emily'smommymakeover

It's the day after the surgery and Emily is doing great, but still not quite up for blogging, so I guess you're stuck with me again. :)

She spent last night pretty sedated. She was in good spirits, but certainly

not herself. We propped her up in bed as Dr. Hynes instructed and she kinda faded in and out of sleep throughout the evening – pretty much what one would expect coming off of anesthesia and taking Percocet. She says she's not really in pain so much as discomfort.

The kids dropped in to see her and say hi, but mostly kept busy playing with friends and doing homework.

I got the privilege of taking care of Emily's drainage bulbs. I only mention this in the spirit of being thorough, but I won't gross you out with the details.

Instead, I'll share the details of our follow-up appointment. This afternoon I helped Emily get dressed and to the hospital. She's moving slow and has to walk a little hunched over, but she really is doing well. Dr. Hynes and Kim helped her out of the bandages around her breasts. When asked what she thought when she got a look at herself in the mirror, Emily said she was a little shocked. We knew from talking with Dr. Hynes and some of his former patients that they would look big and swollen so that knowledge helped. But still . . . Emily's first thought was, "Wow. Those are big."

Kim helped Emily into a sports bra and gave her the paperwork on her silicone implants. I didn't know this, but every implant is numbered and they'll keep Emily in their database for future communications. Dr. Hynes then showed her a mini-massage technique that will help her breasts take shape over the next few days. He explained what to expect with the drainage bulbs, and promised to see us on Friday when he'll remove the abdominal bandages and binder.

On our way home, Emily coughed and the pain caught her off guard. She said that cough was the worst pain she's felt during this whole ordeal. Note to self. No coughing after abdominal surgery.

When we got home Emily took some meds, climbed back into bed and faded out again. She did wake up for a couple of visitors. Some of her friends are even bringing us dinner. Thanks so much, ladies!

Comment by Marlene:
Hi Emily! It was great to hear your voice today. Funny that this morning I caught a segment of Jon & Kate where she got her tummy tuck done (and no, I don't usually watch the show, but the tummy tuck caught my attention since you just had yours yesterday). She said that the first four days were the hardest, but she shared how she was so glad she went through the procedure, and excitedly showed her new tummy.

Glad that you're getting your rest and taking your meds as needed. You look great in the blog pic–always a smile on your face.

It's nice to hear David's perspective in your blog. For many women, there's a significant someone in their lives, and it's nice to hear both sides. Hope you're enjoying your dinner tonight with good friends.

Comment by Amy:
Hey Em,
So glad you are doing good. And so proud of you for going through this! Can't wait to talk to you. You look great!
Amy

Comment by Melissa:
This is going to sound crazy, but you can email me with details about the drainage bulbs? Dr. Hynes is doing my surgery on Monday, and my husband wants more details about the drains. He obviously doesn't look forward to it at all, but feels he should be prepared! It sounds like Emily is doing wonderful!! And her picture is great, she looks amazing.

Response by David:
Here's some info on the drainage bulbs:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackson-Pratt_drain

Comment by Leslie:
My mom had a hard time getting in and out of bed after her surgery and hadn't had a tummy tuck, just her boobs. She said mostly that was most difficult, getting up and down, especially since it's hard for someone to help you up without pulling, which can make it worse. After a few days it got easier. Good luck girl!

Comment by Rebecca:
Wow Emily! You look great! Swollen and everything!

Comment by Teresa:
Glad to see you smiling! Please force yourself to rest :) Love ya!