2 weeks post op how did you girls deal with recovery

[Erica_Y]

Hey all for those who have had the pleasure of FFS most procedures how did you manage to pass the time and agony of recovery. Looking for some suggestions as time is dragging on on the whole swelling and bruising thing is progressing but never fast enough. Did you just veg in front of the tv, sleep or what I am curious?

My energy is starting to come back slowly but until the visual improves more it just feels like time is standing still. I had two back surgeries and a previous sports related facial reconstruction surgery and this one kicked my but the worst by far which is amazing and unfortunate so getting back on my feet is taking some time.

thanks ahead of time for your response

[helen2010]

Erica

I feel your pain.  I had 2 sets of FFS, and each time I failed to get the licence plate of the truck that hit me.  The first few days were a medicated and sleepy blur where a nurse took pretty good care of me.   During this time - favorite music worked best. However once I could move around, take a bath etc I did.  Also arranged lymphatic massage which seemed to accelerate my recovery.   Avoided salt and drank plenty of water.  TV and videos were good - reading not so good - particularly after the first surgery which included upper and lower eye lid work, brow shaving and lift as well as hair advancement, cheek implants and a nose job/upper lip lift.  Second surgery was on jaw, chin, throat and skin lift so my vision was certainly better and I could read ok.  I remember on both occasions that my concentration took a while to come back and, looking at some of my early email,  I was in la la land.

Common to both was that I really was exhausted and had to make sure that I ate and drank enough to help my healing.

Its funny but I cant remember being that active but I remember tiring easily - even dressing and removing stitches; massaging the face etc  Taking a few steps back and forward to the bathroom was also hard at first but it passes.  Boredom wasn't a huge problem so long as cable and netflix were available.  Ordinarily I am pretty gregarious, but I didn't want folk to see me within 3 weeks of surgery as I was a real mess.  The other thing which got to me was my reaction to my face.  With all the work and the swelling I didn't recognise my own face.  It took me a while to deal with this (I am happy with the result) as the swelling takes ages to reduce and well meaning friends kept asking why I would do this to myself and I wasn't up for telling them why my FAF (facial andro surgery aka less aggressive FFS) was necessary to me.

Hope this helps - I cant remember being that bored as I was so sleepy!

Aisla

[calicarly]

I haven't undergone FFS yet,that will be in august but preparing for healing is one of my fave subjects because I have undergone other operations and some things that help speed up healing can be:

-arnica tabs
-pineapple juice (they also sell pills that contain the main ingredient in pineapple juice that helps with healing and swelling, but it skips my mind right now)
- try to not have more prescription painkillers than you need as these can cause constipation and hence slow healing of your whole system as it isn't flushing away as it should
- the obvious rest and lots of water
-vitamin c (the effervescent ones are great to promote healing and prevent any future issues)
- a multivitamin ( no matter how much you think you may be eating well, if you had full FFS, then likely you're confined to mostly soups and things that may not be providing the full spectrum of vitamins and minerals your body needs)
-light exercise if in small amounts something that works your legs or arms, gets your system moving along and other parts of the body always like to catch up with what's happening with the rest of the body, walking around is good for you maybe doing some chores you might be behind on around the house that don't require heavy effort.
-NO SMOKING TOBACCO (and yes I meant to shout that)
-mix up what you're drinking (smoothies, juices, milk) to get a balanced nutrition
-fresh air and breathing exercises ( an oxygenated body will heal better)
-affection! (Get lots of hugs and affection from those near you, it's proven that oxytocin levels and happy hormones derived from affection keep opus in top shape hence promoting healing too)

When it comes to pass times TV, small pets, nothing too involved (reading and engaging in deep conversations may take a lot of focus which u may or may not be able to do yet)... Getting creative with cooking might be another good one so long it's not too high heat or becomes too much an effort p. just trying to give ideas at this point.

Best of luck x

[calicarly]

I just remembered the name of the supplement that is in pineapple juice . It's Bromelain.

[shedevilcanada]

I've been 25 days post op and let me tell you this post op recovery has been the hardest physically and mentally. I'm still swollen, but it's the numbnest thats driving me a bit wacko. Plus the nose is still very swollen so it's hard to breath. I know I had major surgery(around 8 1/2 hours) but I would of never expected this recovery would of been so hard to deal with especially having gone through 2 other FFS surgery done in Peru. I'm even thinking that in Peru they really didn't do much changes that's why I had such a short recovery period.

I will try and not look in the mirror and just let time works its magic.

[Erica_Y]

Thanks for the reply girls. I am going to get some pinapple juice for sure. be careful with supplements my Dr. had extensive literture on the avoidance of herbals , vitamins and such as prolonging recovery and increasing scaring.

I would have thought that with 3 previous surgeries I would have had some street cred in prep and post recovery but  this full FFS stuff sets a whole new bar I do not know how anyone can realy prepare for it in all honesty as from my understanding everybody hits some wall and extreme low at some point.

I try not to sleep to much during the day as it affects my ability to sleep at night but I am not overactive eiither. Today my appetite has come back which is awsome but the stiches in the mouth sort of control the eating anyhow.

All in all going well and getting my fill of TED episodes on Netflix somehow they really pas the time.

I took the first 3 weeks off and then have arranged to work form home for two weeks which would give me 5 weeks. I hope that is enought to at least get presentable again with bruising gone and just swelling to deal with.

The mirror comment is so true, to be at certain place and then it feels like 5 steps back to move forward. I am sure it will all be a memory at some point

[helen2010]

Keep the faith. Everything improves by the day. You will be delighted with the outcome and amazed by your resilience!

Aisla