Day 15, post-surgery: The Itch

Not the itch to do things I can’t quite do yet (like running), but an actual physical itch. Specifically, my chest is starting to get itchy. At first, I thought it might be the chest hair growing back on the left side that was shaved, but the itchiness of that already came and went–though it could be back. I don’t shave my chest often enough to know how this goes.

Rather, this just seems to be the chest generally feeling itchy and I think it’s a sign of recovery, actually, with sensation returning in areas that were numb following the surgery. It also seems to kick in more when I’m moving about.

Today, I went birding and didn’t feel particularly limited, except when holding my camera up for an extended period with the telephoto lens. Then I’d get a little tired. Overall, it was fine.

I also had more improved sleep last night after a bit of a tactical error–I hadn’t taken into account the removal of the sutures leading to some temporary discomfort in bed, so it was back to DRUGS for one more night (one Extra-Strength Tylenol, plus the heated beanbag).

In all, a good evening and day as I officially pass the halfway mark of the shorter full recovery window (four weeks)1The longer one is six weeks. I like to think I’m not going to require six weeks..

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