That’s a saying we teach to high schoolers especially right around prom time, right? No? I think I’m thinking of something else then. Something way more important. But, thanks to these lovely pain pills, my memory seems to be taking a vacay, (along with my bowels). Mmmmm, kay…so that’s probably where the title of this post comes from. #keepingitrealupinhere Well, I’m clearly not taking my own advice anyway, so here we go.
I had my second stage surgery this past week and I’m sorry to say that it has not been the recovery I had hoped for. For several reasons, mostly out of my control, my pain management protocol this time around has not been as successful. I think it’s been a combination of factors that collided to perhaps conspire against me this time around. BUT (pun intended), each day I’m seeing improvements, no matter how slight and slow. That even though the path got more twisted and up hill than down this time, I believe this is still the path I was meant to be on. I may not know exactly why right now (and may never will), but I do know that I’ll emerge on the other side of it, stronger, happier and more confident in my strength and my body than I’ve ever been. I’ve put it through the wringer, but it’s still got me.
As I type, my calves and shins are enrobed in the inflating sleeves of my DVT device. It’s helping to protect me from possible deadly blood clots as I’ve been spending more time in bed this time around. I know this machine has got me.
As I type, my breathing is labored, in part because of an extreme version of spanx (read: tight ass corset) is currently enveloping my ribs, belly, butt and thighs. It’s to aid in helping keep fat and tissue from regenerating in places we don’t want it to, as well as keeping a healthy blood flow to donor sites to control swelling and the likelihood of blood clots. I know this torture device has got me.
As I type, my throat is sore and tight from burping practically non-stop and feels like someone gave me a karate chop right to it. The burping means that things are backing up in my stomach and causing abdominal pain & gas. Once things, ahem, start moving the other way out, the burping should subside. In the meantime, I know my body has got me. In the best way it knows how right now.
And, as I type, I know, I’ve got me. Heading into surgery that morning, jamming out with Lizzo, mostly smiling from ear to ear (except for when they were having trouble getting my IV in – ow), well, this is not how I foresaw my recovery going this time to say the least. BUT, this too shall pass. One way or another. Hee hee.
I had a f/u with my doctor today and he mentioned that it’s not uncommon for the pain from the second stage surgery to be worse because they’re not giving me as much pain medicine around the time of surgery and that while the surgery is shorter, is still quite extensive especially with all pushing and pulling with the lipo. There’s a reason why I’m way more bruised this time around. (Body pics and hospital photos to come.)
Since I was getting lots of fat sucked out of places I didn’t care to have it too, I got the crazy idea that I could add some of it to other areas where I might want it, in addition to my chesticles area. That’s right, I decided to turn some of that unwanted fat into wanted fat and add it to my cheeks. The dreaded ( ) have begun to take hold of my cheeks and nasal fold area and well, when the doctor suggested also adding some to my lips, I was all for it as they’ve always felt so thin to me. Why not, I figured. Why not make going through all this a little more worth it so we plunked down the old plastic since that little addition wouldn’t be covered by insurance. I’m sure eventually I’ll be glad I did, but right now, everything is nice and bruised and drinking through a straw feels like I have two platypus bills for lips. Literally! You can see for yourself. Apparently they need to inject more fat there because unlike the chest area, only 10-15% of it will likely decide to stay there. Whatever amount initially decides it likes its new home and sticks around, though should then last for many years.
So for those keeping score: new boobs, new lips, new cheeks, and new belly button (yup). New-ish tummy, thighs and tush. Whoa, is that the holy trinity?! Must be. I’ll let you know. Don’t worry though…I’m highly unlikely to go all Joker/Barbie/Cat Woman on you. I didn’t want implants (foreign objects) in my body and I don’t want dermal fillers (foreign substances) in my body either. And I’ve been under the knife enough to know that for me, any further plastic surgery is undesired.
I may be battered and bruised right now, but I know my scars (both visible and not visible) will fade away more with each passing day. I’ve had so many incredible friends and family in my corner throughout this journey and I hope sharing my experiences will help in some small way.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m fading fast thanks to the pain pills. Thanks so much for all your well wishes during this difficult period and I’m sorry for texts and emails taking a longer response time. I promise I’ll check in here again soon. Perhaps when I can string more than just a few words together. Or sip through a straw without dribbling. Whichever comes first.
