Hernia Pt 4

As I write this, it is exactly 2 weeks since I was given the anaesthetic for my op at The Circle clinic, Nottingham.

The healing has progressed well since my previous post, the redness and swelling that looked angry has gone, my bruising has all but gone also.  I still have to be careful with Xena, our dog, jumping up on me to sit as it can jar the wound and cause so sharp intakes of breath.  I have tried walking her on a lead, but due to her ability to pull me along in her excitement to be out, is still too painful for me to do.  Managed 10 minutes last night and it felt very uncomfortable so I'll be waiting a while longer on that.

Ironically, I have made it back to the gym with no ill effects.  Yesterday, I did Aqua Aerobics, my first class in 2 weeks, and had no problems.  Today, I tasked myself to attempt one of my favourite classes, advanced aerobics, knowing that at the first sign of discomfort I would stop.  I decided to reign my enthusiasm in at being back to protect my self and not go "full on" like normal.  I made it through the heavily choreographed routine, with no twinges, pain or pulling so allowed myself to test myself slowly into doing a bit more.  No problems, so that is a huge victory for me and for the power of positive thinking as this was my first goal I wanted to achieve on day 1 of recovery.  I've also treated my first client today as well, a 30 minute massage, again, I felt no discomfort performing this.  My mantra moving forward, is, if it feels ok, do it but take care in the process.

Below is a picture of how the scar looks today;

Thank you for reading

Hernia Part 3

Hi, this is just a really quick post, to include a picture of how i am looking at the minute, almost a week after the procedure.  I am quite sore though moving, for the most part, as normal if a little slower.

I am still taking painkillers at night, in case I catch myself in my sleep, and I am also applying virgin coconut oil to it as well to ease the sore/tight feeling. My abdomen is also still swollen at the minute too.

Hernia Part 2

It is now 4 days since my operation and I've just completed my first significant walk of 2 miles, had been building up to it over the weekend.  It is not uncomfortable to walk, but I am aware of the stitches and can only only manage a snail's pace.

The day of the operation itself was stressful and not in equal measure.  The day before, the clinic had called to say that the procedure was being moved from 7.30am to half past midday, so I was preparing myself for a total cancellation down the line.  When I was called into the ward(Dave initially remained outside in reception)I was shown to a private pod/room with tv and recliner chair, made welcome and changed clothing into the operating gown and a fetching pair of paper pants!  

The staff were wonderful and attentive, the anaesthetist and surgeon both visited me to ensure I had no allergies to stuff, check what I was having done etc etc.  In fact every step from start to finish, I was made to confirm what i was having done was correct and reassured as to what why they were doing something.  Dave was allowed to keep me company in my pod until it was time to go to the theatre room.  I was introduced to everyone again, had a laugh(despite my fear and nerves at the sight of the operating table) and we all checked out each others tattoos.  On the table, I had a needle inserted into my left hand to allow the anaesthetic to be administered.  This felt quite sore and worsened quite quickly.  The surgeon himself admitted he didn't like how it looked so gave me pain relief and removed it whilst one was put into my right hand.  I had a brief whiff of what must've been the anaesthetic being administered and then I was awake in Recovery!

I had a nurse with me constantly, talking to me and checking i was ok.  I was surprised how lucid I was quite quickly, if a little dizzy.  After about 15 minutes I wheeled down to my pod, and when I was ok I could move, I was helped into the chair.  Checking that I was doing ok, I was a choice of sandwiches and a hot drink which I gulped down with the tv on.  D was allowed back in, I was given my meds to take and said that when I felt I was able, it was ok for me to dress into my own clothes.  After a few final checks, D wheeled me down to the car park and the car.  

The next morning, the clinic called to check the night had gone by with no complications and ask if I had any questions.  I have had v little bleeding with the procedure.  

I will post some pictures of the result soon.  I will have a barely noticeable tidy scar.  I will say one thing that has shocked me after the operation;  Very bruised penis and scrotum, literally the deepest purple!

Hopefully I will get more mobile and have less irritating, niggly pain in a few more days.