I really feel good about this one! We reviewed my goals (10 hour drive to Vermont
I have exercises that I need to do 3 times a day (the boring stretch type – no aerobic aspect at all). If you know me, you know sitting still drives me insane. I was never the yoga type. The goal of these exercises is to open up the lymph nodes in my neck, underarms, and right groin area. This will make them more receptive to take over for my missing left groin nodes. I also need to drink a gallon of water daily.
A visit to the medical store is in order. I need stockings that run from my ankle to groin area. This support hosiery will be worn all day. I will discuss swimming, kayaking, biking, hiking, and running with them. The therapist stated they are not good in repetitive exercises (which means, they will probably chafe my skin for the biking and running.) There is a whole art/science to these things. They come in different colors-shades-thickness and size. I am go get a 30 – 40 mm Hg (mercury?) type.
Since my drain is still in and still actively collecting a lot of fluid, I will not get my compression hosiery right away. The good news is that I came in right away – before the swelling reached stage 2 – yes, an entirely new series of stages I could educate myself on.
Oh yeah, and about that drain repair - it did not work. I am changing a surgical pad twice a day, and unclogging the tube once a day. The majority of the fluid is going into the reservoir, but a bunch is leaking out the drain hole. So, I can get around and do things without dribble going down my leg! Unfortunately, the swelling is back at the level of my first surgery. The lymph fluids became backed up when my drain clogged.
NEXT STEPS: HUP 2nd opinion, Visit Core Care for Stockings, Chase down a few reports I do not have a copy of, Get my drain out, Get script for compression stockings, keep Exercising.
PSYCHE: Frustrated with drain and surgeons schedule, but feeling good about returning to an active lifestyle. I am now working 3-4 hours a day remotely, which helps with the boredom of sitting all day.
