Today marks one week since my lipo 360 and breast fat transfer with Dr. Daniel Kaufman at Miami Life. If you’ve followed my journey, you know he also performed my extended tummy tuck, or ETT, and did an amazing job.
This time, I felt much more relaxed. I already knew my doctor and the staff, and after my experience the first time, I felt like I was in good hands.
Before my surgery, we made time to enjoy Miami together. I went to the beach with my husband and son and got in the water during that first visit. We also went to the Museum of Ice Cream, so we got to mix in some family fun before it was time for surgery and recovery.
He prayed for me before surgery, just like last time, and I love that about him. That means a lot to me.
Although I felt comfortable going into surgery, that first night afterward was rough. Let me explain.
I had my husband and son with me, and they picked me up after surgery. I had prepared my husband for all the fluid I would be draining after lipo 360, but apparently, I hadn’t prepared him enough.
That night, I asked him to help me to the bathroom. Mind you, I had taken my prescribed postoperative medications, including my anti-nausea medication, antibiotic, and Percocet. The anti-nausea medication says it can cause dizziness.
My husband didn’t realize I was feeling dizzy until I asked him to hold on to me. He did, and then I blacked out.
Apparently, during that blackout, I was still speaking to him normally and walking. Since I seemed okay, he let go. Well, about a minute later, I hit the floor face-first.
When I came to, he was freaked out. I wasn’t feeling any pain and didn’t have any bumps or bruises, but he was not happy.
I told him, “Do not let me go, no matter what happens.”
The second time I went to the bathroom, he did much better. I blacked out again, but this time he held on to me. During that blackout, I also threw up on him.
I get nauseous from anesthesia, which is why I had the anti-nausea medication. But because I had blacked out again and hit the floor the first time, Coach Art thought I might have a concussion. I don’t blame him.
He called an ambulance, and I was rushed to the ER. From there, I was transferred to trauma, where they did X-rays and an MRI. They told me the imaging was fine.
They also told me my blood count was low, which I had already expected because of the lipo. And even though they were telling me my blood count was low, they continued drawing multiple vials of blood. That only added to my frustration. Then a doctor came in and recommended a blood transfusion.
I politely declined and asked for iron instead.
She said okay, but later came back and asked why I didn’t want the blood transfusion. I told her I didn’t want it and would rather have iron. She said okay and left.
Then another doctor came in and asked me the same thing. Again, I said I didn’t want blood and would like iron.
They said okay, and about seven hours later, I finally received the iron infusion.
This continued into the next day. Around 4 a.m., I asked for another iron infusion, but they kept pushing for blood. Another seven hours went by, and I still hadn’t received more iron.
At that point, I had had enough. I ended up pulling everything off and leaving the hospital with my husband.
Let me just say, Ryder Trauma was a nightmare for me. After that experience, I wanted to stay away from that hospital and get back to the doctor who had performed my surgery.
After leaving, I went directly back to Miami Life. I spoke with Dr. Kaufman and told him everything that had happened. I also got my first massage that day, and I haven’t had any more fainting episodes since.
Now, that first massage was painful for me. She was only lightly touching me, but it hurt. I was that tender.
The second massage was better, and every day after that, it got a little easier.
I’m still swollen. After my first massage, I bought more pads, and I’ve been wearing them since, only removing them for showers or massages. I’m also wearing my postoperative garment and bra, with instructions to wear them for four to six weeks.
So that’s where I am at one week after surgery. That first night definitely gave my husband and son a scare, but as far as the healing itself goes, this time has been much easier than my tummy tuck recovery. The first time was a lot more intense. This time, I’m able to move around more and do more, which has made recovery feel much more manageable.
I was even able to go back to the beach with my guys after surgery. That visit was different, though. I went to get some walking and exercise in, but I stayed out of the water. We still got to enjoy the beach together, just at a different pace this time.
I was also able to see Dr. Kaufman again before I left, and it was a wonderful experience. From the results of my first surgery to the comfort I felt returning to him, I highly recommend him and would absolutely go back to him again.
I’m still healing, still swollen, and feeling a little better each day. I’ll keep sharing my recovery as I go, but I have to say, I’m already loving my results, and so is my husband! 😉💙
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