I've had these words stuck in my head all day today (along with some Godspell music vamping along in my head). I have definitely had to take the past 2 weeks day by day.
I've certainly come a long way since September 19. Yesterday I was able to attend my kids' soccer games. I drove to the hair salon so Jack could get a haircut. The kids and I then hung out at Heritage park, and before we went home we stopped at the store for milk, something to cook for dinner, and ice cream for dessert. I actually cooked dinner. Yay me!
I've also slept through the night the past 2 nights. Granted it's only been 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep, but anyone who's had kids knows that counts as sleeping through the night! I'm not actually that sore in the mornings anymore, although all the running around throughout the day has me very swollen by the end of the day.
Today's biggest news: I shaved my legs. You really have no idea what a huge step this was! I also couldn't help but to try on some real clothes. I tried on some skirts and blouses and I have to say I am SO pleased! I tried on a few pants too but my backside is still too swollen. But I can tell by the fact that they came up over my butt that they are going to fit nicely. Unfortunately I still have to wear my bulky compression garment, so I couldn't get any of this clothes on over it. But I think the outfit I had on today looked pretty darn nice all things considered.
I also managed to take the kids outside today to put up Halloween decorations, and took them to Five Guys Burgers for lunch. Life is actually starting to resemble some kind of normalcy.
I also decided to weigh myself today. The first time I weighed myself after my surgery I was 5 pounds over, due to all the fluid and swelling. Since I felt like today was a good day, I took a chance. I was 6 pounds less than what I weighed the day of the surgery. So cool! Plus I know I still have SO much swelling that it's only going to keep going down. That's of course if I stop eating Five Guys Burgers and ice cream. ;-)
The best thing is I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Granted it is a long tunnel, but I finally see myself making it through all this.
Tomorrow I have my next post-op appointment. Will update again then!
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
HUGE (and I mean HUGE!!!) sigh of relief
My surgeon just called. And honestly, I'm totally stunned. He is eating the entire cost of the anesthesiologist's $1,020 extra tab!
Apparently, here is what happened. There is a new liposuction tool called "Smart Lipo Laser" which gives better results, more contour, better elasticity to the skin, etc. He is still learning the new tool, and it takes longer to use. This is why the surgery took so much longer. They still haven't perfected estimating the time it takes to use the new tool.
He didn't realize how much longer he had taken, and since the anesthesiologist bills independently, his office did not know I was being billed the $1,020.
He was extremely apologetic, stating that it is not their way to do business by trying to pull a fast one over their patients or anything like that (I didn't even accuse them of that, so I'm glad he said that!). But he said the bill would be totally taken care of considering all of the circumstances around it.
I knew I loved my surgeon for a reason! And thank goodness he called me back today because I don't think I would have slept tonight.
Apparently, here is what happened. There is a new liposuction tool called "Smart Lipo Laser" which gives better results, more contour, better elasticity to the skin, etc. He is still learning the new tool, and it takes longer to use. This is why the surgery took so much longer. They still haven't perfected estimating the time it takes to use the new tool.
He didn't realize how much longer he had taken, and since the anesthesiologist bills independently, his office did not know I was being billed the $1,020.
He was extremely apologetic, stating that it is not their way to do business by trying to pull a fast one over their patients or anything like that (I didn't even accuse them of that, so I'm glad he said that!). But he said the bill would be totally taken care of considering all of the circumstances around it.
I knew I loved my surgeon for a reason! And thank goodness he called me back today because I don't think I would have slept tonight.
needing some answers
During the past week I've been pretty much consumed with the pain and recovery of my surgery. I've not been able to share many details about the surgery itself, or the fact that I was in surgery for 10 hours instead of the 5.5 that it was supposed to take.
I was told the surgery would be about 5.5 hours. The surgery started about 8:30 a.m. and I was expected to be ready to be picked up to go home around 3:00 p.m. I'm not sure how many calls my parents received about when to pick me up, but I was not awake until 6:30 pm. Apparently the surgeon wanted to do additional contouring, blah, blah, blah. I never really got the full answer as to WHY it took so much longer.
All I do know is that I'm WAY more sore, more bruised, more swollen than I should be.
Today I checked my bank account for something completely unrelated, and guess what? My account was $1,020 overdrawn due to another charge from the anesthesiologist. I already paid $1,680 which was to cover the surgery.
I just got off the phone with her and she said since the surgery was 4.5 hours longer, that was my additional cost. WHAT?!? So, I'm lying there unconscious on a surgical table, with no control over how long the surgery is taking, and now my cost has almost doubled?? And no one bothers to tell me so I can even make sure I have the funds to cover it?!
I asked the anesthesiologist (who is a total sweetheart, BTW) why the surgery took so much longer. She said I needed to ask Dr. Stephens that. Huh. Ok.
So I'm really feeling like there is something they aren't telling me now. And I'm not too happy about it.
I've placed a call to Dr. Stephen's office. Of course this is a surgical day, so I'm guessing I won't get a call back anytime soon.
At least the anesthesiologist is refunding me the money so I can pay the bill at a later time.
I was told the surgery would be about 5.5 hours. The surgery started about 8:30 a.m. and I was expected to be ready to be picked up to go home around 3:00 p.m. I'm not sure how many calls my parents received about when to pick me up, but I was not awake until 6:30 pm. Apparently the surgeon wanted to do additional contouring, blah, blah, blah. I never really got the full answer as to WHY it took so much longer.
All I do know is that I'm WAY more sore, more bruised, more swollen than I should be.
Today I checked my bank account for something completely unrelated, and guess what? My account was $1,020 overdrawn due to another charge from the anesthesiologist. I already paid $1,680 which was to cover the surgery.
I just got off the phone with her and she said since the surgery was 4.5 hours longer, that was my additional cost. WHAT?!? So, I'm lying there unconscious on a surgical table, with no control over how long the surgery is taking, and now my cost has almost doubled?? And no one bothers to tell me so I can even make sure I have the funds to cover it?!
I asked the anesthesiologist (who is a total sweetheart, BTW) why the surgery took so much longer. She said I needed to ask Dr. Stephens that. Huh. Ok.
So I'm really feeling like there is something they aren't telling me now. And I'm not too happy about it.
I've placed a call to Dr. Stephen's office. Of course this is a surgical day, so I'm guessing I won't get a call back anytime soon.
At least the anesthesiologist is refunding me the money so I can pay the bill at a later time.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
so tired
It seems like all my body wants to do to the past 2 days is sleep. After my post-op appointment yesterday, I came home and slept for 5 hours. I kept trying to wake up, but to no avail. I was so sad to miss my daily phone call with my kids. But I just couldn't wake up!
I went to bed a little later than usual last night, around midnight. My mom had to force me out of bed today around 10:15. I could have slept all day if she had let me. I think my body just wants some rest!!!
On top of wanting to sleep ALL the time now, I am have some CRAZY dreams due to the narcotics. Some of them have been really cool, but others have been freakin' weird and scary. Don't like those ones so much.
So today is PO day 6. Still feeling every bit as sore and swollen as day 2. The first week is supposed to be the worst, but it would be great to see SOME improvement in the pain and swelling departments!
I am a bit more mobile however (in fact, I finally made it upstairs to my parents' computer so I could post more than 50 words on here). I think I am just working through the pain better. And I'm just bored of sitting and watching TV. I feel totally isolated from "the real world" out there. I haven't been keeping up much with the news or Facebook or anything. I know reality is going to hit soon when I have to go back home -- husband goes back to work on Friday, I think? I think my mom is going to be spending some time at our house, helping me with the kids and all that.
I still have lots of time to recover before I have to go back to work. I think I am aiming for around October 8 or so. As long as I am not walking around like the Hunchback from Notre Dame by then! haha.
I went to bed a little later than usual last night, around midnight. My mom had to force me out of bed today around 10:15. I could have slept all day if she had let me. I think my body just wants some rest!!!
On top of wanting to sleep ALL the time now, I am have some CRAZY dreams due to the narcotics. Some of them have been really cool, but others have been freakin' weird and scary. Don't like those ones so much.
So today is PO day 6. Still feeling every bit as sore and swollen as day 2. The first week is supposed to be the worst, but it would be great to see SOME improvement in the pain and swelling departments!
I am a bit more mobile however (in fact, I finally made it upstairs to my parents' computer so I could post more than 50 words on here). I think I am just working through the pain better. And I'm just bored of sitting and watching TV. I feel totally isolated from "the real world" out there. I haven't been keeping up much with the news or Facebook or anything. I know reality is going to hit soon when I have to go back home -- husband goes back to work on Friday, I think? I think my mom is going to be spending some time at our house, helping me with the kids and all that.
I still have lots of time to recover before I have to go back to work. I think I am aiming for around October 8 or so. As long as I am not walking around like the Hunchback from Notre Dame by then! haha.
Monday, September 24, 2012
first post-op appointment
Just got home from my 1st post-op appointment. Everything looks great! Got the drains pulled out today, so that's one less thing to worry about. Dr. confirmed what I already knew -- I'm more swollen than "typical," but he assured me it will get better.
As for the rest of my day, I treated myself to some phad thai, now my butt is going to sit down and get some rest.
As for the rest of my day, I treated myself to some phad thai, now my butt is going to sit down and get some rest.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
slowly but surely
Recovery is getting a little easier. I made it upstairs and took a shower (yay me!). I also got a better look at things. I look more like an accident victim than anything else. My entire backside is swollen and bruised. My mom says my stomache is going to look awesome, but I am far from convinced of that.
Today's lunch: dried apricots, dried cherries, and milk of magnesia. And we'll just leave it at that.
Today's lunch: dried apricots, dried cherries, and milk of magnesia. And we'll just leave it at that.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
serious warning: tmi!
I just pulled out several inches of metal tubing from my chest. On two sides. OMG.
Bye-bye pain pump!
Bye-bye pain pump!
i'm alive!
This will be a quick post because for some reason my phone is not liking blogger today.
So i'm on post-surgery day 3. I've not really done anything but sleep. i am able to get up and around a little more today. I feel like the pain meds don't really help, but nothing can really be done.
I've taken a few peeks but it's really hard to see anything. I am SO incredibly swollen, that i'm convinced they gave me a stomache implant by mistake! I also made the mistake of weighing myself today. Up 5 pounds from the day of surgey.
So if you were to ask me today if it's been worth it, i'd say hell no! But it's stilltoo early for it to be my final snswer.
So i'm on post-surgery day 3. I've not really done anything but sleep. i am able to get up and around a little more today. I feel like the pain meds don't really help, but nothing can really be done.
I've taken a few peeks but it's really hard to see anything. I am SO incredibly swollen, that i'm convinced they gave me a stomache implant by mistake! I also made the mistake of weighing myself today. Up 5 pounds from the day of surgey.
So if you were to ask me today if it's been worth it, i'd say hell no! But it's stilltoo early for it to be my final snswer.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
tomorrow is the big day!!
I never thought this day would come, and here it is...ack!
Today did not go as planned, however. I woke up this morning at 5:00 a.m. with a doozy of a migraine. I was NOT expecting that, to say the least. I tried my best to beat it, got ready for work, etc. I ended up having to drive to Seattle after failing to find parking at TWO park and rides (crazy, that has NEVER happened!). By the time I got to Seattle to have lunch with my coworkers, I realized what a HUGE mistake I had made. I was so sick and about to hurl in the restaurant parking lot. So, needless to say, I did not make it into work after lunch. I was actually really bummed because I was looking forward to my last day there before taking the next few weeks off. I LOVE my job and the people I work with, and their support has been incredible. I hate letting people down like that. On the drive home I actually missed the exit from I-5 to I-405. Umm, yeah, I was totally out of it!
Once I got home I took my narcotics and passed out, only to wake up an hour or so later feeling just as lousy. It's been a few hours now and I'm finally starting to feel the migraine ease a bit. I guess better to have this happen today than tomorrow, right??
Anyway...on to the real topic now. My surgery! Tomorrow! YIKES! I think I'm all ready to go. I'm staying a week or so with my parents, so I've packed enough stuff to stay for a month. :-) All the comfy clothes and PJs I could find, my iTouch, Kindle, tablet, and some DVDs. I also have my arsenal of drugs all packed and ready to go. Thank goodness I am NOT ALLOWED to administer the medications myself! There are just too many of them!
I'm feeling pretty calm overall. Excited to finally be doing this. Not excited for the recovery. I keep thinking if I expect the absolute worst, maybe it won't be as bad?? Haha, not likely.
I planned to post a "before" picture with this last pre-surgery post. I'm chickening out though! I think I want to wait until I have the after picture to show too.
My next post will be POST-SURGERY!!!
Today did not go as planned, however. I woke up this morning at 5:00 a.m. with a doozy of a migraine. I was NOT expecting that, to say the least. I tried my best to beat it, got ready for work, etc. I ended up having to drive to Seattle after failing to find parking at TWO park and rides (crazy, that has NEVER happened!). By the time I got to Seattle to have lunch with my coworkers, I realized what a HUGE mistake I had made. I was so sick and about to hurl in the restaurant parking lot. So, needless to say, I did not make it into work after lunch. I was actually really bummed because I was looking forward to my last day there before taking the next few weeks off. I LOVE my job and the people I work with, and their support has been incredible. I hate letting people down like that. On the drive home I actually missed the exit from I-5 to I-405. Umm, yeah, I was totally out of it!
Once I got home I took my narcotics and passed out, only to wake up an hour or so later feeling just as lousy. It's been a few hours now and I'm finally starting to feel the migraine ease a bit. I guess better to have this happen today than tomorrow, right??
Anyway...on to the real topic now. My surgery! Tomorrow! YIKES! I think I'm all ready to go. I'm staying a week or so with my parents, so I've packed enough stuff to stay for a month. :-) All the comfy clothes and PJs I could find, my iTouch, Kindle, tablet, and some DVDs. I also have my arsenal of drugs all packed and ready to go. Thank goodness I am NOT ALLOWED to administer the medications myself! There are just too many of them!
I'm feeling pretty calm overall. Excited to finally be doing this. Not excited for the recovery. I keep thinking if I expect the absolute worst, maybe it won't be as bad?? Haha, not likely.
I planned to post a "before" picture with this last pre-surgery post. I'm chickening out though! I think I want to wait until I have the after picture to show too.
My next post will be POST-SURGERY!!!
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
pre-op appointment!
Today I had my pre-op appointment. Holy smokes, I was so nervous! I was worried I might pass out on the way there, and I was shaking when I got out of my car. I don't think I have ever been so nervous about something! I'm definitely not having second thoughts, I just wish I could skip forward to September 25 or so...Maybe even mid October.
When I got there, I had a billion forms to sign (and I actually took the time to read ALL of them) so I had some time to calm down my nerves. I then went in to chat with Dr. Stephens' nurse about all the pre/post-surgery details. Dr. Stephens came in a little later and we talked more about the surgery and he pinched my fat belly a little (ha ha). I told him I was really nervous, and he said I was going to be "just fine." Ok Dr. Stephens, I'm holding you to that!
I also had photos taken (sorry, I don't have copies) and got all the prescriptions that I'll need to have filled before the surgery. Ugh, and I have to go get some blood work done.
One of the lingering questions however is whether or not I'm going to have to stop taking my arthritis medications. One of them I don't mind stopping, but the other one takes up to 6 months to take effect, and I JUST passed the 6-month mark! I do not want to stop taking it. So I put a call in to my rheumatologist and will hopefully hear back from her tomorrow. From what little I could find on the interest, it looks like it's a safe enough drug that I can continue taking.
I'll also have to switch out my sleeping pills and muscle relaxers for some other ones that are more compatible with the anesthesia and pain meds I'll be on. Totally ok with that since at least I'll have replacements!
I also found out that I'll probably need to take off more time from work than I thought. Not sure I'll have enough sick time, but my boss is cool are coworkers are cool—they are already expecting me to be gone longer (they know me well). :-)
So on 9/19 I'll go in at 7:00 a.m. I hope Dr. Stephens has had plenty of coffee by then! It's a 5-1/2 hour surgery. That seems like a long time.
When I got there, I had a billion forms to sign (and I actually took the time to read ALL of them) so I had some time to calm down my nerves. I then went in to chat with Dr. Stephens' nurse about all the pre/post-surgery details. Dr. Stephens came in a little later and we talked more about the surgery and he pinched my fat belly a little (ha ha). I told him I was really nervous, and he said I was going to be "just fine." Ok Dr. Stephens, I'm holding you to that!
I also had photos taken (sorry, I don't have copies) and got all the prescriptions that I'll need to have filled before the surgery. Ugh, and I have to go get some blood work done.
One of the lingering questions however is whether or not I'm going to have to stop taking my arthritis medications. One of them I don't mind stopping, but the other one takes up to 6 months to take effect, and I JUST passed the 6-month mark! I do not want to stop taking it. So I put a call in to my rheumatologist and will hopefully hear back from her tomorrow. From what little I could find on the interest, it looks like it's a safe enough drug that I can continue taking.
I'll also have to switch out my sleeping pills and muscle relaxers for some other ones that are more compatible with the anesthesia and pain meds I'll be on. Totally ok with that since at least I'll have replacements!
I also found out that I'll probably need to take off more time from work than I thought. Not sure I'll have enough sick time, but my boss is cool are coworkers are cool—they are already expecting me to be gone longer (they know me well). :-)
So on 9/19 I'll go in at 7:00 a.m. I hope Dr. Stephens has had plenty of coffee by then! It's a 5-1/2 hour surgery. That seems like a long time.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
butterflies
Wow. I have been feeling very anxious/nervous lately. I have this constant flutter in my chest! I don't even have to think about the surgery and it'll hit me at the oddest times. How in the world am I going to make it for 2+ more weeks? Ack!
It's weird how much more nerve-racking this surgery is compared to the non-elective surgeries I've had. Maybe because there is this huge, uncertain element behind it: What am I going to look like?!
Then there's the whole notion of having parts of myself chopped off. Almost like an amputation. A part of my body that I've lived with my whole life (just not so stretched and saggy for most of it, lol). I have promised myself I will not watch any videos of tummy tucks or liposuction until AFTER this surgery. Because I'm pretty sure I would not go through with it if I did.
In other exciting news...I have my pre-op appointment on Tuesday. I am sure I will have LOTS to share after that appointment!
It's weird how much more nerve-racking this surgery is compared to the non-elective surgeries I've had. Maybe because there is this huge, uncertain element behind it: What am I going to look like?!
Then there's the whole notion of having parts of myself chopped off. Almost like an amputation. A part of my body that I've lived with my whole life (just not so stretched and saggy for most of it, lol). I have promised myself I will not watch any videos of tummy tucks or liposuction until AFTER this surgery. Because I'm pretty sure I would not go through with it if I did.
In other exciting news...I have my pre-op appointment on Tuesday. I am sure I will have LOTS to share after that appointment!
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