2 weeks later

My procedure was two weeks ago already, which is crazy to think! So I just wanted to provide a brief update for anyone interested in how I am feeling since having the tubal ligation. I was able to return to work as planned on Tuesday 9/27, and was able to transition easily back into the routine of things. I feel that the amount of time I took off was perfect considering that I work a desk job from home, am able to work in comfy clothes and could also take breaks as needed.

The pain was much more minimal than I anticipated it would be. Honestly at most, my pain might have been up to a 4-5/10 at the highest. Overall, it was subtle and I only had to take 1 pain pill in total. I only took half at a time because when I had my deviated septum fixed years back, I found out that taking a full pill would give me the spins and make me want to vomit, and I did not want to feel like that again! I originally had some discomfort near my right side incision, but over the last few days the incision directly in my belly button is the only one causing me minor issues. I think that is due to various reasons including I am no longer wearing flowy clothes constantly, I am sitting in the same position for longer periods of time, and I am just overall more active than I was a week ago. I still use the ice pack I got from the outpatient facility here and there and take tylenol or ibuprofen if I need to, but that might just be once a day.

The worst part about this whole thing was the bloating and gas in my abdomen, it absolutely sucked! I felt like a stuffed pig, and I am certain that I looked like one for awhile. Even though I was hardly eating (compared to my norm) I felt extremely full and uncomfortable and my stomach was distended. I knew that this would be an issue as my provider did warn me that they had to fill my stomach with air to move my organs out of the way for the procedure. She said it would likely only last for a few days, but I feel like it was a solid week. I do feel lucky though that this was really the only issue I had. With the help of stool softeners, fiber, water, and walking as much as I could without overdoing it, I was able to have a BM around day 3 of post-op. If you have ever had a surgery of any kind, you know how concerning that can be so I was relieved (no pun intended) to get that done and over with!

As mentioned above, I was able to get outside and walk a little bit with my mom and Darren a few times the next few days after the procedure and although I was slow moving, it felt good to get up and get outside. It is also important to get moving as tolerated after a procedure to prevent blood clots, just as an FYI. My activity restrictions are technically up. but I am a bit nervous to get back to certain exercise moves and lifting. I need to remember to pace myself, and not try to jump back into the activity and intensity level that I was at prior to all of this. The last thing I want to do is mess anything up inside of me just because I am in a hurry to get "back in shape". I went for 2 laps around the park for the first time this past Monday, and that was enough to make me sore and out of breath (which felt embarrassing!) It is crazy how fast we can lose our endurance and activity tolerance! I keep reminding myself, it is a marathon, not a sprint.

I got an alert a few days after the procedure that the pathology for my fallopian tubes came back normal *insert big sigh of relief* Not that there was any indication that it would come back differently, but you just never know! My provider said it is routine to send them off just to check, and I am grateful to have had that done and know the results. The skin glue has almost all fallen off and although I do still have some bruising around my incision sites, it has faded quite a bit. I also did decide to keep my birth control implant in my arm so that I would continue to not have periods. I spotted for a few days after the procedure, but it seems like that has passed too (thank goodness!) My post op appointment is scheduled for 10/17 and I am looking forward to going to that just to hear the official "all clear" and catch up with my OB/GYN.

2 weeks out, I feel like myself again and that is a wonderful thing! My energy and personality is back. I have actually put makeup, earrings and jeans on (even if they were stretchy waisted ones!) and that all felt like a victory to me because it means I am returning to "normal". Although I want to make it clear that more often than not, I am in athleisure with wet hair and no makeup on #workfromhomelife I have no regrets about having the procedure and feel at peace about the finality of it all. I honestly feel like a weight is off of my shoulders because I am no longer in a gray area. I don't have to make up excuses or dance around this topic and say things I don't mean like, "well, maybe one day". I can now just freely live my life the way I want to without societal pressures or opinions, because its a done decision and my mind can obviously not be changed. Again, the point of this post is not to convince everyone to run to their doctor and schedule this procedure, but rather to share about my experience and be as raw and real as I can about it. It was the right decision for myself, and that is even more clear to me now which is pretty validating.

I want to say thank you to everyone who has checked in on me and shown me support in any way throughout this process. Even just reading this post- you are supporting me whether you agree with my decision or not, and I appreciate you for that. The likes, the kind words, the well wishes are all taken to heart.

Just because this milestone is over and done with doesn't mean that this is the last you will hear from me! I will continue to share about my #childfreelife and the many adventures ahead of Darren and I. Whether you are #choosingchildfree or not, thank you again for being here. For taking an interest in this topic, being open-minded, and taking the time to read my thoughts and feelings!

-Holly