part time.  Staff is wonderful, stepping up to help and the help from Berrien County is wonderful and I will show her my appreciation upon my return.

I can say I am missing the office and again appreciate the simple things in life.  I am looking forward to working out, walking, riding bike, and lifting (light) weights to help bring back my fitness level.  I have lost about 10 pounds through this process and part of that is because I cannot eat much food and not hungry.  The pressure in my abs keeps my stomach feeling full so I force myself to eat and drink water to stay hydrated.  I am still shaky on my feet and that is weird too. 

Well, I guess I will end this entry and maybe revisit after seeing the doctor on Wednesday to update.  Think positive and use the power of prayer and by the way GO IRISH - did they get it done or what? 

Happy Monday everyone!