I caught up with Professor Schmeller during the Lipoedema UK conference and he had a good look over my thighs and the flat flanks I've been obsessing about!
I was very happy that he came to me to invite me to have a review and I felt he was very kind in making time for me.
Professor Schmeller spent ages turning me round and round to have a good look at my legs and he advised me that he felt I was still healing and should see/feel further changes by around six months and so he suggested we have another photo session and review then. He stressed that he would make time for me if I wanted to come to Lübeck, but otherwise he recommended photos and phone calls/emails at the six month point.
Professor Schmeller advised that I should use some lotion to massage my legs twice a day, massaging in the lotion with a flat hand in a circular motion around on the top of my thighs. He used his hands to show me what he meant and it felt a firmer pressure than MLD. It did feel a little intimate having him massaging my leg! He recommended I did this twice a day on my thighs and knees. He felt that I still had healing taking place down around my knees too, which surprised me but I do feel some sensations there when I do vigorous exercise so I guess it makes sense.
I asked if I should increase my MLD and he said as the MLD is quite pricey, he thought twice daily self massage would be as good as having more frequent MLD as I would not be having it anywhere near as often!
He was very happy with how I looked and how I am healing. I was very happy that around weeks 14-15 I felt I had stopped experiencing the pain I had been feeling in my left back thigh and I was now only feeling it occasionally on the car seat and not other times. I feel like maybe it was impatience with healing or maybe it was the consequence of some bruising (as I am still bruising if I bump into things)?
I gave my legs a really good workout during the conference as I was running around helping out so I was upright and physically running from place to place with things for people for over 8 hours a day, rarely sitting down. My legs did ache and by day 3 my ankles were a bit swollen in my class 2 Wonder Model tights, but it was all bearable and I didn't get any pain :)
Showing posts with label Post surgery daily progress. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Post surgery daily progress. Show all posts
Friday, 1 July 2016
Tuesday, 21 June 2016
Weeks 11-16 (Month 3) Update
I didn't make weekly blog posts after week 11 as it seemed that I wasn't changing visually and I didn't have weekly changes to report... all that said however, I did still feel like I was healing and I was wondering how to express how I felt.
I cut my MLD down from several sessions a month to one session monthly from the middle of month 3, so I was not planning on having MLD between the middle of month 3 and the middle of month 4. I felt I no longer had any significant visible external signs of healing (other than my incisions which are still fading) so thought I could save some money by reducing it.
I felt a mix of emotions during these weeks; lots of relief my surgery journey was over, but also quite down that I was still getting some pressure pain in my left outer thigh. Mostly it is caused by the seat of my car which has a prominent hard seam under my thigh, and which seems to cause discomfort if I sit right on that seam.
I emailed Professor Schmeller to try and explain this, and how I was feeling that the back of my outer thighs is not 100% identical. Much hilarity ensued in trying to photograph a spot on both sides of my bum and explain it by email! Of course in nature we are not 100% identical on both sides so it is most natural not to be entirely identical. I'm really not sure why I became so obsessive about scrutinising my flanks when seen from a twisted angle from above (the only way in which you see this variation!). I had never been obsessed with my body so it was a very strange feeling to keep looking at it and going on about it to my husband and the Professor. My change in body image has mostly felt subtle and natural and I have struggled to articulate quite why I have been so obsessed in comparing a small area on both flanks - struggling to tell myself, not just others!
I think I was partly so obsessed about this area as it had changed a lot and since puberty my hips had been very rounded. I had never looked like this and had never really seen that area up close on another woman. To suddenly have a flatter flank on each side was so strange to me that I kept staring at it and was worried for ages that the Professor had removed too much fat!
The pain in that area came and went during the whole of this month. That made me quite sad that I might find it still happened after I healed more. Professor Schmeller said pain should always be less after surgery, never more, and wanted to understand it and my flat patches in quite some detail. I felt very supported by his attention, but still felt a little mixed emotionally during these weeks.
I cut my MLD down from several sessions a month to one session monthly from the middle of month 3, so I was not planning on having MLD between the middle of month 3 and the middle of month 4. I felt I no longer had any significant visible external signs of healing (other than my incisions which are still fading) so thought I could save some money by reducing it.
I felt a mix of emotions during these weeks; lots of relief my surgery journey was over, but also quite down that I was still getting some pressure pain in my left outer thigh. Mostly it is caused by the seat of my car which has a prominent hard seam under my thigh, and which seems to cause discomfort if I sit right on that seam.
I emailed Professor Schmeller to try and explain this, and how I was feeling that the back of my outer thighs is not 100% identical. Much hilarity ensued in trying to photograph a spot on both sides of my bum and explain it by email! Of course in nature we are not 100% identical on both sides so it is most natural not to be entirely identical. I'm really not sure why I became so obsessive about scrutinising my flanks when seen from a twisted angle from above (the only way in which you see this variation!). I had never been obsessed with my body so it was a very strange feeling to keep looking at it and going on about it to my husband and the Professor. My change in body image has mostly felt subtle and natural and I have struggled to articulate quite why I have been so obsessed in comparing a small area on both flanks - struggling to tell myself, not just others!
I think I was partly so obsessed about this area as it had changed a lot and since puberty my hips had been very rounded. I had never looked like this and had never really seen that area up close on another woman. To suddenly have a flatter flank on each side was so strange to me that I kept staring at it and was worried for ages that the Professor had removed too much fat!
The pain in that area came and went during the whole of this month. That made me quite sad that I might find it still happened after I healed more. Professor Schmeller said pain should always be less after surgery, never more, and wanted to understand it and my flat patches in quite some detail. I felt very supported by his attention, but still felt a little mixed emotionally during these weeks.
Tuesday, 10 May 2016
Photos - Post Surgery Week 10
Here I am 10 weeks after surgery. You can see how much straighter I am between the legs, with a nice clear line down my inner thighs to my knees where the fat pads have been removed. My waist is still smaller than my hips as I have a very small waist, but you can see that I no longer stick out as much at the thighs.
The weather in the UK is unseasonably warm and quite humid, so I've been swollen for a few days. My ankles by evening have been more obviously swollen on the right than the left but both have seemed a little puffy - the right leg tends to be slightly bigger from the ankle all the way up anyway, and it wasn't quite as fat as in my post surgery compression photo where both feet looked swollen to me.
I've taken these photos after a night of sleep to try and get the least swelling in them. I'm not sure if all the post surgery swelling is gone yet - I'll have to see what Professor Schmeller says about that as I think I still have some swelling left in my outer thighs in particular.
The weather in the UK is unseasonably warm and quite humid, so I've been swollen for a few days. My ankles by evening have been more obviously swollen on the right than the left but both have seemed a little puffy - the right leg tends to be slightly bigger from the ankle all the way up anyway, and it wasn't quite as fat as in my post surgery compression photo where both feet looked swollen to me.
I've taken these photos after a night of sleep to try and get the least swelling in them. I'm not sure if all the post surgery swelling is gone yet - I'll have to see what Professor Schmeller says about that as I think I still have some swelling left in my outer thighs in particular.
If you are wondering how the incisions healed up, here is a random and fairly representative incision. The scar is nice and flat, and not raised. It is still a little bit dark, as you can see. I have one with a nearby mole and when I go to put bio-oil on at night, I have to be very careful to rub the oil into the scar and not the mole as in slightly dim light it is hard to tell them apart.
Here is my worst incision. This was the one which was slow to completely dry out. It is very slightly raised and thicker. It is over 5mm long and maybe 2mm at the widest point.
Photos: Day 1 post surgery
I guess some people might find these interesting as a gauge for what you can see just after surgery. These photos were taken in my room at the Hanse-Klinik by Professor Schmeller at around 8am the morning after surgery. The nurse removed all my dressings and then had me stand on extra mats as the tumescent fluid was still dripping down my legs in places, as you can see, because the incisions are left open to allow the fluid to drain.
By the time I flew back to the UK and removed the padding, I didn't leak anything like this much; this level of leaking lasted maybe 24 hours at most.
Here you can see the bruising as it was starting to come out and you can see the pen marks if you look closely. They took several days to wash off.
There are quite a few drips on the floor as I moved around whilst waiting for the Professor to come into the room. I also sat on the bed briefly, so that is the cause of the drips you can see on my bed pad.
If you want a really good look you can click on the photos and a bigger photo appears!
By the time I flew back to the UK and removed the padding, I didn't leak anything like this much; this level of leaking lasted maybe 24 hours at most.
Here you can see the bruising as it was starting to come out and you can see the pen marks if you look closely. They took several days to wash off.
There are quite a few drips on the floor as I moved around whilst waiting for the Professor to come into the room. I also sat on the bed briefly, so that is the cause of the drips you can see on my bed pad.
If you want a really good look you can click on the photos and a bigger photo appears!
Photos: Pre-Surgery
I've been asked for pre-surgery photos and other than realising I don't have many of my legs in clothes (never mind undressed!), I thought that perhaps for consistency I should share the photos taken of me literally just before surgery, taken by Professor Schmeller. I added a post-it note to ensure I was decent (ish!) as he made me take my surgery gown off for the photos so I had only a towel for modesty.
Looking at the photos above and these closer photos of the areas to be operated on, you can see that my bottom half is disproportionate, with how wide I am out at the thighs, how close together my inner thighs are and that the alignment is wrong around my inner knees, so you can see the fat pads there.
These images were taken in the theatre just before we started the procedure so I am standing on a squishy mat, hence my feet sinking into the floor! Unlike many ladies with lipodema I don't have an ankle cuff. My calves are chunky but Professor Schmeller said he felt that was currently natural rather than lipodema, and he didn't detect lipodema in my calves or ankles so he only operated on my upper legs.
Looking at the photos above and these closer photos of the areas to be operated on, you can see that my bottom half is disproportionate, with how wide I am out at the thighs, how close together my inner thighs are and that the alignment is wrong around my inner knees, so you can see the fat pads there.
Professor Schmeller then knelt in front of me with a marker pen and started to mark up just where my thighs and knees were out of proportion to ensure he was very precise in where he would operate.
Saturday, 7 May 2016
Heat, Swelling & Compression
With the heat this week I can't deny I have one ankle fatter than the other for the last few evenings :(
I see it in my compression so it is hard to know if this happened always and I never noticed - I only started wearing compression just under a year ago so I lack measurements or opinions from last summer.
Maybe the best advice I can give is to really get to know your body pre-surgery so you don't panic when you notice things with the extra scrutiny you give yourself post surgery.
I see it in my compression so it is hard to know if this happened always and I never noticed - I only started wearing compression just under a year ago so I lack measurements or opinions from last summer.
Maybe the best advice I can give is to really get to know your body pre-surgery so you don't panic when you notice things with the extra scrutiny you give yourself post surgery.
Sunday, 17 April 2016
Week 6 update - back in the water!
I can't say how important it felt to be back at aqua exercise! I made it back to the class today and although my knees felt a bit tender I was able to move around fine and fully participate in the class. Other than tenderness the class didn't feel different to before.
Exercising in water is very beneficial for lipodema so before surgery I was going several times a week - I even had a very cold swim in the local swimming pool in Lubeck the night before my surgery! Hubby loved that bit of the trip! ;)
I had been told that I could be in the pool around 2 weeks after surgery but that I had to be sure all my incisions were fully closed. That was a problem with my stubborn knee incision which leaked for ages then after a shower would spot with blood (the tiniest and most frustrating spot but still a spot!) into week 3. When I went to St George's (in week 4) for my appointment, the physiotherapist told me to leave it another week before swimming (but I didn't understand why) so the earliest I could really have swum happily was week 5.
So now I just need to build on my progress and fit the water workouts back into my life again - it has been nice not sitting down to dinner and finding my hands still smell of chlorine!
Exercising in water is very beneficial for lipodema so before surgery I was going several times a week - I even had a very cold swim in the local swimming pool in Lubeck the night before my surgery! Hubby loved that bit of the trip! ;)
I had been told that I could be in the pool around 2 weeks after surgery but that I had to be sure all my incisions were fully closed. That was a problem with my stubborn knee incision which leaked for ages then after a shower would spot with blood (the tiniest and most frustrating spot but still a spot!) into week 3. When I went to St George's (in week 4) for my appointment, the physiotherapist told me to leave it another week before swimming (but I didn't understand why) so the earliest I could really have swum happily was week 5.
So now I just need to build on my progress and fit the water workouts back into my life again - it has been nice not sitting down to dinner and finding my hands still smell of chlorine!
Saturday, 9 April 2016
Week 5 - thanks aunty flo!
I can't believe I can post pictures of me in my undies, but hesitate to say that it was my period! I've been feeling tender around the thighs and knees, which made me really feel like I was going backwards. I had a bit of a panic about it. It isn't very painful, nor is it constant, but it wasn't something I'd been feeling so far (not since the bruising faded away around the end of week 4). I then realised it was my time of the month so hope the tenderness will fade away.
I can't tell if I was getting swollen - I didn't feel that different, but I don't really tend to feel swelling. I could see a little in my post surgery feet in week one, but other than that I find I am staring at areas where my compression has dug in, wondering if that is "normal" swelling or quite what to make of it.
My scars are really improving (becoming less red mainly). I've been putting bio-oil on them since around week 4, once I was sure all my scars were dry. Bio oil has quite a gentle scent so isn't overpowering and isn't making me greasy. I am rubbing a drop into each scar morning and night.
The footless Sigvaris Diaphane arrived - I wish they hadn't :( They are Class 2 but UK rather than EU class 2. I tried wearing them but they don't feel supportive enough so I was aching in my thighs after a few hours. I feel my EU class 2 ETO tights are far more supportive for running around in, so unless I wear these in the heat, I can't imagine them being any good :(
My Veni tights arrived and the brown is quite nice but they do feel more rough than the Sigvaris Comfort. The Comfort have a cotton soft feel, whereas the Veni feel more artificial and dry.
Sadly I couldn't try them out for a day as they came with a manufacturing fault - a small hole in them! I used the delivery note to find an email address for Haddenham and sent them a photo to report the problem. The delivery note said to report faults within 2 days of receipt and although they came in the week I waited for the weekend to open them properly, so I'm hopeful they won't be difficult about that.
I can't tell if I was getting swollen - I didn't feel that different, but I don't really tend to feel swelling. I could see a little in my post surgery feet in week one, but other than that I find I am staring at areas where my compression has dug in, wondering if that is "normal" swelling or quite what to make of it.
My scars are really improving (becoming less red mainly). I've been putting bio-oil on them since around week 4, once I was sure all my scars were dry. Bio oil has quite a gentle scent so isn't overpowering and isn't making me greasy. I am rubbing a drop into each scar morning and night.
The footless Sigvaris Diaphane arrived - I wish they hadn't :( They are Class 2 but UK rather than EU class 2. I tried wearing them but they don't feel supportive enough so I was aching in my thighs after a few hours. I feel my EU class 2 ETO tights are far more supportive for running around in, so unless I wear these in the heat, I can't imagine them being any good :(
My Veni tights arrived and the brown is quite nice but they do feel more rough than the Sigvaris Comfort. The Comfort have a cotton soft feel, whereas the Veni feel more artificial and dry.
Sadly I couldn't try them out for a day as they came with a manufacturing fault - a small hole in them! I used the delivery note to find an email address for Haddenham and sent them a photo to report the problem. The delivery note said to report faults within 2 days of receipt and although they came in the week I waited for the weekend to open them properly, so I'm hopeful they won't be difficult about that.
Saturday, 26 March 2016
Week 4 update
My MLD has really helped get rid of the bruising and reduce the lumps. There is hardly any bruising to be seen any more - pretty amazing when it is only 25 days since I had surgery. The thigh lumps are still present but it took my MLD lady some more work to locate them by my second MLD of the week! They are a lot smaller and no where near as tender as the first time she worked on them. I wouldn't have had the confidence to knead them personally so I'm happy she did it - an extra reason I'm happy to be having the MLD.
I've got two sessions of MLD booked for this week coming, and an appointment with St George's! I'm looking forward to getting measured and seeing if my compression needs changing. I'm not sure what they are going to recommend as I did try my Diaphane tights which they'd prescribed for me last time, but they made me feel so itchy on my post surgery skin that I barely lasted minutes in it.
I've been taking my ETO compression off to wash and dry overnight, but I decided I didn't want to sleep without any compression so I've been alternating my pair of Solidea Silver Wave (very low UK class 1 compression - but they still mark me with wavy stripes by morning!) and my Made to Measure Sigvaris Comfort footless tights. The comfort tights are very soft and comfy but are a bit hot around the groin for sleeping in. I prefer to sleep in the silver wave as they are quite airy and comfy.
Pulling up either pair of tights makes me realise how much more stretchy my ETO compression is, and how much more comfortable it has been to get on over my post surgery tender and bruised areas. I feel very sorry for ladies whose surgeons put them in normal compression tights and leggings. I find my ETO comforting to put back on and very supportive.
Last week I managed to remove the waist extension strip so I'm down to the smallest hook setting on the garment - feeling really happy about that as a sign of swelling reduction :)
I've got two sessions of MLD booked for this week coming, and an appointment with St George's! I'm looking forward to getting measured and seeing if my compression needs changing. I'm not sure what they are going to recommend as I did try my Diaphane tights which they'd prescribed for me last time, but they made me feel so itchy on my post surgery skin that I barely lasted minutes in it.
I've been taking my ETO compression off to wash and dry overnight, but I decided I didn't want to sleep without any compression so I've been alternating my pair of Solidea Silver Wave (very low UK class 1 compression - but they still mark me with wavy stripes by morning!) and my Made to Measure Sigvaris Comfort footless tights. The comfort tights are very soft and comfy but are a bit hot around the groin for sleeping in. I prefer to sleep in the silver wave as they are quite airy and comfy.
Pulling up either pair of tights makes me realise how much more stretchy my ETO compression is, and how much more comfortable it has been to get on over my post surgery tender and bruised areas. I feel very sorry for ladies whose surgeons put them in normal compression tights and leggings. I find my ETO comforting to put back on and very supportive.
Last week I managed to remove the waist extension strip so I'm down to the smallest hook setting on the garment - feeling really happy about that as a sign of swelling reduction :)
Friday, 25 March 2016
Week 4 - return to exercise
My first proper exercise other than walking since surgery was a gentle badminton practice on day 21. I think my balance was better so I'm thinking that might be because my knees have had their inner fat pads removed, so are able to move better.
I really enjoyed the exercise. I've been feeling a bit looser in that I can pull my knees up higher (but not as high as they would naturally go pre-surgery as the backs of my thighs feel tight and a painful pulling sensation as I get my knee high towards my chest). I'm also able to lie on both sides but it still feels tender lying on them - no surface bruising but they still feel sore when I put weight or pressure on them.
I've been a bit more tender this week. I don't know if it is being back at work every day, driving, moving around, or just natural healing. I've also been really tired in the evenings so am happy about the public holidays this weekend - but not about the clocks changing and stealing an hour of my sleep!
I followed up the success of badminton by going bowling - the surgery hasn't improved my game! Although my outer thigh became tender from my arm repeatedly rubbing against it with the ball in hand, I didn't need any pain relief and was fine in the car afterwards.
The day after bowling I felt really stiff walking around, but so did my hub so maybe we are just getting a bit old! The back of his thighs hurt too so I'm thinking it might be unfamiliar form of exercise rather than my surgery!
The day after bowling I felt really stiff walking around, but so did my hub so maybe we are just getting a bit old! The back of his thighs hurt too so I'm thinking it might be unfamiliar form of exercise rather than my surgery!
Wednesday, 16 March 2016
Week 3 day 15 - 18
Today during my MLD I pointed out that I'm developing a hard lump in one inner thigh. My therapist then found a smaller lump on the other side, slightly further round. I blamed the groin edge of my garment for causing it, as the groin is open so I have elastic seamed edges that can drift a little down my inner thighs.
She worked on the lump by hand, sort of kneading at it and said that made it softer. It hurt when she did it but I don't want a visible lump or a lump I can feel that may be a future problem so I'm happy to take the pain of being kneaded.
I could see the lump - well a dimple next to it - on my inner thigh, so I sent an email to Hanse checking up on it, plus my feedback that I'm still slightly dripping after a shower from my stubborn left knee incision. It is the tiniest amount of leakage but frustrating to find I can dab my knee with gauze after a shower and see a bead of red liquid.
Dr Baumgartner emailed me back to say I'm looking good, it's all normal and that I can apply a new strip to that knee, pulling the incision together a bit tighter when I apply the strip to encourage it to heal. Hub and I didn't understand we could pull the edges like that - feel a bit daft as we wanted to, but thought we shouldn't!
Bruising is looking better, but still present.
By my second MLD of the week my thigh lumps were definitely softer and smaller. The massaging of them really helped. It wasn't as painful having them massaged the second time.
I also removed strips from the dry incisions (after the photos were taken), following Dr Baumgartner's reassurance. Can't wait for the knee to heal so I can lose the last one!
End of week photos... drumroll...
She worked on the lump by hand, sort of kneading at it and said that made it softer. It hurt when she did it but I don't want a visible lump or a lump I can feel that may be a future problem so I'm happy to take the pain of being kneaded.
I could see the lump - well a dimple next to it - on my inner thigh, so I sent an email to Hanse checking up on it, plus my feedback that I'm still slightly dripping after a shower from my stubborn left knee incision. It is the tiniest amount of leakage but frustrating to find I can dab my knee with gauze after a shower and see a bead of red liquid.
Bruising is looking better, but still present.
By my second MLD of the week my thigh lumps were definitely softer and smaller. The massaging of them really helped. It wasn't as painful having them massaged the second time.
I also removed strips from the dry incisions (after the photos were taken), following Dr Baumgartner's reassurance. Can't wait for the knee to heal so I can lose the last one!
End of week photos... drumroll...
Monday, 14 March 2016
Week 2 (days 12-14)
My other week 2 post seemed to be getting long.
Day 13 I tried getting up around six to wash my compression and then dry it. With hub needing to shower too it didn't seem to save me any time. I have therefore taken it off tonight to wash in the machine and will hang to dry overnight. I feel sad that this means I can't sleep in my compression but to get back into the office I can't be lying in bed working whilst my garment dries.
My stubborn left knee incision had a tiny spot on the overnight plaster pre-shower but was leaking slightly after the shower when I pressed it with a gauze square. I covered it with another plaster but then when I went to MLD I removed the plaster to check and found it was clean (and there were no drips when I pressed a gauze on after MLD) so I left the plaster off after MLD. I'll be interested to see what happens after tomorrow's shower.
MLD therapist worked my bruises some more, so hopefully they will continue to fade. I found the MLD very relaxing all over, not just on my legs.
I'm able to lie more easily on my sides but still have bruising and discomfort. The main nuisance is that I can't get my legs bent up high. So eg to paint my toe nails or pull my legs right up on the sofa feels like a tearing muscle pain on the underneath of my thighs. I feel like the old joke:
Patient: 'Dr it hurts when I do X'
Dr 'then stop doing it!'
I am able to bend my legs and sit with them quite bent - I then worry about the compression restricting circulation behind my knees so move as soon as I realise.
I can run up stairs but it feels wobbly and uncomfortable so I prefer not to.
Hoping for confidence in being ready to swim by the end of the week maybe?
Day 13 I tried getting up around six to wash my compression and then dry it. With hub needing to shower too it didn't seem to save me any time. I have therefore taken it off tonight to wash in the machine and will hang to dry overnight. I feel sad that this means I can't sleep in my compression but to get back into the office I can't be lying in bed working whilst my garment dries.
My stubborn left knee incision had a tiny spot on the overnight plaster pre-shower but was leaking slightly after the shower when I pressed it with a gauze square. I covered it with another plaster but then when I went to MLD I removed the plaster to check and found it was clean (and there were no drips when I pressed a gauze on after MLD) so I left the plaster off after MLD. I'll be interested to see what happens after tomorrow's shower.
MLD therapist worked my bruises some more, so hopefully they will continue to fade. I found the MLD very relaxing all over, not just on my legs.
I'm able to lie more easily on my sides but still have bruising and discomfort. The main nuisance is that I can't get my legs bent up high. So eg to paint my toe nails or pull my legs right up on the sofa feels like a tearing muscle pain on the underneath of my thighs. I feel like the old joke:
Patient: 'Dr it hurts when I do X'
Dr 'then stop doing it!'
I am able to bend my legs and sit with them quite bent - I then worry about the compression restricting circulation behind my knees so move as soon as I realise.
I can run up stairs but it feels wobbly and uncomfortable so I prefer not to.
Hoping for confidence in being ready to swim by the end of the week maybe?
Saturday, 12 March 2016
Week 2 (days 9-11)
Feels like I'm really racing along now. Still got some black bruising along with the yellow but definitely noticeably reduced pain when I lie on my sides. I can't sleep on them but can roll towards my sides for a little while. Sitting on hard seats is still tender, but all these experiences are noticeably better than a week ago.
Faint sharpie marks are still visible on the tops of my thighs as the bruising fades. I have tried gently rubbing with soapy hands but that makes no difference at all. I've not yet wanted to use a flannel or anything else to rub harder! My daily shower has been a pleasure not a discomfort this week, and the last few days I've been able to soap over all my bruises without wincing.
I had my second MLD on day 9 - really energised me and felt so good when she worked over some of my bruising. Now I've had surgery I really feel the MLD does me good and I leave the session looking forward to the next one (Professor Schmeller recommended two a week). Between the MLD and the compression my overall bruising and tenderness is really reducing.
I felt I went backwards on day 9 as I had a long evening of meetings (and drove the car for the first time) and when I got home I had leaked quite a bit from two incisions, and had taken ibuprofen as I was in so much discomfort/pain sitting around. Hub thinks that my replacement of two "brown strips" over those incisions was more of the problem, as one strip seemed loose but pulled the clot out of the incision when I replaced it.
I rested up for the morning on day 10 as I had another long evening out on my feet and a long car ride. I got home to find I was looking great - one incision dry and the other just spotting. That was a real boost as I had imagined a repeat of my leaking from the night before. The long car journey (several hours) was uncomfortable by the end and I was tender going over speed bumps!
I had a mini dance around the bathroom this morning, to the radio. I was just so happy in the sunshine, with my healing, with having gone ahead with surgery, I just felt lifted. Still the slightest leaks on my last plaster (I only stop plastering an incision after a day of clean plasters) but the spots are getting less and less so I'm getting somewhere.
I was told by Hanse I could take my compression off at night after week 1. I've not done that so far, instead I've been washing it early in the morning and then having a lie in before/after my shower whilst it dries. I'm finding that takes ages and when I go back to the office next week I can't see how I'm going to fit that into my routine. I'm not sure I want to spend all night without it, so I'm going to have to make a new plan. I see St George's at the end of the month for a compression check so I'm not sure if it makes sense to buy a new garment before then or wait.
I find wearing the garment fairly comfortable so I'm happy to give it some more wear to support my tissues and hopefully speed up my bruise/internal healing. Professor Schmeller said I would harden temporarily as I go through weeks 2-4 - I can't say I feel harder. I do feel that my outers are a little swollen, but I'm still getting used to having a depression on my side where my bum and hips meet, so maybe I'll stay like I look now?
Faint sharpie marks are still visible on the tops of my thighs as the bruising fades. I have tried gently rubbing with soapy hands but that makes no difference at all. I've not yet wanted to use a flannel or anything else to rub harder! My daily shower has been a pleasure not a discomfort this week, and the last few days I've been able to soap over all my bruises without wincing.
I had my second MLD on day 9 - really energised me and felt so good when she worked over some of my bruising. Now I've had surgery I really feel the MLD does me good and I leave the session looking forward to the next one (Professor Schmeller recommended two a week). Between the MLD and the compression my overall bruising and tenderness is really reducing.
I felt I went backwards on day 9 as I had a long evening of meetings (and drove the car for the first time) and when I got home I had leaked quite a bit from two incisions, and had taken ibuprofen as I was in so much discomfort/pain sitting around. Hub thinks that my replacement of two "brown strips" over those incisions was more of the problem, as one strip seemed loose but pulled the clot out of the incision when I replaced it.
I rested up for the morning on day 10 as I had another long evening out on my feet and a long car ride. I got home to find I was looking great - one incision dry and the other just spotting. That was a real boost as I had imagined a repeat of my leaking from the night before. The long car journey (several hours) was uncomfortable by the end and I was tender going over speed bumps!
I had a mini dance around the bathroom this morning, to the radio. I was just so happy in the sunshine, with my healing, with having gone ahead with surgery, I just felt lifted. Still the slightest leaks on my last plaster (I only stop plastering an incision after a day of clean plasters) but the spots are getting less and less so I'm getting somewhere.
I was told by Hanse I could take my compression off at night after week 1. I've not done that so far, instead I've been washing it early in the morning and then having a lie in before/after my shower whilst it dries. I'm finding that takes ages and when I go back to the office next week I can't see how I'm going to fit that into my routine. I'm not sure I want to spend all night without it, so I'm going to have to make a new plan. I see St George's at the end of the month for a compression check so I'm not sure if it makes sense to buy a new garment before then or wait.
I find wearing the garment fairly comfortable so I'm happy to give it some more wear to support my tissues and hopefully speed up my bruise/internal healing. Professor Schmeller said I would harden temporarily as I go through weeks 2-4 - I can't say I feel harder. I do feel that my outers are a little swollen, but I'm still getting used to having a depression on my side where my bum and hips meet, so maybe I'll stay like I look now?
Tuesday, 8 March 2016
Day 7 - can't believe it already
I feel like the week has flown past. In some ways I'm grateful to be here tonight instead of back in my bed at the klinik, and in others the days seem to be flying past so fast that I can't believe it was a week ago.
The bruising came out more on day 2-3 and quickly started to yellow (apparently wearing the compression speeds it up). Very few of the dark bruises are really that painful, although I still have a couple of spots that are very un-fun to accidentally poke.
I'm able to walk around pretty normally, can rush up stairs and around the house but still find putting weight on my outer thighs/hips painful. I can't sleep on my sides yet, but I haven't needed painkillers all day. I'm not pain free but it is low level and occasional - unless I try to balance on either side. Sitting on hard seats is still a bit uncomfortable but nothing compared to how sore it was on day 2-3. I can also comfortably work with a laptop on my legs, with or without a tray.
I think around day 4-5 I really turned a corner and have been bounding along in my recovery since then. I'm looking forward to my next MLD (Professor recommended two a week) and hoping I soon get to the stage of all incisions drying up. I've got one thigh one and both knees still leaking into their plasters so sadly not ready to go full just brown strips, or to see all incisions are closed.
I have emailed the Professor to see if I can now remove the brown strips from the apparently dry incisions and hope to have his advice tomorrow.
I also need to decide if I'm going to try removing my compression at night. He said I could do that from the end of week one, but I'm waiting for some more reassurance as I'm conscious that following my disapointing lymphoscintigram that indicated I had compromised lymph function in both legs so was more likely to have primary lymphodema or lipo-lymphedema (despite the lack of clinical visble signs), Dr Gordon recommended I should be conservative and wear my garments 24:7 for six months. Decisions, decisions!
The bruising came out more on day 2-3 and quickly started to yellow (apparently wearing the compression speeds it up). Very few of the dark bruises are really that painful, although I still have a couple of spots that are very un-fun to accidentally poke.
I'm able to walk around pretty normally, can rush up stairs and around the house but still find putting weight on my outer thighs/hips painful. I can't sleep on my sides yet, but I haven't needed painkillers all day. I'm not pain free but it is low level and occasional - unless I try to balance on either side. Sitting on hard seats is still a bit uncomfortable but nothing compared to how sore it was on day 2-3. I can also comfortably work with a laptop on my legs, with or without a tray.
I think around day 4-5 I really turned a corner and have been bounding along in my recovery since then. I'm looking forward to my next MLD (Professor recommended two a week) and hoping I soon get to the stage of all incisions drying up. I've got one thigh one and both knees still leaking into their plasters so sadly not ready to go full just brown strips, or to see all incisions are closed.
I have emailed the Professor to see if I can now remove the brown strips from the apparently dry incisions and hope to have his advice tomorrow.
I also need to decide if I'm going to try removing my compression at night. He said I could do that from the end of week one, but I'm waiting for some more reassurance as I'm conscious that following my disapointing lymphoscintigram that indicated I had compromised lymph function in both legs so was more likely to have primary lymphodema or lipo-lymphedema (despite the lack of clinical visble signs), Dr Gordon recommended I should be conservative and wear my garments 24:7 for six months. Decisions, decisions!
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| Not looking too bad this morning |
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| Nice straight inner legs free from lipodema tissue |
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| Mixed fading and deeper bruising |
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My most sore outside thigh |
Monday, 7 March 2016
Day 6 - coming on in leaps and bounds
Some dressings dry this morning (around 1/3) so didn't apply new plasters there, but have not yet removed brown strips from any where as I really want the smallest scars I can get.
MLD was great. Felt really good in places and tender but bearable in others. Can't wait for next session on Thursday.
Had to put on damp garment after shower to leave in time. Did use hairdryer but needed more time than we thought. Having one garment is a nuisance so I would be tempted to ask for a second if I did this again. I'm concerned that a damp garment could be worse for my skin with the friction.
Still not entirely comfortable on sofa for ages but able to do more work from home, several short walks and even ran up stairs to fetch something (then regretted the thigh burn afterwards!).
Feeling optimistic and hopeful.
MLD was great. Felt really good in places and tender but bearable in others. Can't wait for next session on Thursday.
Had to put on damp garment after shower to leave in time. Did use hairdryer but needed more time than we thought. Having one garment is a nuisance so I would be tempted to ask for a second if I did this again. I'm concerned that a damp garment could be worse for my skin with the friction.
Still not entirely comfortable on sofa for ages but able to do more work from home, several short walks and even ran up stairs to fetch something (then regretted the thigh burn afterwards!).
Feeling optimistic and hopeful.
Sunday, 6 March 2016
Day 5
I feel like the song 'what a difference a day makes, 24 little hours...'
To quote my husband, this morning I leapt into the bath for my shower like a gazelle! Had taken one ibuprofen and will take one or two for sleeping I think tonight. Was able to turn heat up again - almost normal temperature now!
Still having some leaking/bleeding from most incisions, but it didn't soak through the dressings into the gauzes below my knees!!!! So now I'm down to just the 'plaster' type dressings.
I'm finding the open groin garment seams awkward under the back of my thigh bruising as I wriggle about on the sofa.
Went out in the car as a passenger, some uncomfortable moments but manageable. Definitely more flexible movements on stairs and bending.
Downsides of today were having a dizzy/nauseous moment with garment off after shower during dressing changes. I laid on the bed and it passed quickly. Also late last night and this morning as my outer thighs are hardening, had some pain like I used to have on my worst side (but now the worst side has swapped!) and I felt the worst bruising and swelling on each side was quite warm - but all my new areas are warmer than I used to be!
To quote my husband, this morning I leapt into the bath for my shower like a gazelle! Had taken one ibuprofen and will take one or two for sleeping I think tonight. Was able to turn heat up again - almost normal temperature now!
Still having some leaking/bleeding from most incisions, but it didn't soak through the dressings into the gauzes below my knees!!!! So now I'm down to just the 'plaster' type dressings.
I'm finding the open groin garment seams awkward under the back of my thigh bruising as I wriggle about on the sofa.
Went out in the car as a passenger, some uncomfortable moments but manageable. Definitely more flexible movements on stairs and bending.
Downsides of today were having a dizzy/nauseous moment with garment off after shower during dressing changes. I laid on the bed and it passed quickly. Also late last night and this morning as my outer thighs are hardening, had some pain like I used to have on my worst side (but now the worst side has swapped!) and I felt the worst bruising and swelling on each side was quite warm - but all my new areas are warmer than I used to be!
Saturday, 5 March 2016
Day 4
Looking at the new me was a real boost. I also didn't leak through into my bed pads or to the outer gauzes on my knees. My shower did result in more visible fluid but not running in red lines down to my feet so I feel like I've got even better since yesterday (and that yesterday I turned a corner). The brown strips have stayed on all my incisions and the lower leg horror looks a lot less open. My incisions look a lot less wet but most are all leaking a little.
I was so happy I floated out on my daily walk to try and get more dressings. I've been changing my plasters night and day, maybe that is too often? I'm currently trialling a couple of new brands to see which survive the night as I'm running out of clinic ones.
A bit sad that hub insisted on putting gauze under my knees still. I'm sure he's right as the old pads were marked but I want to feel like I'm done leaking that much and to see if I can then bend my knees better.
Lying on either side hurts and bending to my feet is hard but other than that it is bearable. I was even able to warm my shower up a little from totally tepid! Thighs feel like real muscle aches inside. Without the compression (whilst waiting for the washing machine) I lay down and my thigh backs felt more comfy, but really cold.
My feet are marking from the edges of my slippers so must still have excess fluid.
Also: last day of blood thinning injections! I've got tiny bruises. The needle did hurt a little and I tried using some frozen peas to numb the area - pointless. Made no difference IMHO.
I'm not such a pretty picture without my clothes on. The bruising is yellowing as well as black and is a lot bigger than it was on day 1. I've also still got some pen marks on me and I resorted to gently cleaning my legs with alcohol trying to remove some sticky tape residue. Only partially effective as I can't rub hard.
I was so happy I floated out on my daily walk to try and get more dressings. I've been changing my plasters night and day, maybe that is too often? I'm currently trialling a couple of new brands to see which survive the night as I'm running out of clinic ones.
A bit sad that hub insisted on putting gauze under my knees still. I'm sure he's right as the old pads were marked but I want to feel like I'm done leaking that much and to see if I can then bend my knees better.
Lying on either side hurts and bending to my feet is hard but other than that it is bearable. I was even able to warm my shower up a little from totally tepid! Thighs feel like real muscle aches inside. Without the compression (whilst waiting for the washing machine) I lay down and my thigh backs felt more comfy, but really cold.
My feet are marking from the edges of my slippers so must still have excess fluid.
Also: last day of blood thinning injections! I've got tiny bruises. The needle did hurt a little and I tried using some frozen peas to numb the area - pointless. Made no difference IMHO.
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| New me, with pants like superman! |
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| Easy to see that my knee pads have gone so my inner legs are straighter. |
Friday, 4 March 2016
Day 3
Is it only day 3? Feeling brighter today and my bruising is clearly yellowing. Feels like another real day of progress. Sleeping on either side still not possible due to pain of pressure on outers. Sleeping on my back for around 5-6 hours so by early evening, am very tired!
Really feel like my sites are drying up - went to bed with less gauze taped on and only got some very small leaks on my puppy pads and ikea waterproof sheet (sheet a great idea as the pads move around).
This morning we put dressings (like plasters) on 10 of 12 incisions. Only the two below the knees are leaking enough to require gauze. Husband and I are a bit grossed out by the post shower red dribble down the calf and the very open left knee incision but both trying to make the other feel better by pretending all is ok ;)
We also managed to put the supplied 'brown strips' on the lower leg wounds so now all have strips on I'm hoping they'll look better. They are like a brown micropore tape and I think they encourage flat healing instead of raised wounds perhaps? As I have no stitches the incisions need some encouragement to heal small. I did ask the professor what to put on the scars and he said nothing whilst they heal, and I needed to accept they wouldn't be invisible.
Antibiotics finished today. Hanse issue 3 full days as standard, starting on day of surgery. I guess higher risk ladies get more. I'm keen to prevent infection so am keeping the leaking wounds covered with gauze which I'm changing night and morning and I'm washing my compression daily in the machine.
Still took 2 ibuprofen for shower and found it still made me feel a bit sore.
Most of the time I feel like I've been running, like muscle strain inside my thighs. Knee bending on stairs still hurts. Walking outside is tender but ok.
I'm in some level of outer thigh discomfort this evening. Each side feels a bit warm and sore over the bruising. I have hung up a few loads of washing to distract myself and taken a couple of paracetamol. Feeling more of a burning feeling in the backs of my thighs whilst lounging on the sofa. Need some way of getting weight off them.
I'm looking forward to a quiet weekend and my first post surgery MLD on Monday. Have not wanted to try driving yet.
Fragmin (blood thinner injections) are a bit painful and leave tiny tummy bruises. I'm glad that at the Klinik instead of having the nurse inject me, I had her supervise me doing my first injection as at least I know how to do it right. I'm getting tiny bruises at my injection sites as the needle is long. I felt the liquid move into my skin under my hand tonight - very weird.
Sitting on sofa with legs down feels a strain or pull under my thighs - sensation not pain. I've given up the rubber loo ring as the hard loo seat feels no worse!
Did some work from home and that felt fine today. Yesterday was a bit more hard work.
Looking forward to shower and examination of sites again tomorrow AM, at night time we just change dressings for sleep.
Thursday, 3 March 2016
Day 2
Had put 'puppy pad' in bed to sleep on (leaked in into it a little but not marked the waterproof ikea sheet I'd invested in) and on sofa for the day. Ordered extra pads and some more of the brilliant comfy tape for sticking on my dressings (durapore by 3M). Hanse told me my massive bag they gave me contains enough plasters, dressings,tape,pads gloves etc but I'm a worrier!
Ate breakfast and painkillers then waited 20 mins before removing compression, throwing it into a 30 minute wash then showering, airdrying, re-covering my incisions with help from husband then repeating the hairdryer drying and still being a bit damp around the elastic waist. The machine spin was more drying than hand washing and towel rolling.
Asked hub to hang around when I climbed into and out of bath and when stood on one leg getting garment on and off, for reassurance. My sink is well attached to the wall so I could hold hubby or sink for balance when climbing in and out of the bath.
Showering was still tender on my skin so I wouldn't have wanted to do it without painkillers. Clinic told me to take paracetamol or ibuprofen and they've been OK.
Took a long afternoon walk/shuffle around my local area. Around 1hr 20 + mins. Put trousers over jogging bottoms to keep warm. Stairs harder than flat surfaces. Felt good for having walked and have sore outers still.
Had leaked through nearly all dressings when I changed on getting home but hadn't inspected them before going out so not sure if walk was ok or too much.
Changing nightie and joggers daily and washing compression in the morning to reduce infection risks. Currently wearing undies superman style over compression. Leaks can go through to the knickers so I'm not wearing nice ones yet!
Took delivery of an inflatable rubber ring for the loo (around £10 amazon). I needed this most on first night at Klinik when I had numb/hard areas pressing on others. Balancing on it seems like a core workout! As Professor Schmeller said I would go hard I'm trying the ring and imagine it might be more important as I get hard. Sitting on loo is uncomfortable with my sore back of my thighs. The rubber ring does not magically make all discomfort go away so I'm not sure it is that worth having.
Ate breakfast and painkillers then waited 20 mins before removing compression, throwing it into a 30 minute wash then showering, airdrying, re-covering my incisions with help from husband then repeating the hairdryer drying and still being a bit damp around the elastic waist. The machine spin was more drying than hand washing and towel rolling.
Asked hub to hang around when I climbed into and out of bath and when stood on one leg getting garment on and off, for reassurance. My sink is well attached to the wall so I could hold hubby or sink for balance when climbing in and out of the bath.
Showering was still tender on my skin so I wouldn't have wanted to do it without painkillers. Clinic told me to take paracetamol or ibuprofen and they've been OK.
Took a long afternoon walk/shuffle around my local area. Around 1hr 20 + mins. Put trousers over jogging bottoms to keep warm. Stairs harder than flat surfaces. Felt good for having walked and have sore outers still.
Had leaked through nearly all dressings when I changed on getting home but hadn't inspected them before going out so not sure if walk was ok or too much.
Changing nightie and joggers daily and washing compression in the morning to reduce infection risks. Currently wearing undies superman style over compression. Leaks can go through to the knickers so I'm not wearing nice ones yet!
Took delivery of an inflatable rubber ring for the loo (around £10 amazon). I needed this most on first night at Klinik when I had numb/hard areas pressing on others. Balancing on it seems like a core workout! As Professor Schmeller said I would go hard I'm trying the ring and imagine it might be more important as I get hard. Sitting on loo is uncomfortable with my sore back of my thighs. The rubber ring does not magically make all discomfort go away so I'm not sure it is that worth having.
Wednesday, 2 March 2016
Day 1 - at home
At Hamburg we had lots of time so walked through the airport ourselves. I booked wheelchair assistance at Heathrow - easy online if you have a BA account. I was met from the plane and wheeled to an electric cart. I did tell the man I thought I could walk to the cart but he insisted. The cart drove us from the plane to the arrivals hall so we didn't have a long immigration queue to stand in, nor to have to catch the internal train from the B gate we arrived at, back to the main terminal 5 building.
I recommend the electric cart to save so much walking. I thought I was ok but would have been tired.
In the cars to and from the airport (Hamburg and UK) I asked to have the seat in front put as far forward as possible to maximise my foot room and leg comfort.
When I arrived home at the end of day 1 we cut the padding off and washed my compression. I didn't have a night shower but wanted to clean my garment. We hand washed it, then rolled it in a clean towel then hairdryer on cool shot (and a tiny bit of warm on the stubborn waist elastic!). I still had to put it on a bit damp. That was ok as it dried quickly.
The garment I have is a brand called ETO, number 536 in their range - leggings with an open groin section and not covering feet. It has hooks and eyes in front to do up. This makes it great to undo and remove on the top for using the loo but I think manipulating the fastenings could be difficult with say arthritis in your hands.
I'm seeing what I think is minor feet swelling in the day - slight marks from my slippers - so I'm wishing I had over foot coverage for reassurance. At the same time though I do love seeing my toenails!
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