Day 21 post op...

Cannot believe its only been three weeks since surgery seems like ages ago.
I was brave and removed the steri-strips after my bath last night - wimp that I am it made my tummy go 'wibble wobble' doing it!
Here's what it looks like in all its naked glory - the incision is actually the same size as the original one and looks like it will heal up and be tidy.
www.gastroparesisuk.org

Day 20 post op.....

Looks like these steri-strips are ready to come off - think I will ease them off tonight after they get wet in the bath - not looking forward to doing it!!!
Allergy rash still quite itchy but hopefully will clear soon.
Felt bit nauseous for about an hour yesterday - managed to eat a small meal - bloating still quite pronounced. Will chat with Medtronic technician about best way forward with this when I go to clinic on 10th May. I know they put the settings slighty lower than the original pacer settings to see what happened - but I do not want to increase them radically and (a) leave little room for future adjustments or (b) limit the battery life expectancy.
GastroParesis UK members only support group - Gastroparesis 'R' Us:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/16102606274/

Day 19 post op....

Finally managing to sleep on my side for limited periods of time enabling me to get a little more sleep last night.
Allergic reaction to dressing around incision site still itchy - but the steri-strips are finally starting to curl up, another couple of days and I think they will be off!!!
http://www.facebook.com/GastroParesisUK

Day 18 post op....

Did not make the mistake of over eating in one sitting yesterday but was still quite bloated after my small meal - we shall see what happens with this.
Only issue I have is a rash around the incision site, as the nurse at my GP surgery, put on a different type of temporary dressing to the one I had been using, when I had my wound check done, to which I was obviously allergic - I am allergic to various fabric based plasters but not usually dressings - fortunately it was only on for a short period so hopefully will clear soon - the itching is driving me mad!!!
http://www.facebook.com/GastroParesisUK

Day 17 post op....

Well first day without a was a bit uncomfortable if I'm being honest - the area is still quite sensitive and the dressing was obviously acting as a barrier between the incision and my clothing plus the clothing keeps snagging on the steri-strips so assume they will work themselves off sometime in the near future!
Also was quite hungry at dinner time so ate a bit larger meal than usual the consequences being I was quite bloated and for the first time since the surgery I felt mildly nauseous, so will not be doing this again in a hurry - reminding myself not to run before I can walk!!!!

Day 16 post op....

Well had my first trip out on foot, walked to doctors surgery at a snails pace, for my wound check. You really do not realise how much surgery like this takes it out of you until you are challenged by every day actions - the walk has totally worn me out!
Good news is the wound is healing nicely and nurse practitioner has advised me to leave the dressing off and just let the steri strips fall off by themselves - and that I can now officially start bathing (as opposed to showering) again.
I have also been issued with a blood test form for a standard panel, plus check my thyroid levels (I am already treated with thyroxine for hypothyroidism) plus iron and ferratin levels, as I explained that I am still feeling extremely tired - the challenge being getting myself to the phlebotomy clinic on the other side of town to get it done - hey ho another day another challenge!

Day 15 post op....

Ok this may not sound like a breakthrough to most people but today I have managed to put on a soft bra - its a little uncomfortable but two hours in I'm still coping with it - yaayy heading back towards normality (well in the clothing department at least!!!).
Got appointment at doctors surgery tomorrow for a wound check, and to look at whether or not to remove the steri-strips which are holding the surface together. Whole incision area is incredibly itchy now which hopefully is sign of healing and the internal dissolvable stitches doing their job.

Day 14 post op....

Managed to get a little sleep last night which means I've woken up a little more 'on the ball'.
Still only eating limited quantities, and discomfort eases a little each day. Still getting bloated, and appetite is quite small but nausea is not an issue.
Another dressing change today - all looks well - steri strips still stubbornly in place - will let GP make a decision on those in two days time.
Managed to get back on the GastroParesis UK wheel yesterday albeit part time/limited - the team are doing a great job covering the workload in my absence.
http://www.facebook.com/GastroParesisUK

Day 13 post op....

Did not get much sleep, brain was on overload with some current family issues, so have got up more tired than I went to bed!!!
Have also developed a bit of a headache and ear ache since waking but hopefully with the aide of some pain killers this is just a passing germ..... 

Day 12 post op....

Just did dressing change - all looks well - its quite itchy at the moment which I take as a good sign of healing - steri strips are still firmly in place so will leave well alone and let my GP check them and decide whether or not to remove them in four days time. Around implant still appears to be swollen - but this may be how it is positioned in fat pocket and will be the way the new one lies, no way of telling just yet.
Very very tired today - only slept intermittently last night which is probably the reason why!

Day 11 post op...

OK I've had to have a word with myself and have finally reached a point of acceptance:
On day one I felt like the surgery was much less invasive than the original pacer surgery and I anticipated being in a different 'place' by day 11 to that which I actually am.
So my 'light bulb moment' is that although yes it is far less invasive it is still in fact major abdominal surgery and will take a bit longer than thought to fully recover - proof of this is that I keep writing lists of stuff to do tomorrow, getting up, looking at the list and putting most of it on the brought forward list - those that know me, know that this is not my standard approach to life!!!
In reality I think I will have to accept that I will need to ease myself back into the GastroParesis UK work slowly and thankfully as my team members have handled everything so well in my absence delegating for a bit longer is not so difficult.
The main issue I am having is not so much pain or discomfort but overwhelming tiredness and in honesty it is hard to tell whether this is 100% due to the surgery or whether my current intermittent sleep pattern is also partly due to other stress factors currently in my life - we shall see....
Gastroparesis 'R' Us - the GPUK members only support group for sufferers and carers:  
https://www.facebook.com/groups/16102606274/

Day 10 post op...

Doing ok swelling and soreness decreasing - still only got small appetite but that is to be expected after several weeks of limited food intake - it should revert to my version of 'normal' over a period of time. Nausea is no longer an issue - still got some bloating but hard to tell if this is symptomatic or post surgery - we shall see.
Another dressing change - everything looks ok - clean, dry and no obvious infection.

Day 9 post op....

Bit sore again this morning and for some unbeknown reason I am more tired now than I was just after surgery!
As yet I am still too uncomfortable to wear anything with a standard waistband - currently using my son's long shorts and track suit bottoms - as he is 6ft 4" and I am 5ft you can imagine how I look - doubt I will be venturing out in this attire!!! Also very much looking forward to being able to wear a bra again (I am quite short in the body so almost everything lays on or pushes on the surgery site) - last time I think this took several weeks - this time I am aiming at within the next few days!!!!
Diabetes is not too bad considering.

Dressing change day 8

All looks well - clean, dry and holding together!

Day 8 post op....

Yesterday I was quite tired not really sure why as I did not exert myself.
Managed to eat a little and the general bloating symptoms seem to be dissipating and on the whole the soreness and discomfort is easing - although late in the day it became a little more uncomfortable.
I awoke this morning very sore as it would seem that I had inadvertently rolled onto my side onto the pacer site during my sleep - had to give in and take some painkillers.
Other than that and feeling a bit worn out, which I am assuming is due to intermittent sleep I am doing ok.
Due a dressing change today so lets see what's happening there - site has been bit itchy last couple of days which hopefully is a healing 'itch'!!!! Just checked with hospital and they confirmed that the steri-strips holding the surface incision together, should not be removed until they start 'curling up and rolling off by themselves' - I figured that will be in another week or so - don't want to interfere with them too early as due to my diabetes I heal a bit slower than most people. If in doubt I will get my practise nurse to take a look.

Day 7 post op....

Well one week down and doing well - each day brings a little less swelling and soreness.
I was given a new implant handbook and ID card so have filled those out and put them in easy to find places!
My Mum has left today so will now have to fend for myself - although my kids (adults) are on hand if I need help - just got to have a word with myself about being sensible and not over doing it!
Aiming at getting 'back on the GastroParesis UK wheel' towards the end of the week.

Day 6 post op...

Doing well - pain is minimal, bit less sore, swelling seems to have gone down a little bit too.
Managing to eat small quantities - trying not to run before I can walk!
Changed dressing for second time today - wound is clean, dry and secure.
All in all - so far - the replacement surgery has been far less traumatic than the first implant surgery as it was bit less invasive and did not involve deep muscle incision.

Day five post op...

Not doing bad - bending is awkward due to soreness and swelling - most definately cannot sleep on my side which is a tad aggrievating as due to my asthma sleeping on my back is problematic, so have been sleeping in raised position.
Eating bit more than pre op, nausea is not an issue but still bloated. Diabetes not too bad.
Pain is manageable.

Day four post op....

Had good nights rest but still quite tired. Pain is manageable, but very sore and uncomfortable - pacer site is swollen and lots of bruising is now coming out. Changed the dressing as instructed this morning without any problems - incision is bit longer than I imagined but not quite as long as the original. Need to change dressing every 2-3 days and keep covered for about 14 days in total - the stitches are all internal and dissolvable the outside incision is held together with about 8 closely packed steri-strips.

I'm home....

Well the trip home was very long and very tiring but the bonus was that I was able to sleep more comfortably in my own bed.

Homeward bound...

Ready to roll on the mammoth journey home - dreading it as it will take 8-9 hours door to door - but at same time urgently need my own bed and surroundings!
Feel generally sore and uncomfortable - op site is still quite swollen and all the bruising is starting to come out now. Pain is still manageable on basic analgesics. Diabetes not too bad but still unsettled.
I am managing to eat probably a little more than pre op - but I am taking it steady as the bloating is still quite noticeable - this may settle - failing that my clinic appointment is only a month away.
The pacer seems to have kicked in at the same sort of point as the first one did, 48-60 hours post op.

Day two post op

Had good night - back is aching where I am unable to sleep on my side due to discomfort and my bottom is very bored with being sat on!!!
Taking regular little strolls around hotel room to keep circulation going (have taken the surgical stockings off for a while as they were driving me mad).
Had a shower of sorts this morning a bit technical but at least I now feel properly clean!
Pain is manageable - still sore and swollen.

36 hours post op

Was discharged day early - basically due to my stubborn nature!
I was not on any hospital administered meds - pain being managed with standard analgesics - so decided I would be better off relaxing in hotel room without interference.
Had to promise I would take it easy, not lift, shower rather than bath and not travel back home for 48 hours.
Got to attend clinic in six weeks for post op check and adjustment. Technician has put the new pacer on slightly lower settings than I had been on as he felt that possibly with the new stronger powered pacer this may be sufficient.
Basically sore, feel like I've been punched in stomach (did ask surgeon if he had punched me whilst I was under but he promised he had'nt!!!) and some movement/bending/getting upright movements are a bit complicated due to swelling. But pain is limited and manageable.
Pacer is in more or less in same position as original perhaps a centimetre further to the left.

Hour after surgery

Was put in HDU as standard practise - sliding scale dextrose/insulin drip and heart monitor.
Anaesthetist had put in some local anaesthetic around pocket where new pacer had been placed prior to me being sewn back up - so no need for pain meds via drip. Pain level was manageable.
Stayed in HDU 24 hours more from a 'watchful eye on diabetes' point of view than any complications - diabetes a little unstable due to surgery trauma but nothing unexpected.

Ready to go

Ready to go down for the surgery 8am on 9th April 2013 - very calm not apprehensive at all.

Vomiting...

Well the hospital toilet bowl and I have become intimately acquainted as I thought it would be rude not to!!!
The bloating and nausea had me beaten this evening but just 12 hours or so to go now....

The hospital....

Lovely private ensuite hospital room, satellite TV, tea, meds and nurse on tap - who could ask for more if an admission is a necessity - lot to be said in this instance for NHS using private facilities for procedures!

I'm now officially at the hospital

Final day...

Will be leaving soon to be admitted for the replacement pacer surgery tomorrow - going in a day early for the usual pre op work up as I am first on the list in the morning - which is good news as I am not what you could call good at waiting whilst fasting and dying for a cup of tea!
Had a good day yesterday relaxed and quiet rounded off by a lovely evening spent with a couple of my GastroParesis UK team mates - laughter is the best medicine!
Managed to eat a little yesterday without throwing up albeit bloated.
One day to go....

Pre op...

Here's me today - pre op - in fairness looking quite healthy - how the camera lies eh - lets see how I look by Wednesday.....

In Glasgow....

My Mum and I arrived in Glasgow late yesterday - a tiring day but we are here now. Did not eat first food of day until 9.30pm by which point was quite hungry and managed to eat what amounted to a large meal for me - kept it down but was really bloated for hours.
Neither my Mum or I had much sleep - not because of a strange hotel room, but because we both snore - we were taking it in turns to keep each other awake!!!!!
3 days to go to surgery.....

And we're off...

Yesterday was hectic doing all the last minute stuff, packing etc - had to prepare for potentially being out of action for a while - have handed over all GPUK related matters to my team mates so everyone will be in safe hands!
Was bloated and nauseous all day but made myself finally eat a small amount in the evening and managed to keep it down.
Have just left home on the first leg of my journey to Glasgow for my replacement pacer surgery. Stopping off en route to see my daughter and pick up my Mum who will be my hospital partner. It's going to be a long tiring day but hey we are finally on our way yaayy.
4 days to go....
Http:www.facebook.com/GastroParesisUK

On the home stretch....

Managed to eat a bit yesterday - bloating was an issue but managed to keep the food down!
Today is my last day at home before travelling up to Glasgow for the replacement pacer surgery - so the 'to do' list is as long as my arm!!!
5 days to go.....

Nearly there...

Well only managed a miniscule amount of food yesterday - I am forcing myself to eat despite the nausea and bloating in the hopes that keeping some solid food going through my system will mean less post op pain this time as the bowel readjusts to solids - fingers crossed!!!
My list of things to do today is endless lets hope my energy supplies last long enough.
6 days and counting.....

Today it will not beat me....

Ok yesterday was not a great gastroparesis day - nauseous, bloated, vomiting, exhausted - but despite feeling more or less the same today it's not going to be allowed to beat me.....

Gastroparesis rears its head....

Well yesterday was an extremely nauseous day - to be honest it got the better if me - so I gave in and just sat intermittently - 'giving in' is not part of my make up and this is not my usual approach to being unwell so gives you a rough idea of how I felt!
Today has been hectic with a long list of tasks achieved that has kept me out of the house and on my feet most of the day - needless to say I am now completely exhausted - trust me to learn the lesson the hard way - but hey jobs had to be done and nobody else could do things like sit in the dentist chair for me!!!!
http:www.facebook.com/GastroParesisUK

Yukky day...

Yesterday was not a great day extremely bloated and nauseous. Forced myself to eat a small amount but struggled for hours afterwards.
9 days until surgery....