- I'M 24, NO KIDS- 3 Times a Charm! Finally I'm Getting my Breast Reduction Surgery So Happy Nervous and Relived! - Memphis, TN

Well its been a long time coming to say the least this whole process has taken me about two years to obtain I began last year building the paper work for my case and dream of having breast reduction surgery I have always needed and wanted so badly before the two years, constant back pain, shoulder pain, rashes it been rough, these last few months have been emotional, heart breaking, triumphant and rewarding.

My doctor and her assistant had been working on my case for the last 3 months and I was doing my best to help in any way I could my first visit to her was great she was nice helpful and very understanding about my situation she was very encouraging and honest which I loved, She was so sure about my approval and convinced that I'd have no problems, she said to me after the consultation was over would I like to setup a surgery date? Without hesitation I said "I'd like to wait to see what my insurance says first" I'm always careful about NOT jumping the gun on most things before they're confirmed and official...she said okay and agreed to wait, I had no clue what I was in for, after my case was sent in to my insurance company the FIRST time I was DENIED the reasons was there wasn't enough evidence showing I needed this surgery my heart broke in two I felt like my life was on hold again because of this after hearing my doctors assistant tell me this I remember during my first visit my doctor took pictures of my breast only from the front and I also remembered I had on a bodysuit cincher for back support that covered my shoulders as well so her assistant scheduled me to come in to take more pictures and also informed me my case wouldn't be reviewed by the same person.

The day I went in to take more pictures my surgeon was annoyed about the fact my insurance denied me cause she felt my case was clear cut and easily approve-able but knowing insurance companies its always a fight for what you want so she said "they want more picture we're gonna give them more pictures" I felt good about her she was fighting for me and supportive of me and that was awesome of her to do that most doctors wouldn't take the time but she did and I knew I had the right lady fighting for me and my case...so after the pictures were taken I was told by my doctor she was gonna resend a SECOND reconsideration in THAT DAY! and I was pleased and happy how persistent they were and so after that was done my only job was to play the "waiting game" which sucked.

After waiting about a week in a half my doctors assistant called me and told me that I was denied! for THE SECOND TIME at this point I was panicking my heart sunk into the soles of my feet and I felt like, again there's no hope for me and again my life is put on hold I asked her why was I denied she told me she couldn't send my case in for a second reconsideration I had no response or word to muster to say besides "this is really disappointing" she told me for one last shot at approval my doctor wanted to have a peer to peer phone call conference she asked me did I want to do this? I said Yes! and she said okay she was gonna call them that following Monday and have the conference call with them I was so nervous more nervous than I had ever been about anything in a long time I wanted this so bad I couldn't really be positive I was trying my best but I had a small piece of hope I would get the chance for my life to finally start again with this approval so again my job was to wait.

THIRD TIMES A CHARM! My doctors assistant called me a day or two after the conference call I was laying in bed and I said hello and she sounded different the inflection in her voice was higher and more positive sounding so I allowed that to sort of be encouraging and lead me to the "yay or nay" answer and she said that after the conference called was done by my doctor and my insurance company I WAS APPROVED! I was so happy and excited and relishing in that moment I thanked her and I told her to thank my doctor as well and she said she would and so after that she told my the surgery coordinator would call me and setup a surgery date with the available dates my surgeon had I said great and so after all of this its finally confirmed and "set in stone" my life is no longer on hold I'm finally able to say I'll be free from pain and the prison of my large long breast I'm happy and ready my Surgery date is Dec. 1 2015

I recently spoke with my friend checking up on her and seeing how she was while we were talking and catching up she told me that I would be fine during the surgery and after but I will possibly have just a little infection going on that I will have to deal with...but it will clear up with antibiotics in no time, she just said don't be surprised when they tell you that and don't worry too much cause everything would be fine.

My question to you ladies: 1. Whats the best to wash with and use to help with healing and protection of the breast?

2. [I understand that thin, light, breathable and no constricting bras are best] What are the best type (name of) bras to buy while recovering?

3. How often are you allowed to shower?

4. On average how long did it take for you ladies to heal?

Hello just got off of work and I have a little time to post an update...for the past few weeks I've been preparing for this surgery and I have tried my best to avoid any kind of cold, its so funny I caught the bug Wednesday and its now dissipating the only problems left are cough and congestion the cough isn't constant but it is there I only hope this doesn't effect my day, so I'm posting this 4 hours before my surgery its almost surreal to know in a few more hours my dream for almost 7 years will be my new reality. (I'll post.. post op-pictures later)