DIEP Surgery -- Day 4

Day 4 I was feeling pretty good. Initially this was the day that we expected I'd go home if all went well but due to my set backs in the ICU it was decided that another day and night in the hospital would be what was best. I was ok with that because I felt I needed a little more time to get used to standing and walking. The goal for today was to take my first shower. I was so excited because Monday morning had been the last time I had showered and now it was Thursday...yep, I was a hot mess! The shower went well, it was a tad odd getting scrubbed down by a complete stranger but boy did it feel good to get the surgery gunk off of my body. I felt like a human being again!

I do want to admit that on day 4 I had a moment when I looked in the mirror and thought "what have I done?" The scares, the swelling, the bruising, the pain...I missed my old body. But I snapped out of that pretty quickly because I reminded myself that this was necessary for my future health. I extended myself grace, telling myself that I am still in the very early stages of recovery where everything is going to be extra tender and swollen.

My husband and I had fun that evening watching HGTV (we are huge home improvement nerds) and ordering burgers from room service. It was sad for us to say goodbye but we knew that the next day was likely discharge day so this was the last time we'd have to do it.

That night I had no major concerns other than the fact that I was getting so sick of that hospital bed! It was incredibly uncomfortable and my sleep was sporadic. Fortunately my husband had a medical recliner delivered to our bedroom that he promised me was tons more comfy and cozy than the hospital bed. I couldn't wait to get home!