John 's Photos

Teressa Phillips  Mine left a scar and still looks worse than yours does now. I hope it heals quickly. Mine was tender for a LONG time.

Rose Madura  A lot less invasive than mine which was thru the groin.  Your pictures indicate you are in good hands all around. God bless you.

John Wendelken   Hello Teressa!  I've noticed that when I keep my arm immobilized it doesn't hurt as much as when I forget and lift or squeeze. I had one seven years ago in the arm and it didn't go as well.  Thanks for commenting. It means alot!  Surgery is Tuesday morning...

John Wendelken   Hello Rose!  I've learned that the groin is more difficult. They prepped my leg before I was sedated.  I'd be interested to know why they choose one over the other?

Rose Madura  John, I had my surgery almost 7 years ago and they were not routinely doing them in the weist at that time.  

Grace Mason   Sounds like CC is taking good care of you John. Wishing you well in your upcoming surgery and recovery ❤️

Grace Mason   John, I think you seem to have the number one thing covered, which I believe, is a positive outlook. 
Everyone's recovery is very individual, but I believe a few things most helpful for me in my recovery was practicing an exercise program presurgery (I  was walking and/or light jogging several times a week for 1/2 hour or longer) and adding in some simple resistance exercises. I was concerned about being too weak to go to the bathroom on my own post surgery, so I started doing 10-15 squats a day, and practicing standing up without using my arms in various activities around the house. I added simple sit ups and leg lifts to strengthen my core. I also practiced using sternal precautions sitting up in bed. Doing these things before surgery, helped a lot post surgery, in recovery.

After surgery, I believe the most helpful thing is, once the physicians and physical therapists give you the ok to walk, do it as often and as much as you are able, while keeping your HR and BP in an acceptable range. The physical activity, even if it is laps around your house, is important for a quicker recovery.
My doctor's advised a high protein intake post surgery and I believe choosing the food to fuel your body is also important even if you don't feel like eating or your taste is off. Some excellent advice I received was using a protein shake, if other things are less palatable. 
My experience was that the surgery and recovery was not nearly as difficult as I had expected it to be ❤️