Years of back pain and migraines.
Neck and shoulder pain.
Sleepless nights because of pain.
Heat and rashes under my breasts.
The consequences of doing light housekeeping after an hour and not being able to walk afterwards.
I'm tired!!!
Updated on 17 May 2021:
I don’t have a date yet for my surgery, but I am working out in the meantime. I figured loosing a few pounds before the bid day, can do no harm.
Updated on 17 May 2021:
Updated on 5 Jul 2021:
I would be happy with this size.
Updated on 5 Jul 2021:
The twins are the cause of my back and shoulder pains and headaches. Waiting the the surgery date…
Updated on 16 Sep 2021:
On September 8, 2021 at 1h26pm, I got the call. I finally have a date for my breast reduction surgery- November 11, 2021.
And now… I’m freaking out!!!
I’ve been wanting/needing this for 20 years. These past few months, I’ve been working out to loose weight: I went from 202 lbs to 180lbs in 3 months. I still have 40 to 50 lbs more pounds to loose to reach my ideal weight…
I’m freaking out!!!
Updated on 27 Sep 2021:
November 11th is Remembrance Day, therefore the date has been moved to November 18th.
Updated on 30 Oct 2021:
Because of my weight lost, my migraines and back pains came back with a vengeance. I have to say the stress of the surgery doesn’t help.
I haven’t been exercising like before, but I’m making sure that I do not gain more weight. After my surgery and my Dr.’s approval, back to my workouts. The plan is to loose 40 more pounds. Can’t wait to see the pounds off my chest.
Updated on 16 Nov 2021:
I haven’t been sleeping well for the past few weeks. Migraines, back and neck pains are more intense. I am currently at the hospital 7h20am) to do my COVID test and then my general testing and blood test.
Updated on 17 Nov 2021:
7:30am I will be at the hospital. Because of the rise of COVID cases, my husband can only drop me off and pick me up in front of the hospital. He is not allowed to enter. I was told that I could call him 30min before I leave in order to meet me at the entrance.
The hospital secretary gave me documentation to read on things to bring, do and not do before and after the surgery.
Hoping I will be able to add pictures tomorrow. Keep you all posted
Updated on 18 Nov 2021:
The surgery lasted about 2hours. I woke up in pain (on a scale of 20/10) and shivering. I was so cold that they put warmed blankets on me. When it was time to get dressed, I felt dizzy and felt like I needed to vomit. The nice and caring nurse gave me a shot of Gravol for dizziness. I Fell back asleep and when I woke up I went on a wheelchair and was brought to my husband who was waiting for me. On our way home, he passed by the pharmacy to get my pain killers. Once home, sleeping on and off.
Updated on 19 Nov 2021:
I had my appointment at 11 am today to remove the drain tubes and the dressing. Removing the tubes was painful, but just for a few seconds. I saw myself but did not look at myself. I guess I was afraid. I must admit though, I feel lighter and can breath better.
My husband was in the room with me and he said that they looked pretty good. A lot better than he expected. That was good to hear from the man who enjoyed is watermelon . I have no idea what size I am, but they are small compared to before… that was the point, huh?
I’ve been sleeping a lot which I’m happy with. I’m still taking the medication that was prescribed to me. Since the intensity of the pain has lessen I do not need to take it every 4 hrs. I push it to 5 hrs.
I am currently wearing my own wireless bra with Kotex pads.
The doctor said that I could shower as of tomorrow. I think that I will wait an extra day on that.
I’ve been drinking a lot of water and my meals have been booster juice: clean kick, mighty kale and mocha protein. My first small meal was cod fish plantain. And for supper chicken pita gyros.
I going for a small with my hubby to get my circulation moving.
Keep you all posted…
Updated on 20 Nov 2021:
I read a few reviews saying that after the surgery, looking down at yourself it’s as if you had pecs…. That is so true. But I’m loving them. I’m doing my best to be careful and not move my arms. I had my first shower today, with my husband’s help, and I felt great after it. Now it’s a switch between pain and itching.
Updated on 21 Nov 2021:
Not quite sure where these bubbles came from, but they are not painful. I’m just going to keep an eye on them. I went for a walk with my family this afternoon and the cool air felt great. Funny enough, I felt the breeze through my coat where I never felt breezes before because of my big breasts. I did not shower today, but tomorrow I will for sure.
My right breast itches more than my left one. Itchiness is a good sign - it’s healing.
I’m still figuring out my posture as my chest it tight and I can’t stand up straight just yet.
Updated on 25 Nov 2021:
My surgeon had suggested that I remove the wire from one of my bras and wear it every day, 24hrs for 3 weeks. I tried for the first 2 days and it was painful. On our back home on the 20th - a 2hr drive- I had to ask my husband to stop the car to undo my bra. I haven’t worn one until today.
After hours of internet research on finding the best post surgical/sports bra (and yes you will find some great ones) and debating on having myself professionally measured and pay over $65-70 for a bra that I will only be wearing for a couple of weeks, I decided to go to Walmart. I found a site that explained how you should measure yourself (with band-aid on) for a post-surgical bra, had my sister measure me and off we went. As per the pictures, I bought 3 sports bras for $17/each ( I’m so happy with that price since I always paid $80-90 for a pair that would hold my twins JJ properly on the balcony). It’s tight, but comfortable. I went for a walk wearing the bra that you see and it was just a little painful around my lower bust on my left side (close to the incision). When I checked that spot (the incision) all looked well and fine. I guess I just got used to not wearing bras and now the restrain makes me a little uncomfortable.
After my shower today, a few tapes came off.
Updated on 29 Nov 2021:
Always sleeping on your back is not easy!!
Recovery is going well. Still have pain and itchy at times. I’m still trying to figure out my posture. When I straighten myself and pull my shoulders backwards, I feel the tightness of the sutures, which scares me and feels uncomfortable… I guess I have to keep at it.
My 2 weeks post surgery doctor’s appointment is on December 7th. I can’t wait to see what the Dr. says and if I can start scar treatment.
Updated on 3 Dec 2021:
My bubbles popped a few days ago, which is a good thing.
Now my stitches are itchy, which is good and frustrating.
My right breast is doing better than my left one. I feel like sharp electrical pain in my boobs (mostly right one for now). I guess that’s a good thing, my nerves are working hard and doing it thing.
When I touch my nipples, I feel it, but it’s sensitive.
The stitches underneath my breast are still tight and I’m still trying to figure out my posture.
I still sleep on my back which is a challenge since I prefer sleeping on my sides.
I make sure to go for walks, but now that winter is approaching and it do not like the cold, I walk around the house and try to encourage myself to go for at least a 15-30 min walk outside.
I’m slowing back in the kitchen cooking. I do require help when it comes to lifting my arms and getting heavy pots and pans.
My husband still gives me my daily showers and helps me getting dressed. As much I am independent and do not like asking for help, I must admit that I do enjoy this intimate attention. But this won’t last, so I’m slowly “learning” to get dress on my own.
As for pain, it’s manageable. My prescribed medication was done a week after the surgery and my surgeon said that if I felt pain to take extra strength Tylenol. For the past few days, I’ve been taking 2-4 tablets per day. I have bruises that are lessening and I feel more discomfort than pain and where the liposuction was done (armpit area) is still bruised and sensitive
Updated on 3 Dec 2021:
After my daily showers, Polysporin is added on my stitches. I do feel some of the threads sticking out the sutures, which feels weird, but since I have my 2nd post surgery appointment on December 7th, I’ll see what my doctor can do about it. Keep you all posted.
Updated on 8 Dec 2021:
Yesterday was me 2nd post surgery appointment. And it was…unique. I understand that the dr had other patients, but I’m also a patient too. The check up was quick and dismissive. It lasted 2 min. Oh! 5min because I asked questions. I’m not letting this affect me as I am healing well. No complications THANK GOD.
He told me to take a shower, lather up the nipple area and remove the tapes left that were around there. Then clean it with hydrogen peroxide.
Updated on 14 Dec 2021:
I followed my surgeon’s instructions to remove the tapes around my nipples during my shower the day after we met. Righty was fine. Lefty bled a little. I continued my shower, Polysporin and bandage routine (and continued sleeping with my bra) until the opening was stuck to the bandage, which was painful to remove. So, on December 12 and 13, I didn’t shower, continued applying Polysporin and the bandage (but loosely) and did not sleep with a bra nor did I wear one all day. I aired out the girls and did not add bra pressure to them.
I took a shower today, followed my routine, went for a 2 hour walk with my bra on. As soon as I got home, I removed my bra to let the girls breath again. I plan on doing this until my next appointment which is on December 21.
As the swelling is decreasing, more threads are sticking out, the itchiness is manageable but crazy and the sensitivity is more tolerable.
I do massage myself with Aloe Vera gel where it’s still hard and I avoid putting any on the stitches. I do not want to put anything else on them until I get my doctor’s consent. I gently massage my stitches while applying Polysporin ( which feels good especially wen itchy).
Today while applying Polysporin, I noticed the scares are flat, which I’m happy with, but I still feel uncomfortably tight. I still have to remind myself to stand straight fear of pulling on the stitches.
December 21 next appointment. Keep you posted.
Updated on 25 Dec 2021:
I saw my surgeon and he seemed in a rush, as usual, but this time I was ready with list of questions - which wasn’t many since I get most of my answers from this site.
- The left side of my breast (the right too, but less so) is tight and wrinkled,
- Part of the left side of my breast, I still cannot feel anything,
- On top of my right nipple there is a hard lump the size my finger tip and almost under my left armpit, but closer to my breast there is also a hard lump,
He said that it was normal and that I did have I a huge surgery and that I should give it time to heal - it takes about a year to completely heal after such surgery. On the out side, everything looks great and that there is nothing for me to worry about as he is not worried at all.
He also said to start the scar treatment with silicon gel sheets. I figured I would continue massaging my breasts (with cocoa butter and vitamin E) and start with the scar treatment on Monday December 27, 2021. My next appointment is in 2 months, in February 2022.
Here are a few comparison pictures.
Updated on 25 Dec 2021:
Updated on 27 Dec 2021:
Afternoon shower taken, then applied the silicone gel sheet.
Updated on 22 Jan 2022:
I finished the scar treatment a few days ago. I had to stop using it a few days in between because it was drying my skin and making me more itchy, but nothing too bad.
Today, I plan on starting a new scar treatment - Mederma Advance Gel Scar Care.
Besides that, I still sleep on my back, sometimes on my side, still get sharp pain, but less than before. I have more feeling on my left nipple than my right one and I still sleep with my sports bra on.