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POSTED UNDER Breast Reduction REVIEWS

What a Pain in the Neck! Can't Wait for Relief...- Beverly Hills, CA

ORIGINAL POST

Well, I've been a realself.com stalker for about 8...

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Catiedid
WORTH IT
Well, I've been a realself.com stalker for about 8 months now, ever since I decided to resize the girls. I'm scheduled for surgery August 29, and can't wait!
I was diagnosed with Lupus in 2004, and have suffered from fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis for many years as well. I'm 45, 5'7" 138 lbs. over the last two years, my back and dock pain has increased significantly, as has my breast size.
I was a 34D at the time of my Lupus diagnosis, trying without success to have a child. I suffered a total of 10 miscarriages over 6 years of trying, which meant I was pregnant for a total of more than 24 months between them all. Each loss changed my body a bit and brought with it an emotional and physical downhill freight train. After the last loss in 2009, I was basically bedridden for almost 3 years with terrible pain, fatigue and as you might suspect depression.
Each loss also left me a cup use or so larger, so today I am a 31H. A 31" frame wasn't made to support an H cup! The weight and size limits my physical activity, although I am able to be much more active now. And I now struggle with constant neck and back pain. I'm hopeful the reduction will alleviate my pain, and help me be less self conscious about them! My posture has degraded a great deal over the years, due to both the physical issues with the size and weigh, but also emotional. I hide them as best I can! I have very few summer tis, which is tough living in LA. But, I can't just throw on a tank top or tee without under armor! I can't wait to wear a racer back or sleeveless top with a simple, much less expensive bra!
I know in this forum I'm preach into the choir, an you are all familiar with these issues and struggles, but I thought I'd share my story and journey to the new me!

Catiedid's provider

Elizabeth Kim, MD

Elizabeth Kim, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Catiedid

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Replies (5)

August 21, 2013

Welcome to the community.  I am happy that you have now crossed over from the stalker side:)

I am excited for you and can't wait to hear more from you.  Your neck and back will feel so much better!!!

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August 21, 2013
Thanks Kimmers25. I have really suffered this week - I decided to practice my over achiever nature and cleaned out my laundry room over the weekend, and ended up flat on my back yesterday! Neck and back - excruciating pain! Can't wait for my surgery - not only will I get relief, but I won't be able to lift anything! :-)
August 22, 2013

Ugh!   I feel your pain sister!   Almost there and soon you will feel so much better.  

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August 21, 2013
Only a week left Catiedid. Hope you are getting excited to have this part of your life over. What a great new beginning. Keep us updated! My surgery is scheduled for September 23rd in the South Bay.
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August 21, 2013
I'm literally counting the minutes, not just the days! Its kinda like getting a new apartment - once you sign the lease, you can't wait to get out of the old place and into the new one! I am really excited. I was really nervous before my pre-op, and wasn't sure what to expect in terms of size, etc. But, Dr. Kim rested all my concerns. So, now I can't wait!!! Good luck on your countdown to the 23rd! My BFF lives in Hermosa, the South Bay is great!
UPDATED FROM Catiedid
6 days pre

This time next week - there will be a little less of me!

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One more week! I can't believe my countdown is coming to a close. Literally dreaming of the day I can throw on a tank top and go out in the warm LA sunshine (with sunscreen of course) wearing a normal or maybe even no bra, or going to the pool or beach in a normal size bathing suit! I've been a little nervous about healing, since I take immune suppressant drugs for my Lupus. But, I've been reading a lot and I'm not too worried. I'm excellent at listening to my body and following directions where my health is concerned. So, this should be fine. I'm currently a little uncomfortable, since I am in the window of taking no pain medications. That, coupled with an interruption in taking some of my lupus meds, has me in a bit of pain at the moment. But, its tolerable - and well worth it, since the great life changing surgery is just around the corner! Thank you for your thank yous and comments! I will update again after the deed is done!

Replies (4)

August 22, 2013
Good luck! You will look so great and feel even better!
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August 22, 2013
Thank you! :-)
August 23, 2013
I will be anxious to hear how your outcome will progress . I too have fibromyalgia, PHN etc. I am praying will alleviate back pain. Then maybe I will be able to exercise more.
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September 14, 2013
My doctor wants me to add a week to the normal schedule for exercising, because of my lupus and things. So, I haven't really been able to do too much yet, but I really want to! They wouldn't let me lift over 5 pounds for two weeks - who knew a gallon of milk weighs more than 8 pounds by the way? This week (2 post) I can start walking around the block, so very exciting. I do feel that my basic mobility is already much better, and my neck and back pain is almost non existent already! I'll do some mild stretching, mostly legs and lower abs and back too this weekend, but will be careful. I, so pleased with how good the incisions look, I don't want to pull anything loose!
UPDATED FROM Catiedid
1 day pre

Just a few more hours...

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Catiedid
So, I've just had a nice bath, yummy protein rich dinner and all around lovely evening. Getting ready for a few hours sleep before we head over to the surgery center. Very excited! A little nervous too. I got my 'body art' today in prep at the doc's. thought I'd share that lovely transitional look before the big day!

Replies (3)

August 29, 2013
Good luck for today.
August 29, 2013
good luck!
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August 29, 2013
I hope everything went well today!!!! :) Can't wait to hear!!!