Saturday, June 2, 2012

Something you might find interesting about recovery.........


to quicken the healing i got some tips from a nutritionist:

Pineapple (no matter fresh or out of can)
Papaya
Coconut oil for cooking/baking
Coconut water
Coconut milk

I ate every morning a big bowl of papaya, drank a fresh squeezed orange/carrot/pineapple juice and used coconut oil for cooking and baking (i tried coconut water and milk, didn't like it and i think what you don't like, can't be good for you) 
I think it did help a lot - without stretching. physio therapy my arm movement was almost back to normal 5 weeks post op. I started working 6 weeks out - i am a swim-instructor, 4 hrs/day in the water, heavy lifting included, lots of movement....  I am one week away from 3 months post op and my movement is as good as it was before my PBM! 

Also, give your body TIME to heal!!!! I had 24 hr help for about 7 weeks post-op! I did not do anything for 6 weeks after, when i say anything i mean it, i didn't even drive the car for 6 weeks. I really was just laying around and got some good rest and time to heal. That's why i probably gained that much weight! LOL 
Even if you think you are ready to take over the vacuum again - YOU ARE NOT!!! If you want to have a speedy recovery without complication you better listen to your Doc, and he will tell you not to do anything for 6 weeks! 

DRAINS suck big time! Doesn't matter, they are important and there for a reason. I had 4 in total - 2 on each side. Make sure you keep your Drain record up to date and take really good care of them (make sure they show you exactly what you have to do when you empty them and how often)
I had the 2 under the muscle for 2 weeks, the 2 above the muscle for 3 weeks. I made sure that there is no more than 15cc coming out for more than 3 days in a row and got them removed after the weekend so if they would've been an emergency i could reach my Doctor. You're wondering why i waited that long? Because i had one drain showing less than 20cc for two days in a row and at the 3rd day it moved up to over 25cc again. If you do more, you will drain more fluid. If you have the drains, it will drain, if not you will develop a big problem.

Alcohol pads, Anti-septic and other necessary items i got from the Dollar Store, they are the same what you can get in the pharmacy just 10 times cheaper.

SHOWER - oooh a nice hot shower will be your best friend, for sure after the expansions! Make sure that someone is around you when you take a shower as long as you have the drains. It's just easier for you. 
Don't skip one - everything feels much better if you keep your self clean. 
My first shower i took two days after surgery. It was pretty exhausting but it felt awesome. Every time gets easier. 
For the first few showers you might need someone who takes care of your hair - but try to do it by your own.... one day you are able to but if you don't try you wont find out! 
Same thing for reaching for things - just try, but stop before it hurts! Get help if your not able to... there is nothing wrong with getting to much help - just with getting to less ;-)

To reduce the appearance of STRETCHMARKS and SCARS i used Bio-Oil. I think it helped a lot - also to keep the skin moist and stretchable.

SLEEP - i bought a 10" bed wedge. The first few weeks after PBM you wont be able to get out of bed also, because of the drains, you wont be able to sleep on your side. Breathing will be also easier when you sleep upright. After i got my drains removed i tried sleeping without. It was possible, because i usually sleep on the back. If you love to sleep on your side you might keep the wedge longer so you wont turn. Sleeping on the side is very uncomfortable in the first view weeks. Just try it...

ATTITUDE - If you are not ready to give up your boobs - your body wont be either! Make sure you are ready to do this! I think a positive attitude also reduces the healing time and complications. Don't go crazy by all the stories you read about side effects, complications,..... Most woman don't have them and don't write much about  an easy recovery!

CLOTHES - Forget about buying button-up shirts and all that stuff you read about to wear after surgery. Safe your money! One important thing is the SPORTS-BRA what opens up in front... You will find them at walmart. And some comfy big clothes like zipper-hoodies.... All the other stuff, just get creative - wear shirts from your boyfriend, husband, brother, dad.....  The Drains you can attach with safety-pins to your Bra. In the shower you attach them on a shoestring and put them around your neck.  I got tired of the drains rubbing against my skin, so i cut holes in cheap undershirts from my husband. Worked great!!!

WATER - drink, drink, drink... nothing is more important than keeping your body hydrated - especially during healing/recovery time. Your body needs the fluid the close the wounds, fight infections (remember that enough water keeps your blood clean)
You might want to buy one of those cups to make it easier for you to drink. Don't buy it too big, you wont be able to lift much the first few weeks. 


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