5 weeks later, 36J to 36D, with some new pictures
Your experiences have been immensely helpful and...
Your experiences have been immensely helpful and reassuring, so here goes my story.
I'm 31 years old and I've had large breasts ever since I hit puberty. They're around a 38I these days, after having breastfed two kids. I'm 5'5" and 198 pounds, and while I'd love to lose some weight before having a reduction, I can't exercise without paying for it the next day in neck/back pain. I have the same problems so many here do: the above neck and back pain, grooves in the shoulder, sweaty under-boob, and difficulty finding shirts that fit up top. At my last checkup, my doctor suggested I look into a reduction. I'd never considered one until that point, and it hit me that yes, it was actually possible not to suffer through life with the twin burdens. I so, so hope it works out.
I have an appointment with a local plastic surgeon in a little under three weeks. I'm hoping to get the ball rolling on insurance approval -- I expect it's going to be a battle, since insurance is never easy. I'm *hoping* to be able to schedule a reduction for January, when I'll have a new bank of sick time to access. Between my weight and my recent breastfeeding history, I'm not sure that is realistic; guess I'll find out in a few weeks!
Has anyone else gotten a reduction with small kids in the house? I have two, ages 15 months and 3 years, and they're both kids who love being picked up. I'm dreading not being able to carry them or sit them on my lap for weeks. Though honestly, it'll probably be harder for me than for them. :)
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Updating to add some pictures. It's funny how I...
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It's so nice of you to help out the women on this site. Reading your comments and others' has been very reassuring as I try to educate myself on this procedure. Hopefully I have good news to update with soon. :)
It is amazing to see yourself in a picture. I never realized how uneven mine were. Made me more determined. Please do let me know when you hear from insurance. I will be anxious for the verdict.
I had my consultation yesterday. The good news is,...
But, the bad news: In March, my insurance company switched from a maximum BMI of 35 to a maximum of 30. The nurse calculated my BMI at 33. Before March, he said, I would have been an automatic approval, but now he thinks they'll deny me right away. They're submitting anyway, and he talked over my options for appealing a denial.
I can also lose 20 pounds to get under that BMI cap, which I would LOVE to do, but it's hard when I pay for exercising with crippling neck pain. Ah, well, I'll keep trying!
And now I wait. The nurse said I should hear back from the insurance company in about a month.
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You must be so excited for December! Will you be writing a review? I would love to hear how your reduction goes. Hopefully mine is not too far off. :)
Welcome, Mari-gold! Thanks for joining our little community. If you have any documentation from your primary care regarding the rashes, back pain, etc that would be helpful information to have your PS submit as well. I also reported use of ibuprofen 800 mg three times a day, as well as failed stretches, massage, etc. If your primary care recommended it, maybe they would also be willing to write a letter that could be submitted stating their professional opinion as to how you would benefit from breast reduction. If you have ever had a mammogram send that along too. Mine documented that my tissue was very dense making identifying a mass very difficult. Any information you can provide will help your claim immensly. Good luck and keep us posted :-D
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