After staying at the hospital for three nights, I was ready to come home as planned. The task seemed a bit daunting after the first two nights but it's amazing how much I have improved each day and I'm glad to be home.
Overall, the surgery went well. I was told they couldn't close where my c-section scar was so I will have two scars in my lower abdomen but it will still be covered by a bathing suit. After such extensive surgery, you would assume I would be wrapped up like a mummy but it's actually quite the opposite. The surgical sites are just covered by sticky tape over the stitches and a bit of gauze to protect it from my clothes. The breast only has a few lines on it and looks really impressive. I have to admit I haven't even taken a good look in the mirror yet but from what I've been told, it could not have gone better. The most icky thing about the surgery is that I have three drains coming out of my body for a week. There are tubes coming out of my body that collect fluid into these grenade-looking rubber containers that have to be emptied a few times a day. Over time when the fluid gets less, I can have the drains pulled out since the body will then be able to naturally absorb that amount of liquid. TMI? Sorry, haha but it's not all glamorous!
My stint at the hospital consisted mostly of fogginess, gaping gowns, asking for meds, worrying about my next bathroom trip, and sleeping. By the second day I stopped taking narcotics because they only caused me nausea and fatigue. This was a long learning curve of trying different things but in the end, Tylenol on a regular schedule seemed to do the trick. I'm not in any pain when I am just lying in bed and when I get help out of bed, it does hurt--not going to lie. However, my flexibility improves by the day and hurts a little less everyday. It's only when I'm behind on my pills when I will get chills and shakes from the pain and then I know I need to take something quick. The downside of not being heavily medicated is that it makes it harder to sleep since I'm pretty uncomfortable stuck on my back no matter what i do. Other than that, on my last day at the hospital, I was eating a good amount of food and sleeping a lot less so I figured it was time to leave.
Our major concern with leaving the hospital was Liam who could jump on me if he saw me so when I arrived at the house, my aunts took him into the backyard to play. He actually didn't know I was home until this morning when I couldn't stand not seeing him anymore. I put Elmo on as a distraction (as most mornings), put a pillow on my side, and we were able to hang out as if no time had passed. Being at home with the kids is great but it also means that Elt becomes the head nurse. I had the poor guy running about getting sheets, pillows, drinks, etc. all night. Add on the title of custodian since my gimped right arm knocked over a full glass of apple juice as I was reaching for the phone this morning. Aidan has become the nurse's assistant and set up my toothbrush station, as well as fetched me stools, blankets, and food. At least he never tires so I don't feel bad, haha. I have a walker from Elt's grandma and it's great because now I can hobble like a granny to use the washroom all by myself!! Okay, I still need help up if I'm not sitting but this has been a huge accomplishment today. Just being able to sit in the living room brings back some normalcy so I'm doing well so far.
Thanks for the visits, gifts, and positive energy. Enjoy the sunshine!
Love, J
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