Just the Facts: I had revision to breast reconstruction surgery 5 days ago.  I handled the surgery and anesthesia well and returned home the next day, after 24 hours on antibiotics. The doctor actually did more revision work than he had planned, spending almost 5 hours instead of 3 in surgery.  I went home with 2 surgical drains, but they were removed after a couple of days.

Details: On Monday, December 27, I underwent more plastic surgery to correct problems with my prior breast reconstruction.  Alloderm was to be used over both of my breast implants.  I was to receive new implants, and the left side was to be reconstructed, pulling it toward the middle.  All of that was accomplished.  In addition, the doctor revised the “pocket” that held the right breast as well.  He discovered that this was necessary when he assessed the situation at the beginning of surgery, and discovered that the right side was beginning to shift just like the left had.  This lead to an addition 1-2 hours of surgery to correct that problem, but I am very thankful that the work was done then.  It potentially saved me from another revision surgery in the future.

I stayed in the hospital until the next morning when my course of antibiotics was complete.  I had 2 surgical drains, one on each side, but the drain tubes were much smaller and easier to manage than those I had after the mastectomy.  They still had to be tended, and pulling, twisting and catching them wrong had to be carefully avoided.  I was only able to do sponge baths while I had the drains, but thankfully I was able to have the drains removed on Thursday and I’ve had no fluid build-up or other problems since then.

The pain has been a bit worse this time.  That’s probably because so much work was done on both sides.  The right side is especially tender.  The pain meds help but I don’t like feeling groggy from them, so I’ve stopped taking them except at night.  Of course, I’m still groggy from the general anesthesia anyway.  But going off the narcotic pain killers is the first step toward feeling more normal, and that’s a good thing!

As usual, the “breasts” are covered with bandages.  I can only tell so much about how they are going to look.  But what I see looks SO MUCH BETTER than before!! I am thrilled, relieved, and also concerned that I will somehow “mess it up” again.  Every time I use my arms to reach or pick something up, I think about taking it easy and worry that the glass of water, piece of laundry, etc that I just picked up will stretch or pull me too much.  It’s nerve-wracking.  I’m really looking forward to my appointment next week with my plastic surgeon so I can review what is safe to do.  I DESPERATELY DON’T WANT TO MESS THIS UP! It looks good.  I like these “Sisters”.  I want to keep them!

This time around we have a recliner for me to sleep in.  It has made a huge difference in how comfortable I am at night.  After this type of chest surgery, lying flat is really uncomfortable.  Being able to be in a semi-reclined position makes all the difference.  I am so thankful for my recliner, but at the same time, I’m really looking forward to getting back to my real bed.  Based on my past experience, it will probably take several weeks before I can tolerate lying flat.

Me: Nervous that I will damage the delicate work that has been done, but very hopeful.  Thankful for a great doctor, good insurance, and a wonderful husband who has selflessly taken care of me every step of the way.

What’s Coming Up: Bandages come off on Thursday, when I see my plastic surgeon for a post-op appointment.

Prayer Requests: Please pray that this time I would heal properly, that the “Sisters” would stay in their current positions!  Pray that my pain would continue to diminish and so would the grogginess.  Pray that the blues would stay away.

Thank you: to Frances for taking care of my children while I was in the hospital and to Paige, who always finds the perfect way to help.  Thank you, everyone,  for reading, tweeting, commenting and encouraging me in so many ways.  It has meant so much!!