Jamie, haven't you heard about the "click your heels 3 times" thing ... ??
Yeah, but no one really wants to get to Kansas that badly...
__________________ The trick is in what one emphasizes. We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves happy. The amount of work is the same. -- Carlos Castaneda
Today was a great day. I went to a Dr. apt and he is taking me off of some of the blood pressure medicine. Some of the side effects are kind of strange so I look forward to stopping popping at least one pill.
I also managed to go and do some errands. I was out and about most of the day and it felt really good. Hopefully, I didn't over do it. Tomorrow I get out walking.
__________________
Past performance is not indicative of future success.
Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.
Yesterday I walked. I made it once around the block and then later in the afternoon I walked up and down the street with my son.
Muscle wise I feel fine. The problem I have is that I can't use my abs and it kills my back. If anyone knows a trick to get the abs to fire please let me know.
I'm on pain medication as needed. I over did it a little yesterday and was feeling it this morning. I'm making progress.
Some one gave me the coolest gift. It was an online gift certificate to charity. You can redeem the gift certificate to donate to 1000's of charities. It is a great idea and one I hole heartedly support.
__________________
Past performance is not indicative of future success.
Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.
Damn, Gabe. At least you went to the ER. I'd be the guy who died at home because he was sure it'd pass in a day or two. Take care of yourself and get all the way better soon.
__________________ 'I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day. ' ~Frank Sinatra
WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may create the illusion that you are tougher,
smarter, faster and better looking than most people.
That's how I know I got a good one. She takes the for better or worse and in sickness and health stuff seriously. She has actual demonstrable proof.
The Reds are coming to visit today. How cool is that?
Leigh Peele was also nice enough to give me some fitness and nutritional guidance. I'll start logging my work on that Monday. Trust me it's nothing heavy but at least I'll be doing something other than feeling sorry for myself. Since everything I've worked for since joining JP's is gone. I'm very thankful to Leigh. I have no doubt that she'll help me get through this and back on the path to my former self in no time.
__________________
Past performance is not indicative of future success.
Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.
The Reds are coming to visit today. How cool is that?
It took me a few minutes to realize it wasn't the baseball team on a goodwill trip.
__________________ 'I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day. ' ~Frank Sinatra
WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may create the illusion that you are tougher,
smarter, faster and better looking than most people.
__________________ It all starts with the mind, but the thoughts, the intention aren't enough. Action needs to come next. Dream it, believe it, plan it, execute it, celebrate it. - Wendy
Can't wait to see what Leigh has in store for you Gabe. As RL said to me last week, "muscle memory is a beautiful thing". You'll rebound pretty quick once you're all stitched back together.
I'm still pretty depressed about how fast my body went down hill. I lost it all in a span of three weeks. I took a good long shuffle/walk on Sat. I took Sunday off and visited with my brother and watched football. It was nice.
Today I have some blood pressure issues to contend with. My medication is freaking me out. Every time I stand up I get light headed. If it continues tomorrow I'll call the Dr. Other than that I plan a nice long walk, work with my son on his pine wood derby car, and start on Leigh's program.
__________________
Past performance is not indicative of future success.
Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.
Hey Gabe. Sorry you're still struggling with your recovery. I would imagine you've got a good sized incision right? Which direction did they cut? The only surgery I've had was a c-section (stubborn breech baby) and it knocked me on my ass for several weeks. After about 5-6 weeks though I was feeling about as close to normal as you can feel with a newborn around. I hope you see some acceleration in your recovery soon. Chin up buddy.
The recover has many similarities to a C-Section. My stomach is shot. The drain was the same and I can't lift anything remotely heavy. My wife had the same with both our kids. There are a couple of differences.
My incision is vertical from my bikini line up the entire length of my abs. It stops when it gets to bone.
My incision is a much wider cut. Some places where is healing it is as much as 1/2" wide. It is not sewed up and has to heal from the inside out. I have a big open would.
With the exception of the re-routed plumbing there are many similarities. I love that I know what my wife went through but I'd be lying if I didn't say I could live with out it.
__________________
Past performance is not indicative of future success.
Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.
I think if you follow doctor's orders and don't try to do anything too soon (need to let all those incisions mend inside and out) you will be feeling much better around week 5 or 6. The fact that your incision is verticle up the abdomen suggests a much more difficult recovery than most non-emergency c-sections. My incision was low and horizontal so there was much less damage to the abdominal wall (mostly pregnancy does it for you!).
It's funny, some people tell you that it's a breeze recovering from c-sections and the like, but I suppose it's all relative. if you're in good shape prior and you're used to vigorous exercise, you really notice the reduction in quality of life. If you're an average out of shape person, the difference may not be as dramatic. I just hope you can start feeling better soon and get back to some form of physical activity.
When is your reversal surgery? I suppose the frustration also lies in the fact that you'll have to go through this all again right? Is the reversal surgery less invasive?
people underestimate how "un-normal" it feels just to deal with an incision - the hugging a pillow to laugh or cough, the "is it going to tear apart" feeling just to stand up and straighten up, etc. My sympathies on the vertical incision Gabe - I had a low horizontal (like a C-section but not that reason) and it was enough to deal with. Hopefully you are starting to get some normalcy back and your reversal will go well in the future.
Lisa, you are so right! I can very clearly recollect the intense pain upon coughing or god-forbid sneezing for the first time post-surgery. Even hopped up on pain meds it was excruciating.
I didn't have a c-section with my first child, but I did have my appendix removed at 34 weeks prego and had to have it removed the good old fashioned way. I remember at my 1 week check up the surgeon was concerned about the wound healing outside first and while he was inspeciting it (and we were non-chalantly chatting) he took the end of his q-tip thingy and re-opened it for me. Holy smokes, I just about came off the table. Good times, good times.
Sorry we missed you this weekend, Gabe. I was very disappointed. We'll try again soon.
Wow. I'm afraid I have no war stories of abdominal incisions, but I just want to add some continuing get-well wishes, Gabe.
And I'll add that I REALLY doubt that you've lost "everything" in three weeks. It takes longer than that to lose muscle mass. You'll bounce back quickly when you're healed up.
__________________ The trick is in what one emphasizes. We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves happy. The amount of work is the same. -- Carlos Castaneda
They really can't tell me when they are going to put me back together. It could be anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months. It all depends on how I heal on the inside and the surgeon. Supposedly, it will be an easier surgery. But it will be another nice slice down the middle so I'm planning on taking almost the same amount of time off. I was a real workaholic before so I have the vacation to cover it.
Thank God I have yet to sneeze. I remember when I first got out of surgery everyone wanted to cheer me up with a comedy. That was a very bad idea. I made it about 10 minutes before I went and read.
My daughter has been bringing me stuffed animals to hug when I need to cough. That's why she's getting the pony. The boy should take lessons.
Wifey, They reopen me about two weeks ago to stop what they called tunneling. Luckily I was hopped on on pain pills and didn't really notice anything.
Bill, I didn't eat a solid meal for almost 2 weeks. One whole weeks in the hospital was nothing but fluids. When I got out of the hospital I couldn't eat a full meal for another week. Just this week is my appetite back. I haven't measured but I trust me I'm skinny.
I'll be back by the end of the year. What fun is it if I didn't have any goals?
__________________
Past performance is not indicative of future success.
Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.
Gabe,
Glad to hear you are on the mend. The muscle is still there and will bounce back when you are ready. You may have lost some definition, but it simply does not go away that fast. You know we are all pulling for you.
__________________ In Fitness & Friendship, MAHLER
______________________________ __________________________ There is no light at the end of the tunnel. You carry the light with you.
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