Recovery Update

Hello All,

Just wanted to post an update on my recovery. Things are healing as they should, which is awesome and I am incredibly thankful for that! However, this recovery has thus far been rather arduous. It seems as though each few days brings aches and pains that are newly discovered as numbness wears off and nerves begin to heal. I had done my research before this surgery, but I will say I expected to bounce back a little quicker in terms of feeling more physically normal and more like myself. Granted, that's probably a lot to ask when you've got a 20" incision from lateral hip to lateral hip and new and improved boobies. I had always related that stupid phrase, "Pain is beauty," to things like eyebrow tweezing and bikini waxes, but I can attest that I've discovered a much deeper meaning now that I've had this surgery...and not in the way you may think. I can't sugarcoat this and say its been a nice vacation from life. It has been pure hell. Well, actually, I guess the more fitting word would be purgatory. It takes awhile to see the final result from surgeries like the one I had, and it comes in stages. Some days I feel okay (aside from the weirdness of the lengthy abdominal incision) and can do things around the house. I even mowed my 1 acre lawn (finally got my riding lawnmower!!!) 11 days out from surgery. Crazy, right? But I felt fine before, during, and after. Other days, like most of this last week, its been a struggle to move around for the most part because I'm just so worn out and in a fair amount of pain. I just have to remember that I am giving myself time to heal, to be patient, and know that all will turn out well.

If I have not replied to an individual email/text/phone call it is because this last week has been rough and I have not been able to make communications a priority. Also, my work phone is unlikely to be turned on and off silent during this time.

I am so bored at this point in the process and wish I could get back to work and life in full-force now, but things take time to heal and I know I just need to rest. I still anticipate being back to taking appointments at some point in mid-July.

I miss you all and look forward to seeing you when I have fully mended!

xxxo,
Emma

Surgery went as Planned!

Hi Guys,

Since I won't have the time/energy/coherence to respond to emails individually for at least a few more days, I just wanted to keep everyone updated. Surgery went well (at least I'm told), but I haven't yet been able to see any of the incisions which makes me a little nervous lol. I do have my first post-op appointment on Thursday, so I imagine I will be able to see them then. The swelling and pain sucks, but its ultimately a lot more bearable than I anticipated. Staying on top of taking my pain meds has also been very helpful!

Anyway, I will update this later but wanted you all to know that I am doing as well as can be expected :-)

xxxo,
Emma

P.S. My work phone (803-459-4420) will be turned off for most of this recovery process. If you communicate with me via voice or text, I am not purposefully ignoring you, my phone is just turned off so that I may get some peace and quiet :-)