Flap Fixation

My first night with the pedicle flap was a rough one. I got about 3 hours sleep. I kept waking up because my head and nose hurt so much. I took a melatonin and a Unisom and managed to sleep from 2 to 4 am, then tossed for 30 minutes before getting up to start Flap: Day 2.

I had an 8:15 appointment with the dermatologist, and after yesterday’s double dip flap fix I was worried that there would be more needles and sutures and such. So I was relieved that all they did was remove the dressing, examine the fix, then re-bandage.

I learned a little more about what is supposed to happen now. Tomorrow I remove the bandage myself and apply Vaseline. I’m supposed to cover the repair with non adhering dressing and tape when I’m outside, and keep the Vaseline on it all the time. That means I’m going to have to look at it, and I get squeamish at the sight of blood and wounds pretty easily. I’m gonna have to get past that…

The initial healing is supposed to take 3 weeks. Then there is another pretty major procedure to detach the flap’s supply line, leaving the healed flap in place covering the nose divot. Two more weeks of healing, then the stitches are removed and hopefully I will be my handsome scar free self once again. Or at least scar free…

I have been given orders: no vigorous exercise for one week. Since I didn’t ride Tuesday (rain) or yesterday (surgery) that means a minimum of 9 days without elevating my heart rate. That never happens except for occasionally during walnut season.

Even after the week passes I doubt I will be on the road soon. I haven’t had any injuries from a bike crash, but the possibility is there and the results could be catastrophic during the flap fixing stages. And I can’t see how I can wear a helmet and cycling eye protecting glasses with the state of my face and forehead.

I can put the Sampson with its Stages power meter on my primitive fluid trainer. And I will use it as soon as I get clearance from the doctor to sweat. I hate indoor cycling and it is no substitute for the real thing, but I’ll have to make do. I am certain to lose fitness and getting strong enough to take on club rides again is going to be a trial.

One last disappointment: Stoker and I are about to celebrate our 40th year of wedded bliss. There might be an upcoming blog about that. We were planning a luxurious and lavish trip, location TBD. Now we don’t have to TBD anything; we ain’t going anywhere soon. Neither are my bikes.