Well is has been a week and I am starting to feel like me again. I can get out of the recliner by myself. Such an accomplishment. I am walking the circle in my house at least every 2 hours. I remember my dad doing the same thing after his back surgery. Round and round he went and so I follow in his footsteps. We bought the house I grew up in from my Mom 9 years ago so walking around here does bring back memories. I have not had any trouble with constipation and I am very thankful for that. Fruits, Prunes, and a stool softener work great. No pictures today since not much has changed.
Category: 1st Stage, Week 1 Day 1
Nov 6, 2016 Week 1 Day 6
Wow what a weekend. I went to the emergency room yesterday with an allergic reaction to the antibiotic I was taking. My blood pressure was 180/120 with my pulse in the upper 100’s. I really thought I was falling fast. I have never been so scared. After 6 bags of fluid to flush my system and an overnight stay in the hospital I am doing better. The incisions did OK with the swelling that I had due to the fluid intake and I am pretty sore because of that also. I am now resting at home and back on track.
To the ER. Nov 5, 2016 Week 1 Day 5
Just a short note to say that something is wrong.
Nov 4, 2016. Week 1, Day 4
I am not feeling too well today. I seem to have uncontrollable freezing and warming episodes. I will write more tomorrow.
I do have some pictures to post below.
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Nov 3, 2016. Week 1. Day 3. Going Home
Here is a picture of my Doppler Machine. There are 2 machines. I feel like I am in a Science Fiction setting.
I am being released to day. So excited to be going home. Dr Habash said everything is going great. I am having some burning during urination so I am starting an antibiotic for that.
Some suggestions for the Hospital. A micro bead neck roll works wonderful for sitting in a chair and even sleeping. Since I have to sleep in such and inclined position it kept my head from slipping sideways and waking me up.
I had a Lanyard from work and attached a Velcro holder to it and it worked great for all of my tubes and wires that needed to be unhooked when ever I needed to get up. I rolled up the wires and the drains and wrapped the Velcro around them and was able to have them just hang and be out of the way.
I used the “Pink Pocket” that I attached to the inside of my shirt to actually put the JP drain bulb into which worked great also.
I was able to completely get dressed by myself also. Since my shirt was stretchy at the top, I was able to pull it up instead of it going over my head.
For the ride hope Travis brought me a pillow to put over my chest and tummy to protect the incisions from the seat belt. It will be nice to be in my own home to finish this recovery.
Now for the graphic pictures. Please just scroll back up to the top for the next day’s entry and do not look if these type of pictures bother you. The incisions do not hurt and I am not on any pain killers except for Tylenol now.
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Nov. 2, 2016. Week 1. Day 2.
Well the Catheter is out. Yea!. I have to use the restroom every hour, which is such a pain. Not much else to report for today. Just sleeping, walking and healing.

Nov 1, 2016. 1st Stage, Week 1, Day 1
I actually feel pretty good for it being the day after surgery. Not having much pain. I am hooked up to several machines and tubes are everywhere. Catheter, IV’s, Vascular Saturation Doppler Machine and leg compression. I feel like a robot.
This evening I was able to sit up in a chair for about an hour. Such a funny thing to celebrate. I was able to eat some toast and by the evening they had me up and walking.
The nursing staff at Harris SW is absolutely wonderful.
One little problem was my IV. It broke and filled my left arm and breast with fluid so my small breast is now rather large. It is very tight and uncomfortable but the swelling will go down.
Below is a picture of my lower incision. Looks bad but actually does not hurt. It is very tight so walking hunched over is a must.
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