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Hi Everybody Posted by Pam T on 9/19/2009, 11:21 am 97.117.72.X Sorry to be MIA for so long but this has ended up being a much slower recovery then expected. I thought I should give you all a report on my progress so far for those that are interested. I am calling it "The Good, The Bad, And the very Ugly" The Good: Under my binders and bandages and tubes I now have a perfectly FLAT stomach and a perfect hourglass shape! It seem so unreal! I also have a perfect little belly button centered right where it should be, not hanging down and pointing south like it was before. Not to be too personal, but another area (if you know what I mean) was also hanging down and is now once again looking like original parts. My arms ( my left one anyway) feel and look like what I remember before aging and weight gain and loss. I can see my muscles I have been working so hard on! The thought that I will be able to shop and not only buy 3/4 length sleeves is so exciting! Also my pants will fit better without being all bunchy in the front and no more muffin top! The Bad: There are no words to describe how miserable this has been. 3 surgeries, a hospital stay in the critical care unit, extreme weakness from blood loss, pain, cumbersome and uncomfortable support braces and bandages, endless dressing changes that can take up to a hour to complete, pain, drain tubes that pinch and bulbs that need emptying..most people have these removed by their first week to 10 days, I've had mine in for 17 days now.. little sleep, too uncomfortable with having to stay in a reclining position, can't lay flat,and I have never been able to sleep on my back..lots of swelling and unbelievable constipation from the pain meds. Not a good thing when you have had abdominal surgery. Did I mention pain? My house is a disaster and it's going to be some time before I have the strength to get it all sorted out again. The Very Ugly: My arms...the incision goes from just below my elbow all the way up in my arm pit and down about 4 inches under my arms. Not too much to say here, except that my right arm looks like it belongs on a zombie. My left arm looks great and is healing nicely, but the right one is a mess. Doc says it is because they had my IV in that one while in the hospital. I hope that's all it is. It is swollen, all shades of black and purple and green, had big blisters all along the incision that have now popped but left ugly sores, still have the stitches in this arm because the healing has been so slow, still bleeding sometimes and it looks hideous. I wear support sleeves on both arms but this one also has a ton of dressings on it that I have to change every day. The tape is really ripping up my skin...tender area! One thing that I think will be weird is that only certain parts of me will look amazing while others will still be saggy baggy, like my inner thighs and my "girls". That was going to be the second stage of surgery...but I know I'll probably never be able to get it done. The body lift only effects the outer thigh area, the butt, and of course the tummy. Because I carried so much of my weight in my thighs I do have a lot of extra skin there hanging, so much that he was not going to be able to do a regular thigh lift where they only go in the groin area and lift the skin, he was going to have to do an incision from the groin all the way down to my knees and remove about a 6 or 7 inch width. Maybe some day, but I don't see it happening any time soon. So still no bikinis for me! lol! I have an appointment Monday and I am hoping that I will get my drains out and maybe switch over to a less uncomfortable support garment. I am getting off my pain meds now (I HATE how they make me feel!) and feeling ok without them. My tummy is still numb and so that only adds to the unrealness of this...it doesn't look like me or feel like me, but hopefully once everything is normal again and I can stand up straight and get some energy back I will feel whole and healthy again. Thanks for all your concern and prayers and well wishes. This is about all the energy I have for now, but I just wanted you all to know that I am thinking about you and how much I appreciate you all here. I also wanted to share this experience with you in case any of you end up making this decision some day for yourselves. There is no predicting who will be left with skin issues and who won't. It depends on so many factors, but I consider this just one more step along the road of reclaiming my body and my health and if any of my experiences can help others along the way I am happy to share them.  Post a Response

You are BACK!! Hallelujah! Posted by Yvonne on 9/22/2009, 8:05 pm, in reply to "Hi Everybody" 68.197.232.X Hi, Pam: I'll take you any way I can. I know that you will heal in due time. I am just thankful to the good Lord that you are on the mend. As far as the surgery is concerned, I know after a few weeks or months, the horrors of the ordeal will fade away as you look at your "new" body. I have had a hectic few weeks and have found solace in food (again) . But, I am going to give myself a kick in the rear and get back on the right path. I am SO happy to have you back——thin, think, fat, skinny---you are the greatest!!  Post a Response

Re: Hi Everybody Posted by Jackie on 9/20/2009, 8:09 pm, in reply to "Hi Everybody" 66.191.55.X My prayers are with you. What a journey!!!  Post a Response

OH my Gosh Pam Posted by Molly on 9/19/2009, 10:37 pm, in reply to "Hi Everybody" 76.176.6.X Thanks so much for sharing....I've been thinking about you so much!!! I hope the worst is behind you and that it will all be well worth it. I'm jealous of your new belly button . I hope things keep going in the right direction for you now. If I lived near you I would come and help you. How is Kimmy doing with all this? I'm sure she has been a huge help!!! Take care and know that I'm thinking of you... Love, Molly  Post a Response

Re: Hi Everybody Posted by nonie on 9/19/2009, 4:29 pm, in reply to "Hi Everybody" 72.36.16.X I am so glad to hear from you! I don't think there has been a day that i haven't thought of you!!!!! Bless your heart. You will heal of that I am sure. You are very inspiring.  Post a Response

Re: Hi Everybody Posted by Sharon Elaine on 9/19/2009, 11:31 am, in reply to "Hi Everybody" 64.12.116.X ((((((((Pam)))))))))) I know we've all been thinking about you. WOW, what an amazing ordeal. It does sound like it will end up wonderfully well, and all of this pain and suffering will be behind you and you can enjoy your brand new body!!! I'm so sorr you've had to deal with all of these surgeries, and all of the healing taking longer, etc. I'm sorry about the constipation too, cause yeah that wouldn't be comfortable with having had stomach surgery! Lots of love and healing energy sent your way ((((((((((hugs of healing)))))))))) Love, Sharon  Post a Response

Pam Posted by Carol on 9/19/2009, 1:42 pm, in reply to "Re: Hi Everybody" 72.185.62.X Wow... you have been through a lot! Take care of yourself and continue to heal. lots of love! xoxoxo Carol  Post a Response

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