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jojane13
Member
Posts: 468
Registered: 11-29-2009
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GongoBongo,
I was wondering how anyone washed their own hair after surgery, as it seems that the work of raising your arms above your head and then actually
moving them around to shampoo would be so painful! My best friend had open heart surgery two years ago and she couldn't shower for a week afterwards.
We used to visit her in the hospital and joke that we could maybe at least spray her with Fabreeze or something because she was feeling so gross
By the way, I've been reading your journal from your experience last year and it's been incredibly helpful. I get a lot out of reading everyone's
journals, but it's especially nice to read about the adults who have managed to get through this successfully. I hope all continues to be well with
you! And thank you for staying active and sharing your experiences as so many of us benefit from that.
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vanessa_b
Member
Posts: 648
Registered: 10-5-2009
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Randy, I am having it done at Cincinnati Children's Hospital.
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GongoBongo
Member
Posts: 387
Registered: 10-26-2008
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Jojane, I don't remember much about that first shower. All I know for sure is that all my movements were in SUPER SLOW MOTION! But you know what? You
get through it and you feel like a million bucks afterwards. The weird part was looking at your naked body in the mirror and wondering "Who the
h-e-l-l is that ??!!". It was weird as my body was pretty beat up and my chest was so...flat!! I couldn't process it properly, and I had a bit of
rejection going on there. Obviously, it all seems like so long ago and I celebrate my 1 year anniversary on Friday. YOu'll be there soon, and your
life will change forever!! I'm glad my journal helped you, and there have been so many diverse experiences on this site, it's just too cool to read
everyone's journals! Looking forward to yours one day...
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jam
Member
Posts: 166
Registered: 7-30-2008
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van,
atleast they give you huge baby wipes to clean yourself up with until you shower. I can honestly say I couldn't stand the stink of myself after about
3 days. The meds gave me a bad reaction at first and sweated like a pig and that doesn't help the stink factor.
Good luck and enjoy being waited on hand and foot until you get home and the real fun starts.
Hope Dr. Garcia and his crew give you the relief you are looking for.
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brian5
Member
Posts: 33
Registered: 10-26-2009
Location: Switzerland
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Hi Vanessa,
Good luck! I'm sure you'll look just great after the surgery(actually you already do, nice boobs etc.)
Wishing you all the best,
b5
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vanessa_b
Member
Posts: 648
Registered: 10-5-2009
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Hey everyone I just wanted to update that I'm two weeks away from the surgery and I'm kind of freaking out. I feel like I'm standing on the edge of a
cliff and knowing I have to jump. Despite that, I'm also excited because I know I will never have to look at my dent again! Woo hoo! 
Tomorrow is my birthday (turning 25) and I'm going to buy a recliner. La-Z-Boy is having a sale so I'm going to see what they have. It has to be big
enough for me and my dog to sleep in. Knowing my dog, he will not be satisfied unless he's allowed to sleep next to me.
I'm thinking about what I should pack to take to the hospital. Any suggestions from those who have been through the surgery? A wedge pillow?
Slippers? A giant bottle of prune juice, perhaps? 
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nightg
Contributing Member
Posts: 460
Registered: 4-24-2008
Location: New Zealand
Member Is Offline
Mood: doing great
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take a laptop with plenty of movies in case what they have on tv does not entertain you. music, yeah your own pillow hospital pillows are no good.
take some snacks unless you have someone on call that can bring you anything. and enjoy the ride. I myself did'nt need a recliner but alot here say
its very useful so it is a very good excuse to go out and buy one :-) Look forward to hearing how you go
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jojane13
Member
Posts: 468
Registered: 11-29-2009
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Vanessa,
Good luck with your upcoming Nuss procedure! I can only imagine the combination of fear and excitement that must be swirling around in your mind as
the day approaches. When the fear hits, try to think about more pleasant thoughts, like how great you'll look when it's over, and the long term
health benefits you'll enjoy once you get your PE corrected.
Having just had a short hospital stay, I'd suggest you bring flip flops too. They're good for slipping into easily when you get up, and they'll come
in handy when the glorious day comes when they let you finally take a shower!
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villa
Member
Posts: 83
Registered: 11-29-2009
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Hi Vanessa,
Been thinking about you with your big day coming soon. Best of luck to you, please keep us posted.
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vanessa_b
Member
Posts: 648
Registered: 10-5-2009
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Thanks, I'll try to keep a detailed journal as I go.
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Anna984
Member
Posts: 47
Registered: 6-23-2009
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Vanessa, good look with your surgery! Can't wait to see your results!
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vanessa_b
Member
Posts: 648
Registered: 10-5-2009
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Thanks Anna.
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kames
Contributing Member
Posts: 202
Registered: 1-9-2010
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
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You have been on my mind every night. I wish you the best in your surgery your courage inspires me.
Best wishes!
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withPC
Contributing Member
Posts: 264
Registered: 5-16-2006
Location: Washington DC
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Mood: Happy!
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Quote: Originally posted by jojane13  |
I was wondering how anyone washed their own hair after surgery, as it seems that the work of raising your arms above your head and then actually
moving them around to shampoo would be so painful! |
I have washed my hair for the first time after the surgery on the 3rd or 4th day.
First two days I was getting sponge baths but they were lame so I asked to be moved to the bathroom. I couldn't go by myself because I needed help
moving all the bottles and pipes. I had the chair and washed myself everyday in the sink.
The date is getting closer for Vanessa
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Syndi31104
Member
Posts: 85
Registered: 6-24-2006
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Member Is Offline
Mood: Happy to be PC free!!!!
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Good luck Vanessa! It is so scary and exciting! I was worried up until I was in my gown... and then I was surprisingly mellow. The whole thing was
surreal. You'll do great!
I didn't wash my hair after the first couple of days... my mom did (embarrassing). I couldn't get my arms over my head! And a heads up with the
recliner: be careful if it's one of those where you have to reach over and pull the handle to release the leg support. Your chest will surely be sore,
so take it easy!
I'm excited for you!
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jojane13
Member
Posts: 468
Registered: 11-29-2009
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Vanessa,
You're in my thoughts as your big day approaches tomorrow! I'm sure it's a nervous time for you, but I hope you're able to get some sleep tonight. I
know everything will be just fine and those doctors and nurses will take great care of you. And just imagine waking up from surgery and having the
dent finally a thing of the past . Hang in there and let us know how you're
doing when you are able to post again.
Best wishes for a wonderful outcome and a painless recovery!
MaryJane
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withPC
Contributing Member
Posts: 264
Registered: 5-16-2006
Location: Washington DC
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Mood: Happy!
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Yeap. Tomorrow is the big day. Good luck, stay strong!
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vanessa_b
Member
Posts: 648
Registered: 10-5-2009
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Hi everyone, this is Vanessa's fiance. Just wanted to let you know that all went well with the Nuss today. The operation took about 4.5 hours, and she
got two bars. She got out of recovery and got moved to her room without incident. She's still pretty groggy right now, so wish her luck over the next
day as the tough part begins!
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luckysock
Contributing Member
Posts: 64
Registered: 1-21-2010
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So good to hear she is okay, and it went well
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withPC
Contributing Member
Posts: 264
Registered: 5-16-2006
Location: Washington DC
Member Is Offline
Mood: Happy!
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Glad to know that she's ok. Best wishes to her!
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jojane13
Member
Posts: 468
Registered: 11-29-2009
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Tell Vanessa I hope she's feeling better soon. Thanks for posting to let us know she's okay!
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Randy
Contibuting Member
Posts: 3540
Registered: 12-22-2005
Location: St. Louis MO
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Mood: Always Fun & Positive
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Yah, Thanks
She will be in Hell's Kitchen for some time. I pray she fights pain like a Mother protects her young. Be by her side 24/7 for she will need you like
never before. Let here know we all know exactly how she currently feels, for we have been there. Post updates for Vanessa.
Randy
well, just taking one day at a time and Praying our Great Country "Gets Back On It's Feet"
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jojane13
Member
Posts: 468
Registered: 11-29-2009
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Vanessa,
I know you probably aren't feeling up to posting at the moment, but I just wanted to let you know that you're in my thoughts and I'm hoping you're
okay. Hang in there!
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villa
Member
Posts: 83
Registered: 11-29-2009
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Hi Vanessa - I'm so glad to hear that the surgery went well. I can't wait to hear how you feel the first time you see your new chest! Sending your
hugs and warm wishes!
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vanessa_b
Member
Posts: 648
Registered: 10-5-2009
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Hey guys it's vanessa, 3 days into the hospiiital stay. Verey woozy. have some major pain will write later..
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