Surgery recap

I got to the hospital at 8:30, and they got me back in my room right away! I was brought back to the OR around 9:30, got on the table, and surgery started at 10. I didn't get out until 1:30. Yes, it was a 3.5 hour surgery.

I don't remember much from the first day. I had friends come visit me, which was nice. David came up after the kids went to sleep (my grandmother was at my house) to keep me company until I went to sleep for the night. I don't remember being in that much pain.

Then I woke up Wednesday morning.

I felt like I had been beaten with a bat. My entire core was so sore - I need a new word for sore. I don't think I'll ever be able to adequately describe the pain. My doctor checked my incisions sites, changed my dressing, and sent me home. Valium, Percocet, and muscle relaxers were the only thing that got my through Wednesday and Thursday. I had to go to the doctor both of those days, and the car rides there were excruciating.

I regretted doing this surgery big time. I kept thinking back to right before they put me under. How easily I could have gotten off that table and simply gone home. Why did I go through with this?

However, I am happy to report that today is a new day. I am still very sore, but I haven't even taken a percocet today. I feel so much better. And the nurse told me this morning that I can expect to feel better and better every day now. I made it over the hump.

So for those who are thinking about doing this: expect 2-3 days of pure hell. You can not care for your kids at all. You can do nothing but lay in bed and pray for death. But know that you will turn a corner soon.

It is amazing how, even with tremendous swelling and bruising, my stomach looks flat. My muscles are tight.

I had David take a picture of my sides tonight, to show you just how much bruising there is. If you want are squeamish, don't look.

For real - this is a lot of bruising. Don't look.

I warned you!!

That is each of my sides. My stomach isn't as bruised, but it is swollen.

Crazy.

David has been awesome. Taken over full childcare duty. But I am feeling stronger every hour. He will go back to work monday and I know I'll be fine.

Off to bed...muscle relaxers about to kick in...