7 weeks post exploratory laparotomy

Today I am at week 6 + 5 days after my surgery. Technically, it is like the 7th week post surgery.

During the course of post surgery, I made quite a lot of specialist visits to my Gynae as well as a visit to the Urology department.

- visit 1 which is a week after discharge : removal of the 34 staples by the Nurses (yes, the doctor don't need to do it). Ah yes, one of the most affordable consultations so far. :)

- visit 2 which is a week after the staples removal: removal of the 3 stitches on the incision. The Dr has to do it. There was some bleeding after that actually.  But I think it's normal.

- visit 3 which is 2 weeks after the removal of stitch: during the gap, I email Dr abt some questions on medication, and he surprised me by saying that the catether is coming out. Funny conversations took place with my Dr saying that he's a doctor, and not a magician. Removal of the catether was awkward but very quick. So I was liberated! No more sticky thighs!!! No more awkward tube sticking awkwardly out!! 

- visit 4, 2 weeks after catether removal. 14 May: the day the DJ Stent was removed at Urology. I must say that it was a horrible experience to go through a cystoscopy. Imagine having a rod-like scope entering through below into the uretha and pull out the stent. The whole processing, I was tearing, screaming, and the urologist kept asking me to look at the screen where the scope entered!! -_-ll

The whole process was 7 mins long.... And I hasn't paid a cent, since it's an impatient procedure. Waiting for Medisave to let me know how much is deducted .

Anyway, it's a reminder to me never to get kidney or bladder stones. Cos a cystoscopy is required. Getting it in may be a GA but getting it out, simi A also don't have!!!

I have been on Panadol since post surgery, and it's getting quite a concern as I'm getting a new box every 3 days! Not good for the liver, I hear. So currently I'm stopping the panadol, and trying to get through the days without it. Currently I'm still coping quite well...but if I need to like go Church, I will take, so It won't be so tough. 

I'm gonna head back to work on 3 June. And yes, I asked for a 2 weeks extension due to the discomfort. I had a tough time physically, but what made it worst was really having the feeling that there is no trust that my superiors have of me.

It's kinda sad to feel that way, but as I was reminded of Matt 7:1-5, do not judge by their SMS and emails. I must also reflect on myself. I will strive to be a better person. Sometimes things may not be what I imagine it to be.

I was actually glad that Dr extend my leave, cos every single morning of pain is quite challenging. I can't imagine going back to work today, and feeling crappy. And yes, #monthlyenemy is coming as I've stopped Diane 35 this week. It's gonna be the first after the surgery. And I foresee more cramp and crap this week. But I'm looking forward to a better and more positive week head.

The catether that remains

Due to the nature of my surgery, there was a disconnection of the cervix from the uterus before the huge fibroid could be removed. The connection was done once the fibroid was taken out. There is a tube inserted in the connected area so that when the healing grow, there is no closure of the link of the 2 organs. If not, how to have my period like that?

So, there is not just 1 catether, but 2 of them after I woke up from the surgery. One is for the bladder, as I can't leave the bed and will need to have the pee to exit from the urine catether. The other catether is the link which has to contain any blood that is expelled from my body post surgery.

The urine one was removed on the post-op day 3, but the uterus one stays throughout, till it comes off on 30 April. So it's hanging out from below, and I have to tape it onto my left thigh so it won't dangle. Very the kao wei, I tell u. And too much of the bandage tape also made my skin sore.

Not a nice sight, so I have to wear really long shorts when I go out, so it wouldn't start it's own version of peekaboo to anyone who might freak out seeing it.

Despite that, I'm not really looking forward to 30 April, cos I dunno how it's gonna be removed. Taking the urine catether is quite a scary experience, though it is done fast. Don't even get me started on the other tube which is happening in mid May.

Well, I guess, one will be ready when the day comes.

The whats and whats-not post surgery

As u all know, I've just done a Laparotomy 2 weeks ago and is currently on the road to recovery. Things are looking pretty good post surgery, ESP now is like 17 days post op. My wound is dry up and is getting tightened, which made walking upright not very possible. I walk like an old grandmother with a slight hunch. But I know, it's temporary.

For the first visit after my discharge, I had to go back to have my staples removed.

Staples: something similar to what we use as stationery, but it's surgical and it's thicker and uses a better material. Best part, it didn't hurt as much.

I shall spare showing my tattoo of victory, as it's really quite gross. Staples are more used during such long cuts, keep the wound together better than stitches.

In total, I have 34 staples and 3 stitches, which the latter was taken out at my next visit.

At that time, my appetite was still lost, like prodigal son and dunno when it was coming back. Have asked my doctor what could be done.
My Dr says its ok for me to eat what I like and want, as I need to eat more flavourful stuff to better my appetite.
Nothing wrong, except this is the Western medicine point of view.

As a Chinese with a Chinese type of body, I am not able to fully adapt to what was ok, such as:
- cold drinks. I was liberated when Dr said I could.... I paid the price, the following day, with horrible stomach cramps and discomfort.
- egg. I hasn't ate a single one since 03 Apr. Bro's mother in law says that egg is 'poisonous'. Not just her, my other frens who went through surgery also said that. And I'm not gonna oppose that. Rather be more cautious than be challenging.
- nuts. So no peanut butter for me, not peanut soup for me.... Anything with nuts is a no-no.
- seafood. I hear its not recommended, and I didn't challenge it, though at times I was tempted at the cereal prawn yesterday. Usually, it causes the wound to be itchy, so better not lor.

But I do relish at the revelation that I can eat fish and chips, or even MacDonald's (though I'm not a fan). In fact, I had fish and chips twice this week! Haha.

So, if u are like me, with a Chinese body, this are the what's-not to avoid. It will make ur recovery more comfy.

For the whats to do, these are the following:
- eat your meds and don't miss a dose. I learnt it the hard way when I missed a dose of panadol, and nearly died of pain. Even if u have to crush your pills (like I had to), just do it.
- pee and poo when u have to, even if it's in the middle of the night. For the first week, my mum and I were tortured out of sleep cos I had to pee and/or poo, which is a habit picked up during the hospital stay. It gets better as the days go by. In fact, I can don't need to wake up my mum and myself to go to the toilet.
- contact your surgeon when u are in doubt. I am so thankful that my Dr is contactable via email, he managed to answer my queries when I needed to contact him. So that I know whatever issue that I am going through, he is aware and he can advise me accordingly. I'm totally impressed that he replied my emails on a Sunday. :)

Remember, you are what you eat. Your incision will look how u eat too, no matter if u ever need to bare your mid-drift or not.