My Hysterectomy Recovery
So, there I was, fresh out of surgery with a stern doctor's note: "Rest for a minimum of four weeks." Four weeks of lounging around? Not exactly my cup of tea. As someone who feels an incessant need to be productive (if I didn't have to sleep, I wouldn't), I was determined to turn this recovery period into a whirlwind of accomplishments. Let me walk you through how I conquered my bedridden boredom and emerged from my cozy cocoon better than ever.
Productive Obsession:
Ah, productivity, my old friend. Even while nursing myself back to health, I couldn't shake the urge to get things done. Here's how I (sensibly) channelled my restless spirit:
Unsubscribing from Annoying Emails:
First on the agenda? Decluttering my digital life. I bid adieu to those pesky emails I never read. Farewell, daily deals, obscure newsletters, and reminders about that one abandoned online shopping cart. Unsubscribe, unsubscribe, unsubscribe.
Colour Coordination Galore:
To add a splash of excitement (yes, I was that bored) to my calendar, I colour-coordinated everything. Appointments, deadlines, and commitments had their hues, but "Fun Times" appointments dazzled in the boldest pink I could find. Even the mundane felt like a party.
Cleaning Up My Calendar:
My address book and calendar were due for some spring cleaning. I added birthdays and addresses – practical, right? But I also had to trim the fat. Sorry, Johnny, but I haven't seen you since the days of the college library in 1997. Your birthday notification is officially out.
A Swipe-and-Wipe Spree:
My phone's gallery was the next victim of my productivity frenzy. Armed with the Swipe Wipe app, I embarked on a digital cleansing journey. But, oh boy, it felt like a never-ending saga. Why? Because I kept bombarding my friends with "OMG, remember this?" photos from the summer, as if six months had passed in a heartbeat. I needed to keep moving!
Penning a Book Proposal:
In a bizarre twist of fate, I couldn't focus on reading books during my recovery. So, why not write one instead? This long-time dream of writing a book on Hosting was finally within reach. Stay tuned – my forth book is destined for 2024. Let's manifest that, shall we?
Champagne & Smoke Stuff:
Oh, the sweet serendipity of having enough time for passion projects. Lia and I had been nurturing our brand baby for two years, and let me tell you, birthing your own brand is no small feat. With newfound vigour, I attended calls, got creative, and drew like a maniac. What's brewing? I'm afraid I can't spill the beans here. To be in the know, subscribe here – it'll be worth it!
TV Binge-Watching – A Not-So-Guilty Pleasure:
Now, let's talk TV – a silver lining of my recovery. Heres the best things I watched:
Shrinking:
A therapist's wild journey of ignoring professional ethics and speaking his mind. Starring Harrison Ford, Jessica Williams, and Jason Segal, this series is a delightful mix of charm, wit, and brilliant acting. It's the perfect lighthearted yet heartwarming watch.
Good Grief:
An artist grieving his famous writer husband embarks on a Parisian adventure with his best friends, unearthing messy secrets along the way. With Dan Levy, Luke Evans, and Ruth Negga, this film touched my soul, reminding me of the beauty of friendship.
Drops of God:
This TV series revolves around a woman's discovery of her estranged father's epic wine collection. Starring Fleur Geffrier, Tomohisa Yamashita, and Tom Wozniczka, it's an absolute gem. Beautifully shot with an irresistible storyline, it turned me into a certified wine connoisseur. In my mind anyway.
Salt Burn:
No need to sell this one – the whole world seems to have watched it by now. If you haven't, what are you waiting for?
Wonka:
A 2023 musical fantasy film delving into the early days of Willy Wonka, featuring Timothee Chalamet (ie Mr Kylie Jenner), Hugh Grant, Calah Lane, and Olivia Colman. Against all odds, I fell head over heels for it and watched it twice in just three days!
Real Housewives:
Drama, champagne, and a whole lot more drama – what's not to adore? The fashuns, the extravagance, and everything in between – I'm here for it.
Comfy Recovery Essentials:
Recovery didn't mean I had to completely forego a lil bit of glam. Here's what kept me snug:
As a die-hard SKIMS fan, I opted for the men's oversized tracksuit with small trousers and a medium jumper. Trust me, they wash like a dream, even after my many clumsy spills.
These joggers were a godsend. Not too tight on the stomach, top-notch quality, and the company does wonders for charity. What's not to love?
Revitalizing Skin Care
My skin never looked better, thanks to a month of (sort of) resting, gallons of water from my trusty Stanley cup (more on that later), and heaps of rest. Here's my daily regimen:
Applied every night, it left me with lips as soft as a baby's bottom.
The elite Vitamin C serum that adds that otherworldly glow to your skin, as seen in mermaid movies. Get it now!
I missed this one, so I took the opportunity to rekindle our relationship.
My December discovery, this tonic worked wonders on my skin, promoting a healthy, glowing complexion.
Because a girl needs kissable lips even when feeling under the weather.
My trusty go-to for cuts and bumps, it worked its magic on my scars, making them nearly invisible in just 3.5 weeks.
Face Tool Redemption
I vowed to put my face tools to good use instead of letting them gather dust:
With gentler pressure than some tools, this ball offered a luxurious lymphatic drainage massage – at least in my imagination.
This daily massage roller firmed my skin and, in my humble opinion, gave me a more defined jawline.
I needed all the support I could get during my recovery, and this oil had me sold. It's a rescue-in-a-bottle, supporting a healthy skin barrier and providing instant calmness.
The Mousse Eclat foam cleanser made cleansing a true luxury, leaving my skin soft, radiant, and oh-so-healthy-looking.
My love affair with this body oil was instant. Refreshing, nourishing, and residue-free – it's the scent of a forest after rain.
Despite the irony of its name, this pillow became my best friend post-op. I even think it deserves a new name – "The Ultimate Pillow for All."
When sleep eludes you, these CBD drops are your saving grace. I continue to rave about them, and if my 35% off code (LISAPD35) is still active (not an ad or affiliated), you should definitely give them a try.
An obsession of mine, I've used it religiously for years. It boasts detoxifying benefits and improved sleep, a winning combo. I think my 15% off code is still valid. All the deets are here.
I stuck to my morning ritual of taking this – because healing isn't just skin deep; gut health matters too. I work with these guys regularly and have a 50% off code on the 3 month rolling subscription here.
Turmeric for inflammation, iron, vitamin D, vitamin C, Omega, and energy support – these were my essentials for maintaining overall health.
Blessed with all the gadgets, I'm especially grateful for this one. Infrared heat does wonders for detoxification, and it's incredibly calming and relaxing. A heated power nap never hurt anyone.
Dawn's genius idea, this tray spared me from spilling everything down my top during meals, much to Theo's delight.
Yes, it's having a moment, and I finally hopped on the bandwagon. This water bottle exceeded expectations, keeping my water ice-cold for hours. Will I take it on the go? No way – it's as heavy as a small elephant. But it's a fixture in my home now.
Bedding:
I treated myself to new bedding because my bedroom deserved to be a haven of comfort and beauty.
Snacks:
Because what's recovery without snacks?
Capri Sun
Nairns oat cakes
Baby Bel
Pink Lady apples (gotta maintain some balance)
Random (But Totally Rational) Purchases:
In moments of morphine-induced clarity, I bought a 2-in-1 raclette and fondue set. Why? My love for cheese and hosting, of course. Is it still in the box? Absolutely. But who knows when the perfect cheese party might arise?
So there you have it! My hysterectomy recovery wasn't just about rest; it was a whirlwind of productivity, self-care, and indulgence in fantastic TV shows. With the right balance of comfort, skincare, and an ounce (okay maybe pound) of online shopping, I emerged from my cocoon ready to take on the world. And as for that raclette and fondue set, well, it's patiently waiting for its cheese-crazy moment to shine. Cheers to recovery, productivity, and a dash of cheesy extravagance.
Love,
Lisa