GCS and BA with Dr. Ley on 21 Feb 2019 - Jessica_Rose

[LizK]

Dr. Ley loved my new t-shirt! The back says 'Meltzer Clinic'.

Brilliant....that is so cool....


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Jessica_Rose]

Despite my smiles, this is definitely not a walk in the park. Keeping a sense of humor really helps, but ... ouch. My current discomfort is temporary, the joy I will feel coming out the other side will last a lifetime. Concentrating on that outcome helps keep things in perspective.

Important lesson -- make sure you know if your pain meds will be administered on a regular schedule or on an 'as needed' basis!!!

I assumed my pain meds were on a regular schedule, and I was painfully wrong. For about 30 minutes this evening I experienced the most excruciating pain in my life. I have no scale of reference to describe it. My whole body was shaking, I felt cold, tears flowed freely, I was grimacing in pain, and I was on the verge of screaming out. At that point the nurse came in and asked if I needed pain meds, of course I said 'yes, please'. It took about 15 minutes for them to kick in, and I am OK now. My pain meds will now be brought every four hours.

[Northern Star Girl]

@Jessica_Rose
Dear Jessica: 
I am so very pleased to read that thing went nicely for you with the surgery...  great pictures, neat shirt and lovely flowers.... and your veritable feast of crackers sounded just a little on the lite side... perhaps tomorrow will bring a more satisfying meal as long as your doctor permits it.
   
Oh, regarding your mention of pain meds, you have the right idea, my free advice is that you might want to stay AHEAD OF THE PAIN and be taking your pain meds on schedule before the pain gets unbearable....

Again, I am loving following your surgery journey and I love seeing that big smile on your face...

Hugs, and well wishes and good healing and quick recovery!!!
Danielle

 

Despite my smiles, this is definitely not a walk in the park. Keeping a sense of humor really helps, but ... ouch. My current discomfort is temporary, the joy I will feel coming out the other side will last a lifetime. Concentrating on that outcome helps keep things in perspective.

Important lesson -- make sure you know if your pain meds will be administered on a regular schedule or on an 'as needed' basis!!!

I assumed my pain meds were on a regular schedule, and I was painfully wrong. For about 30 minutes this evening I experienced the most excruciating pain in my life. I have no scale of reference to describe it. My whole body was shaking, I felt cold, tears flowed freely, I was grimacing in pain, and I was on the verge of screaming out. At that point the nurse came in and asked if I needed pain meds, of course I said 'yes, please'. It took about 15 minutes for them to kick in, and I am OK now. My pain meds will now be brought every four hours.[/size]

[Kendra]

That t-shirt is awesome!! 

Sorry to hear about the misunderstanding on pain meds (provided on request and not automatic).  I had a different type of glitch - after a couple days I thought my pain levels were low so I switched to ibuprofen, and then got clobbered by some pretty bad pain until I switched back to the nuclear stuff for ahwile.  Took me awhile to start gauging at what point the pain meds were wearing off.  We are each a bit different but if I started feeling very cold without reason (same room temperature) I knew my pain levels were about to increase and it was time to ask the nurse for help. 

One other thing to know about there: if you feel chilled/cold the nurse's station has a blanket heating machine.  They can bring in a set of replacement blankets that are pre-warmed. 

[Jessica_Rose]

Once the nurse realized what was happening, she took quick action to get my pain back under control. In addition to the Vicodin, they gave me something to help me sleep. They did wake me up occasionally to provide medications, but I had a peaceful night -- lots of sleep and no pain. Seeing a beautiful bouquet of flowers in the room (thanks @Kendra ) helps brighten my day.

I believe today I will finally be able to get out of bed! It will be nice to move around vertically, even if only for a few minutes. My thanks to all of you who have provided words of support, or even had me in their thoughts. Your support is helping more than you know.

[Donica]

I have no experience at this yet but I've heard and seen you will need a lot of help getting out of bed for the first time. I think when it's my turn, I will ask for more pain meds a half hour before they want to get me out of bed.

Hang in there Jessica. I hear things will start to feel better in a couple more days. I'm sending you virtual roses and hugs.

[TonyaW]

Congratulations. 

You look very happy in spite of your pain issues.

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

[Jessica_Rose]

Dr. Ley stopped by to see how things were going this morning. I also got out of bed, which was more of a struggle than I had expected. On the third try I finally made it about two steps to a recliner. We have started bladder training as well. All of the IV lines have been removed, but I still have a few drains along with the catheter.

Tomorrow I can restart hormones, and I get to take a shower -- I will finally see myself naked for the first time!

[Jessica_Rose]

We tried walking a bit, but that is still out of reach. Standing is becoming easier. The nurses changed the dressings again today. I have not peeked yet, but I am told everything looks fine. I am trying to keep up with the breast massages, which aren't too bad. I'm still hoping for a shower tomorrow, but I need to be able to stand and walk a bit first. No issues with bladder training so far.

[Northern Star Girl]

We tried walking a bit, but that is still out of reach. Standing is becoming easier. The nurses changed the dressings again today. I have not peeked yet, but I am told everything looks fine. I am trying to keep up with the breast massages, which aren't too bad. I'm still hoping for a shower tomorrow, but I need to be able to stand and walk a bit first. No issues with bladder training so far.

@Jessica_Rose
Dear Jessica:
I am very eagerly following your post-surgery events closely.  I am so very happy for you and in spite of your post surgery discomforts I can "hear" you big smile and can "feel" your happiness in your words.

I will be waiting for and looking for more of your exciting updates as you feel comfortable posting them.
Hugs and more hugs... and well wishes,
Danielle

[Jessica]

So happy you haven't experienced any complications.  I'm sure you're excited to take that shower tomorrow!

Hugs and smiles, the other Jessica

[Jessica_Rose]

After shift change the new nurse wanted to change my dressings again. I was sitting in a recliner at the time, so she brought me a walker. I stood up with no issues, and didn't start to black out, so she let me walk into the hallway and do a u-turn back into the room!!! I had no issues and didn't brown-out in the process!

The dressings are changed, I am back in bed, and some pain meds will arrive soon. Sounds like a perfect evening!

[islandgirl]

Congrats Jessica! Look at that smile! All the Best in your recovery!

[LizK]

This op takes far more out of you than you realise....you will likely be weeks before you feel fully recovered however gradual consistent progress is what is required and it sounds like that is exactly what you are achieving. You are doing great.

Liz


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Jessica_Rose]

Breakfast should arrive in about 20 minutes. The nurses just removed the drains by my labia -- MY LABIA!!! They did an amazing job, I didn't even feel it. I expect the Vicodin I took an hour ago helped quite a bit. Today I hope to walk around more, and I will finally get a shower. Oh, and I restart hormones today!!! I had one power surge (hot flash) a few hours after surgery, and I was dripping with sweat, but so far that was the only one.

[Emma1017]

Dear Jessica Rose:

How absolutely wonderful and great for you.  Even in pain you look sooooo happy!

Wishing you a speedy recovery and massive hugs,

Emma

P.S. That is a cool t shirt!

[jill610]

Congratulations on all the progress! Keep up with the walking, it gets a lot easier in a few days! Only a couple more before the packing comes out - how exciting!

[SarahWithin]

You're doing so well, Jessica Rose! I'm so happy and excited for you. You've begun a whole new, wonderful era in your life. I wish you and Susan so much joy and happiness!



Hugs x 2,
Sarah From Chitown
[emoji257]

[Rayna]

Jessica, I struggle to keep up with all your progress! Way to go, and I know you are managing your recovery swimmingly. All the best to you and to Susan.

Sent from my Victor 9000 using Tapatalk

[Kendra]

Enjoy the Best. Shower. Ever.