DIEP 2013

Just found out a dear coworker lost her battle with breast cancer yesterday. She fought the good fight, did everything she could but it was time for The Lord to claim her. Today I'm stuck answering phones at work and trying not to bawl my eyes out. I'm praying fervently that I don't lose my fight. This just really sucks...

Janet M, yayyyy for losing that drain! That was quick! With every one you lose you will feel way better. Once those are gone, you're good to go.

Robin, no it does not hurt when they take out the catheter. Honestly. Putting it in is likely painful, but you will be fast asleep in the OR before they do it.

Kelli, like sbelizabeth, I did not bother with panties in hospital or afterward for that matter until the drains were out. Those drains are in the way, and I found it much easier/cooler to wear just the loose, extra large drawstring pj bottoms that I got from Wal Mart, pinning the bulbs inside the top just above the waistband. Did not want to compromise the drain pipes at all.

I had to have panties in the hospital. I initially felt I had to have them because I have some urinary leaking issues and didn't want to dribble between bed and toilet. Then, lucky me started my period about 12 hrs after surgery. Can you imagine!?  I was so embarassed for the nurses having to deal with that.  One of them didn't want to deal so OFF with my panties that held my maxi pads in place and she just put big giant bed protector pads under my hips. (Chucks).  Mind you, I bleed like a stuck pig! That was just one of my nursing staff complaints that I didn't want to argue about at the time.  But, seriously.

Catheter was good.  I don't recall feeling them pull it.

So sorry for your loss Dvygrl.  I pray for us all every day.

YAY on the house offer!!! Just YAY!!!

Catheter is great! I thought I'd hate it, but it was not a problem. Went in as I slept, and came out painlessly. There's kind of a little balloon holding it in place- so the nurse just deflated it and slipped it out.



I was surprised was un-invasive it was.

Gosh, the real life "highs and lows" are showing their face today!

sherry...YES on the house offer!!!! About time things started heading in the right direction for you. Hope it goes through without any blips.

Dyvgrl....your news is the hardest kind, not just about your friend, that is heartbreaking enough, but the reality that news like that makes you question your own chances of survival are so understandable, and so difficult to deal with. Giant hugs going out to you, many angels on your shoulders, and fellow veterans in your pockets today. Words just don't say what you need to hear.

Janet....congrats on the one-less drain! Always a positive feeling. 

The icu/ non icu "stay" is more related to how your hospital is setup and staffed. It's not that you are so sick you need ICU level of care, you just need close monitoring of the flap for a period of time. Once again, we have so many different experiences. 

The catheter....initially, my thoughts were  "eeeuuuww", never had one before. I was thrilled to learn I would be asleep when it was inserted, after surgery, I wasn't aware of it for a good day, maybe more, then, it was like my BEST FRIEND, and the removal was NOTHING!!!!!! Just meant, now I had to get to the toilet in time!!!!!!

I must really be the odd one out here. Barfed like nobody's business for days, constipation.....I wish.....the first couple of bm's in the hospital, I wasn't sure I was gonna make it onto the throne in time!!!!!! (ordinarily, I'd preface that with a fyi might be tmi......but, seriously, we're the flapper gloob brigade!)

Overdid it on the weekend helping with daughter's move. Physio was NOT happy with me today (he has no sense of humour about these things!). Oh well, another speed bump.

sbelizabeth.....aren't you ever gonna update your blog???? I love what you post there. Glad to hear the shoulder is cooperating for you. Aren't you becoming a grandmother soon??????

You are a nutball! And I can totally say it!

hmmm....maybe I shouldn't have put that teensist bit of kahlua in my post physio coffee?????

Ok, Bailey, now try....flapper gloob boob, FASTER THIS TIME!!!!! Maybe you have a "drain advantage"?

I was going to call you our "mother hen" of the thread, nihahi, now I am re-thinking about that...

I had my college roommate bff here visiting today so it's taken me a while to backtrack and catch up on all of today's posts. What a wide variety of news.



Dyvgrl- so sorry to hear about your friend. It is such a blow. You are in my prayers.



Sherry- house sold, excellent progress!



I still have stupid hip drain (drain advantage, Nihahi, really????....I call flapper foul, making fun of the girl with the everlasting drain....why I oughta....). (just kidding) It was 15 cc this morning and looking like about 5 right now. Hoping to be able to pull it Wednesday.....have appt for Friday, but PS said come on in if I think it can come out sooner and nurse will pull it. It is the least problematic drain I have ever had, but am noticing the drain site is getting sore. So I hope it is time soon!



I am most excited about having my no raising BP / no raising heart rate restriction lifted this week! I am pretty sure Wednesday night is the same as Thursday morning and I am going to RIDE MY BIKE (lol...I hope).



Was thinking of making a nice Flapper pie for the PS office....they would get a big kick out of it!



I cannot say Flapper Gloob Foob....might be the tequila....

Goldie....I've gotta say....if both your surgeons seem to be equally skilled, I would go with the one who seems to really be listening to you. It's fine to be "easy going", but if one of them doesn't seem to be taking your "wishes" seriously, I would be concerned. Remember please, this is just my opinion. 

Dyvgrl, so sorry about your friend. It stinks that cancer took another person away.

Sherry congrats on the house. Now you just have to find your next one to live in.

Catheter is nothing! Like everyone else said, it just meant that I had to get up to the bathroom!

Nihahi, is never tmi in here. Share away;). You don't even want to know what I went through after having my first baby. Constipation to the extreme!!

Sbelizabeth, that is so cool!! They must know what a good writer you are. And about the facelift..., go for it!!

Goldie, I have to agree with nihahi about going with the ps that understands you the best and takes your feelings seriously. One that is easy to talk to and will go the extra mile to make you happy. Did you want to have big B's or is this the size your ps wants to give you? Also, how easy is it going to be to get into his office when you need to make an appt. I have to see mine every two weeks for the blister, and they have been very accommodating. I call them every week with questions, or if I'm too busy to talk on the phone I just send them a text.

About my blister, it looks so much better!! When I went to clean it tonight I couldn't believe how much smaller it looks. It went from a 50 cent coin to a Pennie. Almost there!!!

Still wearing my knee brace and going to see the doctor tomorrow. I'm really ready for this knee to stop hurting!

Goldie - when you got those UTIs, we're you taking an antibiotic? There are some that are notorious for causing a UTI. Keflex is one. So maybe there is hope you can avoid another by letting your surgeon know. He can select the antibiotic to reduce your chances of getting the infection.

Oh my so much information posted in one day on here! WOW you ladies are a busy bunch that I am happy to join! Thank you for all the info. that you posted.



Sorry for the loss of loved oned to cancer it just sucks!



Happy for those that had such wonderful news!



I am really nervous all of sudden for this surgery - hope all goes well.

Thanks ladies once again for all of the info and support!

Kelli

Marty, I have heard of antibiotics causing yeast infections, but never UTI, but I will ask.  I always seem to get the UTI after I am out of the hospital and off the antibiotics for a while.  Who knows, maybe it goes hand in hand with that stupid sleepy bladder syndrome I get with the anesthesia. I have also heard if you can't empty you bladder completely it can cause a UTI also.