I decided to start writing in a personal journal more lately instead of blogging. I feel like I have said everything on here that there is to say, and nothing has changed. In my journal, I feel like I have more freedom to say my true feelings than on the blog. I obviously try to watch some of the things I say on here to make sure I don't hurt or offend anyone. It feels good to let it all out with pen and paper, and be able to write exactly what is on my mind. For now, I thought I would go ahead and let you all know what life has been like over the last three and a half weeks since surgery.
I'll start off by saying getting a breast reduction was one of the best decisions I have ever made! It has been a crazy few weeks with a lot of ups and downs, but I don't regret any of it. I had a hard time staying in bed like the doctor asked, so I was at the hospital when my niece was born, visited friends and family, went out to lunch, played putt-putt, and cleaned the apartment before getting the doc's approval. People kept warning me that I needed to take it easy and stay in bed resting more. I guess I should have listened! At my three week check up this past Thursday, Dr. Kelly told me I needed to get another surgery. My right side wasn't healing correctly, and we needed to do a skin graft and new stitches. I just about broke down into tears as she was telling me everything. I knew there was a chance I would have to get new stitches, but a whole other surgery? Then on top of that, she told me I was getting surgery the next day!
Friday afternoon, I went to her office and filled out piles of paperwork in preparation for surgery. I was taken back at 2 o'clock and underwent a 2 hour surgery, where they did a skin graft from my stomach and repaired my right side. She summed it up as a mini tummy tuck. That's alright with me! I woke up from anesthesia, drank my Sprite and ate my crackers. As soon as they released me, we went straight to my sister's house for her birthday dinner. Yes, I would say that was a crazy idea, but I really didn't want to miss her birthday, and really wanted to see Eli and baby Clara.
For the next few days, I will be taking it as easy as possible, and really listen to my doctor this time around. I will be off work at least until Wednesday, and then see how I feel about going back. I went ahead and took the whole week off just in case. I am in quite a bit of pain in my stomach area, where there is about a 6-7 inch incision, like a C-Section scar. I am so ready for this all to be over with and to feel completely normal again. Sadly, she told me it will be 6-8 weeks before I feel "normal."
On the bright side, I have been loving the way my clothes fit me now, and I am really looking forward to going shopping for some fun, new clothes as soon as I feel like I am ready to wear them! I am down about 10 lbs so far, and am ready to get to the gym as soon as I get approval. I am so grateful for all of the women in my ward who so graciously brought us meals for 2 weeks. I loved receiving cards and letters in the mail from friends and family, and am so grateful for all of the love and support we have received from everyone. It's fun to feel like a new woman!
