3 weeks post op blues

By smashums on 12 Jun 2012

I had a breast reduction almost 3 weeks ago and initially I was thrilled. I went from a E to small, perky C. The problem is that I was hoping at this point to be getting back to normal and when I saw my PS the other day and he took off the tape on both breasts the apex has opened slightly (one side is a little worse than the other). He wasn't overly concerned and gave me antibiotics just in case but there's no sign of infection. The wounds are small but I'm having severe anxiety about it. I keep looking at them wondering what I did to myself and they still look so beaten up right now I just can't imagine them ever looking normal again. I'm trying to look at the bigger picture but right now I can't stop crying and I can't really do anything to get my mind off of it. Am I crazy or has anyone else had a similar reaction?

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Deb uk 17 Nov 2012

smashums, How did you get on babes? Hope you are ok? x x

Tahorrah 16 Nov 2012

its a common theme; it will pass. As the weeks go by and you start to heal more things get better. I am now able to do everything I did pre-op with the exception of hard work-outs (bouncing is still bothersome.) I also get more sore in my armpit and ribcage area. But now I can sleep comfortably, shower, clean house, work etc with no problems. Your wounds will heal even if you have a stumble along the way.

RRMommy 15 Nov 2012

Great. I'm only 9 days po and feel like I look freakish & won't let my husband even see them.... Not looking fwd to feeling more blues....

btowell 16 Nov 2012

@RRMommy - I let my husband see from day 1, it was really a great bonding experience. Also, its very re-assuring to have your husband tell you how great they look and trust me, that is exactly what he will say!

btowell 5 Nov 2012

Many women call this the dreadful week 3. It is VERY common for women to experience sadness, sometimes regret and worry around this time. Please be patient, know that it will take time for your body to heal. Your "girls" will be back to mormal sooner than you know and you will be so happy. We all experience this blues and its tough but please try to remember to be patient and everything will be ok.

cariad 15 Oct 2012

It's crazy how blue we can feel. I'm still waiting on my surgery date after it was delayed. After it was delayed I must admit I've been having bad anxiety too. Not sleeping properly and frankly more stressed about everything. Remember though that even though we need and want to do this, we wish we didn't have to! It's also a grieving process and we just want an easy plain sailing recovery. My biggest fear is now infection and I worry myself sick over it. You're not alone in experiencing these thoughts. xx

massoud87 2 Sep 2012

I'm 3 weeks post op too and never thought that I'd feel so emotional. I find that I'm happy one minute and then the next, I'm crying or just simply down. I have been having a rough recovery and had a breast abscess on one side that needed to be cut open and drained (without any anestesia might I add) and so that alone makes it look really ugly. On the other side, I have a small wound as well that isn't healing, or at least doesn't seem to be...ON top of that...I still feel bigger than I wanted to be...you are not alone!

Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 13 Jun 2012

The 3 week blues sound about normal. The first 4-6 weeks is the hardest part of the recovery process. Your body has just been through a major surgery, your body has changed and you are healing. Kinda hard on the body.

Your breasts will take shape and change over the next 6-12 months so hang on. Mine took a while to take total shape so be patient.

Get out and do something fun for yourself and take your mind off everything.

Jeanna1143 28 Aug 2012

I'm 3 weeks post op also and I feel just like you. I was healing well, so I thought, but had a big hematoma drained. Now I feel like blah and nervous about every little pinch or tug I feel. I wonder if I did the right thing by having this done. :(

Deb uk 30 Oct 2012

Hi all, I have just read this as i haven't been on here for a while. Like Kimmers said its major surgery. Add to this any complications such as infection etc and the energy it takes to heal also takes its toll on your body and your mind. Then you wonder 'what did I put myself through this for?' The benefits of your BR take time. The pain from neck and shoulder ache etc is immediate but the shape like Kimmers, said takes 6 - 12 months Sometimes a dramatic change in body image can shift your perception of yourself so much that you 'mourn' your old self and has you questioning your decision about the surgery. Your body has been though alot, its called surgical shock and physically you can become spotty, tired, irritable, sad, sleepy, anxious.... so caring for yourself and looking at your recovery is vital to healing. Are you doing too much? Over doing things can make you weepy and tired. Are you feeling supported by partner, friends and family? Are you eating properly? Are you in subtle pain eg enough to make you feel sad but not enough to really be noticeable? All these factors especially the pain can make you weepy. The nerves to the breasts are sensitive and will pinch, feel like shocks, or like 'lightening' . They may also ache, feel heavy and full or all the above.Also you may have inner arm pain or ache and/or shoulder ache for a while. If i had the heavy feeling I would find leaning forwards helped me - why this stopped the ache i don't know! I think it was taking gravity off the boobs! But it worked so i did it! I also (for me) believe in painkillers - ibuprofen and paracetamol for as long as you need them for. Take it easy and look after yourself. I hope this helps anyone reading it.

Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 31 Oct 2012

Hi Deb!

Welcome back, I have missed you:)

Deb uk 15 Nov 2012

Hi Kim, Missed you too. I have PM'd you as i didn't see this until tonight -sorry x x

Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 17 Nov 2012

Jans1126 16 Apr 2013

Thought I was going crazy, why so blue, I am happy I did my surgery,just going into week three, one sister is a little bigger than the other , but hoping this is still just recovery issues, swelling etc. The emotional thing is weird though. I do think there is some truth to the recovery of a major sugary, and the shock the body has been through. I see my surgeon today, and hope he can reassure me.