So I was always a big busted lady. Ever since the 4th grade (if you can believe it!) I was singled out for my bigger than normal bizingas. It has always made me feel uncomfortable since my personality is pretty shy. I usually hate being the center of attention, but the tatas made that pretty hard. Don't get me wrong, big boobs were part of my identity. There were plenty of times I proudly showed them off and at one time, they were near perfect for my standards. But after high school, they kept on growing. Now at 25 and just married, I knew I wanted a change. Luckily my husband was 100% supportive and just wanted me to be happy. Well, I wasn't happy anymore with my overly large, saggy money makers (I'm running out of ways to say boobs!). I'm only 5'3" and 130 lbs so they were just too much for my small frame. My mother even once called them grotesque (ouch) and would refer to me as Dolly Parton! No offense to Dolly (I WILL always love you), but it just didn't look or feel right. I was starting to have back and neck pain from having a slunched posture, clothes never fit right since I would have to buy large or xxl in everything even though I should be small to medium, I could NEVER find a bikini top with enough support, and the list goes on. Needless to say, getting the reduction was the best decision ever made besides marrying the love of my life. Almost one month out, they are healing well and I already fit into C cup bras (they might even be smaller in a few months!). Goodbye to pain, discomfort, and awkwardness.
Hey all!! I've been lurking on the boards and reading everyone's experiences and looking at photos and decided I should probably finally just pull the trigger and share my own story! I'm 24, 155 pounds, size 6 jeans, and a 34DDDD. I am a mother of one. Prior to having my son, I was 18 years old, weighed 120 lbs, and was a 34B. 3 days after my son was born, my breasts basically ballooned almost instantly (within 2 days) from a 34B to a 34DDDD. I was shocked! Everyone I talked to about he sudden size increase said they would deflate again once I stopped breastfeeding. Well, here we are 6 years later and they're still 100% here! ????. Anyways. Over the last 6 years my weight has yo-yo'd significantly, weighing 210 at my most one year ago. After some pretty serious changes in my personal life, I decided it was time to lose the weight and begin the process of loving myself and my body again! Now? I have lost 50 pounds, and 4 pants sizes and the boobs are still here. I attempted to get breast reduction approved through my insurance (UHC) two years ago and was told to lose weight, and that I didn't have enough documentation of physical problems caused by the size of my breasts. I gave up! I felt that it was never going to happen and I was going to have to live with these for the rest of my life. Thankfully, I changed insurance companies since then, and decided the pain was just too much to bear any longer and tried again! This time, I was approved in 6 weeks and now have my surgery scheduled for February 21st!! I am ecstatic, and so incredibly impatient! My pain continues to increase with each day, but now I have an end in sight. There's a light!! My hopeful size is a 34C. I haven't had my pre-op yet, that's in 4 weeks! Here is a run down of my issues and coping mechanisms: - Lumber and thoracic back pain - Neck pain and stiffness - Upper chest muscular pain - side of breast pain -constant tenderness and bruising to ribcage where underwire sits - beginning to have grooves in shoulders - rashes and bruising to in between and underneath breasts - pain during any sort of exercise or high impact movements (going down stairs, running, jumping). For the last two years I have been getting regular and frequent massages to help with pain. About one year ago I added chiropractic care, which has helped but my spine is not longer responding to corrections for longer than 2 days due to the excess weight on my chest. For now, both chiropractic care and massages are just used to keep me comfortable. I also am taking Tylenol daily to help alleviate pain in order to function daily. Questions for my readers who've had the surgery: Anyone with young-is kids? (The three in my house, including my boyfriend's, are 6, 6 and 4). How quickly were you able to be up doing chores around the house, and how soon were you comfortable driving? I know I can't lift anything heavy, and I have plans in place for assistance around the house. Anyone with a physical job? I'm a paramedic, and plan on returning to work at 4.5 weeks, granted all goes well. Should I wait longer?? Ok, thanks for reading! I will update soon! Updated on 6 Feb 2017: So I had my pre op appt today, and it went well!! Just a lot of paperwork signing. Thankfully, most of my questions were answered by ladies on here! Doc showed me my pre-op photos (holy moly!! These things are huge!). We settled on a size (most likely a C, but of course no guarantees), and my PS informed me he would be giving me Vicodin for post op pain management. So we are all set and ready to go in two weeks, ahhhh!! It has come up so fast. I've been dealing with a lot of anxiety over the surgery. Normal right? Just so worried that things are going to go wrong, or I will hate my post op boobs, or they won't heal right or fast enough... what were some ways you guys calmed nerves and worries before surgery?! I could definitely use some reassurance.. I'd also love suggestions for things you forgot, things you wish you'd known, or things that you loved and that helped!! Updated on 21 Feb 2017: It's 0530, and I'm up. Why? Because today is surgery day!!! I'm beyond excited. Very nervous, and a little scared. But definitely excited. Wish me luck!! Updated on 21 Feb 2017: Hey all!! Surgery is done and I'm resting now at home. I will updated with more details once I'm not as sore and drugged ip. The gist is though that it went very well, exactly as planning with no complications! Yay!! Updated on 22 Feb 2017: Hey all!! I'm feeling much less drowsy today, so I figured I'd add an update!! Yesterday was surgery day, and we were up around 5am to get to the hospital by 6. I made sure to take out all my jewelry (although they let me keep my nose ring in, and Just out tape over it. My boyfriend and one of my dear friends came with me. I arrived at the hospital at 6am, then was directed to the OR and signed in there as well. We only waited about 10 minutes in the surgery waiting room, then I was taken back to my room. I had to pee in a Cup to ensure that I wasn't pregnant (which I'm not, thank god!) lol. Then I got changed into my gown, and got my super fancy hospital socks! My Pre-Op nurse was so sweet, and asked a lot of questions and then another nurse came in to start my IV. He missed the first one, which I jokingly gave him a hard time for lol! Once my IV was in, they gave me several anti-nausea meds, as well as Pepcid (to decrease the acid In my stomach), and an anti-inflammatory medication as well. They had lactated ringers (a type of IV focusing) running through my IV as well. Next, my anesthesiologist, Dr Miller, came into my room and introduced himself. He was really nice, and told me had every intention of making sure the procedure went as smoothly and painlessly as possible. Then Dr Monacelli came in with his assistant and made all of the marks as to where everything was going to be moved and cut out. After that, my OR nurse came in to introduce herself. After all of the introductions were made, Dr Miller came back and gave me Versed (for sedation). The last thing I remember is talking about the meds with Dr Miller and my boyfriend, and saying how high I instantly felt lol!! Next thing I knew, I was waking up in Post- Op with a nurse by my side. I was initially in a lot of pain, mostly on the left side (which was the slightly larger side). The nurse did a wonderful job managing my pain and making sure I got plenty of medication to help ease my discomfort. This whole time I felt very groggy and out of it, but I remember that I kept asking for my boyfriend. Lol. Then I saw Dr Monacelli, who reported that everything went just as planned without any issues. He initially said he was going to use drains for a day, but during surgery I didn't have a lot of excess fluid present, so he changed his mind and I don't have any drains!! They FINALLY got my boyfriend for me, and he stuck right by my side the entire time. After about an Hour in recovery, the nurse assured me to the bathroom, and it felt so good to be on my feet! I was very shaky and weak, but it felt nice to be mobile. Then, My boyfriend helped me with get dressed and getting into the wheelchair. They gave me my discharge paperwork, and then the nurse wheeled me out to our car! I felt pretty good, but had a lot of pent up antsy feelings, so we went to Walmart briefly to grab a few more things that I wanted or needed, then came home. The rest of the day was spent napping, resting, and setting timers for making sure I took my meds regularly. My boyfriend has Turned out to be an amazing care giver. He helped me in and out of our recliner multiple times, and made sure I was eating some easy soft foods. Overall, surgery went well without any complications, I don't remember any of it, but I have a friend who works in the OR and she came into the room with me (which I have no recollection of!). Apparently, I'm pretty sensitive to drugs because I don't remember a thing after the Versed! I was reportedly very talkative though!! The worst part by far was the compression binding that I had to wear until this morning, and I was becoming so swollen that the wrapping was really tight and painful. This morning I went for a follow up, and the unwrapped the compression binding and changed me into a front closure bra. So much more comfortable!! It made my pain decrease to just a full ache, instead of being in constant pain. After getting home this morning, I got a shower with some help from my boyfriend, and I finally got a good look at my new girls!! They are definitely very bruised, and are especially sore on the outside edges. I'm able to lift my arms about my head as long as there isn't much movement while there that high up. The boyfriend has class today, so my mom is here helping with our three kids and my cousins little girl. So full house! But, my mom is here and I'm resting comfortably in our recliner again. I will update with more pictures soon! Updated on 23 Feb 2017: Just a quick update. Not much is different today than yesterday, although I'm feeling a lot more tired than I have the past few days. I'm also more uncomfortable today than I was yesterday. Both breasts are very hard and swollen, which isn't helping. I just can't seem to get comfortable. Anyone else have like phantom muscle twitches in their breasts post Op? It feels like my breasts and back muscles are all twitchy and I just can't seem to find a good position to rest in. I've been trying to get up regularly to avoid the accumulation of DVTs, but I'm so wiped that I can't stay up and about for long without feeling super drained and needing to sit down again. I had a second shower this morning, and put Neosporin and fresh bandages on with help from my man. I haven't had much drainage, just little bits here and there. Not much else to report. I'm trying to make my pain meds last as long as I can, so I've been stretching the time between taking pills, which probably isn't helping much either. I will update more tomorrow, and hopefully get some good pics for you guys! I can't get my bra on and off without help, so those will have to wait. A few tips for those of you reading this who haven't had your procedure yet: - Definitely take a pillow for on the way home. Best. Advice. Ever. It's nice to have the padding between the seatbelt and breasts. It also is a great way to put some pressure on your chest, as bumps definitely hurt! - Get Benadryl. I have been soooooo itchy, and having Benadryl on hand has been a godsend! Plus, if you are having trouble sleeping, it really helps you fall asleep easier. - Nursing pads are your BFF. They're much softer than any other sort of dressing, and are molded to your breast shape so they don't get bunched up. - Right along with the nursing pads, I also bought ice packs made by Lansinoh that are specifically made for icing breasts too. The cold had helped significantly with the discomfort from the swelling, and (again) because they're shaped specifically for breasts, they don't bunch up! My only complaint about these is that they don't stay cold long. But still very worth it! - Buy like 20 white wash clothes. You will use these for your face, for washing and for wiping your hands after washing before re-dressing your incisions. The best thing about white? Bleach!! I have all white bras, towels, and wash clothes. I've been keeping them in a separate laundry hamper, and they are only used once before they're considered dirty. This is to cut down on possible bacteria and risk of infection. Once I had enough for a load (this morning), we washed this hamper all by itself without any extra clothing in it. We washed on hot, extra rinses, and bleach. Then they will all be folded and put away to be used once again. Ok, that's it for now! Will update again if anything changes!! Updated on 24 Feb 2017: Today has been the best so far pain wise. I'm of really hurting much, but am having a hard time getting comfortable. New today? All my my back and side muscles and twitching uncontrollably. It doesn't hurt, but is making it hard to stay in one position, and it's also hard to fall and stay asleep. I also have been struggling with dizziness and nausea, both of which are new today too. I'm not sure if I overdid it yesterday when I had all four kids here with my mom helping, but due to custody schedules I don't have kids for the next 5 days. So my plan is to take it easy, sleep as much as possible, and binge watch a lot of TV shows! The bruising is definitely the worst today, and I was able to get some photos last night and this morning! They are super swollen, so I'm trying Ice and compression and rest. I'll update more as things progress! Updated on 28 Feb 2017: Wow! I can't believe it's been a week! But at the same time, this last week has dragged. I'm not really good at the whole "sit and do nothing" thing, so I've had to remind myself constantly that I just had surgery and it's ok to rest. Anyways! The girls are doing well! Had a rough night last night, my right side was really sore. That one has caused the most trouble pain-wise, and I think it's because I'm right handed so I automatically use that hand more. I'm trying to consciously use both hands equally. I'm not lifting anything heavier than my pillows, but I have great mobility! I can reach most things above my head, as long as I don't have to really stretch for them or they're "heavy" (more than a pound). I can wash my own hair, and am able to wear shirts that go over my head! I'm still sleeping on my back, with a pillow under each arm and one under my knees, to keep my in place. I'm naturally a side or stomach sleeper, so I have been using ZQuil to help me fall and stay asleep while on my back. I went to see my PS yesterday, and got most of my stitches out. There are still a few open spots on the very inside of my breasts (bottom incision, inner corners), so he left the stitches there to encourage the sounds to heal. There is also still a lot of bruising left, especially to the outside of my right breast. I think that's causing the majority of the tenderness right now, so I'm just waiting that out. I put Neosporin on the incisions twice a day, as well as pad with Surgical padding and nursing pads for the nipples. That keeps the Neosporin from staining my bras, and gives a nice cousin between my tender incisions and brushing and the bra. Not much else to report really, just working on healing up!! I'm still in awe of how perky and hard my breasts are! And my areolas are tiny!!! I'm loving them so far, can't wait to see how they progress!! Updated on 9 Mar 2017: Hey all! Just a quick update! I'm 2 weeks Post Op, and am feeling pretty good!! Saw my surgeon Monday, and he said that the girls are healing beautifully, and to keep it up! I don't see him again for another two weeks. I have continued lathering my incisions twice daily with Neosporin, which seems to help soreness and keeps them moisturized. The incisions are all closing well, and there are only a few stitches visible on the outside (all the rest are dissolvable). There is a small open spot on the T section of my right breast. It doesn't look to be very deep, maybe just the top layer of skin. I'm trying to keep that part extra lathered with the Neosporin. The bruising is significantly better, still present but definitely less noticeable. The new development this week so that the underside of my breasts, just above the incisions, is becoming increasingly hard. My surgeon says that this is scar tissue forming, and that I need to massage it to soften it up. Which is hard because that's where I'm the most tender and sore!! I'm trying to remember to do so, but I'm planning on massaging it well once the incisions close completely and I can start using scar treatments (like Vitamin E). I also changed the bras I'm wearing from the front hook closure Bras, to front zip sports bras, which provide a good amount of compression, support, and are just generally more comfortable. I'm still pretty tired, and am trying to remind myself to take it easy. I'm having increasing difficulty sleeping on my back. I'm usually a side or stomach sleeper, and have been doing really well until the past few nights. The good news is that I'm able to sleep on my left side for a few hours when I first go to sleep, provided that I have several pillows padding around me. But I'm so happy to be able to switch up sleeping positions again! Alright, I think that's it!! This week has gone pretty well, with the occasional blips of exhaustion or soreness. But for the most part I'm feeling pretty great!! This surgery was most definitely worth it!! Updated on 14 Mar 2017: Three weeks already?! It feels like it's been so short and yet so long. I'm having such a hard time with this whole relax and recuperate thing lol. But I'm being good!! Not lifting, not pushing it. No appt with my MD this week, so I've just continued with my routine. Clean, bleached everything. New towel after ever shower, freshly washed clothes for cleansing, new bra every single change, Neosporin on the incisions twice a day! Doc said last week that I can start using scare treatments once the scabbing is gone. So probably another week or so!! My incisions are looking pretty good, all the stitches look to be absorbed. I only have one small slightly open spot at the T junction of my right breast, but TD tiny and closes more every day. I'm not in much pain, and can comfortably sleep on my side now! My current favorite bras are still my zip front sports bras, although I found a really comfy wireless bra for like $12 at Walmart that's perfect for tops that need different coverage. That's it for now, will update again in a week! Updated on 23 Apr 2017: Hey all! I'm sorry I've been lazy with updates, life got a little crazy once I returned to work and was trying to get back into the swing of things. Then the BF changed jobs, and add kids and tons of other things And I just haven't had time to sit and write for you ladies!! Anyways. Long story short? Still doing well!! My scars are healing up nicely and I'm back on full duty with lifting and moving! The transition back to work went pretty smoothly, and I had some good tests (heavy lifting) pretty soon after returning, and all was well there! I'm also back to working out, and it's wonderful!! I can wear normal sports bras, and have been having a ton of fun shopping for both bras and shirts in my actual size!! I tried on a 36C a few weeks ago, and that fit well! I'm reluctant to buy actual bras yet yet, and they aren't comfortable due to my scars still, so I've been sticking with sports bras and love it! Feels like I'm not even wearing a bra after 6 years of wearing harden armored steel Brad (or at least they felt like it lol). Two negatives (but not a big deal and I think just due to the fact that it's only been two months). First, I can't lean on my arms for long without the undersides of my breasts feeling tight. It's weird, but not terribly painful, just uncomfortable when I first stand up again. Second, they're a little lumpy. I've felt around a whole bunch and it seems to be due to significant scar tissue present at weird places in my boobs. My surgeon told me a 4 weeks out that lumpiness and scar tissue are normal, and to heavily massage my breasts twice a day with oil (I'm currently using BioOil). But so far so good!
