Surgery & Recovery

Feeling a little deja vu?  Yeah.  That is because just over a year ago I spoke about this same topic (here). Heck, it's even the same surgery (for the most part).

About 5 months ago I noticed some burning pain from my mid ab section out to my right side.  I chose to believe that it was all the new core work I had added into my routine.  Then about 2+ months ago & noticed the lump above my belly button.  Larger than last time.    

I called the dr's office that took care of me last time & talked with the nurse.  Got right in to see this doc.

First off - this doctor is the BOMB!!  He is the most gentle, understanding doctor.  He felt badly that the last surgery didn't last like we had hoped.  See, it's a hernia & when he originally saw it (over a year ago) he felt it was small enough to sew up & get out of there.  Boom, done. 

Well, if I had come home & changed my lifestyle maybe.  By change I mean stop the workouts like I do.  Yeah, NO.

Of course we didn't realize that at the time.  This time though it was larger & Doc knew a simple sew up wouldn't work.  This time we decided to use the mesh they use for these kinds of hernias.

He told me the recovery would be a bit harder than last time as this time the incision would be larger & of course he is putting something in there.  I would need to be careful during recovery.

He even took the time to ask me about my workouts.  Explained what I could do & when.  Told me how much he loves running & other stuff to keep fit.  He understood that recovery (sitting around not doing anything) would be hard.  Empathy.  That was important to me.

So, surgery happened.  

Recovery is still happening.

The 1st week was INTENSE.  The pain was just off the charts and the meds they gave me made me just way to dizzy & felt funny (and I was only taking 1/2 the dosage).  I opted for regular old Ibuprofen/Advil and was satisfied with the edge it took off the pain.

I let my family wait on me as much as possible.  By the 6th day or so I was really tired & done.  I felt like I was missing life.  I started doing some moving around the house.  Just standing & walking around.  I stood at the sink & washed a few things.  Stuff like that.  Just to get myself moving.  I graduated to lifted my little weights (they were neglected for a long time anyway) while I sat in the chair so I could elminate as much core work as possible with lifting them.  I walked in place & did butt kicks (lightly).  This got me ready to go for a walk with my walking group on Saturday morning - 12 days out from the surgery.  We got 2 relatively slow miles in and it felt GREAT!  My legs even told me so the next day. That made me happy.

I saw the Doc for my post op this morning & he said to go ahead & start more workouts but to be very careful as I am still healing.  He expects I will be back to my crazy stuff in 4 weeks time.

I like that goal.

I will continue to be careful as I really don't want to backtrack with this one.

I am feeling blessed to have my family that took care of my so well and friends that prayed & tried to help also.  My sister made me food that I could eat with no worries of allergies.  My husband did what he could while working etc.  I even had some girl time on day 3.  They both brought me a coffee & sat with me.  Knowing I needed a pick me up.  I love my family & friends.

Do you have a hard time accepting help during recovery times?  

Be Blessed & Live Healthy!!