2 days Post Translab

[sbrn]

My husband Greg is two days postop, and he's surprising me with how well he's doing!  His biggest complaints are the compression bandage and the JP drain in his abdomen.  It's testament to his Chief (the PT nazi) that they struggled to find enough fat in his abdomen.  I told his surgeon I would have gladly voluntered for a little free lipo to help him out. 

Greg's facial nerve responded 100% normally during surgery which is also very reassuring.  He is having some defecit now from swelling and trauma.  Can't smile really and eating is proving to be a challenge.  He can't taste anything on that side or swallow everything well all the time.  Balance is a whole lot better than I expected.  He was cruising the halls yesterday.  He gets a little wobbly every once in a while and certainly can't make any fast movements.  The whole head nod thing is really not enjoyable for him.  He's also having blood sugar spikes from the steroids which is resulting in insulin injections several times a day.  All in all I'm very impressed with his progression and the amount of mobility he has already.  As a nurse, I was expecting more of a true neuro patient.  We found out that this hospital was one of the first to specialize in AN treatment, so he is definitely in good hands!

[Jim Scott]

Sbrn ~

Thanks for the update on Greg.  It seems as if his recovery will go well although, as you're both discovering, there are always some minor deficits and/or obstacles to deal with when recovering from AN surgery.  I had a fantastic recovery but still had to endure some small annoyances and did a lot of self-directed PT to get back to a relatively normal state.  However, I came through fine so don't make any judgments based on the first few days or weeks post-op, because, in almost every case, things improve over time.  For now, continue to be grateful for Greg's solid recovery and look forward to his getting back to normalcy, one day at a time.  We'll look forward to accounts of Greg's progress.

Jim

[sbrn]

Thanks so much!  This site has really been a godsend for both of us.  Honest real personal information, not just the medical straight and narrow.  Greg's JP was pulled today and the bandage in coming off in the morning.  We actually are getting to go home tomorrow!  He's so ready to go home, and I'm hoping he'll finally be able to get some rest.  We'll keep posting updates....

[cin605]

Welcome to the other side.....remember the first 3 days he probly will not recall.
Glad to hear all is going well...keep up the good work.
Look forward to more updates.

[moe]

Wow,
He really is doing well. Home on post op day #3?
Now he can go home and get some real rest. I'm sure you'll "nurse" him well, and encourage lots of rest and naps with walks in between.
Some days will be great, and then he may notice he's extra tired the next day. It's normal. The two steps forward, one step backward phenomenon.
Just have him listen to his body cues.
Congrats on a very successful surgery!
Maureen

[GramaSuby]

As a new postie myself ( 1 month today ) I welcome you to the club What a relief he is home safe and sound!
Keep it up but don't over do it too quick

Sue

[sbrn]

LOL, telling Greg to take it easy and rest doesn't work.  He's the kind of person that can't sit still, and the surgery hasn't slowed him down much.  He was walking all over the house yesterday testing out his balance on carpet, on the deck, etc.  I don't think he took a single nap, despite my urging.  He's a determined man!  He even jokingly (but I think he was halfway serious) suggested that I take him out on his boat today.  After pushing it a little too much, he's sore and tired today.  Hoping he'll take it easy and nap today.

[Mei Mei]

Welcome to the world of Postie ville!    You've really got to encourage him to take one day at a time and at least take afternoon naps as a routine.   That's something that really helped me.  I wish I had time for an afternoon nap now that I am 10 months postie. 
Remember to tell him "Baby Steps" at least for 6 weeks!

Take care,
Mei Mei

[leapyrtwins]

The early days in the hospital are usually tough and a lot of what Greg experienced many of us have gone through - although I never had a drain for my fat graft.

Sounds like Greg's recovery is going quite well and I'm confident he's happy to be home.

He should make progress each and every day and the more he walks the better for his balance.

Jan

[Jim Scott]

LOL, telling Greg to take it easy and rest doesn't work.  He's the kind of person that can't sit still, and the surgery hasn't slowed him down much.  He was walking all over the house yesterday testing out his balance on carpet, on the deck, etc.  I don't think he took a single nap, despite my urging.  He's a determined man!  He even jokingly (but I think he was halfway serious) suggested that I take him out on his boat today.  After pushing it a little too much, he's sore and tired today.  Hoping he'll take it easy and nap today.

sbrn ~

Your husband's initial recovery experience reflects my own.  Because I'm a 'Type A' personality and was blessed with few post-op complications, I was gung-ho to 'get my (normal) life back' as soon as possible.  I overdid it a few times but never had a real setback, except for being easily fatigued, which lessened as the weeks rolled by.  Greg does need to avoid pushing so hard that he hampers his recovery, but I can certainly sympathize with his desire to resume his normal activities.  If he overdoes it, as he has, he'll soon know it and, one hopes, make the necessary adjustments.  This is what I did.  My wife was often a bit skeptical of my decisions and sometimes she was correct, but it worked out fine.

Jim