**Warning: we're going to talk fluid aspiration, scabs, scalpels, etc. If that doesn't interest you, turn back now. You have been warned.
Good evening and welcome to Tuesday!
I am overjoyed to report that the waterbed is gone! Once again, Dr. Hall and Julie took great care of me and worked together to drain a bucket (not really) of fluid off of my back. Instant relief is a lovely thing. I filled a 30 ml syringe (the big one in the middle of the tray) and overflowed into the bag of saline. I am a fluid making MACHINE!
It was decided that nothing would be added to the expanders today, and I'm SOOO OK with that. As a result, the stick count was nice and low. One shot in the back to numb and then one to remove that jug (not really) of fluid. Didn't feel a thing for that one! After the fluid was drained, she checked my left side and worked on some of the scabs (translation: removed them). I had one that was still quite large, considering we're 3 weeks post-op. It looked a little interesting, like it was already loose in the middle. She whipped out the tweezers, scissors and the scalpel and went to work. Once she got it uncovered, she decided to stitch me up a bit. We knew it was coming, folks, so don't worry. Remember, my skin is like crepe paper (not really) after radiation so we expected some stitching. The stitching didn't even require any numbing because I'm numb already! Weirdest thing though, about 30 minutes later I was sore. WHAT?! Yep. I took some Advil when I got home that helped.
So, for now, the plan is to go back in a couple of weeks and get that fill. I'm hoping the healing will continue, the stitches will do their thing, and that my mobility and ability to use my left arm to do more, continues to improve. Don't worry, I won't overdo it. You know I don't have time for any setbacks!
It's time for me to go doctor my incision and get some rest.
