Removed Staples and drain tubes

So 3 weeks post-operation and it was time to get staples removed.  There are two drains-literally, 2 tubes inserted under skin flap to suck blood and other fluids from site of surgery.  The tubes emptied into plastic airtight bulbs, which were emptied twice a day. After emptying bulbs, be sure and push the air out, in order to create suction.  When I left the hospital, the drainage was very blood-red.  The amount of liquid was 10 cc.  for drain#1(morning & night); and 5 cc for drain#2.  By the start of week 3, drain #1 was watery discharge, the amount 5 cc. or less; drain#2 was dry.   Counted 60 staples.  I was surprised that the edges of the wound still had gaps and puckered regions--the surgeon was not concerned.  

Recuperating at home--Important stuff

The two weeks following my return home were crucial to the healing of such a large wound.   Set the alarm clock, and Superman spent 14 days turning me from side-to-side, every 2 hours.  I was about 80lbs. and needed to put on weight.  Proper diet is crucial to the healing process--especially protein.  At least 60 to 80 grams per day, along with the proper balance of electrolytes, and extra zinc, iron, vitamins D &C.  I used liquid protein supplements along with powdered pea protein and powdered egg-white protein.  The liquid supplements made me urinate more.  For electrolytes, I like emergenC,  be careful not to overdo the zinc intake.  Soups with protein supplements, and milk (Lactade for my IBD) smoothies with egg-white protein added. The wound was covered and the surgeon said to keep the dressing on, so we did.  After a week we changed it.  At all times the wound was clean, dry, and had no weight put on it.

One week in Hospital-a new record!

Most post-operation care for flap surgery requires a 2 week hospital stay, followed by 4 weeks in a rehabilitation/long-term care unit.  One week hospital and unlimited long-term (institutional care-Not a good thing.) was covered by my insurance company. While in hospital the nurses turned me from one side to the other, every 2 -3 hours, keeping me off the surgery site. The drainage (from the 2 drains on the wound) must be charted every 12 hours for the 3 weeks the drains and staples are left in. I was on IV for antibiotics and saline and anti nausea drugs.  After 6 days, I had to leave the hospital, but I still needed to be turned every 2 hours  The hospital administrator/doctor wanted me to stay in the long-term care facility for at least one week.  He also wanted to put a feeding tube in me.  I feared that once in a facility I wouldn't get out, and my at-home benefits would be lost.   I went home, lucky my state has In Home Supportive Services and my caregivers actually care.  The hospital social services arranged for a hospital bed with air mattress to prevent pressure sores.  At home my food intake was better.  A body needs 60 to 80 grams of protien per day while healing.  Besides eggs, tomato soup made with milk and powdered Pea Protien is my favorite lunch.  Soup is easy to eat thru a straw, and that is easy for eating in bed.   Also used a Human Growth Hormone steriod (oxzanderlone?) for two months--this stuff works mircles.