Date with Dr. Manrique, end of March

[Renae]

Hello TP,

 

I'm just under 5 weeks away from my surgery date with Dr. Manrique at Mayo Clinic.  I'm starting to get the butterflies a bit, although I still know that I am doing the right thing.  I had a pretty rough time last fall with FFS and BA, and I really haven't at my best since then.  5 months later, I"m finally healthy at least, but not strong.  I worry about what is coming and the intense aftercare.  I was able to get 8 weeks of leave, which I hope will be enough.  I was back to work in 3 after FFS and it was a major mistake.  Even now I"m only about 85%.

 

The worst part is that I am heading into this nearly alone.  My wife knows, and I haven't been secretive at all with my employer so as to help them schedule in my absence.  I just don't want to end up alone during the darkest hours.  I don't handle pain meds very well, so I basically have to get by on tylenol or ibuprofen.  After my FFS, days 3 thru 5 were breath by breath misery....shaking all through the nights just waiting for relief to arrive.  

 

I know this is my path.  I'm sorry it's come to this in a weird sort of way, but only in that the surgery and recovery will be difficult, and I am hardly a young woman.  

 

I welcome any tips from those recently post-op about their pre-op preparations, especially if they get their care in Rochester.

 

Renae

[tracy_j]

I Renae, and welcome.

 

Personally I have not been through surgery so cannot advise, but there are many here who have. If you read through topics you should be able to find tips and other peoples' experiences, at least to start you off. Others will be able to answer more directly.

 

Tracy

[Jani]

Hello Renae, 

Having butterflies is normal.  This is a big deal so its normal to second guess and just plain worry.  I'm sure you've thought this out and are doing the right thing for yourself.  As to pain, from all I have read BA and FFS are tough recoveries.  I can tell you that after the first couple days of my GRS things went fairly well for me.  I am not pain tolerant so I was concerned.  I had major abdominal surgery years ago and that was tough.  I was afraid GRS would be similar but no comparison.  I had a few doses of morpheme while in recovery but nothing but OTC afterwards and I weened myself down so I was fairly drug free when I flew home after ten days.  I am not a young person either but I will say you'll be fine on this recovery.

 

As to being alone, after the first few days I was by myself in the recovery apartment as my sisters had to fly home.  By then I was moving around fairly well, able to shower and make my own meals.  For me boredom was a big concern.  

 

Stay in touch and let us know how things are going.  We're here for you.

 

Hugs, Jani 

[Renae]

Thank you so much.

 

I had FFS and BA at the same day.  I barely noticed the augmentation, honestly, although I'm sure it made it harder for me to heal my face.  Unfortunately, I do not tolerate narcotic pain medication either.  I end up having to choose between pain (without them) and dizziness/vomiting (with them).  On days 3-5 post op from FFS, the pain was off the charts.  I basically did breathing meditation for 72 hours straight with a few pauses for 10-15 minutes of sleep.  I'm glad to hear your experience was relatively benign.  I'm also a bit older (51), but I never really new my limits until the last surgery.  I'll be glad to have it all in the rearview mirror.  As spake the prophet Tom Petty, "The waiting is the hardest part."

[Jani]

I've never done narcotics well at all.  I can't keep them down but a very little in a drip is tolerable.  I was 62 when I had GRS and at this point I am done with "elective" surgeries.  After speaking with friends and reading about others experiences I decided to pass on any serious FFS.  It was too much pain for me to think about.   

 

Soon you'll be singing "Don't it feel like something from a dream" followed by "Yeah I've never known nothing quite like this."

 

"But never as good as I'm feeling right now"

Jani