I think I have had one of the most frustrating weeks ever. I have battled every bureaucratic ninnie and I am just over them all. Why cant Aussie employ clear English speaking Dr's? To add to the pain of all of that I have been trying to kill the infection that I got. It seems to be clearing up but its far from right. I still have about a day and a half of meds left so here's hoping that ll kick it in the head. I still get a bit of a sting at the very start of the wound on my hip but the skin getting really comfortable. Still times of being tight but not too bad and certainly manageable. I still haven't reverted back to sleeping on my tummy but I almost could. Its just not quite comfortable enough. I cant wait to have my boobs done. That will be awesome. Hope you are all well. Blog ya soon

Oh great an infection

I have already typed the surgeon suggested i walk in water as a form of low impact exercise so a few days ago I though Id give it a go.Well wouldn't you know it if I dont go and get an infection just under my belly button.  I had some swine flu antibiotics left over so I took them not realising that all AB's arent the same. Luckily my nurse friend corrected me and off I trotted to the Dr's. I got some golden staph AB's and hopefully that ll kick it in the head.
Boy I hope so. The one thing I have tried so hard to avoid is an infection of any kind so this was a real step back for me. Interestingly the Dr said he thought it was probably from a broken suture that has made its way to the surface and may pop out of the wound. Now that's something to look forward to lol xx 

A funny thing happened today

Completely off losing weight subject. We have two Labradors. Murphy and Lilli. They were going to be husband and wife but after her first two seasons Murphy it seemed didn't know how to be a stud so we decided that we would have her and him fixed and just having them as pets. We went away for two weeks a couple of weeks ago and when we got home I said I thought Lilli looked preggers. As time has gone on we weren't sure and last night were saying we might take her to the vet to see if she is. Didn't really think so as our dog sitters didn't notice any shagging happen and they were with them almost 24/7.
This morning I was sitting watching tv when I heard a crow  squawking. It was one of those constant noises and eventually I got up and looked out the window. There is Murphy standing over what I thought was the crow until he picked it up and walked off and I saw a very distinct puppy in his mouth.
I went rushing outside and found 2 more in a recess in the yard. I bought them in with Lilli then Andy walked in saying I found another FOUR!!!! So we have 7 little Hershey coloured lab pups all well and healthy and living in the spare room with mum.
What an exciting day! lol
Will post some photos soon. Awww too cute!!
     

Well its been one  month since the op. I cant believe its been that long. I really cant believe a month of our holidays are gone already. Andy is off to Christchurch this weekend and I'm soooo jealous but glad he is going to see his family. I long to smell the green grass of home. Next year hopefully.
My wounds are healing really well. It still feels really tight at times and I'm guessing it will for a while. I don't know what I would think if it didn't as its a real indication that I have a tight taught tummy. My belly button still looks like a little alien. I am bio oiling like there is no tomorrow. All in all its really good. It sure has made me keen to get a boob job but that will have to wait for now. It will come but not sure when. Someone once said to me I was too old for one but I really don't think so  and even if I did I would still do it lol.
I'm off to walk in water today at the local pools. I'm gonna use a flutter board cos the pools grade is really steep and one minute IMO walking then a step later I am on tippy toes and then I'm submerged so a board should help me a bit. I have also been exercycling. Well I have done 10 minutes of it and it seemed to not be too hard on my belly so will keep going with that . I have been really good with my eating and have lost a grand total of absolutely nothing NOTHING!!!!! I also haven't gained anything so that's something I guess! Blog you soon xxx  

Felt like a million bucks!

Back from the wedding. I saw so many people from work which was lovely to catch up with them all. Most of them didn't recognise me for ages which always happens when I don't wear glasses although I cant see a thing! I wore a dress which is unusual for me so it was probably a little harder to tell my tum had changed but the majority were gob smacked at how different I looked. (lots checked out my none existent new rack lol).
One of the amazing things was how many ladies said they were either booking in or were seriously thinking about booking in for some surgery. They said I had inspired them. Im not sure how but I do understand it takes courage to do it although maybe I didn't show jsut how much I was pooping bricks. So many people thought I looked really different in the face and like I told them its only the 6 days having complete bedrest and then being on holidays although I got asked if I had had a face job!!!!!   
My lesson last night which I have learnt so well but obviously not well enough is 'dont go out hungry'. I was like a prowling lion when the food came out and as ii was Thai food (YUMMO) they had me at coconut cream. Needless to say I chowed down big time and enjoyed every fried, spiced, creamed thing but now I have the guilts so I will drink copious amounts of water and rein in the appetite big time for the next few days.
Will try and get some photos up today xx

Its 5.21am and I have been up for an hour. Not sure whats up with my sleeping I think being on holidays has really thrown it all out of whack.
Last night was the first night I could lie on my tummy and feel almost  like I could have slept like it. Things must be stretching a little for that to happen cos up till now its felt way to tight and I certainly haven't been able to stretch out at all on my tummy. Its a nice feeling to think I will be able to be a tummy sleeper again very soon. I hate it on my back so that will be great.
Ive been thinking I might try and start a weight loss support group up here in the sunny nor' west. Not a weight watchers style but more a share ideas recipes dreams and maybe some exercise together too, I really don't think it matters a toss how you lose weight as long as it is sustainable and I think with encouragement maybe we could cheer each other on to getting weight off and keeping it off. Its of course just an idea at this stage but maybe it will come together.
 We are going to a wedding late today and I am looking forward to getting a wee bit dressed up and seeing a lot of people I haven't since the tuck. I look forward to their reactions or even if they will notice. Most people thought (as I told them) I was having a boob job as well so whenever I run into anybody they look straight at my chest and I can see them thinking 'hmmmm not a lot of change for the money lol). I even had one lady say how great they were looking now!!!!
Will put up an updated photo tomorrow of the scars. Everything is healing perfectly except I still get freaked by my wee alien belly button xx       

Wow suddenly its like Im on this big blogging roll. I think its a combination of a new computer, being on holidays, excited at the tummy tuck and just wanting to burble on. I am going to go walking in the water at the local pools tomorrow. If you know anything about me its this. Me and exercise parted company years ago  by about my third contracted gym membership I was thinking 'this is nuts'. So to go to the pools is a big deal. I will pack a wee lunch and spend a few hours floating walking paddling!
No compression bandage is bliss. It took a while to get use to the security of it not being there but now I am well use to it and enjoying not getting hot and itchy under it. Bio oil is now being slathered on by the bucketload. I believe it helps and the surgeon said to use it so hopefully there is something in it. It helps with stretch marks too so I am thinking maybe I could bathe in it lol.
Catch you soon xx

Road to recovery

Wow I got an e mail from Dr Allen saying the compression bandage can now come off and from next week I can ride a bike gently and go walking and I can walk in water but no swimming for another month (over arm). Most exciting bit is by far removing the bandage. I am so pleased as it is getting into the 40's so that will help keep the body temp down. 

the journey continues...........................

Day 6 arrived and I waited patiently for Andy to arrive with our coffee and Dr Allen to arrive.  I thought it would be about 2 pm before he came in as that's what it had always been Andy and I had booked into a hotel for 3 days to keep me safe from the tummy bug that my kids and grandy had gotten and also just some time for us. It had been a huge build up and we just wanted to enjoy life for a few days. It was my granddaughters 7th birthday party today so I was hoping to call in on her for a quick surprise before heading to our hotel. Dr Allen arrived at 10am as it was the weekend and he gave me the all clear to leave hospital without the drain that had only collected 20 mls throughout the last 24hours. He also told me that he had performed 4 tucks that week and mine had been the largest amount of skin taken at (3kgs). I am stoked that it was that much as we had talked about it being 1.5kg - 2 kgs at the most. Absolutely stoked!!!   After we got all sorted we left and headed to our sons place to surprise them for a few minutes. It was a lovely surprise and we spent a couple of hours just sitting enjoying a 7 year olds important day. It was lovely. We then headed off and got a few groceries on the way to the hotel. Arrived knackered but happy and crawled off to bed for the rest of the day.
Day 7  Today we headed back to see the kids and we went to church. I then stayed with my sons partner and their bub while Andy went off and did a few boys things with our boys. This was wayyyy toooo much to attempt to do for me and although I loved the day I would have been better off staying at the hotel and relaxing but I really did over do it.
For the next 3 days we just took it easy. On the Thursday (day 10) I went and saw Dr Allen who gave me the all clear to start driving again and said I could head home on the weekend. He said he would see me at the end of November.
Day 12  About 9am we started the 16 hour drive home. I drove for about 2 of them and we decided 3/4 of the way home we were nuts and we would stay over in Carnavon about 9 hours into the drive. It was so good to stop and stretch out on the bed. Definitely the thing to do! We had a smorgasbord dinner and a good sleep then headed off again about 9am the next morning. We got home about 2 and were very glad to see the hills of home come into view. Poor Andy was stuffed.
Frome then till now  (day 21) I have just taken it easy. On day 16 I was allowed to remove the bandage covering the wounds which meant showering without blow drying them dry at the end of it. Small things make all the difference. I have to wear the compression bandage for another few weeks and that's fine even in this 40 degree heat lol. I will do anything it takes to have the best result.
I forgot to say that Andy asked me if there was anything I wanted from the shop. My answer..............yep I want some skimpy knickers cos for 25 years I have never had a pair that havent rolled down and hidden under the flap. (see the before photo). I now have 3 of the best pairs of lacy knicks and they sit on my belly. Wahoooo.
I will keep you posted as I go xx        

Tummy has been tucked

Day 1. On Monday the 18/10/2010 I arrived at St John of God hospital, Subiaco at 6.30am to start the mammoth journey of a tummy tuck. Dr Allen came and saw me about 7am and proceeded to draw all over my tummy and to try and give me a running commentary on what was going to happen. I say 'try' as I was in no frame of mind to hear all the details I just wanted to get it underway and not think about anything else other than to hope I woke up (general anaesthetics scare me). I waived bye to Andy and was wheeled into theatre about 8am, after the leg socks were put on.
I woke up to see a sea of faces and then drifted off again only to hear c'mon Dianne wake up. I remember thinking 'just leave me alone' and I became more irritated the more I kept getting disturbed. Every now and then I could hear Andy talk and what sounded like different medical staff talking shop around me but I was having a real problem waking up enough to concentrate or even care, a bit like when you are super tired and someone wants to wake you.
I remember seeing 3pm on the clock and waking long enough to see loads of people in my room (about 7 or 8) and I remember hearing someone say give her more of............. something in the form of drugs.
I woke up enough to focus about 4pm and felt like I had been run over and I felt really tight in my tummy but completely bearable just a bit of a weird feeling. I looked down to see my tummy completely bandaged but I was distinctly aware it was FLAT! Andy was talking to me and staff were talking to me and I remember smiling and thinking the world was a lovely place to wake up too then drifting off again. All night there were staff in my room and the obligatory medical checks were done.
By early the next morning I was having wakeful moment and it was then that the nurse told me I had had a reaction to the morphine and it was depressing my breathing making me breath only sporadically with as little as two breaths being taken per minute and up to 6. This only happened while I slept but it was enough to need a staff member to stay with me until I was wakeful enough to be left. I was pumped full of an opiate modifier to help get the morphine out of my system. At that time all I could think was 'man that ain't a bad way to go' lol but looking back now I think 'thank you God I never went to Thailand for this op'. Just imagine being in a foreign country with no way of getting home quickly and possibly having a language barrier! Suddenly saving a few $'s didn't really seem that important.
Day 2 I was more wakeful throughout the day. Eating and drinking normally with a catheter in and drains coming out of each side of me. The catheter hurt and I was most keen to get that out. Dr Allen came and saw me and said I would have it out the next day and I couldn't wait! Andy bought Caleb in to see me (our 14 year old). He had only been there for 20minutes when he put his head on my bed and said he felt really sick. Andy took him home and for the next 24 hours every member of my family (they were staying with my eldest son and his wife and daughter) vomited and had stomach pain including some diarrhea. Oh yes the timing was perfect!!! I started praying profusely that I wouldn't get it and and God answered as I still haven't had it.
My other focus was doing number 2's. I desperately wanted to be able to go easily given that any sort of bearing down or tummy muscle exercise was to be avoided so each meal for me consisted of as much fibre, fruit and veg as I could but having no fill in my band meant either behave or gain weight and after the money time and effort involved it was not an option to gain weight so I was and still am not allowing anything high in sugar or fat past my lips.
Day 3 The catheter is taken out and not a moment too soon. Wow was that thing awful. So now I wait to find out that my bladder is working again ok.I was painfully aware of course that to go to the loo now meant I had to walk there and that was causing me to break out in a sweat. Finally after what I thought was enough water and with the help of the nurse I was helped up and I tentatively shuffled to the toilet. It hurt and stung a bit (walking that is) but it was bearable and probably no worse that the cesar that I had years ago. To my utter delight I went for a pee. Now just if number 2's would happen I would feel like the world couldn't be a better place lol. I also was able to have my first shower. This was a mission. I got all I needed then shuffled to the en suite. There was a chair in the shower cubicle and I sat down after getting the shower temp right. It felt blissful. I reached up to take the hand held shower off its post and miscalculated how forceful the water was. The thing jumped out of my hand and snaked around the bathroom and then shot out the door which was open and lay on my bedroom floor spraying water at the ceiling. What a mess and how hard was it to move fast enough and retrieve the thing. What felt like hours later I had cleaned up, dried off and dressed and shuffled back to be exhausted but quietly content that I was definitely on the mend.
Day 4 Finally the break of dawn and day four was here. I looked forward to that time each day cos I knew I was a day closer to going home but I have to say that I was desperately enjoying the quiet time, the menu being delivered and what were really lovely meals. No phones, no visitors (apart from Andy who bought in some of the best takeaway cappuccino's I have ever had) and just generally being waited on hand and foot. I had a tv to watch and I just felt safe. Dr Allen came and saw me daily and reassured me that everything was now fine (after the morphine scare). Day 4 was also to be the big reveal day where my bandages would be taken off and I could see my tummy for the first time. Wow was I looking forward to this day starting! At about 2pm Dr Allen arrived with a nurse and I braced myself for the unwrap. Scared and not daring to believe that it was going to be 'that fabulous' but hoping upon hope that there would be a difference. As Dr Allen undid the compression bandage (Velcro on) there was silence as Andy and I gawked at my tummy. It was magnificent. So, so magnificent. I couldn't stop smiling all afternoon especially as I had my first fart indicating that maybe everything there was starting to burble back into shape. I shuffled off to the loo late on day 4 and another prayer was answered.
Dr Allen asked the nurse to take out my right side drain as in 24 hours it had only accumulated 10mls so this could now be removed. My toes curled as she snipped the stitch holding it into place and slowly proceeded to pull a foot of pipe out of me. It was definitely not a nice feeling but again it was manageable and with the panadol and trimodal I was taking I think the edge had been taken off my nerve system and I got through. Dr Allen said I may be going home tomorrow which was exciting but also a bit sad. No more meals delivered to me :( but other than that it was a perfect day!!!!
Day 5 This was a Friday and I thought it would be home day. Dr Allen came in saw that i had drained 30mls into the drain container and said he wanted to discharge me tomorrow and it would be with or without the drain being taken out. I didn't mind and relaxed for the rest of the day. I was now able to walk a lap of the ward and this helped me to go toilet daily. I weighed myself and I was 8kg lighter than when I was admitted on Monday. Not a bad loss. It cost $1000.00 per kilo and was worth every cent lol.
Even though I could walk easier than I had been after just a few minutes the skin felt tighter and tighter and I was still quite bent over. It still felt like a huge marathon to just do a small slow lap of the ward. Never the less I felt like i was slowly very slowly getting back to normal.
To be continued with photos. Stay tuned xx