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Guide To Surviving An MX
Hi Ladies
Here's my first post as promised. On my way to the hospital (traffic heavy on the M40 - wish we'd left slightly earlier). Feeling a little nervous, slightly sick (nerves plus typing in a moving car) but otherwise pretty ok all things considered. I had such a good time recording with my friend Stuart last night and talking about musical projects to look forward to that it kind of put today's op into perspective a bit. Would rather be around to do all these things I have planned but with just one boob than be looking at a worse scenario if I didnt have the op! So that's where my positive thinking is coming from today.
Spent the morning in bed after a hideously late night! Was still there when hubby got back at lunchtime and he joined me for a while which was nice (blush).
Struggled packing as I'm not sure what I'll want to wear both in and out of hospital so took lots of choices! Looks like I packed for a week. Got everything I need though. Am lucky to be having this done privately through my employer's healthcare policy so I'll have my own too
. Am booked in for three nights but they said I'd probably be home after 1 or 2. I'm last on the theatre list today for my surgeon so got to be there for 5 (and it looks like we'll now be there early after me worrying about traffic earlier in the post). If I get a chance I'll post when waiting to go to theatre. Remembered my dressing gown & slippers as I'll be walking down there later.
Twinky x
Well done, sounds like you're sorted with the 'stuff' you need. Is your MX on your dominant side? I wished I'd packed a battery toothbrush as I couldn't clean my teeth properly (my left-handed attempt was completely incompetent).
The only other thing I'd add is a notebook to write down your feelings and anything else you feel like. I wanted to stay positive, so my outlet was to write in the book and shut it. I still haven't read what I wrote at the time (probably couldn't read the left-handed scrawl anyway!)
Hope it all goes well. And if you can look at the scar as soon as you can and learn to love it before anyone else - I think it makes it easier and less scary.
Let us know how you get on
Annie
Hey Twinky,
Sounds like last night did you good, I read your post on the other thread about changing direction work wise - grasp it with both hands girl! You are certainly going into your op with a good attitude xxx
Hope you make a speedy recovery, and look forward to your updates.
All the best
Axx
Hi
I agree with Annie22. My little notebook (My Journey) goes everywhere with me! I'm now a week from my right mx, yes I had a battery toothbrush, but I had trouble reaching the handwash container in the hosp bathroom, I couldn't hold my hand underneath and pump with the other!!
I also took a couple of pairs of Primark men's lounge pants, and M&S outsized front button nightshirts (I'm a size 18).
Look at my post on January 2012 Surgery Buddies, but to add to it, the dist nurse has been this morning and I've looked at my scar with her help. I had a couple of tears but my No. 2 dau was with me and she said, "It's still you, mum, just a little less!"
I too look forward to your updates Twinky, I tried to update in hospital but it was taking soooo long to log-on on my Blackberry!
Hugs and xxxx
Di
hi twinky,
sending you lots of gentle squeezes for when you read this.
TTM xxx
Hope when you read this you feel as safe, painfree and secure as I did after my mx and recon.
Very gentle one-armed hug!
Hi Twinky
Thinking of you and sending loads of gentle hugs to you for when you wake up. With your positive spirit, everything will be fine and you are helping so many people, look forward to seeing your posts
L xxx
Hello Twinky
Have been thinking of you today and hope when you read all the postings to you that you are feeling better already and keep your positive vibes. Nice to see so many ladies from the nov thread and the Aberdeen one posting here as well.
Take care and love from
Alanaa and fat cat
Morning Ladies
Didn't get a chance to post once I was admitted as it all happened quickly and was knocked out at 6:10! Back in my room by 8:45 & had tea & biscuits. Was a little sore so had some tablets shortly afterwards. Not had anything so far this morning. Failed to use the bed pan ( just feels so unnatural to lie down & wee) so begged to use the toilet this morning. Took the opportunity to wash at the same time and now have a loose nightie on with buttons down the front! Drain is now named Dennis. Wound covered by a dressing but feel ok about it at the moment - no tears so far! Sort of relieved the danger zone has been removed of you know what I mean! Surgeon will be popping in to see me later & my boiled eggs with toast just arrived so will finish my post!
Thanks for all the good wishes. Doing pretty ok do far x x shout if you want to ask me anything if you're nervously waiting for yours
Twinky x
Had a steady stream of visitors this morning including the physio terrorist to make me do some exercises. What she didn't realise was that I had already been out of bed and had used the MX side arm to wash as my canular is in my other arm but at the elbow crease as my hand veins aren't great after my chemo last time. Got a weird contraption to breathe into every hour to exercise my lungs. Luckily I have good strong ones due to my singing.
Mentally feel surprisingly good and just relieved all the bad stuff has gone. Despite being of the large breasted variety I don't feel as lopsided as I thought I would. Thought it would feel more noticeable when I stood up (without a bra) but it's not bad at all so that's probably why I'm not in tears. Don't feel too anxious about looking at the scar when they're ready to change my dressing. Hoping hubby will be ok too. Said I would invest in little tops to wear in bed if he was uncomfortable seeing the scar and said we'd have fun trying some different positions that would hurt me whilst I heal. I did go through a few bad days running up to the op as I sulked looking at low cut tops etc but am definitely ok now.
Expecting to see hubby later on and have other visitors too do just chilling out in my posh private room watching tv!
Am quite happy to answer any questions, either on here or privately.
Twinky x x
hi twinky,
glad your feeling so good and sounding quite chirpy this morning.
do you know if you will be allowed to go home later today then yet - with 'dennis' or not. i know some surgeons seem to use drains and some dont if they can help it - weird that.
lots of hugs to you
TTM xxx
Hi tommyticklemouse
Yes I can go home with my drain and could escape today if I wanted but decided to take advantage of the rest and look at going home tomorrow although I'm actually booked in for 3 nights if I need it. I think the drain's a good idea and isn't bothering me pain-wise although it has to be said the area was numb anyway after my first MX & recon.
Lunch just arrived - breaded plaice & chips!
Twinky x
Really pleased to hear you sounding so chipper Twinky. Make the most of the luxury and the rest and hope your great progress continues. Was surprised about the exercise for the lungs, is that standard ?
Just back from my second root canal tatment in a week to try and get rid of all the infection in my mouth so my delayed op can go ahead...
Take care
L x
plaice and chips, very nice, well it is friday so would be rude not to have fish! is there any pud for afters.
let us know whats for tea!
TTM xxx
I'd read on canadian hospitals websites about a breathing device for post surgery but haven't come across any mention over here. I'd read on a forum about practicing deep breathing beforehand, to get in the groove, but not a soul mentioned it officially. I wonder how often post-mx ladies develop breathing probs, as prevention doesn't seem to have high profile. Maybe they risk assess us beforehand?
Hi
TTM - had jacket potato, Tina, salad & ice cream for supper!
Breathing exercises....good idea to help clear the lungs after the op plus helps avoid developing chest infections. Seems a bit over the top having an actual gadget to use but hey ho it passes a few minutes (I have to get a bright yellow plastic bit hovering by a smiley face buy breathing in steadily).
Had my big compression dressing removed today. The light dressing underneath shows quite a dip underneath. Will see the actual scar Monday when i come back to have it looked at by my BCN. Back to see her again next friday for my results which will determine the next stage of my treatment. Saw my surgeon today. He took some tissue from my armpit which may or may not have nodes in them. Think they room most of them first time around but he was pleased with how it all went.
Dennis the Drain had 100ml I. The first 24 hours but only 30ml so far today. Planning to go home tomorrow. I have lymphoedema in my left arm and noticed it had a red flush today so on antibiotics as a precaution as I've had a few episodes of cellulitis in that arm before. Better safe than sorry.
Bit tired after lots of internal & external visitors today do no chance of any napping! One last visitor at 7 then I'm winding down and having a peaceful evening.
Hugs to all
Twinky x
Well done you! Sounds like a big range of achievements today! Hope you get a good rest tonight.
Hi Twinky
I am loving your guide and have logged on several times just to read your updates - keep them coming.
Take care
Lemoncake
x
hello,
hope your having a relax now after another busy day and getting some rest.
have you looked at the breaky menu yet for in the morning - dont be having a sneaky peak at tomorrows lunch menu or else your OH will be wondering when you and dennis are coming home. will be watching for your next update, in between your rest, dont forget about that.
lots of love TTM xxx
You are certainly making me smile Twinky and definately making me feel less nervous. Sounds like it is exhausting though with all your visitors... Make the most of your rest and sounds promising that Dennis is not filling up so quickly now and you are being good with all your exercises.
Take care
L xx
Hi
Got rid of my last visitor by telling him that he wouldn't want to stay whilst I switch the evil thigh length surgical stockings (which spend all their time rolling down and creating a tourniquet mid-thigh) for some nicer knee length ones! Pretty exhausted now and have a sore throat. Still planning to go home tomorrow and looking forward to a hair wash. Got to try a gel prosthesis in my bra. My scar isn't too painful so my BCN didn't bother with a softie for me (and she didn't have the right size) so got the proper one ( although she's going to order a bigger one and swap it over). It comes in a special box to live in at night to maintain its shape. It looks pretty ok and the weight helps balance me. Suspect I'll have to be a bit brave Monday when the remaining dressing comes off. I can see now that I have a dip in the area but that might fill out when I part company with Dennis!
Off to prise the old contacts out and ask for some hot chocolate to settle me down for the night.
Love to you all (and glad they're gradually getting you sorted Lelly)
Twinky x
Morning!
Have decided that hospitals are really sleep deprivation centres! I look forward to packing my bag and heading home later today to escape blood pressure/heart rate/temp checks at 11:30pm and 6:30am!
I did learn an important lesson yesterday.....never refuse your pain medication when you're not in pain....you're not in pain because the meds are working not because you're some superhuman who doesn't feel pain after surgery! I discovered this when I let mine run out and was a bit sore for a while.....lol you live and learn! So be sensible and say yes for the first 48 hours when they come round with the tablets!
Won't miss the sickly woman next door when I go home. Her noises woke me up at 3:40am at which point I grabbed my earplugs and inserted then for a further period of undisturbed sleep(until the nurse made me start when she came to do the aforementioned checks just in time for me to catch the next vomiting session from next door). Got the BBC news on as a more pleasant background noise. Waiting for my sausage & egg sandwich as a breakfast treat ( mentally blanking the activity next door...lol).
A quick peak at my dressing this morning shows the big dip that was there after the compression dressing has sorted itself out. Dennis still collecting fluid (65ml in last 24 hours...can't have it removed until it's less than 50mls in the 24 hours period) so I guess he'll be coming home with me until Monday. Don't mind as it doesn't hurt. Suspect I am luckier than those having a fresh MX as I had some numbness in this area after my original MX and immediate recon. This means Dennis is more of a nuisance than a pain!
Hugs to all awake early
Twinky x
Good advice on the pain meds... I was told early on to take them proactively for about a week. I had no pain, just some discomfort.
Dennis the Menace surely....
Ok, washed & dressed now. Even bent over the sink to wash my hair. Might hand overdone it a bit though as in quite a lot of pain (and already had my pain meds this morning). They offered me some morphine but I turned it down. The pain comes and goes ( sharp stingy pain) but will remind me to take it easy! Decided to go for comfort rather than looks so not bothered with a bra as I dong want to subject the operation area to any more compression for the moment! Wearing a sleepless t shirt with a loose winter shirt over the top. As I'm big up top it doesn't disguise what I've lost very much but have a poncho to chuck over the top when I leave. Just been given a carrier bad to hide Dennis in (he's been changed for an empty model...lol). Instructions to change thd stockings every 48 hours and wear for 2-4 weeks. Luckily not bad in this cooler weather and only knee high!
Back for a dressing change Monday so might get to leave Dennis behind then depending on how much fluid collects over the next 48 hours. Glad to be going home today. Feels right. Yesterday would have been too soon. Just got to show the Physio that I'm ok on the stairs. Will let hubby finish packing my bag as I've tried to do far too much this morning! Lol.....will I ever learn
Twinky x
hi twinky,
hope that sausage and egg sandwich went down nicely, despite the noises from next door.
quick question, why have you to change stockings every 48 hours? have they gave you loads of pairs?
had wle and was told to wear them for 6 weeks!
whats the stairs business with physio then for just that your steady on your feet or something.
you may be on way home by now or even already arrived - hope so. its nice to get back isnt it. take it easy and dont be doing to much, like you said its easy to do when you think oh i feel ok and end up doing something you shouldnt.
TTM xxx
Hi.
Having been reading this thread with amusement. I only had to keep my stockings on for a week. Long enough for them to make my dodgy toes really sore 8-(. Have had trouble with them, ingrowing toenail on both big ties, resolved before op. Then nails decided to try the ingrowing trick again coaxed by the stockings.
Enough of my moaning. Hope you and Dennis have a nice weekend
X Sarah
stockings just for a week! my bcn said oh 2 weeks is plenty, but i asked nurse again on ward and she no 6 weeks is what we say and wasnt having any of it!. took them off xmas day while i wore something that involved tights, then back on again later with my jeans or joggers. keep having to pull them as my toes keeping trying to escape!
TTM x
Hi Ladies
Posting from the comfort of my own bed! Although I admit now I way too much this morning with bending over thd sink & washing my hair & packing & stuff. Really paying for it now.
Sorry to hear about your sore toes Sarah. Hope things get better for you soon x
TTM - I have 3 pairs in total. Supposed to wash them every 48 hours and stop wearing them when I'm back to normal in terms of moving around. The nurse said the manufacturers recommend 2-4 weeks post op wearing.
Really tired today so will be cat napping lots. Supposed to have two lots of visitors tomorrow including one lot with young children. Think it's too much so soon do will delay them until I've had a bit more time to get over the surgery.
Twinky x x
Evening
Just trying to get my pain meds on the right cycle to give me maximum relief. Really feeling it today but I was way too confident & active this morning. Got a V pillow on my bed to help me get comfortable. Managed to sleep this afternoon so feeling better tonight. Even managed FaceTime on the phone (like a video conference) to join in with a family party that I'm missing tonight. Was nice to wave to everyone!
As I'm not planning to go out I'm bra less at the moment. I don't feel unbalanced but clothes look pretty odd. Obviously this will be rectified when I do wear the bra & gel prosthesis so not really too fussed by the situation at the moment. Just glad to be here if you know what I mean! Hubby appears to be coming down with a chesty cold thing. Suspect he will be more fidgety than me in bed tonight. He's keeping me fed though and it's lovely to be back home. Got my parents coming up tomorrow but I'm promising myself I'll take it east. Don't want to overdo it again! Got to let the body heal.
Night ladies
Twinky x x
Night Twinky I hope its a comfortable one
Lemoncake
x
hi twinky,
hope you have good nights rest, and manage to get fairly comfy.
keep taking it easy .
TTM xxx