POSTED UNDER Breast Reduction REVIEWS
34 G to who knows?
ORIGINAL POST
I developed early and with great gusto, and I've...
WORTH IT
I developed early and with great gusto, and I've always felt self conscious and embarrassed about my chest size. I'm 40 years old, 5'2", 140 lbs, and my bra size is 34G.
Like most of you, I suffer from neck and shoulder pain, exercise is difficult, clothes don't fit, I have grooves in my shoulders, terrible posture, and I'm just tired of it.
I have always had the idea of a breast reduction in the back of my mind, but never really made any moves towards it. I never had the money or the health insurance, and when my kids were little, it didn't seem possible.
Now I have insurance, and getting approved with Kaiser was simple. I got a referral from my primary care physician, went for a consolation, and it was as simple as that.
I have a date on the calendar, a terrible case of nerves, and I'm scouring websites for stories, photos and information. I'm trying to get as prepared as possible and I'm exercising, eating healthy and really working on not freaking out.
My main concern is infection. I have a positive MRSA culture, and I am terrified of developing a post surgical infection.
I've really loved reading the reviews and stories here, it seems like a wonderful community.
Violet M's provider
Replies (2)
UPDATED FROM Violet M
14 days pre
Two weeks to go! I'm getting a pretty bad case of...
Two weeks to go! I'm getting a pretty bad case of nerves and self doubt, like many of you have had. I'm trying to keep busy and get prepared.
I want to go into this surgery as strong and healthy as possible, and feeling that I've done what I can to prevent complications.
I want to go into this surgery as strong and healthy as possible, and feeling that I've done what I can to prevent complications.
Replies (6)
September 26, 2012
Welcome to Real Self. I just. Had my procedure done today, and it was so easy. My nerves were honestly the worst part of the whole procedure.
October 8, 2012
I am feeling great, thank you for asking :). I had some wound separation, but my doctor said that it is common and it happens because the skin is so tight around the breast. I do not have much pain at all anymore. I get occasional stinging sensations, but they go away within a few seconds. I did not have to take narcotics a single time, and I haven't taken a tylenol since day 2 post op. This is literally one of the best things I've ever done.
October 8, 2012
Arielllie, I'm so glad that you're feeling great. And that you don't have pain! I've never taken any pain killers before, so I'm hoping that I'll have a similar experience.
October 8, 2012
I really think I didn't have to take painkillers because I took Arnica. It's a natural supplement that's supposed to help with bruising and swelling. You get it at a natural foods store, and it worked wonders for me.
October 8, 2012
I love arnica. I've got it by my bedside already, and plan to use it for sure. I am glad that it's working for you. It's great stuff.
UPDATED FROM Violet M
5 days pre
Pre-Op I had my pre-op appointment this morning,...
Pre-Op
I had my pre-op appointment this morning, and they didn't care a bit about the cold, which is good. I seem to be in fine enough overall health. They didn't order any blood work or anything else, I had a full panel done in June, and things looked good.
My PS showed me photos of his work, which I hadn't seen yet. It all looked good. We talked about size, and I told him that I wanted to be a C or smaller, and he said a C would be possible, but it could end up being a D, depending on how much underneath the nipple he would have to leave to achieve a nice natural shape.
I still really like my surgeon, and think that he is very caring and a clear communicator, which is great. But a few things are making me feel concerned. Some are small things, others feel like more of a big deal.
small things:
They had my size wrong on my chart, I'm a G, they had me as DD. They did not weigh me, or take my temperature or any of that stuff.
larger things:
You only get one follow up appointment at Kaiser. I will come in for a short appointment 3 days post op to have my drains removed. After that, they don't see you again. Isn't that kind of weird? It seems that most other BR patients have a one month or six week follow up.
Incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches and glue, but no tape. Which might be fine, but it seems like most people have tape or steri-strips. Because of my past MRSA, I am absolutely terrified of open wounds and I really would like to have the incisions heal as fast as humanly possible.
When I asked what percentage of his patients have healing complications, he said about 25%. This seems so high to me compared to what I've read about, that it took me by surprise. When I asked him to clarify, exactly what type, he said the vast majority is open spots at the t-junction of the incisions, and he said it mostly happens in smokers, overweight people, and diabetics. I don't know if 25% of his patients are smokers or what, but I really didn't like hearing this.
The positive things are that I really like him, and feel comfortable with his personality. He does one or two breast reductions every week, so is experienced. The photos of his work looked good, no one seemed to be left too big, and the scarring for the most part looked good. The physicians assistant was very kind and professional, and she will be assisting with my surgery. She said that my doctor does excellent work, and has great results, so that's good.
Ugh..can I just sleep until Tuesday? I'm feeling very anxious and confused right now.
I had my pre-op appointment this morning, and they didn't care a bit about the cold, which is good. I seem to be in fine enough overall health. They didn't order any blood work or anything else, I had a full panel done in June, and things looked good.
My PS showed me photos of his work, which I hadn't seen yet. It all looked good. We talked about size, and I told him that I wanted to be a C or smaller, and he said a C would be possible, but it could end up being a D, depending on how much underneath the nipple he would have to leave to achieve a nice natural shape.
I still really like my surgeon, and think that he is very caring and a clear communicator, which is great. But a few things are making me feel concerned. Some are small things, others feel like more of a big deal.
small things:
They had my size wrong on my chart, I'm a G, they had me as DD. They did not weigh me, or take my temperature or any of that stuff.
larger things:
You only get one follow up appointment at Kaiser. I will come in for a short appointment 3 days post op to have my drains removed. After that, they don't see you again. Isn't that kind of weird? It seems that most other BR patients have a one month or six week follow up.
Incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches and glue, but no tape. Which might be fine, but it seems like most people have tape or steri-strips. Because of my past MRSA, I am absolutely terrified of open wounds and I really would like to have the incisions heal as fast as humanly possible.
When I asked what percentage of his patients have healing complications, he said about 25%. This seems so high to me compared to what I've read about, that it took me by surprise. When I asked him to clarify, exactly what type, he said the vast majority is open spots at the t-junction of the incisions, and he said it mostly happens in smokers, overweight people, and diabetics. I don't know if 25% of his patients are smokers or what, but I really didn't like hearing this.
The positive things are that I really like him, and feel comfortable with his personality. He does one or two breast reductions every week, so is experienced. The photos of his work looked good, no one seemed to be left too big, and the scarring for the most part looked good. The physicians assistant was very kind and professional, and she will be assisting with my surgery. She said that my doctor does excellent work, and has great results, so that's good.
Ugh..can I just sleep until Tuesday? I'm feeling very anxious and confused right now.
Replies (7)
October 4, 2012
I understand your concerns and its alway hard to put your body and health in another persons hands. It is major surgery. Once it is over you will be glad for it to be over with so you can heal.
October 5, 2012
You're right! It is hard to do that, and I'm really trying to get comfortable with it.
I just read your review, and you are looking amazing! I hope your healing continues to go super smoothly.
October 5, 2012
Hi violet! I'm excited for you. Don't worry about the MRSA too much. I also have had a MRSA culture about 5 years ago. My PS gave me a strong antibiotic during surgery and followed up with a course of antibiotics in the first few days after surgery. Everything has been smooth sailing so far. Don't over exert yourself and I'm sure you will be free of complications. As my husband said to me " it's your job to rest and heal right now" so enjoy your down time and waking up with a new body is better than a hundred Christmas's :)
October 6, 2012
Thank you, Texxxan. The MRSA thing definitely has me freaked out, but my surgeon says that infection is rare in this surgery. I guess I just have to trust him and take the plunge! I'm glad to hear that you are recovering smoothly. I'm planning to do pretty much nothing for at least the first week. Two weeks or more if I need to!
October 6, 2012
I was similiar size to you 5'2" 34f now 7 days post op. i was shaking in the operating room but i have to tell you not sure if i am just lucky but i feel amazing. I am so happy and you will be too! Best thing i have ever done.
Thanks for joining us, Violet! Infection is scary. My PS had me using Antibacterial Safegard for two weeks prior to surgery and I continued to use it with every shower over my entire body for several months post-op. I thought avoiding infection at all costs was my top priority. I'm sure your PS will be aware of your MRSA status and maybe will prescribe you a potent antibiotic post-op. This is something I would definitely discuss with him. Good luck and keep us posted.