So, many (if not most) of you know that I had surgery to remove my gallbladder last week. Well, I did have the procedure done laparoscopically, but I had a rough recovery. I'm now 10 (or is it 11?) days post-op and am still having some issues. But, by and large, I am coming around and doing better than I have been in quite some time.
The incisional pain, for the most part, was gone by the end of last week. My biggest complaint was some GI/intestinal issues and pain and discomfort from air in my abdomen. They pump air into your abdomen during the surgery in order to be able to see and work better, but, once you're closed up, there is nowhere for that air to go and it does cause quite a bit of discomfort. But, by Sunday, I was doing about 85% better in that respect. I even worked last Sunday (not a good idea -- even though I was only making and receiving phone calls at the clinic). And, since then, I've continued to improve.
I'm now able to eat meals without getting sick afterward. And, for those of you who know about my eating "issues" you should know that my eating at all is no small feat. I am able to get around well and have been working up to my regular routine. And, I'm almost there. I still get tired during the day and have needed to nap here and there during the day. But, it's getting better. Anyway, a nap with the kitties on a cold winter day is surely nothing to be upset over!
For now, my biggest issue has been my incisions. I received 5 incisions. Three of them were about 3/4 inch long, one was an inch+ long, and the other 2+ inches. The two larger incisions and one smaller one are not healing as they should be. While the inner layers of my skin are together, the top portion of the incision is "open." What I mean is that the edges are ragged and not together -- it's not like my insides are pouring out. It's hard to explain. But, I've been in touch with my surgeon and I am doing what he suggests as far as keeping the area clean and inspecting it for signs of infection. Where that is concerned, I am okay. But, it's been painful and my skin continues to feel as though it is pulling. It's inflamed and uncomfortable, but it is what it is. My main concern is that I am scheduled to work this weekend. And, while I did ask for 2 weeks either off or just making phone calls (which turned into making phone calls and getting up and down as I helped clients and their pets), I was scheduled for both weekend days this week and I'm thinking it won't be as cut and dry as last week was. So, I've contacted the surgeon and will be taking his advice as far as work this weekend. My job has been wonderful and I've missed no time so I am confident that whatever needs to happen will be okay by all involved. But, nonetheless, all of this has stunted my recovery...
But, be things as they may, I am okay. My recovery is progressing and I'm do okay 10 days post-op. There have been a few snags here and there, but, it's okay. And, I'm okay. There's something to be said for that, you know? I'm grateful that I am doing as well as I am. And, that makes the smaller issues feel more manageable.
I just wanted to give an update and let you all know how I was doing. You've all been such a wonderful support and I wanted to say a big thank you.
I couldn't have gotten through everything I've gone through without you all...
The incisional pain, for the most part, was gone by the end of last week. My biggest complaint was some GI/intestinal issues and pain and discomfort from air in my abdomen. They pump air into your abdomen during the surgery in order to be able to see and work better, but, once you're closed up, there is nowhere for that air to go and it does cause quite a bit of discomfort. But, by Sunday, I was doing about 85% better in that respect. I even worked last Sunday (not a good idea -- even though I was only making and receiving phone calls at the clinic). And, since then, I've continued to improve.
I'm now able to eat meals without getting sick afterward. And, for those of you who know about my eating "issues" you should know that my eating at all is no small feat. I am able to get around well and have been working up to my regular routine. And, I'm almost there. I still get tired during the day and have needed to nap here and there during the day. But, it's getting better. Anyway, a nap with the kitties on a cold winter day is surely nothing to be upset over!
For now, my biggest issue has been my incisions. I received 5 incisions. Three of them were about 3/4 inch long, one was an inch+ long, and the other 2+ inches. The two larger incisions and one smaller one are not healing as they should be. While the inner layers of my skin are together, the top portion of the incision is "open." What I mean is that the edges are ragged and not together -- it's not like my insides are pouring out. It's hard to explain. But, I've been in touch with my surgeon and I am doing what he suggests as far as keeping the area clean and inspecting it for signs of infection. Where that is concerned, I am okay. But, it's been painful and my skin continues to feel as though it is pulling. It's inflamed and uncomfortable, but it is what it is. My main concern is that I am scheduled to work this weekend. And, while I did ask for 2 weeks either off or just making phone calls (which turned into making phone calls and getting up and down as I helped clients and their pets), I was scheduled for both weekend days this week and I'm thinking it won't be as cut and dry as last week was. So, I've contacted the surgeon and will be taking his advice as far as work this weekend. My job has been wonderful and I've missed no time so I am confident that whatever needs to happen will be okay by all involved. But, nonetheless, all of this has stunted my recovery...
But, be things as they may, I am okay. My recovery is progressing and I'm do okay 10 days post-op. There have been a few snags here and there, but, it's okay. And, I'm okay. There's something to be said for that, you know? I'm grateful that I am doing as well as I am. And, that makes the smaller issues feel more manageable.
I just wanted to give an update and let you all know how I was doing. You've all been such a wonderful support and I wanted to say a big thank you.
