1 Week Post-Op (SUUUPER late post as I'm now 4 weeks post-op lol)
Feels good! I've still got a long while in recovery to feel comfortable, but made headway in the time since November 17th. I had surgery with Dr. Kenneth Wolf in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan. I haven't had the opportunity to fully see my chest yet, but my partner got a video of one side; still can't believe I have a flat chest!
Day Before Operation, Nov. 16th
TLDR: arrived in Michigan, can't eat/drink after midnight, couldn't sleep.
My partner and I made the trek to our Michigan Airbnb from Chicagoland, which took about 6 hours due to snow/making a couple of pitstops. Got to our Airbnb late, and the time change didn't help, but we made a grocery run and then fully settled in the Airbnb. I was instructed to not eat/drink past midnight, and I also did NOT get much sleep lol I didn't think nerves would get to me, especially since I tried tiring myself out by being the sole driver getting there.
Day of Operation, Nov. 17th
TLDR: met Dr. Wolf and team, surgery went well, groggy for a few hours, managing pain well, and started most meds.
Woke up to arrive at my 7am appt. Got to meet Dr. Wolf, who drew on a plain figure summarizing what he'd be doing with my chest. After, met the anesthesiologist who asked of mine and my family's medical history (family history mostly regarding while under anesthesia). I was instructed to pee a little in a cup, and taken to a room to remove my clothing, aside from my sweats and socks, into a plastic bag. Wore a gown and put light cotton coverings over each foot. Dr. Wolf took a pic of my chest and made markings on my chest. Went to the restroom one last time, and got put in the surgical room! The anesthesiologist was impressed with my veins lol which made putting the IV in easier - just a pinch. I said I forgot to take off my glasses, and one of the team members said they'd take care of it. I asked if it was starting now, and that was the last I remember lol between arrival and starting, it was probably an hour?
I didn't wake up until about 10:30am, groggy, and SHAKING; was wheeled out to my partner's car and didn't stop shaking 'til car warmed up. I took a Dramamine in the car on our way to the Airbnb because I am pretty scared of being nauseous or vomiting. I didn't have much of an appetite for the day, and pain was manageable with the prescribed pain meds or OTC. I was also pretty weak, needed help opening things and couldn't even carry my 18 ounce metal water bottle as an example. I started using Arnica Montana roughly 3x daily and the antibiotic twice daily.
Before sleeping, we saw that I needed to have more drain pads added since it seeped into my compression vest on both sides. I slept using the loaned Wedge pillow, which was great. I also used a neck pillow during waking hours, which was so helpful.
1 Day Post-Op, Nov. 18th
TLDR: pain was at its highest
I started my almost daily Dulcolax dosing and I took a Dramamine in the morning as a precaution. So, I mistakenly thought pain was lessening from yesterday and would be making progress away from the prescribed pain meds. TOTALLY not the case. I was on round-the-clock prescription pain meds, and it was rather difficult waiting for the next time. At one point, I still had about 30-45 minutes until my next dose and was eating a sandwich. The pain was so unbearable, burning pain, I almost fainted at the table, weak. Luckily I was already sitting down, but man that was scary.
2 Days Post- Op, Nov. 19th
Nothing really to report other than that pain was a LOT more manageable on the schedule this day. Still achey, bruise-like, and needing assistance with getting up even from an elevated position. Presumably the drain locations were aching more. I was starting to feel the bloat though!
3 Days Post-Op, Nov. 20th
I FINALLY took my first dump since surgery, and I was so happy lol still feeling bloatness, but more relieved. And my lower back was starting to kill me. Low energy still.
4 Days Post-Op, Nov. 21st
I ventured out for the first time to a local supermarket. I got winded from the compression/just being low energy in general, but it was great to be out and about.
5 Days Post-Op, Nov. 22nd
My post-op appointment was at 8am, and it was great! I didn't get to see myself fully, but Dr. Wolf said I was healing well aside from some bad bruising on my left side. My partner took pictures, and I was impressed with how clean everything looked! My partner and I decided to leave back home instead of staying another day.
6 Days Post-Op, Nov. 23rd
Took my first shower since surgery and seeing my new chest was WIIILD. Shower was nerve-wracking trying to be careful. So bruised up on my left side. I think I truly confirmed I might have pectus excavatum as well. I started feeling zappy feelings on my chest for the first time - nerves reconnecting.
7 Days Post-Op, Nov. 24th
Thanksgiving Day! My partner hosted friendsgiving at her place. I was feeling okay, generally enough energy to socialize for a few hours and eat a lot of great food. Compression vest still creating some breathing difficulty when speaking/pacing.
BONUS 8 Days Post-Op, Nov. 25th
My birthday! I had every thought that it was going to be a chill day back at my place, but my partner surprised me saying my twin sister along with my best friend and her hubby were visiting for dinner!! I hadn't been surprised like this in forever [I won't rule out childhood years], and it made me feel so loved. I definitely became tired after a couple hours socializing and winded at times speaking.
