Hi there, I'm the person who posted the comment anonymously in April and I was thrilled to hear from you when I checked your web site a couple of days ago. My surgery on 20th May did go according to plan - the graft, which is unfortunately more extensive than I had anticipated, has taken well and I am healing nicely. I even braved a look at the graft the other day when I had the dressings changed and although it isn't a pretty sight, it wasn't quite as bad as I had expected. I reluctantly returned to work yesterday but was given a warm welcome. I feel very uncomfortable going out and having to go to work on the bus, go to the supermarket etc, but tend to put my head down and just get on with it. The graft is still covered with dressings at the moment but probably not for too much longer, and coping with that will be the next hurdle to leap. I am trying to stay positive but it's not always easy. Hearing from you certainly was a boost and you are looking so good in your photos. You must be pleased that the worst is behind you. Thank you again for your kind words and encouragement.
Glenda you are handling this very well! I guess we have no choice but to be brave. Even better, your graft didn't look as bad as you thought! Mine wasn't a very good example perhaps--because mine had a few areas of necrotic tissue that took a very long time to heal. Yours may not have that at all. The grafted skin contracts over time to about half the size. Mine is so much smaller now (9 months later). Yet I'm still uncomfortable in certain public places depending on lighting. People do take a look if I'm close to them, and I've always been shy so never liked being looked at anyway. I appreciate you saying that my pictures are looking good, thank you! Continue with that positive attitude and I hope to hear from you again. P.S. I finally figured out how to change the setting on my blog so I now receive an email notification when someone leaves a comment :)
Hello Quiet One. Just thought I'd be in touch with an update! I have now had the dressings off my graft for just over two weeks and am slowly getting used to looking at the graft. I had a bit of a make-up disaster with it initially but after some practice I managed to apply the mineral powder I bought which disguises the graft a little. However, it's a long day at work without massaging oil into the graft, so I decided that I wouldn't bother with make-up any more and just go without until the graft isn't so "thirsty." The plastic surgeon recommended rosehip oil to massage into the graft three or four times daily, and I rub it into the scar on my collarbone too. After reading about rosehip oil I have decided to use it as my facial moisturiser from now on and apart from the patch, I may even end up with a younger looking face!! Always the optimist! So I am now back to my normal routine and am constantly buoyed by the positive comments and support from family and friends. I'm very lucky. I smile at strangers who may do a double take when they look at me and more often than not they smile back. It has been six weeks now since my surgery and life ain't so bad after all! I hope you find it the same and I'll keep in touch. :)
Hi Glenda! Good to hear from you. My graft is still thirsty so I am going to find some rosehip oil, thanks for the tip. It's been 10 months since my surgery and I still massage the outer edges daily. I am very inspired by your optimistic outlook. My family & friends continuously told me it didn't look "that bad." It gets easier and easier with each passing month. Sounds like yours has healed very well. I wish I could see the grafts of each person who has left comments on my blog.
Hi there, I'm the person who posted the comment anonymously in April and I was thrilled to hear from you when I checked your web site a couple of days ago. My surgery on 20th May did go according to plan - the graft, which is unfortunately more extensive than I had anticipated, has taken well and I am healing nicely. I even braved a look at the graft the other day when I had the dressings changed and although it isn't a pretty sight, it wasn't quite as bad as I had expected. I reluctantly returned to work yesterday but was given a warm welcome. I feel very uncomfortable going out and having to go to work on the bus, go to the supermarket etc, but tend to put my head down and just get on with it. The graft is still covered with dressings at the moment but probably not for too much longer, and coping with that will be the next hurdle to leap. I am trying to stay positive but it's not always easy. Hearing from you certainly was a boost and you are looking so good in your photos. You must be pleased that the worst is behind you. Thank you again for your kind words and encouragement.
ReplyDeleteGlenda you are handling this very well! I guess we have no choice but to be brave. Even better, your graft didn't look as bad as you thought! Mine wasn't a very good example perhaps--because mine had a few areas of necrotic tissue that took a very long time to heal. Yours may not have that at all. The grafted skin contracts over time to about half the size. Mine is so much smaller now (9 months later). Yet I'm still uncomfortable in certain public places depending on lighting. People do take a look if I'm close to them, and I've always been shy so never liked being looked at anyway. I appreciate you saying that my pictures are looking good, thank you! Continue with that positive attitude and I hope to hear from you again. P.S. I finally figured out how to change the setting on my blog so I now receive an email notification when someone leaves a comment :)
ReplyDeleteHello Quiet One. Just thought I'd be in touch with an update! I have now had the dressings off my graft for just over two weeks and am slowly getting used to looking at the graft. I had a bit of a make-up disaster with it initially but after some practice I managed to apply the mineral powder I bought which disguises the graft a little. However, it's a long day at work without massaging oil into the graft, so I decided that I wouldn't bother with make-up any more and just go without until the graft isn't so "thirsty." The plastic surgeon recommended rosehip oil to massage into the graft three or four times daily, and I rub it into the scar on my collarbone too. After reading about rosehip oil I have decided to use it as my facial moisturiser from now on and apart from the patch, I may even end up with a younger looking face!! Always the optimist! So I am now back to my normal routine and am constantly buoyed by the positive comments and support from family and friends. I'm very lucky. I smile at strangers who may do a double take when they look at me and more often than not they smile back. It has been six weeks now since my surgery and life ain't so bad after all! I hope you find it the same and I'll keep in touch. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Glenda! Good to hear from you.
ReplyDeleteMy graft is still thirsty so I am going to find some rosehip oil, thanks for the tip. It's been 10 months since my surgery and I still massage the outer edges daily. I am very inspired by your optimistic outlook. My family & friends continuously told me it didn't look "that bad." It gets easier and easier with each passing month. Sounds like yours has healed very well. I wish I could see the grafts of each person who has left comments on my blog.