Hi ladies! I'm not on here often as my triplets are now 8-years-old...time flies FAST!!! I'm finally getting a TT in a couple weeks and the fear is starting to set it! I'd love advice for those who have had the procedure done. How was your recovery? How long did you need help with your kiddos (I have a 2-year-old too)? I have helped lined up for 2 weeks and hoping I can manage after than? The more research I do the more scared I get...all this talk about a "ken" and "swell hell"? Ugh...feeling unprepared.

really? I remember years ago many women having TTs?? anyone?

My recovery from my TT was a breeze compared to my c-section. I was up and walking a few hours after, and felt pretty darn good. I didn't have help aside from my husband, and the trio was only 18 months at the time. I was "out" for about 2-3 days when I came home (as far as cooking,cleaning, major care of the kids) and then after that I started helping more, and by about 10 days after surgery I was doing almost all of it again except carrying them. I didn't do that till about 4 weeks (they recommend 6).

Hope that helps

Julie
Single mom to

Tristan Declan 4lbs 3oz
Cassandra Madison 4lbs 7oz
Ryland Markus 4lbs 2oz
Born on 9/5/06 at 32 weeks 4 days

www.our3.blogspot.com

My experience was very similar to Julie's. I thought it was a little easier than the c-section/bedrest recovery. I was doing laps around my upstairs the day of surgery. Was going up and down stairs within a few days, short walks in neighborhood at 2 weeks and about back to normal activities after 10 days-2 weeks. I didn't have any major swelling and no complications. Like Julie, I was cleared to pick up my kids at 4 weeks. You will want full time help for the first 2-3 days. With 8-year olds, you should have no problem!

Karla

6/29/08
Amelia - 2 lbs. 12 oz
Marcus - 4 lbs. 11 oz
Jocelyn - 3 lbs. 15 oz.

born at 32 weeks 6 days
http://mybabydrama.com/

For me recovery was so much worse than my c sections. My muscle seperation was so bad he really sewed me up nice and tight. I could not stand up straight for 4 weeks. I had 3 weeks of full time help then was on my own. I had mine 1 year ago and it was so worth it!!!
I still have numbness but my scar is barely visible. I wore a bikini all summer!!
My triplets were 7 and my youngest was 2 when I had it done.


Gina mom to BBG born 2-4-03 at 37 weeks
and baby boy 11/07

Thanks for the responses. Unfortunately...Gina's experience seems to be more of what I hear of...but I am hopeful!!! I'm in great shape so I hope that helps my recovery...but I too have a pretty big muscle seperation...and I hear that is the hardest part of the recovery...and I can't imagine being two comfortable for the first two weeks at least since that is how long my surgeon said the drain tubes need to be in. :0(...we shall see!!

Julie...I just saw your pictures on your blog (and besides being gorgeous and having beautiful children!!)....and you look Great!!! I'm curious though...your scar seems to be really high? Is there a reason the surgeon didn't do it lower and did you know that is where it would be?

thank you

It is really high, as is my "fake" belly button. However, I suppose that is what you get from an Army plastic surgeon when it's free LOL. I try not to complain too much but once I know if I am ever going to have another child or not, I WILL be getting it re-done.

I also had huge muscle separation and a hernia (that's why the military authorized it to be paid in full) protruding through, and my recover was great.

Looking forward to hearing about your surgery and your recovery!!!!

Julie
Single mom to

Tristan Declan 4lbs 3oz
Cassandra Madison 4lbs 7oz
Ryland Markus 4lbs 2oz
Born on 9/5/06 at 32 weeks 4 days

www.our3.blogspot.com

So I went for my pre-op appt. this morning and found out my scar will be high too . He said it's because while I have a long torso, I am short waisted (I look JUST like you - my before and body type)...which means my belly button is higher than most and the fake belly button has to be in the same place cause I have a hernia and muscle seperation too. I think they did a good job on you! Especially for free...I'm jealous!! I was just hoping after spending so much $$$ I'd be able to wear a bikini...but I don't think so.

That's funny though, because my "fake" belly button is like 1.5 inches above where my REAL belly button should be... I met with a plastic surgeon about a year ago and he told me if I did have it redone, it could be done lower, the scar by about 2 inches and the belly button by 1-1.5 inches. Can you get a 2nd opinion?

For what it's worth- i'm about 3 years post and I wear bikini's ALL the time! The scar fades, and spray tans/tanning helps "hide" it. I have some pictures on fb... are you on fb? email me, jraysbrook16@yahoo.com and I can send you a few so you can see what 1+ year will look like

Julie
Single mom to

Tristan Declan 4lbs 3oz
Cassandra Madison 4lbs 7oz
Ryland Markus 4lbs 2oz
Born on 9/5/06 at 32 weeks 4 days

www.our3.blogspot.com

I'm 6mpo from TT+MR+hernia repair. I was completely out of it for 2 weeks on meds, etc. I couldn't walk straight at 4 weeks still. If you can line up some help for 3 or even 4 weeks, you'll have an easier time at recovery without feeling like you have to do everything! It really is a long recovery process. I was on pain meds for longer than I anticipated. With the different things that can happen you just never know. I hope that you have help around just in case you have some complications. I ended up with a seroma that needed to be drained several times by my PS. Now I formed a pseudobursa where the seroma was and will probably have a revision TT next year. Swell hell isn't that bad. It's more of a nuasance than anything else. Ken is no big deal as well..
GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!

Thanks Julie! I will email you now and look you up on FB too. I'd love to see some pics.

I have helped lined up for 2 weeks and my PS thinks that is plenty and is very hopeful of a quick recovery due to my size and good shape...I sure hope he is right!!