Ernest D. Cronin, MD (retired)

An Angel Sent from Above- The BEST Cleft Lip/Palate Doctor - Houston, TX

I am two days away from my surgery date and am getting extremely nervous. I have my pre op tomorrow ( the day before my surgery) and I'm hoping it's enough time for me to get any last minute thing so may need for recovery. I am off from work ( desk job) starting tomorrow for two weeks. Have a lot of questions.

Updated on 9 Jun 2015:
It's 5:15 AM ON SURGERY DAY! I am the very first one today and I am still quite nervous! My PREOP took forever yesterday from 2-5 just to to register and get blood drawn. And I haven't eaten anything since around 6:30pm yesterday so I'm really hungry this morning ( but wouldn't be able to eat if I could, lol) my surgery starts at 7:30am and I expected to be about 3 hours and my PS said then a wait for another hour and then I will go to a private room for an overnight observation ( optional) but I chose to... Why not get the help, right...I won't have drains. And he will be using dissolvable sutures and dealing with glue so he says I have no maintenance with the area. I won't have to do anything, has anyone else been told this? I must say he was very laced about te recovery and told me not to worry so much it is on of the least painful procedures. But I can't help but be a little anxious about the whole deal. My hubby will be taking me to surgery and staying overnight, while my little ones are with my parents. And ice in released we will swap????my hubby will take the kids and my parents will care for me. So grateful for their help! Ok guys updates later, send blessings my way ????

Updated on 9 Jun 2015:
AL WENT WELL TODAY! I opted to stay overnight and the staff here is AMAZING! I have a pain pump ( no real pain level) I do get a little burning sensation here and there or chest ache/soreness but no extreme pain. I'm so glad about that!! The only downside I would say is I'm having to go pee every 10minutes because of this IV. Sucks.... I have no appetite at all my throat is a little sore but I'm just sucking on lozenges and drinking plenty of water. Haven't seen my new breast yet but I can tell they are much smaller( yah) dr. Says he took 1100 from each breast! It seems surreal that EVERYTIME I'm getting up I don't have to gather my breast to keep them from flopping everywhere. Must say all is well only hours PostOP:) thanks for the prayers!

Updated on 10 Jun 2015:
My Dr. Came by the hospital room today to change my bandages and I got a chance to see my new breast! They look great! I can't tell what size they are and of course they will change over the next couple months but I am greatly satisfied! Now I am having some back aches but the nurse says its gas from the surgery. So no real pain just achy.

Updated on 11 Jun 2015:
My surgery was Tuesday and today is Thursday. My dr. Said its fine for me to shower but I'm afraid because it's still sore and I don't want the water pressure to be too much... I have dissolvable sutures and glue over the incisions, but I'm still nervous. I am moving around walking throughout the house not outside. I'm wondering when will I not be so sore around the area. I've not changed in to my sports bras just keeping the ace bandage for now.

Updated on 12 Jun 2015:
When did you'll start getting dressed and getting out of the house? I am only in two rooms either the living room or bedroom and feeling like I need to get out but I when I thought I would try to go eat out I was tired just thinking about getting myself together, so I can only assume my mind is ready to move around but my body is saying not yet! Ok that's my little rant for the day.

Updated on 15 Jun 2015:
Checked in with Dr. Today says all things look good. I still have a little sepage on my left breast but it's very minimal and he says all looks well.

Updated on 21 Jun 2015:
So I'm preparing to return to work tomorrow. I've been off for two weeks so I now have to get back to my regular routine and sleep pattern. I wanted to update before I get back hectic. I'm feeling pretty good, I still have glue visibly over my sutures and taking things slow with my movement. However I was trying some of my work clothes on and noticed in almost everything that I'm wearing that no longer is my chest the focal point but my TUMMY is now overwhelmingly on display. So soon as I'm released I've gotta get to some exercise and maybe trying something I've never been able to do with big breast ( RUNNING) so hope everyone continues to have A BLESSED WEEK!

Updated on 1 Jul 2015:
So I went to my 3 week follow up appt. on Mondayand the PS nurse wanted to peel the steri strips and clean up eveything but the strips wouldn't easily come off. The PS said I can shower and rub suave conditioner and they should come off then. I was wondering has anyone else heard this before and do you know if I can I use any brand conditioner?

Updated on 4 Jul 2015:
So today after celebrating the 4th of July at the beach with the kiddos ( no I didn't get in any water or even leave from under my tent other than to get all the great food) I came home and got busy removing my steri strips. The adhesive was really making the itch awful to bear. After I removed them I cleaned everything with peroxide and applied neosporin on all the incisions. And also massaged them 100% African Shea butter. Has anyone else used these items during the healing process? Just wondering please chime in. Also I have to say the scarring around my nipple seems very fragile.

Updated on 11 Jul 2015:
Everything is progressing pretty well so far. As I'm healing I'm having extreme itching and some soreness still but all is well. I have been having some soreness to the touch right under my breast and also on my stomach area. I've been wondering if it's STILL some possible internal inflammation? Not sure why I would have soreness on my stomach but I do anyone else had this?