So happy - Sacramento, California

Hello Piggles - glad to hear from someone near my age who understands the fear. I held off this long on a BR due to fear, then simply decided to let the fear go -- after all, if not now, then when? It's only because the date is close that it is resurfacing. I agree wholeheartedly with your expression to take a big breath and jump. I'm not afraid of the anesthesia or nausea but rather simply the ugliness of the first few weeks. Blood/bruises/pain etc. Also I hate medical settings and needles, and I just want to wake up and it's done - at least then we can tackle each day one day at a time. The anticipation is the worst of it I think. I am visualizing a great outcome and I am certain it will be fine. I am also certain this is a good decision. My neck and shoulders hurt all the time-!

I am lucky to have my mother come and help me the first four days or so, she is fabulous and attentive, as is my husband. He will also need the moral support-! He is supportive, but he did express reservations about the whole thing ("I love you just the way you are", etc). He felt like he was losing the woman he's known for 30 years. I think it's difficult for men and the breasts! So much hidden meaning / sexual stuff / etc. There's nothing we can do about that except to prove how worthwhile it is through my happiness and liberation at not carrying this weight around on such a small frame. Also I like your idea of gradually introducing him to the pix - I did show him before & afters but the afters were completely healed.

For your fear I can only suggest what my massage therapist told me: what you resist will persist. Meaning, acknowledge your fear rather than try to squelch it. "Thank you very much, I realize you're there, but you are not going to control this thing."

I will be two weeks post-op when you have yours done. I look forward to hearing about it-! Assuming I am up for it, I will post during recovery. (pictures are a maybe - not sure). Thank you SO MUCH for your feedback.

Very interesting Iowa-! I'm glad to hear of another sqeamish husband. So smart of you to handle it yourself and not show him. I might go with that approach if I can.

kirakira - if you are going to have your mum for 5 weeks, you have nothing to worry about. Lucky lucky lucky. I only have mine for 5 days and it has made a world of difference. Totally understand your fears, and I have been questioning this since I got out of surgery. Is this me that really did this? Who am I? The questioning is mostly because I won't see my doc until tomorrow (Monday) for the first time since surgery, to change the dressings and all, so I have no feedback on how I am healing because you cannot remove the bra until the first dressing change. And, of course you question it all because you are uncomfortable. I think this morning I can tell I am smaller and my mom keeps saying just wait a few weeks and you will be thrilled. I know of course she is right. Tomorrow when we see the doc I probably won't even look down - I'll let my mom tell me! Won't let my hubby in the room with us -- I don't want to worry him. He is supportive and helpful but weak-kneed about seeing the cuts and all. Can't blame him.

I wonder if you have had surgery before? If not, the trauma to the body will be new for you. I have had a hysterectomy so I knew what to expect. Still, it's a mind-blower. Like you, I decided I wanted a smaller bustline for the remainder of my life, and that won out over the fear. But five weeks at your mother's! You will do great with that kind of TLC.

Thanks Iowa - I was wondering, how long does the breast pain last, typically? I know the size itself won't be final for about six months, but I'm curious about the pain and soreness. I am only at day 6 and I swear I'm not being impatient; just trying to anticipate if I have another month of this, two, three? I am not currently working which is great, but some people post that they went back to work in 3 weeks! Does that mean the pain was significantly less by then? Thanks for any feedback!

The pain during the first week is by far the worst. I was back at work at two weeks, and other than being tired I had no problems. Each day I had a little more stamina and felt better as I went. You should not have a full month of pain. There will be occasional soreness though. It isn't significant and sometimes it will be just one little jab. I think they are reminders saying, "Hey! You just had major surgery...take it easy!"

Some women seem to have a hard time at the three week mark. It sounds like it is a combination of soreness, stitches healing or popping through, and just being tired of lying around healing. I know that I felt like I could do almost anything, but would really have to remind myself that building fence probably wasn't the best idea at that point.

Don't push yourself too hard. Do what you feel you can stamina wise, but don't strain yourself at all. Give those breasts the time they need to really take shape. It is a small amount of time required for the years you have ahead of you with your amazing new boobs!

Thanks Piggles - You are correct, I have indeed read many stories on this forum about the let-down of feeling better but not being truly healed nor ready to resume prior activities. I think it's the three-week blues or something? Anyway, I am doing great with Tylenol, but each day - including this morning - the soreness is the same level. My problem is that despite all I've read, my brain is looking for a small pain decrease that you could easily track on a linear slope. I doubt the body works that way!

Truth be told, I am doing a lot more than my first three days. The difference was my first post-op, which occurred 3 1/2 days after surgery (rather than next day). Contrary to the instructions they send you home with on surgery day, they said to start using my arms GENTLY and let my body be my guide. The nurse said, try washing your own hair but only if that action doesn't pull or hurt. She said if you don't start small and begin using your body, the shoulders and neck will pay the price, and that is exactly what was happening to me. I was stunned, as the instructions are so strict and cautionary. Well duh - doc said the instructions are written for all the patients and doctors at that surgery center, and must cover all bases. (My sister, who has had cosmetic surgery and speaks bluntly at all times, told me they are written to prevent really stupid people from doing really stupid things).

So for example yesterday I gently unwound the hose and watered my garden, rather than have my husband do it. I just move very slowly on purpose, to listen to my body. And of course my boobs and sides hurt so much it's a good warning. It's liberating to be able to get my own orange juice. I MUST remember your words in three to four weeks, when (I hope) there is less pain, and not overdo it. Maybe I'll put that on my calendar each day starting next week!

Are you still scheduled for the 20th? Sorry if I should know that but I don't read all the posts as much others do. I have seen your pics and I promise you will be amazed amazed amazed at the change a reduction brings. Just know those first few days are tough!

Rooney, listen to Piggles. She may not have had the surgery but with her research she truly know that of which she speaks! And I would agree with you on doing what you feel able to do. (though must admit I cringed a little when you talked about unwinding the hose!) I made modifications to most of my common tasks and was able to do laundry, vacuum, shower and wash my own hair, and cook, all while keeping my elbows in at my sides and not putting strain on my incisions. You do have to start somewhere. Now some doctors seem to be totally against doing anything, but I found that to be depressing but I certainly didn't do anything crazy.