Health Update - 4 Months Post-Surgery
Although a lot of huge changes have happened in my life over the last 4 months, unfortunately my sleep has not improved quite yet. If you haven’t yet, please read About Me to learn all about my health. It’s definitely been a journey! The good thing is that my incisions are healing well. My scars hurt here and there, but not every day. I found out that I am prone to keloids, so the scar on my chest is pretty bumpy, but my doctor injected the scar with steroids to try to bring it down a bit. I always get the question - will you get a tattoo over your scar? My answer is no way! When I had surgery, early on I made the decision that I didn’t want to hide my scars. They tell a story of my life, all I’ve endured over the years, and where I’m heading. I get a lot of people that ask what my scar is. Sometimes I’m tempted to come up with a crazy story like - I got in a knife fight, or something unrealistic. But, I have been able to use it as a way to educate others of the impact of severe sleep apnea, and how the implant has saved my life.
When I wake up every day, I still feel like I’ve gotten no sleep. I continue to have daily persistent headaches (I wake up and go to sleep with the same headache every day). But, I don’t regret getting the Inspire implant, because I know we’ll get the settings and implant calibrated within the next few months. I do have an overnight sleep study this Saturday, where they will verify the implant is working as it should. My doctor will have much more data to make modifications to the implant settings, so that it’s more in tune with my body and my needs.
It’ll take about 2 weeks for the doctor to analyze the data from my sleep study, and then another week to go over the results and make modifications to my device. I knew going into this surgery that it would be a long process. I knew that it wouldn’t be automatic, and could take up to a year to start getting some type of sleep. Although it can be frustrating at how slow this process has been, I’m grateful I could even have the opportunity to get the implant and be done with the toughest part (surgery). What’s another year, after dealing with these issues for my entire life? I will continue to be strong & resilient, even when my days are tough and I feel like I just can’t survive another day. I am EXHAUSTED, both mentally and physically, but I will continue to fight, continue to improve myself, grow, and appreciate all that life has to offer.
I know some people have questioned how I’ve been able to move forward in life, with ending a 14 year relationship, to never getting sleep, and my answer is - I am ALIVE. I may be exhausted 24/7, but I am here. I’ve been given a second chance at life, so I’m going to live it to its fullest. Tomorrow is never guaranteed. I am going to be my authentic self, whether people like it or not. I am truly happy and that’s really what ultimately matters. I encourage others to live their life and be themselves. Try not to lose yourself in someone and find your own happiness. More updates to come soon! xoxo
