POSTED UNDER Breast Reduction REVIEWS
Another Journey-Breast Reduction - Belleville, IL
ORIGINAL POST
Well, I have already reviewed the tummy tuck...
Well, I have already reviewed the tummy tuck procedure, now to something a little less cosmetic and a little more medically necessary-breast reduction.
I have always been pretty well-endowed, I don't think I was ever in a training bra-I swear I jumped straight into the c-range in third grade. Like, overnight. :P
Lets fast forward to 2013, shall we? Yes. I am 33, 5'7 and hovering around 150 pounds. My bra size is 34DD. In addtion to the permanent grooves in my shoulders, the past two years, I have had excruciating back pain. I have developed spinal stenosis, bulging discs, pinched nerves, neuralgia in both arms, all in my neck and upper back. I have endured physical therapy, endless narcotic/anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxers and even seizure drugs to ease nerve pain. I have had countless injections into my spine for pain and none of them have helped in a long term scenario. I have a TENS unit and I use that every day, just to get by.
I will be discussing it with my PCM this coming Friday (9-6) and requesting a referral to see about getting a breast reduction. I have never really thought of them as enormous, but they are just big enough to cause a lot of back and neck problems. My insurance is through Tricare, as my husband is in the Air Force. I will be bringing my chart from my pain control specialist as well to back up my claims for a referral need.
My question is, has anyone here had a breast reduction through Tricare? From what I have read about their coverage, having such symptoms is more important than [gargantuan] size. I will be adding some current photos. I would appreciate people with similar stories share their experiences!!!
I will also be updating this all on friday, as well as along the way!
I have always been pretty well-endowed, I don't think I was ever in a training bra-I swear I jumped straight into the c-range in third grade. Like, overnight. :P
Lets fast forward to 2013, shall we? Yes. I am 33, 5'7 and hovering around 150 pounds. My bra size is 34DD. In addtion to the permanent grooves in my shoulders, the past two years, I have had excruciating back pain. I have developed spinal stenosis, bulging discs, pinched nerves, neuralgia in both arms, all in my neck and upper back. I have endured physical therapy, endless narcotic/anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxers and even seizure drugs to ease nerve pain. I have had countless injections into my spine for pain and none of them have helped in a long term scenario. I have a TENS unit and I use that every day, just to get by.
I will be discussing it with my PCM this coming Friday (9-6) and requesting a referral to see about getting a breast reduction. I have never really thought of them as enormous, but they are just big enough to cause a lot of back and neck problems. My insurance is through Tricare, as my husband is in the Air Force. I will be bringing my chart from my pain control specialist as well to back up my claims for a referral need.
My question is, has anyone here had a breast reduction through Tricare? From what I have read about their coverage, having such symptoms is more important than [gargantuan] size. I will be adding some current photos. I would appreciate people with similar stories share their experiences!!!
I will also be updating this all on friday, as well as along the way!
navygoddess's provider
UPDATED FROM navygoddess
Hold the phone!!
I measured 34DDD. EEEK! I dunno whether to be happy about this as evidence of need or flabbergasted at the addition of another cup. Holy-moly!
Replies (8)
September 3, 2013
Thank you for your post. I'm currently going though the process though tricare too. I have already had the consult, my pre-op is 9-11 & surgery date is 9/17. I have been debating again about the surgery for a couple years now but with deployments it has gone on the back burner. My PCM suggested it at my last psychical when I was asking for more pain meds. I have had multiple MRI, bone scans, X-rays on my back, neck shoulders arms & head all of them came with "nothing is wrong", did the chirco, PT/OT & pain management they treated me with everything & every way they could but results were all the same.
Went I finally went to the PS he looked at the shoulder indents & said "your approved just by those, your shoulders will stay in my mind all day", honestly I wasn't sure to laugh that off or cry, my husband couldnt stop laughing though. If you're getting the BR done at a Military hospital it will be a lot easier, it's really up to the PS there. I know it's sad to say but that is the truth.
Let me know if you have any questions. You can message me if you want.
September 3, 2013
Thanks! There's no military hospital here, unfortunately, so I am at the good graces of a new PCM and whoever they refer me to. I know that I #1 have medically documented issues specifically described as side effects of macromastia. #2: I am a pain in the butt and they may as well go ahead and approve me. :P
September 4, 2013
LOL....I spent 30 minutes at my pain management doctor's office while the secretary printed off the book of procedures and consultations I have done. #alwaysready
September 4, 2013
I have Tricare [we're in the same area :)]. It should be fairly easy to get approved for you since you can provide proof that you've gone through all these other steps to alleviate your back pain. Mine was approved after 8 visits in physical therapy and having the pain worsen from it and i believe my pcm wrote a recommendation that I get it done.
But it may depend on your PCM and plastic surgeon.
September 4, 2013
Yeah. I am a little scared because my PCM is brand new. My last one that has sort of seen me through all the back crap left last month and I am seeing this guy Friday to get my referral. That is why I went and got my chart from pain management to show him I am dedicated to the cause.
September 4, 2013
My PCM is female, she felt the indents in my shoulders and was like "yeah.. we need to get you a refferal"
UPDATED FROM navygoddess
Visit With My PCM
I saw my PCM yesterday and we discussed my health issues. I was so relieved that my doctor is a woman! She was concerned about my size, she said, "We'll, you're not gargantuan, but you definitely are having symptoms that a breast reduction could definitely relieve". She put in a referral for me to be seen and evaluated for a breast reduction. I'm trying to be objective and not get my hopes up too much; I am really hoping for the best but expecting the worst. She saw my shoulder grooves and thumbed through my pain management chart and thanked me for bringing it, saying that such a documented case shouldn't be turned away easily.
So now I wait for my referral letter. Will update as soon as I get it!
So now I wait for my referral letter. Will update as soon as I get it!
Replies (0)