Navel pain. Present all the time. Tolerable while lying on my back, uncomfortable when standing, and moderately severe when sitting. No other symptoms besides this pain that was only located in my belly button. All weekend I took it easy, trying to decide what the pain could be. Early appendicitis? Muscle strain? Umbilical hernia? The husband gave me some grief for not going to the ER when he would see me grimace with most movements, but being a nurse who spends a fair share of my working time there, I was in no hurry to show up as a patient as long as the pain didn't get worse and remained my only symptom.
By Monday morning I knew this had to be checked out. I made an appointment with my primary care physician, dropped Liv off at daycare, and headed in. After a quick chat about the pain she had me hop up on the exam table. 30 seconds of the most excruciating palpation and we had a diagnosis: umbilical hernia.
The hernia was small, but the tissue had slipped through the opening in my abdominal muscles, swelled, and became stuck. Treatment: surgery.
Since the case wasn't emergent (no bowel involment), I was scheduled for outpatient surgery the next morning. My mom was gracious enough to take Liv for a few days so I would be able to recover in peace.
My husband and I arrived at the surgery center at 6:45 and were quickly taken back to the pre-op room. Some paperwork, an IV start, and a meeting with the surgeon and anesthesiologist and it was go time by 8:20.
The surgery itself took about 45 minutes, and I was awake in recovery by 9:30. After the required stay in post-op we were on our way home by 11, after a stop for some Sprite and chicken noodle soup.
Recovery has honestly been pretty easy. I slept a lot for the first day and a half, while pain pills, chicken noodle soup, and Sierra Mist were my best friends.
Movement was not, but it became tolerable pretty quickly. I honestly think the worst part was having to leave the surgical dressing on for 48 hours. 10 days later and
I still have adhesive stuck on my damn abdomen.
The husband cooked Thanksgiving dinner (which was delicious!). And for the next few days I binged on Netflix while online shopping. Season 1 of Orange is the New Black and 1.5 seasons of Breaking Bad have been watched, Christmas shopping nearly complete (and wrapped), Christmas cards in the mail, and I still have a week before I go back to work!
Movement was not, but it became tolerable pretty quickly. I honestly think the worst part was having to leave the surgical dressing on for 48 hours. 10 days later and
I still have adhesive stuck on my damn abdomen.
The husband cooked Thanksgiving dinner (which was delicious!). And for the next few days I binged on Netflix while online shopping. Season 1 of Orange is the New Black and 1.5 seasons of Breaking Bad have been watched, Christmas shopping nearly complete (and wrapped), Christmas cards in the mail, and I still have a week before I go back to work!
10 days out the incision has healed nicely, and my only complaint is wearing jeans - bending and sitting rubs the area all wrong.
No comments:
Post a Comment