On Friday, I had a check in with my surgeon. He typically likes to see all his weekly surgery patients on Friday to make sure they are in good shape before heading into the weekend. My bruises are healing quite nicely, thanks to the hyperbaric oxygen treatments. The drains are still draining, so we decided to keep those in until Monday. They’re an inconvenience and a bit gross, but they’re doing their job. So, while they’re working, we will leave them in and let them get rid of as much fluid as possible. I got yet another smaller pair of compression. I sized down on Wednesday and again on Friday. The weight-obsessed part of my mind is excited about seeing a smaller size on the tag. I recognize that’s ridiculous, but I have decades of negative body-related narratives to rewrite. While I’m consistently chipping away at them, it’ll take some time to get rid of them. The healthier, more balanced part of my brain is excited that my body is getting rid of the fluid so quickly and efficiently (thanks to all the walking and elevating) and is healing so well.
I’m not gonna lie…my inner overachiever enjoys getting straight A’s on my surgery and recovery report card 😂 I worked remarkably hard to get my mind and body ready for this surgery so I could maximize the outcome. This is a massive investment figuratively and literally (shout out to the garbage insurance companies who refuse to cover these surgeries because they’re “cosmetic”), and I am intent on making sure I do whatever is in my power to make them as successful as possible.
One of the most important parts of my prep work was committing to changing my mindset from one of chronic pain to one of full healing. For me that meant an active recovery. It meant pushing myself to be in a pain a bit if it meant a better outcome. It meant resting but not lounging in bed all day. It meant not giving myself a lot of time to overthink all the things that could happen. It meant doing some things for myself and not depending on someone to help me with every little thing. It also meant not giving my attention or thoughts to anything that isn’t directly related to healing and getting stronger. That last one was tough, but we all survived it so maybe this one will be permanent.
There was also a nursing shift change on Friday. My brother flew out to stay with me for the remainder of my trip, and my friend flew back home. I have no words to describe how incredible these two human beings are. None. To selflessly give up their time to come care for me, encourage me and love me through this whole endeavor is something I’m remarkably grateful for and will never forget. I’m incredibly blessed to have many people like them in my life.
I’m hopeful the drains will be removed on Monday, and I’ll have the all clear to travel home on Wednesday. In the meantime, I’ll be following doctor’s orders this weekend and will be getting in my calories, protein, and steps to keep this healing going.
The LipeDiva 