More Mama Please?!

Saturday, August 1, 2015

What I Experienced with my Tummy Tuck with Muscle Repair and Liposuction of Flanks Days 11-15

CHANNEL YOUR INNER MACGYVER.

Days 11-15 have been all about getting comfortable.

The drains came out on Day 12. My drainage was 30 ml followed by 22 ml.
Swelling has subsided some, but there are still a few months to go in that area.

What I've done to make the healing process easier has much to do with some of my pre surgical purchases.

I picked up a pharmacy store brand 30 Piece Wound Care Kit for $19.99 and have found many uses for its contents. I also found cotton rounds especially useful. Not all cotton rounds are created equal, so use those that are stitched around the edge because they are less likely to fray and stick to your wound.

Initially, I used the medical tape and long gauze pads to cover my incision while suited up in my armor aka compression garment.

I also padded my inner thighs where the compression garment seams seemed to be irritating me. And I cushioned my cooch because after the pre surgical shave, my growing pubes even seemed to hurt.

The drain tubes were pressing into my skin under my compression garment. So, I cut cotton rounds in half and with medical tape affixed one half under both sides of my drain tubes. This created cushion under the tube and gauze pads where then placed over the tubes.

After my drains were removed and bandaged, I used transparent dressing covers to waterproof the ones the doc applied.

What I Experienced with my Tummy Tuck with Muscle Repair and Liposuction of Flanks Days 6-10

DRAINS, SWELL HELL & COMPRESSION GARMENTS

By day six, I had already had my first follow up with my plastic surgeon two days prior. He said I was extremely swollen but coming along nicely. It was time for me to come out of the two hospital issued abdominal binders I was wearing and for me to get into the compression garment I'd purchased prior to surgery.

After the trauma of an abdominoplasty with or without liposuction, your body begins to develop fluid or seroma that needs to be eliminated. Drains and compression garments aid in the process.

I was given a drainage goal of 30 ml or less for a minimum of two consecutive days in order for my drains to be removed. My drains were sutured at both ends of my incision, as not to create additional holes.

They were secure; however, they still hurt if snagged or slightly shifted. It is difficult to avoid while dressing and undressing. It is especially challenging when applying or removing a tight ass compression garment.

You must "strip" your drains to prevent clogging. With one hand, you grip the drains close to where they are sutured. With the other hand, you squeeze and slide your fingers down the length of the tube to where the fluid collects into a bulb at the end.

After stripping your drains, you empty them into fluid collection cups and record on a log the ml indicated on the cups.

Once emptied, remember to squeeze the air out of the bulbs so the suction process will be most effective as your fluid continues to drain.

DID I MENTION COMPRESSION GARMENTS?

I ordered something online from Leonisa in a Large, which seemed to fit comfortably until I slept in it. About 1:00 a.m. it felt like it was cutting the circulation off to my labia and inner thighs.

My best friend took me to Latin Fashion where I got a Stage 2 post surgical compression garment that seemed to provide instant relief. It became uncomfortable at 3:00 a.m. too.

It's as if my thighs swell at night.

I tried a corset I bought from Latin Fashion last August to sleep the rest of the night in. I decided to wear the full piece compression garment during the day.

Because I was still producing too much fluid, I couldn't have my drains removed. I began using gauze from my wound care kit to pad myself for comfort.

I had spent over $300 in garments and was still struggling.

Luckily, as I continued wearing the compression garment the less swelling I had and the more comfortable it became.

What I Experienced with my Tummy Tuck with Muscle Repair and Liposuction of Flanks Days 1-5

PAIN.

Day one through three were the most painful days post op. That should be no surprise. However, everyone tolerates pain differently. My pain was very difficult to manage. In fact, when I was being transported to recovery, I supposedly came to and made it very clear of my extreme discomfort.

I was given Dilaudid aka Hydromorphone, which is an effective prescription narcotic. Except, it wasn't so effective for me. So, I was given another and prescribed Valium as well. By the time I made it home, I was fully alert and full of pain.

I took two 2mg Dilaudid pills every 3 hours and one Valium every 8 hours. At no point did I experience complete relief. I awoke every few hours and just dealt with the pain.

I have a few theories as to why this was such a challenge for me.

I have had 3 non birth related, non cosmetic, abdominal surgeries under general anesthesia.
I have given birth vaginally to 5 children with epidurals.
I've had a couple of gastrointestinal tests that also required general anesthesia.

For these aforementioned reasons, I believe I have had so much pain medicine that I require a higher dosage for comfort.

PRESSURE.

By day five, I was experiencing an altogether different type of discomfort. I hadn't had a bowel movement since the day before surgery.

The problem I was facing was that in order to prevent my pain from spiraling out of control, I had to eat something when I took my pain meds. By eating, I was becoming increasingly bloated and uncomfortable.

Plus, narcotics tend to curb my appetite so, I wasn't hungry, was constipated and in pain.

During the first few days, I vomited a total of 3 times because I hadn't had enough on my stomach with all the narcotics, antibiotics, and nausea meds. I had to force myself to eat to avoid vomiting.

I took Renu Herbs Colon Cleanse, Milk of Magnesia, stool softeners, drank Dieter's and Smooth Move teas, ate prunes and drank plenty of water. Nothing happened but more of the same discomfort.

Then, I started breaking down. I stopped eating, I stopped medicating and I began sobbing.

I finally sent my oldest son out for an emergency Walgreens run for some enemas.

I administered one on my own and found relief in a matter of minutes. Twice.

By the next morning, I had no need for any products for constipation and haven't since.

Friday, July 10, 2015

Preparation for Tummy Tuck at Penn Plastic Surgery Chief Resident's Clinic

So, after perusing the reviews on Realself.com, I narrowed down what supplies I may need. I've purchased a post surgical compression garment from Leonisa.com. I had a 10% OFF coupon for being a first time customer and received free shipping.

The compression garment is to be used after the binder I'll get from the surgeon.

I bought a Wound Care Kit from CVS, some earplugs to keep my belly button open, Scar Away silicone strips for softening the scar later on, and Vitamin E skin oil for once I'm healed.

In the past, I've tried Renu Herbs by Robin Anthony for detoxing and cleansing. So, I decided to get some of her tea to use once I'm off pain meds.

I viewed a video posted by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon on Realself.com suggesting that you should cease taking all supplements, except for Vitamin C, two weeks prior to surgery. So, I'll resume my multi's, Biotin, and B12 after.

Penn Plastic Surgery Clinic Chief Resident, Dr. Jonas Nelson suggested that I lose 5 pounds prior to surgery. I have 2 to go. Time to get serious.

Affordable Tummy Tuck in Philadelphia

My children are 7, 9, 11, 14 and 20. Four out of 5 of my babies weighed over 8 pounds. I am 5'3.5" and 160 lbs. I've had two non pregnancy related surgeries that left me with a vertical scar from belly button to pubis. I have a lot of loose front belly and scar tissue that leave me with what is best described as a front butt. I'd like to look down and see my lady-bits without a hand mirror. I'm tired of hiding behind over-sized clothes. I'm sick of wearing waist-cinchers and sucking it in. I will never accept this belly, so it's got to go.

Luckily, the Penn Plastic Surgery Chief Resident's Clinic provides cosmetic procedures at reduced rates.

I had my consultation with Chief Resident Surgeon Dr. Jonas Nelson and also met with Dr. Murphy. The program has 250 applicants of which, 3 are chosen to participate. Dr. Nelson was 1 of those 3 selected. That's 3 out of 250 or a 1.2% chance of him being selected. That's top notch.

I will see him a second time before surgery. A Board Certified Attending will oversee the abdominoplasty.

The procedure is reasonably priced. (A private office I service as a Medical Courier, charges $5000 for the physician's fee alone.) My hospital fees will cost the most: $3600. Due to my scar tissue, my procedure may take a bit longer. The fees depend on the amount of time needed in the OR. Without this program, I wouldn't be able to afford the surgery. And if it weren't for RealSelf.com, I wouldn't have known it even existed.

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Mama Wants Her Body Back!

Let me start by saying, "It's been a long time! I shouldn't have left you without some dope (blog posts) to (sate) you!" Pardon me while I channel my inner Rakim.

Alright! It's obvious I haven't been on here in quite a while, and so very much has transpired. New career path, new truck, divorce, new love interests etc. However, my most recent life challenge has compelled me to Tell All About it!

I'm talking about 20 years of being dissatisfied with how I look naked.

I am realistic with mine (most of the time). I understand that I will not look the way I did before all the children. Heck, I wasn't even fully-grown when I had my first child. What I do know, is that I can improve my physique.

So, this time last year, I was still keeping off the 25 pounds I'd lost the year before. I was going in hard and "gettin that money" at FitCamp and following the advice of a nutritionist by way of my bestie. These actions yielded noticeable results, but also revealed something problematic that would not be denied.

My face slimmed down, my arms were diesel, my ass had dwindled, and my legs were more muscular. But the major body part I wanted to change the most was looking like a slightly smaller hot damn messness. My belly was flabbier than ever and looked like a shriveled front butt.

How did that happen? I gave birth to 5 children. Four out of my five babies were over 8 pounds. Both prior to and after having my kids, I had 2 laparotomies. A laparotomy is an abdominal surgery that leaves a large scar. I had benign tumors that needed to be removed. That's another story-- the point is, I was improving everywhere but my tummy. You can't work off saggy loose skin. My elasticity was shot, and I ended up with scar tissue from being cut open.

This discouraged me. I stopped exercising as hard and regained some of the weight. However, I've remained conscious of my eating habits because you can't un-know things once you're enlightened. (Thanks a lot Jeanna's nutritionist.)

A tummy tuck is what I want.

As a divorced mom with 5 kids to support, an abdominoplasty seemed unattainable. But if you actually know me, you'd know I will find a way to get what I want done.

Mama wants her body back! And she's about to get it. You heard right.

After researching for more than a year, I found the answer on RealSelf.com. A community member posted information about the Penn Plastic Surgery Clinic. They offer affordable cosmetic procedures performed by a Chief Resident Surgeon. These procedures are overseen by a Board Certified Attending.

Initially, I was freaked out by the fact the Chief Resident Surgeon isn't yet Certified. They did an excellent job at gaining my confidence. Here's why...

Penn now offers a 6 year program. Not long ago, the program was 5 years long. There are 250 applicants and only 3 are chosen to be Chief Resident Surgeons. That's less than a 2 percent chance of selection so, the docs are top notch. They've performed numerous procedures to perfect their techniques. Lastly, the mix of the more experienced Attending and the fresh take of the Chief Resident creates a cutting edge combination.

You have to schedule your consultation well in advance. Appointments for the doc I wanted to see were set for the third Tuesday of the month. My appointment was to be with Dr. Bianca Chin. A black female Chief Resident who specializes in scar-less wound healing and Mommy Makeovers. I thought she was perfect for me! The Chief Residents are on a fiscal year rotation of July to July. To my surprise, she was on her way out and heading to Connecticut. That also meant some new blood had just stepped on the scene.

Luckily, I meant another qualified Chief Resident Surgeon. The young stunna Dr. Jonas Nelson has worked in reconstructive microsurgery. He has created breasts from scratch by taking belly tissue and transplanting it up top.

Stay tuned for more on how mama plans to get her body back!

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

More Mama Please?!: I've Only Just Begun

Metropolis: Wired to Be a Single Mother