Staples Be Gone

Today they took all those suckers out. First back surgery (putting all the hardware in): 113 staples, first back hardware removal (they took out 2 cross bars): 22 staples...this time: 67! Even though I've had more staples than an office supply store, I was so relieved to hear that number. When I got the 113 staples out I actually took a break and vomited into Old Ortho's trash can. I'm pretty tough, but that is an absolute ton of staples getting yanked one at a time. It is much funnier in hindsight than it was at the time.

I knew I could handle 67. Even with the same ridiculously long incision,It goes lower than you can see in the picture, almost 50 less tiny pieces of metal to be pulled out. To be clear it's the tape coming off and the dried glue that sometimes rips off with the staples that hurts. This was a whole new ball of wax, less staples and different doctor. They had two nurses tag team it. One started and the top and one started at the bottom. I took one break and then sat down for the last four. I did yell a little, but I didn't curse or cry (or vomit).

It's always a rough day when they come out because there's soreness, but you also have this new vulnerability. It's no longer covered, protected, reinforced. It can be super emotional and frustrating. It's all worth it though when you get your first garbage bag/cling wrap free, REAL shower.