John Damian Potochny

Started this process about a year ago. Had about 2 consultations before my case was submitted to my insurance. I did have to do physical therapy to show that I made effort to improve my symptoms (back pain) on my own. Once submitted to insurance, it took about 2 weeks to get my approval decision. Once approved they set up my surgery date which was about 3 months out.

I had surgery yesterday (was very excited and had very minimal worry, as I’ve had many surgeries). It took about 2 hours from my time of arrival until I was being put under. The procedure took almost exactly 3 hours. When waking up I was in some pain, so they gave me some IV pain meds. These didnt seem to help but I was also given tylenol later and that took almost all the pain away. I guess it just depends on the person. The pain isnt the kind I imagined. Its more of a tugging pain or tightness in my chest. I feel like when I stand up I have to hold my breasts up or they feel like they are stretching. My nipples are probably the most sore. For now Im just going to alternate between tylenol and motrin and my prescription pain killer will be last resort.

Updated on 19 Apr 2018:
Today I was pretty sore. Later in the day became very itchy around my incision sites. Still havent fully seen my boobs. Im kind of scared to take my bra off because they still feel like they are pulling when I stand up and I’ve been holding them up when I walk. I will be allowed to take my dressings off and shower in the morning

Updated on 19 Apr 2018:
Took my bra off for the first time this morning to remove some of the dressings. They are pretty swollen and hard but other than that are feeling much better compared to last night when they were itching and burning like crazy. A little scared to take the tape off but going to try later on tonight. Will update when tape is finally off!

Updated on 19 Apr 2018:
Just had my first shower/bath. Removed most of the dressings. Helped with some of the itching. Feeling pretty good. Haven’t taken any meds all day. I just feel like I have to hold my boobs when I stand still but other than that pain is pretty manageable. I’ll add some before pics as well!

Updated on 21 Apr 2018:
Not feeling a whole lot of pain other than burning and itching at the incision cites. I think most of the itching is due to this bra. Some sharp pains every once in a while but havent taken any meds today. Did go out of the house today for a couple hours. Removed all my dressings today. My one nipple is a little redder than the other but doctor says everything looks good. I hate showering because I can kinda feel my stitches pulling when I take my bra off:(

Updated on 23 Apr 2018:
Its been 6 days since surgery and I feel pretty good. Ive am back to doing daily things and I even went out all day yesterday with no problems. No meds are needed anymore and my armpits finally feel better. There are times throughout the day when I accidently bump into something and I’m reminded that my boobs are still very tender. Both are still bruised and very itchy! This itchiness is the worst. But overall feeling great. I go for my first pre op appointment tomorrow. Will post more pictures then

Updated on 23 Apr 2018:
Feeling really good today. Still really tender but back to my daily routine! They are starting to look better

Updated on 1 May 2018:
Ok so I havent posted in a week or so because I’ve been extremely busy. I’ve really started to like my new boobs! At first I was scared they were too small but I love them now and being able to wear any bra I want. They are healing really well other than a part of my incision opened up. Im not sure if the stitches dissolved too soon or what happened but I go to the doctors thursday and will ask about it then. My nipples are looking really good and not like someone just taped them on anymore. They are a little uneven but I can live with it ( they said it can be fixed but id rather not bother ).
Before the operation my nipples werent sensitive at all but now they are very sensitive! Even the smallest amount of stimulation feels like a lot.
I’ve been lifting things that I probably shouldnt be, like my daughter, but its extrememly hard not too. I also tried to lay o my stomach and I just couldnt do it. They are still so hard. Other than the hardness they arent very sore anymore either. I did have a couple questions though if anyone has read to the bottom of this...
One- is anyone else still numb on their boobs. I cant feel mine in certain spots still?
Two- is everyone else’s boobs still rock hard? And do you know when this is suppose to go away?
Thanks for all responses in advance

Updated on 5 May 2018:
Not much has changed since my last update. Boobs are still feeling good unless pressed on (sometimes my daughter is a little rough). My scabs are starting to fall off so they are looking better as far as healing. I had my second follow up appt this week. I asked about the hardness and the numbness of my breast. The doctor said that they will soften up over time but that there is no way to tell if my boobs will ever regain feeling in the numb spots. He said it can take up to a year for the feeling to come back, if it does at all. Im not too worried about it though. I feel like its a small price to pay for having less back pain and nicer boobs. Also my nipples are still overly sensitive, which I’m also ok with because I never had much nipple sensation before th surgery. Doctor said in 2 more weeks (which will put me at 4) Im allowed to go back to life with no restrictions. Meaning running, sleeping on my stomach, wearing wired bras, etc. As of now its getting a little easier to sleep on my stomach but until they soften up a bit I think I’ll continue to sleep on the recliner.

Updated on 6 May 2018:
No change but wanted to post pics of how my incisions are healing

Updated on 16 May 2018:
Yesterday was 4 weeks since my surgery. I was given the ok to remove all limitations. Im able to wear wired bras now, which I bought in a size C! Some fit better in a D but I’m happy with either size. I know I’m allowed to run but I don’t think I’m ready for that as there are still a few open spots under my nipples. I know some women on here are told not to run or wear underwire for 6 or more weeks. Im not sure if this is just a doctors person preference or based on healing.
Im able to sleep on my stomach again with no discomfort!!! I think this is due to my boobs really softening up and settling a bit. I do wear a sports bra to bed with some padding though so maybe this helps as well.
As far as the numbness on my boobs, some sensation has come back in places and others it has not. I know it takes a while but I’m not too worried about this.
Not much more change but I will post pictures soon.

Updated on 24 Jun 2018:
Its been a little over 2 months and everything has been back to normal for a while now. Sleeping on my stomach again and everything is healed. Posting a pic because my boobs have dropped ( or settled ). They are still big but they are so much perkier. Everything was well worth it