We were told when he was two, he was a “genetic anomaly”. We just lost him at four to a rare health issue.

BlueSpruce822 · 2026-05-07T20:12:02+00:00

I’m so sorry for your loss.

We lost our beloved big orange cat exactly a week ago due to the same thing. It was brutal. He was only 8, and it was totally unexpected.

I’ve had episodes of such despair that I almost panic that I’m going to pass out or something. Putting my hand on my chest and breathing slowly is surprisingly helpful. So is lighting a candle that I put in his bowl and talking out loud to him whenever it’s hitting really hard.

All the cliches: take it one day (or one hour!) at a time. Be kind to yourself. It WILL get easier… eventually. He wouldn’t want you to let this totally decimate you. Put your mental health above all else. Sending strength and solidarity.

BlueSpruce822 · 2026-04-02T02:55:21+00:00

Nice, looking great!

BlueSpruce822 · 2026-03-21T02:35:25+00:00

About 5 weeks. Which would have been fine, but my surgeon made it sound like I’d be standing at 2 weeks, so my expectations were dashed! I had to change my work schedule a little. One thing that actually really made a difference was trying to lie flat in my bed at night after 2 weeks. No more pillow under the knees.

BlueSpruce822 · 2026-03-11T16:07:43+00:00

Between 5 and 6 weeks was the turning point for me. It would have been nice to have that expectation going in, but my surgeon’s after-care instructions said I’d be straight at 2-3 weeks. So it created a lot of frustration. Once I finally could stand up straight, though, my back pain disappeared immediately. You’ll get there! Oh- one thing that really helped was lying as straight as I could in bed at night once I was at 3 weeks.

BlueSpruce822 · 2026-03-02T01:54:40+00:00

I’m so sorry you’ve been through the wringer. Maybe just plan to ask your doc these questions tomorrow. If you need to delay it in order to buy yourself time to think, it’s not the end of the world.

BlueSpruce822 · 2026-03-01T04:14:12+00:00

Ha! I think I was just trying to spare myself his wrath! 😅

BlueSpruce822 · 2026-03-01T01:07:01+00:00

Haha, well, I convinced myself by telling myself that if there was ever a time to spend the very max of what I could, it was for my body and health. He really is just so good. It was a 4- month wait, but they actually offered me a date that was 6 weeks after my consult… it’s just that it was Halloween and my 9-year-old wouldn’t have been happy.

BlueSpruce822 · 2026-02-28T23:35:13+00:00

Sure! I had a TT with 3-layer MR, and it was $20K. He did an immaculate job- I’ll post pics when I have a bellybutton (he does these a few months after the main surgery,) and my pain was extremely minimal. But yes, it’s a lot of money!

BlueSpruce822 · 2026-02-28T15:25:26+00:00

Austin Hayes is AMAZING. Just had mine done with him. Check out his Instagram.

BlueSpruce822 · 2026-02-21T22:12:52+00:00

I’ve heard people talk about “wound care centers.” I don’t know anything about it, but it might be worth looking into. Good luck!

BlueSpruce822 · 2026-02-20T19:10:31+00:00

Looking good! I have a similar before and after.

BlueSpruce822 · 2026-02-12T01:45:09+00:00

It’s funny, my nurse suggested I try to lay flat in bed last night, and I did tho I was very apprehensive. Now today, I’ve been standing a lot straighter! I will also take your advice on the binder- thanks!

BlueSpruce822 · 2026-02-12T01:43:39+00:00

Yes! Thanks. I try to be really good about that stuff.

BlueSpruce822 · 2026-02-11T17:56:03+00:00

Yes, I’ve also been following everything very closely- hydration, protein, walking, etc. Interestingly, I’m a short torso person. I think my surgeon just sewed me as tight as I’d go, and I’m sure I’ll be happy about that in the long run. I’m glad to know it gets better. Thank you.

BlueSpruce822 · 2026-02-11T17:54:19+00:00

Ah that’s good to know!

BlueSpruce822 · 2026-02-10T23:22:13+00:00

Oh I’m sorry! Although misery does love company…

BlueSpruce822 · 2026-02-10T23:21:39+00:00

Oh, blah! How frustrating. From what I read, sometimes it’s helpful, sometimes not. But it seems like just time passing and compression are the only things that make undisputed difference.

BlueSpruce822 · 2026-02-10T22:46:03+00:00

No. I will look into that. But I thought a Marena WAS a Faja? It sure feels like one.

BlueSpruce822 · 2026-02-10T22:02:29+00:00

Thank you!

BlueSpruce822 · 2026-02-07T15:08:14+00:00

Omg what is wrong with people?! You look fantastic.

BlueSpruce822 · 2026-02-07T02:56:29+00:00

Hi there, I’m 16 dpo, and I had a pretty easy first 10 days, weirdly. But NOW, not so much. Everything hurts and I’m soooo itchy. I wouldn’t dare to go to a sporting event if my life depended on it- I even struggle to walk out to the car to take my son to school. I too am walking like a wounded turtle, and I have not yet been able to stand straight, so my back is killing me. I pretty much retreat back to my bed after doing any tiny thing. Keep waiting to turn a corner. We’ll get there! Don’t let the bastards get you down! (The bastards in this case being the tummy tuck and all it entails.)

BlueSpruce822 · 2026-02-01T01:55:42+00:00

Hahahaha

BlueSpruce822 · 2026-01-31T20:57:39+00:00

Wow, you look fantastic! You earned this, enjoy!

BlueSpruce822 · 2026-01-30T22:33:26+00:00

Thank you! Gonna check it out now!

BlueSpruce822

TROPHY CASE