After getting so much information from reading RS over the last six months or so, and corresponding with several lovely, informative women, I have decided to jump on this band wagon and blog my experience for all of you to see and take away what you wish. I am looking forward to building new friendships along the way and giving and receiving much needed support. This has not been an easy decision for me to make, but I am excitingly and nervously moving forward. Please hold my hand as anesthesia and surgery have never been in my 58 years. My story is very similar to yours in that I have been carrying around these big "Ta-Tas" since I was a very young woman. When I had the knockout figure with a cute, perky, 36 C, I was so naive that I didn't know how adorable my figure was. You know what happens after that cute, perky, adorable girl gets more mature......Everything goes south!!!! Now I think I am a 38 DDD. Oh well, at least I am living at a time when the medical technology and physicians are so on top of everything that I now have a choice in what I do with my body. Poor Grandma, she carried her big ole' "Ta-Tas" around her whole life. All 92 of them!! God Bless you Grandma, I miss you everyday! xoxo
A hairdresser for more than "Forty (WOW) Years", my back can't take it any longer. I am 5'1" and 162 lbs. Holding my arms up cutting, coloring, perming and on my feet all day long has taken it's toll on my back. Having to give up my business and say goodbye to my very faithful clients after many years of laughter and tears, this was not easy, but it was time.
I don't know why I never even thought of getting a BR before nor did any physician or medical professional ever suggest or mention it. I don't know. Maybe I was too busy with doing for everyone else, I never really took the time to focus on ME? (Novel idea huh...:) It's funny how life just happens.
After much research and searching for a board certified, experienced PS that posted before/after pictures and was within a radius of where I wanted to travel, I found my guy! I made an appointment for a consultation with him, grabbed my husband and off we went. (Hubby is very supportive with this and he knew if he came with me, we would stop for something to eat on the way home. It works every time).
My consultation was on Wednesday, January 7 2015. My research was well worth it as I knew after I had my consultation, met the doctor and staff and left there, I had found Dr. Right for my BR! I loved him from the get-go! I did bring with me a folder of paperwork to show the different appointments, documentations and list of over the counter remedies that I have tried to use over the years to relieve my pain. I was assured that as soon as the insurance company made a decision, they would let me know.
So, here I am on Super Bowl Sunday, Saturday, February 1, 2015 letting you know that I have been APPROVED by insurance to do this procedure for medical reasons, my pre-op is this Tuesday, February 3rd and I am scheduled for surgery the end of the month on Monday, February 23. Also my out of pocket expense will be my co-payment of $15.00!!!!
This is all happening way too fast!!!! Maybe that is better.......I will be flying to Delaware to see my eldest daughter and twin baby granddaughters on March 28th. I will be about 4 1/2 weeks post op.........
Updated on 1 Feb 2015:
Well, who knew that my left breast was larger than my right? Not me!! Nor my husband!! It took my surgeon to tell me this. Just goes to show you how often I have really looked at these huge appendages...Funny though, now that I know that surgery will be in a few weeks, I am feeling kind of sad but glad that they will be gone....how can that be?
Updated on 3 Feb 2015:
Hubby is driving and I am posting.....nervously, anxiously, excitingly. I have never going through any surgery before. I take that back, I had a TVT (tension vaginal tape) procedure done years ago for a post baby leaky badder. But other than that which was a breeze that has been it, (thank God) until now. I have my list of questions for Dr. Burk. My surgery is scheduled for February 23, 2015 at 2:00pm. I am concerned about the time as I am hypoglycemic and have never gone that long without some kind of protein in my system. Also have severe sleep apnea and was wondering if a pulmonologist checkup and current numbers would be helpful to the anesteologist during my procedure. I also want to clarify how much he thinks he can remove safely and stress to him that I want to be a very very small C. Not a medium, not a large. SMALL and perky. Dr. Burk also said that he would lipo my side boob fat. I think I will probably come home with instructions for pre-op and supplies, what kind of bras to get, and a list of what to do or not before surgery etc. Some women have talked about blue paper tape for sensitive skin by 3M. About $6.00 a roll. Does anyone have experience using this or for that matter any suggestion for prepping the puppies before surgery with creams or ointments? I will be traveling by plane about 5 weeks pos-op to visit my daughter and twin granddaughters. I hope that is enough time to be doing pretty well. (The power of positive thinking.) Listen to me babble on and on. I am almost at my destination. Thanks for listening, it really helped me not be so anxious before I arrive. Talk soon!
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Updated on 7 Feb 2015:
My pre-op is behind me and all is well. I met Dr. Burk's nurse Carol and she was just as patient and attentive as Dr. Burk is. I really felt good at that appointment. She spent about 1 1/2 hrs. with me and my husband going over everything step by step from beginning to end so I know what to expect. I left with a few prescriptions to fill for pain, relaxing, and nausea to have on hand when I get home. I have been trying to eat as clean as I can before surgery and maybe loose a few more pounds. I have also increased my water intake as before surgery and after, I was told that water will help flush all of the anesthesia effects from my body. Taking long walks and doing some raking in my yard has given me the extra exercise that I need. If I have to rest for a while after surgery, I am going to move as much as I can now. I have never been a patient before and don't find it too comfortable to rest for too long. I am always going or doing something. So this will be very different for me. I am posting some pictures of an after surgery bra that I bought on E-bay. It was gently used and the brand is Caromed. They make bras especially for surgeries. I figured if it was cheap enough and I was only going to use it for a short time, I would take a chance and buy it. So I bid on it and paid $15.00. Quite a bargain I think......I also had my husband take pictures of me in an orange blouse that I hardly ever wear (when you see the pictures, you will see why). If I do wear it, I wear a shell underneath and leave the blouse just open down the front. I want to see how it looks before surgery and then again after. We should see quite a difference (I hope!) Thank you for reading my posts and also for all the support you give......
Updated on 10 Feb 2015:
The phone rang this afternoon and it was the drs. office. They knew that I am going to be travelling the end of March and told me that if they had a cancellation, that they would move me up so that I would be about 6 weeks post op before travelling. Well guess what???? Today was my lucky day. They called and moved my surgery up from Feb. 23 to the 19th. I am very happy about this.....just have less time to be anxious. I guess that is good. Let's just get r done!
Updated on 13 Feb 2015:
Today my nerves were off the chart! I am trying to get everything done before surgery, like it will be the end of the world or something. Today was housecleaning day. Dusted, vacuumed, washed windows, washed floors, neatened up cabinets.....you name it I did it! I think I am getting paranoid! Tomorrow will be bookwork, make sure bills are paid, taxes prepared, blah, blah, blah....I HAD A MELTDOWN and did the UGLY CRY!!!!! Hubby just shook his head, chuckled and said, "Everything is going to be just fine...." I don't know whether to listen to his advice or bite his head off!!!! I do feel better since I let it all out! The rest of my day went well until my sister called and told me that my 80 year old mother was going to go to lunch with my daughter and niece today when she was getting pain in her stomach and feeling lightheaded. Long story short, my daughter and niece drove her to the ER where she is tonight being tested and monitored. Mom has diverticulitis and has a small hole in her small intestine.....also has a unrinary tract infection...(Mom never drinks enough liquid, never has) so they are letting her GI system rest and are treating her for UTI. I am in the southeast, and she is in the northeast......states away!!! I am fortunate to have several other siblings and family members near her and there to support her. But that just added to my stress level which I am trying to tone down..... tomorrow will be better.....a good nights sleep always works....nite, nite.....thanks for listening.
P.S. Here is a picture of the beautiful PS Center that I will be having my surgery performed at!
Updated on 17 Feb 2015:
My surgery date is quickly approaching. All kinds of things are going through my head and I haven't been sleeping that well the past few nights. I look at my breasts and can't imagine that part of me will be changed. Today I worked a 12 hour day, (feeling guilty about taking so much time off to re-couperate) and tomorrow I have a chiropractor appt in the morning. The rest of the day I think I will just hunker down and nest in my home and get everything ready. I will try to contain my excitement although that is going to be hard. I pray and wish for all the ladies out there getting ready like myself a smooth, beautiful experience throughout! God Bless!
Updated on 18 Feb 2015:
And all through the house, I am getting ready for tomorrow. I have spoken and seen (face time) my daughters and mother tonight. I am going to take a nice long hot shower, (shave my legs and other parts) and try to get to bed early. The alarm will be going off at 5:00 am, on the road at 6:15 and to my appt. at 7:30. Surgery is scheduled for first thing at 8:30am. I am happy about that as my doctor will be well rested and alert! Ha! Ha! Tonight I received an e-mail from the patient care coordinator wishing me well tomorrow and will be thinking of me. How sweet was that. I have been so very happy with my experience so far with Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery Center. Everyone has been over the top so nice.....she assured me in her e-mail that I was in expert hands so that made me feel even better. He has a reputation of being a type A perfectionist. I don't know about you, but that is exactly the type of surgeon I want. I wish and will say a prayer tonight for every woman undergoing surgery with me tomorrow and pray that all goes beautifully and that everyone's surgery enriches their new life more than they ever could have imagined. Love you girls! We will talk soon! As they say here, "See You On The Other Side".
Updated on 21 Feb 2015:
Good Morning Ladies! Today is 2 days post-op for me. All is going pretty well. My pain is tolerable with one Demerol every 4-6 hours. My experience at the PS Center was just fabulous! I was treated like royalty and kept comfortable and informed each step of the way. Not to mention how utterly gorgeous the place is. Almost like being in a European Villa! Surgery went off without a hitch and it is such a good feeling to be on the other side. The last few weeks building up to surgery were just so stressful, thinking about everything that could go wrong and my silly imagination getting away from me. Post op definitely feels much better! We are about one hour ride from the PS Center so the ride home was just long enough. Thursday when I got home I mostly just rested and took pain meds faithfully when the time was here. Ate very light and didn't sleep too well. I have a cozy comfy recliner chair set up for me with all kinds of pillows to put under legs, arms, etc. And a nice warm soft blankly on top. My sweet husband has been sleeping in his recliner right next to me and we have been holding hands at night. I will insist he goes to bed tonight as I am fine during the night and will call him if I need to get up. We just finished having a nice breakfast and I feel pretty good right now. I received a call from Dr. Burk's nurse yesterday, just checking up on how I am doing and to make sure that I have enough pain meds to carry me through the weekend. Which I do. I also have the ok to take a shower if I wish. It's funny, I am afraid to look at my new breasts. I don't do well with stitches on myself and am afraid I am going to get queazy and lightheaded. I may put it off for another day. Dr. Burk's nurse Carol did tell me though that they look beautiful and that he did a beautiful job. I am sure they are because I felt so comfortable with Ponte Vedra PS Center from the start. I will rest again today as resting is never in my life and I am looking forward to just taking care of me. A novel idea Huh? Have a wonderful day my BFF's and happy healing. I will post a few pictures soon....
Updated on 21 Feb 2015:
Well I still don't feel like taking a shower yet, but after breakfast I was very uncomfortable in my bra. I am very swollen and the pressure had to be relieved even for a few minutes. So hubby helped me do the unveiling and wow, pretty perky and cute. I think that when the swelling goes down and they heal, they are going to be perfect. So here are a few pictures for you ladies to see!
Updated on 23 Feb 2015:
Hi ladies, It is now the morning of day 4. Day 3 was a little bit of a roller coaster ride for me. Still eating light foods, drinking lots of water, tea, etc. 2 stool softeners taken so far but not BM yet that amounts to anything. A few small hard pellets found in toilet last night. Will try to increase fluids today and take another softener. I mostly rested in the morning yesterday as when I stay up too long I still feel light headed. No Demerol though all day as my pain level is way down. I just took an ibuprofen 200mg. once in the afternoon. My husband had to go back to work yesterday, but came home around noon time for two hours for lunch. I tried to take my first shower with his assistance, but after shampooing my hair, I felt queasy and lightheaded. So that did not go as planned. I guess I am still weak. It feels better though to have my hair cleaned. I was hoping to sit outside today as the temperature was around 77 degrees and it was gorgeous out, but that did not happen. I just rested and did do a lot of sleeping. In the evening my dear sister and her husband made a wonderful dinner for us and brought it over to eat. We are Italian so her dinner consisted of pasta in a light chicken broth with sausage and butternut squash, salad, and of course ciabatta bread. I did eat a little bit of everything then we sat at the table and played "Sequence" a board game. The girls against the boys! Guess who won? The GIRLS OF COURSE! After that I needed to rest in my recliner and we watched the OSCAR Awards. They left early, and hubby and I watched to the end. How about GAGA's tribute to Julie Andrews? Wow we! I just love the both! I slept through the night in my chair which is comfy cozy and feel well rested this morning. It is now 6:45 am on Monday morning. Hubby off to work again, this morning I feel like some of the swelling has gone down. I was rubbing my upper chest this morning when I heard a squishing sound.....Has anyone had that experience before? It almost felt and sounded like fluid moving around in there. Is that just the puffiness going down? What the heck? My pain level is 0, just some light itching. Maybe today I will sit at the table for a while and try to do some paperwork that needs my attention. So far, so good, ladies! I still can't get a handle on the new me. My sis and bro-in-love say I look so much younger and more petite now! I will take that compliment any day! Happy journey shout out to everyone out there for today! God bless and take care of yourself. We only get one shot at this life! Let's be all we can be and make it a great one!! XOXO
Updated on 2 Mar 2015:
Hi ladies, My recovery is going super duper! I am so pleased with my results and still can't believe the big boobies are gone! I had my one week post-op visit with Dr. Burke and stitches were removed and new tape applied as he believes in tape for about 5-6 weeks. He says that the tape will keep the scarring flat, and his stitches are so fine, I believe when all is said and done I will have very faint scars. He also told me that he removed a total of 1,000 grams, which is a little over 2 lbs. That is a lot of tissue! And was told that I was a model patient. I just love this man! He is a perfectionist in every way and it shows in his work. I have been feeling really good, almost back to normal although no lifting arms over my shoulders for another week and no more than a leisurely walk also. Easy peasy and over the moon happy! I feel amazing like someone gave me not only a new set of ta ta's, but a new re-start on life. I can breathe more easily, my lower back pain is totally gone, and my clothes look so much better on me. I will post a few more pictures for all to see.
Updated on 2 Mar 2015:
If you look at pictures above, you will see the before pictures with this surgical bra and this orange blouse before surgery. Look again now and see the difference! I have never been able to wear this orange blouse closed because of the separation in the chest area. I always wore it open with a shell underneath. Well now, I can wear it just buttoned up and no separation! Amazing!