Disappearing Pockets

I had my revision surgery Tuesday afternoon and things went well. Total time for all of it, plus waking up in recovery was about 4 ½ hours. I am in some pain and very sore, as expected. The Vicodin, for me, doesn’t actually get rid of the pain, but lessens it enough to be manageable. As a reminder, I had this revision surgery because both implants had fallen, so much so they seemed like they were not in the pockets that are supposed to hold them in place. After this surgery, my plastic surgeon (PS) told my husband that once she got inside she couldn’t even find where the original stitches had been. So, the implants really didn’t have the support they needed. This time she put in permanent stitches, instead of dissolvable stitches. She also added allo-graft (not sure exactly which kind, cause I was not all there!) to assist in making the pockets as sturdy as possible. I’m sure the majority of my pain right now is from the tight internal stitches, and let’s face it, being cut open. That’s never pain-free. Just think about how a stupid paper cut hurts and they are usually superficial tiny cuts!

Right away I notice a difference in placement of the implants. In August, after my exchange surgery, I already felt like the implants were falling and sitting pretty low. This time they are much higher up and not saggy at all. I know they will drop and settle a bit, but I think that would be a good thing as long as it’s not too far. I still really want them to look as natural as possible and so far my PS has done a great job at helping them look normal and I really appreciate that.

On a positive note - I had NO NAUSEA again! The scopolamine patch does wonders! The anesthesiologist also had me take Emend and put some other anti-nausea medication in my IV. It is really such a relief to wake up and not feel horrendous, like after my mastectomy surgery. I am so appreciative to the women on Facebook BRCA Sisterhood for their support and telling me about the scopolamine patch! I am sooooo thankful! Another positive note – NO DRAINS!! As I said in my previous post, my PS thought I would probably have drains in this time, so I had prepared myself to have those pesky things hanging from my body. However, when I woke up in the recovery room and asked about drains…viola!...no drains this time! It is just one less annoyance, two less scars and no worrying about accidentally pulling them out.

As of right now, I’m sitting in a relaxing recliner chair and only in minimal pain and discomfort. I still feel fuzzy and tired, probably from the anesthesia. My sweet, sweet husband is taking care of me and everything else, while working from home! He’s done everything from taking the boys to school, helping me with a shower and brushing my hair, making me a yummy lunch and breakfast, refilling my ice bags and even gives me “the LOOK” when I try to get up and get myself a glass of water. I am so blessed to have the most amazing, loving and thoughtful husband. He is wonderful!

Until next time, here’s to a quick recovery, no more surgeries and silicone that stays where it should! :)