Today was the first real test of how successful my surgery has been, the removal of the drain, catheter and packing. It was never going to be a pleasant job but in the scheme of things was not too bad, first was the drain, a tube which went the whole width of my abdomen was pulled out from a small incision down my right side. It looked like a piece of electrical cable but full of tiny holes, it came out clean without a massive amount of discomfort so I thought “one down, two to go” next was the catheter, a very clever device which is inserted into the urethra while I was under then inflated with 10 ml of air which forms a small balloon at the top to stop it coming out. The air is drawn out and it was removed again without a great deal of fuss or pain. The third and final job was the packing, now that is fairly disgusting really (won’t go into details) and gives the weirdest feeling when it’s being pulled out. There seems to be yards and yards of it, it certainly felt like there was. She cleaned the area and announced she was very happy with the results. Then came the worst bit for me, she took the smallest dilator, applied some lubricant and inserted it where the packing had just come from. She declared that she was happy with the depth and then to my horror upsized. Thank goodness I only brought the two smallest out of five with me!
After the now customary hugs all round we returned up stairs. I have to say I was relieved to say the least that it was over, no more pipes sticking out of me or bags to carry round and more importantly, no more wearing nappies. Seriously they have to be the most uncomfortable things ever; no wonder babies cry! I put on some normal clothes and it immediately made me feel better having not worn anything on the lower half for a week except the said nappy I was now able to walk around the suite unhindered. We made some tea then decided to go for a short walk, my first since Tuesday last week, so even though we didn’t go far it was a big thing for me. There were no ill effects so will aim to go a little further tomorrow. Then, my first dilation since the end of September, and have to say I was scared but it went ok. It wasn’t exactly pleasurable, and I don’t think it will be anytime soon, but neither was it massively painful so am taking that as a big success. Four times a day doesn’t excite me much but it is necessary so will do my best to comply. It will however be difficult when we are on the plane!!!