So after 5 years of consideration I finally decided to explore BR surgery. My stats are 5'0 145lbs size 34DDD. Like some I started out avaverag C cup then ballooned after the birth of my daughter. After talking with my mom who had the procedure I scheduled a consultation and sent off insurance papers to UHC. Everything went off without a hitch unlike my first consultation which was nightmarish.
I had my procedure yesterday, everything went well. Surgery lasted @ 2. 5 hours. The anesthesiologist was awesome he gave me meds to prevent nausea and used gas and IV sedation which I think is the reason why my recovery went so well. No sickness at all a d felt normal by late evening.
I woke up from surgery with a little pain mostly pressure, on a scale of 1-10 I was a 3. I left the surgical center fairly quickly because the nurse said I was coherent and doing well. Car ride home not bad, I had a pillow, honey cough drops and a barf bag for the ride. I made sure to eat broth, crackers and ginger ale to continue keeping any nausea at bay. My first night sleep was fair, woke up when meds were wearing off so did not sleep through the night. I used lots of pillows including a boomarang pillow I got on Amazon. I did get enough sleep to feel decent so no complaints. I originally took 1 Percocet but it only took the edge off so I upped it to 1.5 which is perfect. Hoping to wean off of pills in the next week. Dr Peters used inside stitches and steri strips outside, and drains! I was excited not to have those extra worries and I am looking forward to my first bath on Sunday.
I can't say enough about how happy I am to have followed through with the BR even after so many setbacks which almost made me give up. Praying that I will continue to have a good recovery.
*Upload not working properly I will try later to upload pics.
Updated on 18 Dec 2016:
Two days post op, my pain level is about 3. I only took 1 Percocet over night so I am going to try alternating with Tylenol today. I think I may be ready.
I am using Arnica gel which seems to be helping with inflammation.
Starting to slowly introduce solid food into my diet. I am so happy with the kind of anesthesia I received I really believe it is why I did not experience post surgery sickness
I am posting some after pics, i could not locate before pics. Still really swollen hoping for B,/C when all is said and done..
Updated on 20 Dec 2016:
So since my last post I no longer need any pain meds (took them for 24hrs), the only pain I have are occasional zingers. I have sensation in left nipple hoping right will come in soon. I did start to feel some itching and tingling on the left today so that is a good sign.
I have mastered taking a shower using 2 different washcloths and towels for upper and lower body. As suggested by many members here I continue to use antibacterial soap and Hibiclens during showers. I blow dry Steri Strips then apply Arnicare gel. My PS said that people swear by it and I am one of those. Within 24hrs of using it 3x daily I went from rock hard to soft breast.
I have to stop myself from moving around just because I want to heal properly, it's so hard because I feel great. I did take a couple of short drives to store and gas station with no issues. Plan to do a little shopping to wrap up Christmas this week.
I plan to upload new pics after Steri Strips are removed at my next post op appointment on the 27th.
I am so grateful for all the members of RS, I would never have had the courage to follow through had it not been for the support of the members on this board. It took me 5 years to get the courage to go through with the BR now I wonder why I waited so long! Thank you all so very much for sharing your journey!
Updated on 22 Dec 2016:
Well so far, so good. Recovery going well, I noticed some soreness at the end of the day after moving around, not enough for pain meds so I use Arnica which seems to help. So glad I can move around I was concerned @ being miserable for the holidays.
Two things I am watching, so far, I only have sensation in left nipple hopefully the right will have some soon. Anyone not have sensation then get it later?
Second thing is the box shape of my breast, how long does it take for tthem to shape up?
I am very happy that I did this. I must admit I had a lot of anxiety about the procedure. Not to mention a few health concerns. Surgery is a big deal and can be scary. The best thing to help you through this is a PS and staff that make you feel at ease, for me that was the difference. My PS's confidence in me made me feel encouraged to go through with the procedure.
It is important to have someone to listen to your concerns and address them in a way that gives you peace of mind. Trust your intuition, I decided at the last minute to go with a different PS because the first one was not right for me. I had to start the process over again but sitting here now it was worth it!
Prepare yourself, I spent my time before surgery stepping up my health game. I ate a high protein low carbohydrate diet including greek yougurt, hard boiled eggs, salads, fish and whey protein. I exercised 3x a week with a HIIT program called Orange Theory. I loaded up daily on water+coconut water mix. I really believe that prep for surgery starts with good health and a strong body.
Lastly this board is a blessing, it is a beautiful thing to experience this journey with others who understand. So be brave, you can do this, the results are worth it.
Updated on 24 Dec 2016:
So..... my first post op appointment is this Friday, but I wanted to post updated pics since some of the swelling has subsided. Looking forward to the final shape in the coming monthss once they settle
I have started to get some zingers in righty but not as much as lefty. Hope this means I am getting sensation in right nipple.
I can sleep on sides with a lot of pillows support which helps a lot.
I will post updated pics without steri strips after appointment.
Wishing everyone Happy Holidays!