Post-Op Day 4

Sorry I didn't get a blog out yesterday. It was HARSH, so far the hardest day. I could not think clearly for the pain...I tried to put on a smile for my visitors but yesterday was just hard....

I for one could not seem to get comfortable. The pillows in my bed of course shift and when they did I would be crooked....it would hurt to straighten and it would hurt to stay crooked. I couldn't win and that was until I got a surprise delivered I never expected. I'm just going to say right here that I do love having people in my life that are lead by the Spirit of God...it is a gift and the more people you have that operate that way the better off you are...God often times uses these people to minister to us and show us not only his love but theirs....My mom said she felt compelled to go out and purchase a recliner for me. The Doc said that was the best way to recuperate and that most people slept in them. I have no recliner, I have soft cushion chairs with ottomans, that is not the same....So on her way home before she ever hit her house she went recliner shopping. She found and purchased a small recliner made sure they had the same one in Louisville called my kids and told them to go pick it up. I had a recliner in my bedroom by 1:00. IT IS MY FAVORITE CHAIR! First of all it is a little recliner...my feet can touch the floor sitting all the way back in the chair (that is RARE). I don't sink into it until I'm stuck, it is easy to get in and out of and I can easily put the lever up. So my advice is to get a recliner that fits you well before an abdominal surgery. My body was screaming and once I sat in this chair it calmed down to a dull roar....Want to know something else great? When Mom got home she had gotten a check in the mail she was not expecting that not only paid for the recliner but gave her an extra 100.00. I love God and how He took care of not only me but my Mom in this situation. She works so hard for her money...I mean she is 73 and still works full time. This recliner purchase for her was no small thing...so Mom THANKS...I needed that. I believe it was sleeping in the recliner and the support it gave me that allowed me to feel much better today.

My throat is SORE it feels like I have swallowed glass. It is just from being intubated I'm hoping the pain of it has peaked and I will be getting better each day now. I have such a deep voice right now...all to be expected...throat lozenges have not helped much

OK, now I'm going to get a bit graphic and I hope this doesn't bother anyone but part of documenting this is so people can know what to expect. Now in surgery physicians use cautery as they cut meaning your getting burnt as they go. Today, let me tell you, I felt the burn and no amount of pain meds really can help that. I KNOW where he cut and where he sewed me together and I know where he had to use the cautery the most cause I could feel it from the inside out. I know from past surgeries this peaks at day 3-4 for people then it starts to subside so all day yesterday I just kept telling myself this was the worst....and I could get through it...

Tips...make sure you get in a shower every day...I didn't do hair and makeup but I did shower and I think the warm heat helps the muscles. Brace your stomach with your hands when you cough, if you can wear a binder that helps with coughing but always brace yourself. Drink and get plenty of rest, days when you feel good you can overdo it and feel much worse the next day. Don't overdo it, play it conservative...For me this is a big one...let people help you, let them buy recliners if needed, bring food, and run errands. My kids are helping so much I am glad to know they are being well fed. Every meal brought in matters!