POSTED UNDER Breast Reduction REVIEWS
Bye Bye Boobage and Backaches! - Portland, OR
ORIGINAL POST
I have thought about having a breast reduction for...
Kimberly in ORAugust 16, 2012
WORTH IT
I have thought about having a breast reduction for years, but that was all it was really, just a thought. Anytime my back or neck moaned at me, anytime a shirt or bra would not fit, anytime I wanted to be active and felt my heavy chest pulling me down...then I would think yeah that would be nice! I am 44 and have been "thinking" about it for at least 10-12 Years. This year things changed though. This year all the neck and shoulder pain became more noticeable, intolerable. The back pain excruciating. Time for change is now. Why suffer needlessly when something so life changing is just a call away?
I'm currently wearing a 38DDD which is a little small. Like many of you ladies I squeeze em down and refuse to go up a size again. My breasts are very very dense. PS says he wants to take 900 out of each breast (maybe too much?) I'm hoping to be C cup when it is over.
Personally, I'm tired of all the pain and the loss of mobility.The bras digging into my rib cage and causing rashes. The grooves where my straps have dug into my flesh trying to support this burden just ache all the time.
I hurt my back this year pretty bad. I did ten weeks physical therapy, had two xrays and a bone density scan. I have nerve damage and degenerative disc damage which they attribute to years of carrying this chest weight. I also have osteopenia since my hysterectomy. My spine is curving from the poor posture caused by my breasts pulling me forward hunched. I had three doctors recommend me for this surgery. After my consult I was still sure my insurance would say no. They didn't (yippie!)
I wish I had done this years ago, maybe I could have prevented a lot of pain and damage, but it is not too late yet. I'm going in August 21st. Wish me luck! I will post before and after pics soon.
Best Wishes Ladies!
UPDATED FROM Kimberly in OR
2 days pre
I started taking my arnica montana today and am...
Kimberly in ORAugust 19, 2012
I started taking my arnica montana today and am trying to stay hydrated. I quit taking anything that might cause bleeding or healing issues weeks ago because after my hysterectomy I had hematomas that caused my entire incision to open up. It took four months to close it and there was a lot of pain with packing the wound and debriding (where they cut and scrape away any non pink tissue). This time I am more aware of these things and my biggest fear is opening back up. The anesthesia or operation is not really worrying me, just the "what ifs" post-op. Two days to go!
Replies (17)
August 19, 2012
Kim, this will definitely be the best thing you've ever done for yourself! I had my surgery last Thursday and when we left the surgical centre and I was a little more 'with it', the first thing I noticed was that I didn't have that horrible weight hanging off my chest. I was always hunched over as that seemed the only way to make the back pain better. Well I have been standing up straight since surgery and it's no effort at all to do so. You will wonder definitely why you didn't do this for yourself before now! I have had minimal pain and discomfort and have just been taking it easy and having hubby do everything for me. I'm thinking today I will start going for short walks, etc.
I'll have you in my prayers for your surgery on Tuesday. You'll do great!
I'll have you in my prayers for your surgery on Tuesday. You'll do great!
August 19, 2012
You will be so glad you did this! Best of luck to you and prayers for a speedy recovery! :)
August 19, 2012
Thanks ladies! I look forward to some relief. Just folding laundry was painful yesterday. I am worried about sleeping on my back while I heal. Of course I wont have the chest weight crushing me so maybe it wont be that bad. Hope you all are doing well!
August 19, 2012
Will be thinking of you on Tuesday. Everything will be fine. You will be so happy with your new boobies. I am almost to my 3 wk mark and am just now starting to feel back to normal. More energy and almost off all pain meds. Only take them when I do too much and start to feel over worked. Good luck girl!
August 20, 2012
Thanks starlite...it is nice to "meet" somebody with the same doctor. Hope your rash is clearing up!
August 20, 2012
Oh yes, it is finally getting bettter. Used the Hydrocortizone cream for 4 days and it is starting to go away. Much much better now!! lol
August 20, 2012
Thank you ladies for the encouragement. I am reading and following all your reviews, so it is nice to hear from those on the post-op side of things. You ladies rock!
August 21, 2012
Ladies, I am so excited to read your encouraging words. I am 53 years old and I am a size 36 N. I suffer from backaches, shoulder aches, my arm feels numb at times and my doctor has recommended BR. I have been to a PS and he is ready to proceed with the surgery as soon as I am ready. My only problem is my boyfriend, who is very much in love with my breasts and cannot imagine me going through a reduction. When I complain that I cannot get a good bra size, he suggests custom fitting and has said that I should use all other means, except BS to relieve my back and should pain. For me, breast reduction is not just about the pain, it is about relieving the stress on my shoulders and being able to exercise with less difficulty. Can anyone tell me how to deal with my boyfriend to make him support me? A second question is, I work in an office, how long will it be before being well enough to return to work, if all goes well?
August 21, 2012
Tell him you will feel sexier and your mobility will increase and he will benefit from your being happier too. Do it for yourself regardless.
UPDATED FROM Kimberly in OR
3 days post
August 21st we got there about 11:30 and it was a...
Kimberly in ORAugust 24, 2012
August 21st we got there about 11:30 and it was a whirlwind of activity. Lots of people asking me questions, the iv in my hand, marking me with a sharpie...it just went real fast and I didn't have time to think on it too much and panic. The anesthesiologist came in and put something in my iv and I remember smiling at this strange man staring inches from my face and saying it must be working because I can't stop this stupid smile on my face and that is all I remember! Next thing I am waking up in recovery and a bunch of people are moving me to a new bed. I spent the night at the hospital and it was really just a blur of waking up to get medicated and take vitals and falling back asleep. The next morning the doctor tried to take my drains out and the pain was so bad that I was screaming and moaning in pain.My breasts were so super sensitive. Needless to say he left them in a few more days, though it would have felt better to have it done then in the bigger picture.
August 24th. Today I had the drains removed and washed my hair for the first time. I will say I guess I am one of those ladies in a lot of pain versus those who take tylenol the second day and don't look back. I'm getting older though so I attribute some of it to age and dealing with chronic illness before this procedure. I am till in pain but managing it well with the meds and not much activity to aggregate things. I've been taking the arnica Montana and I don't think I m swelling very much, but there is a lot of bruising from the lipo. My nipples are flattened right now but they assure me they will pop out eventually. Overall I am very very pleased with my results. I can't believeI am still as big as I am after they took so mumuch out. I have felt immediate relief from the constant neck and back pulling them boobies were causing so much trouble. They took about 4 1/2 pounds total of breast tissue. I'm currently wearing a did sports bra and think my size will be a strong c when I am all healed. i will add new pics as I progress.
August 24th. Today I had the drains removed and washed my hair for the first time. I will say I guess I am one of those ladies in a lot of pain versus those who take tylenol the second day and don't look back. I'm getting older though so I attribute some of it to age and dealing with chronic illness before this procedure. I am till in pain but managing it well with the meds and not much activity to aggregate things. I've been taking the arnica Montana and I don't think I m swelling very much, but there is a lot of bruising from the lipo. My nipples are flattened right now but they assure me they will pop out eventually. Overall I am very very pleased with my results. I can't believeI am still as big as I am after they took so mumuch out. I have felt immediate relief from the constant neck and back pulling them boobies were causing so much trouble. They took about 4 1/2 pounds total of breast tissue. I'm currently wearing a did sports bra and think my size will be a strong c when I am all healed. i will add new pics as I progress.
Replies (8)
August 24, 2012
hi kimberly!! i hope all is ok!! i have been so busy with new job all i have had time to do is read post!! are you doing ok!! you look great! i go next thursday! still excited but the nerves start when i sit still! i am praying all is well with you!! i am afraid because I am so big i will be in shock! i know its going to be a huge change but i am ready to quit hurting!!! ok praying for your recovery to go smoothly!! rest and keep your spirits up!! you do look good real good for just hsving it done!!! love and blessings!!!
August 25, 2012
Hi faythfull...it is a little shock when they are gone but wow I am so happy to feel and look normal. There really is a huge difference in how you stand and hold yourself as you don't have these boulders pulling everything forward. Instant relief! I know it will not fix my bigger back issues but now I will be mobile enough to exercise and strengthen the rest of my back muscles once I am fully healed. My nerves were a crazy rollercaoster before but now I am just happy and hopeful and looking towards a new life. You can do this girl! You are going to feel such relief!
August 25, 2012
So happy for you that you are on the recovery side! Looks good too! Will be sending you good thoughts and gentle hugs....rest, hydrate and enjoy that relief of neck and back pain from that weight being gone :-) Will be following your progress.
August 25, 2012
i just read your update!! i am so sorry about all the pain!!! i can imagine! praying it gets better everyday! i know that once you can excercise your back will get stronger! i undwrstand back pain to well myself and my 8 year old, she has had 2 spinal surgeries.. praying it continues to get better!! love and blessings
August 27, 2012
How ya doin'? Is the pain getting a little bit better? I think I am like you....I had actual pain more than discomfort compared to other ladies that have had a BR. Just saw Dr B today and he says my incisions look great. Had to have several stitches trimmed that were pushing thru my skin. Ouch!! But feel great. Hope you are feeling better too. Keep us posted!!
Replies (1)