I'm having surgery early tomorrow morning to repair my umbilical/ventral hernia, which was caused by my second pregnancy. I was told it's a minor surgery, but I'm really nervous about it. I watched a video clip online (so I would know what to expect), which was a big mistake!
I’m praying everything goes well. Emily is still nursing 4-5 times a day and is going to have a hard time not being able to nurse for 24 hours, so I’m praying for her as well.
It's very unfortunate that I am unable to find very few online personal stories and/or photos related to the topic "ventral hernia repair." That's one of the main reasons why I've decided to start a journal regarding my progress. Hopefully the information I share, as well as my overall experience will benefit someone else who must undergo the same surgery.
June 7, 2010
I'm in a lot of pain, but am taking it easy.
June 8, 2010
The surgery went well, but I'm still in a lot of pain...way more than I expected. They had to make a 4 in. incision in my stomach, which was unexpected. I thought it would be a minor surgery, so we've had to make some adjustments this past week. It's hard having two little ones who want to climb all over me. Oh, well...I'm just glad I took care of it before it got worse.
I'm not supposed to lift anything over 10 lbs. for 7 days. The total recovery time is 4-6 weeks. Ryan was able to get someone to work for him today, which is a blessing. He's been a huge help!
There are a lot of other people who are in worse shape than I am, so I have no complaints. I was able to find a babysitter for tomorrow, since Ryan has to work. So...God is good!
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| June 8, 2010 |
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June 9, 2010
I'm still really sore, but am able to walk around more. The hardest thing is not being able to lift my 17 lb. baby this week. When I picked her up this morning it was very painful & sad because she doesn't understand. I've come to realize how much I took my abs for granted! I'm very fortunate to have people in my life who are helping me and/or praying for me. I'm looking forward to removing the dressing tomorrow and being able to take a shower.
June 10, 2010
Ethan's prayer last night: "Dear Jesus, I pray for mommy's tummy to not be swallowed anymore." He meant to say "swollen". LOL :)
My little man is so thoughtful. Several times a day he asks me if I’m going to be OK. I get emotional when we have discussions about my "boo boo", because I honestly don't know when I'll be able to pick him up and carry him again. Hopefully it won't be for long!
June 11, 2010
I really appreciate everyone’s thoughts & prayers. I haven't been sleeping well at all this week. However, today was the first morning I didn't need medication and I've been able to walk around more. So, I'm slowly recovering and don't look as pregnant today. Ryan has been a big help. I don't know what I would do without him!
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| June 11, 2010 |
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June 13, 2010
Pastor Matt's message today reminded me to keep my focus on God, rather than myself. Reminders are good! :)
June 14, 2010
I'm going on antibiotics, due to a possible infection at my incision site and I still have a lot of bruising. I know that God is in control, but I would appreciate your prayers. Let me know if you have a prayer request. ♥ Phil 4:6-7
My mother-in-law (who’s a RN) had me take the tape off of my incision yesterday, because the trapped moisture was causing problems. I'm on antibiotics now and the spot that's infected is starting to look better. I just hope my stomach will eventually go back to normal...it's still swollen.
The hardest thing for me is not being able to hold Emily for very long & not being able to hold Ethan at all for the next 4-6 weeks. It’s also really uncomfortable to nurse, but I'm determined to continue 4x a day like I've been doing (at least for now). I'll slowly start weaning, but I can tell that Emily's not ready yet. I'll survive though. I keep reminding myself that God has a plan and is in control.
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| June 16, 2010 |
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I’ve almost finished all of my antibiotics. I'm pretty much in pain only at night, which is caused by a lump of fluid that's bulging out of my stomach. The doctor said he'll put a needle in it to drain it next week if it's still there. My stomach is still swollen, so I ordered a Tauts belly wrap. I hope it works! I still have stitches, however now that I’m applying Vitamin E Oil my incision is finally starting to look better.
August 19, 2010
My doctor gave me the OK to gradually start working out again. For the past month I've only been doing cardio, which is what he suggested. I'm still too nervous to do abdominal exercises, since I'm afraid of tearing the mesh inside of me.
My stomach isn’t causing me pain like it used to (thanks to the Tauts belly wrap, which I highly recommend), but it’s definitely not back to normal. I've been told my belly button, which was an innie before my second pregnancy will eventually go back to normal. As of now, it's neither an innie or an outie. It's flat like a pancake. So, I'm curious to see what the outcome will be. I’m just happy to be on the road to recovery.
If you, or someone you know has had a ventral/umbilical hernia repair, I'd love to hear from you! Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. :)
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| August 19, 2010 |
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1 comment:
wow, that looks just terrible... but your words help explain it well. I am so sorry you had to endure such pain.
And I think it is great of you to post this for anyone out there that might have to go through what you did... so thoughtful of you to be a contact for someone out there.
Rest well, and I trust you will be back to yourself sooner than you think!
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