Halifax Tummy Tuck

Five days post-op, the number one word I would use to describe recovery is boring.

It’s a lot of sitting around, lying around, and awkward maneuvering.

Wake Up

Most mornings, I’m awake early but since I can do literally nothing, I tend to doze off again. During the week when the kids are at daycare, I go downstairs after they leave and make myself a coffee and breakfast. I usually eat upstairs because it’s more comfortable.

Drain Care & Sponge Bath

I empty my drain twice a day, in the morning and in the evening. I have a little routine for this in the morning, which coincides with a little sponge bath until I can shower! The drain care is simple, I just empty it and then close it back up, and then I do what I can to be a half-human with a face wash, sponge bath, and some general skincare (serums, moisturizer) before I get back in bed.

Killing Time

The days are long. I’ve picked away at bits and bobs of work things even during the first week post-op, when I planned to be fully off. I’ve been reading a lot and watching way too much TV. I did my nails three times.

Walking & Mobility

I have a lot of back pain from being stooped, so walks and time on my feet is generally not long. I try to spend at least 10-15 minutes up and moving every few hours and do a lot of walking around the house every hour. I can’t bend or lift anything, so I’ve done a lot of assisted squatting and kneeling down to access things.

It’s not pretty but anyone who knows me knows I’m independent to a fault!

Once a day, usually in the afternoon, I do a few very simple stretches to help ward off stiffness. It’s important these don’t activate my abdominal wall, so I mostly do these lying or sitting down and keep it gentle. I especially focus on my shoulders, neck, and upper back as I’m spending so much time sitting or lying down.

Meals & Hydration

My appetite has been poor, so eating is still a challenge even on Day 5. I’m focused on ensuring I get protein, so protein shakes are life-saving. I’m drinking a tonne of water (3-4L a day) and that has the bonus effect of sending me walking to the bathroom hourly! In a big way, I credit being really well hydrated to why I’m feeling as well as I am.

My meals are pretty small and vary from an egg to a piece of toast or a sandwich. One night, we had sushi for dinner as a treat!

Medications

I came home from surgery with a narcotic pain medication and orders to take Tylenol and Advil on a schedule. The recommended schedule was as follows:

• Dilaudid 2-4mg, every 4-6 hours, as needed
• Tylenol Extra Strength 100mg, every 6-8 hours
• Advil 200-400mg, every 6-8 hours

This was structured so I would be taking meds every 3-4 hours to keep on top of the pain. I came home on Tuesday morning and I followed the medication schedule very closely but by Wednesday, I cut the Dilaudid and scaled back the Advil, too. By Day 5, I take Tylenol 2x a day and Advil 1x a day.

I’m also taking my regular medications (probiotics, anxiety meds) and still taking Arnica Montana to battle inflammation and my stool softeners for obvious reasons.

Sleep

I struggle to nap, so I’m not sleeping during the day. I slept a lot during the first 24 hours post-op but by the third day, I couldn’t nap even if I tried! Most nights, I go to bed at my regular time of about 10pm and I’m lucky to sleep well until about 6am.

I get GREAT sleeps which is also really helping my body recover.

Other Stuff

In addition to resting until my eyes bleed from boredom at home, I’m doing Lymphatic Drainage Massage 2x a week for the next two weeks (I’ve had one appointment so far) to help my body flush all the fluid and ick out. I have some self-treatments to do at home, too!

Kid Minutes

I can’t do much with the kids right now, and it’s haaaaaard. But, I read to Sebastian in my bed before he goes down for the night and snuggle them both in our bed in the mornings. Elliot is too young to understand but Sebastian understands that Mama has a “big booboo” and has been so sweet. Finley has been a total rockstar helping with things!

Next Steps

My drains come out on November 26, a full 7 days post-op, and I’ll get to finally see what’s what under the bandages. I’m really excited for this. I don’t even know what the incision looks like.

Another follow-up appointment will be booked for a week or so later, and I am hopeful I’ll be cleared to drive again.

By four weeks post-op (my birthday!) I’m hoping to take my belly binder off at least part-time and perhaps start ramping up some resistance training with lower weights but, of course, will do as Doctor says!