Thankyou so much!!!

Thanks to all of you who took the time to answer my post and offer all your support! I just knew that talking to others who have gone through this experience and are doing well would help me cope! I look forward to the day when I can help someone get through the initial post-op period and beyond as a veteran. Not trying to be sappy, but just the fact that you guys took the time to reply brought tears to my eyes, so as you can see, still a little emotional here. I'm sure I'll have many more questions as the days unfold...for now I'm trying not to worry about every little skip or jump or new sensation in my heart beat (there really aren't THAT many) ...I always was a little overly sensitive I guess.
One of my more immediate challenges is how to use my curling iron one-handed without burning myself beyond recognition! My husband says he'll help ..Now that should be very interesting!!!
In the meantime, I'm kinda taking it slow...pacing myself...no pun intended! I am a RN so to be on the other side of the fence is a humbling experience.
So, thanks again, I do feel a little better already. Oh one more question (Greg, you probably can't answer this one!) What works best for padding the pacer site as far as bra straps are concerned? Has anyone found one thing better than another? Thanks again. Carol

3 Comments

Oh the life of a girl!

by ela-girl - 2007-10-05 02:10:41

Ahh...the husband is trying to help with the hair. Tisk tisk. :)

I really didn't have too many problems with my bra. What I did was take one of my husband's nice, soft hankys and cut it up into small squares that you can fold and place under the strap so it doesn't rub against the incision site. It acts as a buffer between the site and the strap. I did, however, have to loosen the strap for awhile so it wasn't tight laying over the incision area while holding up my boob. (I can't believe I just said boob!) There is also a picture on this web site for the soft touch seatbelt cover--if you click on it it will take you to their web site, and they now have a bra pad thingy you can buy which will help with this problem.

As far as feeling all the sensations...you sound like me in the sense that I was very hypersensitive and focused on my pacer and heartbeat right after surgery. Gradually, those hyper-focused thoughts will drift away!

Glad to have you aboard!
ela-girl

Hi again, Carol,

by Gellia2 - 2007-10-05 02:10:58

I had to wear a strapless bra until I healed a bit. Try to find bras without seams, or sport bras for later. It's not an easy task. I'm always trying to find a comfortable bra as mine still rubs and I'm still sore.
Strangely, I'm an old RN, too,(and getting older! LOL) but no longer practice. Do take it easy for a few weeks.
I can't give you any help with the curling iron. I struggled with my hair dryer and my DH was helpless. When he did try and help I looked more like the "Bride of Frankenstein"! LOL
Hang in there. I, too, am very sensitive to what my body says to me and I always listen to it. You know it better than anyone.
The Club is always here for you.
Best to you,
Gellia

bras and blow driers

by PreciousDays - 2007-10-05 07:10:02

A strapless bra was the only thing I could do for the first three weeks. ( am only four weeks into this thing) - but this week I have been able to loosen the strap enough so that it goes around the edge of the pacer, on the left. The strap does slip down onto my shoulder sometimes - so the system needs perfecting - but even the loose strap is more comfortable than the strapless bra. - As for the hair - I got a nice short haircut before the surgery. By the time I need the curling iron and the blow dryer - I'll be able to do it myself. :-) Good luck. PD

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