I Finally Did It !!! Stockton, CA

Hello, my name is Jackie and I am 45 years old. I would like to share my experience with my breast reduction and lift surgery that I had on April 9th, 2015. Before surgery, I was wearing a 36H/I bra. Finding a bra that fit right and was comfortable never existed. I always had neck and shoulder pains, especially the muscle running from my neck to shoulder. Sleeping sucked too, because I am a stomach and side sleeper, and every time I would turn at night, my back would hurt and would wake me up.

On April 9th, the morning of my surgery, I was very nervous, as I have never had any kind of surgery before. I was admitted into the hospital at 6:00 a.m. Everyone there was super nice, which helped greatly with my nerves. I got undressed, which I was allowed to keep my underwear on, and they gave me a backless gown that hooked up to heating, which was very warm. They also gave me a pair of socks to wear. They took my blood pressure and started my IV. Next, my doctor came in and drew all over me and explained where everything would be when finished and told me that I would be a solid C when finished. Then, they put electric compression boots on me and rolled me, in my bed, into the surgery room around 8:00 a.m., where they gave me anesthesia. I don’t remember anything after that, because I opened my eyes and it was done. I looked at the clock across the room and it was 10:20 a.m. I did have a burning pain in my breasts, which they immediately gave me a couple of Norco. By 10:45 a.m., I was released and on my way home. (Don’t forget to bring a fluffy pillow and sunglasses)

I took Norco for pain during the first couple of days, which caused major constipation, even when taken with Colace Stool Softener. I quit taking Norco and the worthless stool softener on day 3 and started taking Ibuprofen 600mg instead. Also on day 3, I started drinking a hot cup of organic Nettle Leif tea daily, and this has cured me of my constipation. I started taking Bromelain 500mg on day 4. I have also been eating a bowl of pineapple every day since surgery. Pineapple/Bromelain helps with healing quicker.

I am now 1 week post op. I have felt pain this week, but I think a lot of it is mental, as I am always worried about my stitches. My front zip sports bra is uncomfortable and feels like it is pushing and rubbing on my stitches. I have been taking it easy all week and drinking lots of water. I have developed a rash on my shoulders, upper arms and stomach this week. I’m wondering if my doctor put something on my skin before surgery and it caused skin irritation. Also, my stomach feels and looks bigger than usual. But other than that, I’m doing great, lol.

Well, this has been my 1 week post op experience. Each day seems a little different with the swelling and how I feel. I haven’t had the energy this week as I usually do, but I’m sure that’s normal after having a breast reduction. Tomorrow, I go see my doctor for my boob checkup; I hope all is going well. I am sooo looking forward to getting back to my regular routines and start working out again, but I know that it will be a little while from now. Talk to ya later ?.

Today, day 8 post op, I went to my doctor's appointment, and he took off my tape. While taking it off, a small area, the incision going straight down from my nipple started to bleed, so he had to apply more tape on that area. Other than that area, all my tape is gone. It looks kind of freaky to me, but I need to just get over my self. It will heal :) Anyways, the doctor said that I am doing great. And, by the way, don't worry after your surgery if you have a little spotting of blood on your bras. I had a little bit all week, and that is okay and common. I think my sports bra just sometimes rubs on my stitches and irritates them.

Well hello there, I am now 14 days post op and feeling better. My second week of healing started out with me starting my period on post op day 9. Wow, did my boobs feel weird, irritated and painful. I'm sure starting my period aggravated them quite a bit. But, now that it's over, they are feeling a lot better. I have been trying to find a more comfortable bra. I have bought 7 total, and they all seem either too constricting or not enough support or the band keeps riding up on my stitches. But, I always find myself running back to my beige Playtex front zip bra. I'm not giving up though, I have 2 more bras being mailed to me, lol. On a good note though, the rash I had last week on my shoulders, upper arms and stomach are gone. The bloating I had last week is gone also, even though I was on my period all week. My energy is so much better this week too. My boobs still look kind of freaky to me and my nipples are constantly erect, but they are looking a little better each day. I don't think I have ever had this much feeling in my breasts; I have not lost any sensation. I am very glad I had my breast reduction. I can't believe I can now wear button-down shirts :)