Surgery Recovery Status

November 19, 2009

It’s been nearly two months since my last and FINAL surgery and this week during a scheduled follow up with my surgeon he removed all post-surgery limitations which means I can stretch, reach, lift, and bend, however I’m not letting my personal trainer know this extends to squats and lunges. I hate squats and lunges. Hate them. Sad face.

In terms of how the scar tissue is healing it’s coming along and I have to keep reminding myself that it takes more than a full year for the deep red, pink and occasional purple of the scar tissue to return to a more natural flesh color. Some of the scars will disappear completely. Others will remain but as the skin color returns they’ll become less noticeable. The only area of some concern is with the scar tissue that begins under each arm and extends along the underside of the arm to the elbow. The scar lines have widened minimally (due to excessive movement) and there continue to be stitches breaking through the surface from underneath which is more common for people who have more fragile skin as I do, a result of the skin being over-stressed and over-stretched for years combined with my…..oh let’s just get this over with….age.  Anyway, each time a stitch breaks through the skin it creates a small pimple-like irritation and until it stops happening I’m not to apply the silicone or kinesio tape (that provide aid healing through compression and moisture) as the skin needs to remain exposed to the air as long as abrasions exist. I also think, as does the surgeon, that part of why the scar tissue on my arms and on the back of my legs seems slow in healing is due to the premature movement that was required in traveling around the time of my mom’s death, burial and memorial service, but looking back I obviously wouldn’t have done nothing different and any scars that remain matter little compared to the time I was able to spend with Mom and my family during those days.

Aside from some difficulty in lifting my arms completely above my head (the pull on the scar tissue under my arms is uncomfortable but not painful) and the most minor amount of pain when I sit on my sore bum, I’m enjoying, and I do mean enjoying, full mobility. Nothing like losing something to appreciate it when you get it back again. I’m back to the gym three times a week to work on strength-training and weights with my personal trainer and three times a week I’m doing cardio whether on the treadmill at the gym or on the trail outside our front door.

And on a final note, last night D and I had a conversation about tattoos that was sparked by some tattooed characters we were watching on TV.

“Honey, I really want to get another tattoo sometime.” (Yes, I have one. Left shoulder blade. A heart. A butterfly. Rays of light. The meaning more than obvious I’m sure.)

“Well, okay then, but just where among all your stitches do you intend to find room?”

“Oh. That’s right. I forgot I have limited space available. Never-mind.”

Posted in Reconstructive Surgery