POSTED UNDER Mommy Makeover REVIEWS
Mommy Makeover. Breast Reduction and Full Tummy Tuck with Muscle Repair and Flank Lipo
ORIGINAL POST
I’ve been told that I’m obsessed with this...
$7,750
I’ve been told that I’m obsessed with this site by my BF and he’s right. I mean I did abandon my precious Candy Crush to eye guzzle countless reviews. I’m at the point where I can recognize reviews in my daily email by the body parts in the cover picture...yeah that reads as creepy as it sounds! I found so much helpful information through the reviews that I feel compelled to document my journey here.
Obligatory stats:
3 children, at least 65lb pregnancy weight gain, breastfed, 39 years old, 5’1”, last two times I was measured I was told I was a 34 DD and a 32 F….that was 19lbs ago. The 34 band creates a couple of extra back rolls so I tried a 36 band but it is too large. I use the 36 at the height of my menstrual swelling but that’s about it. My breasts spill out of the DD bras but I always have a Barely There CustomFlex Fit bra underneath to hold it all together. I love those things…I wear them to bed and during the day. Without them my ninja breasts find a way to slip under the underwire and I am reaching into my shirt to readjust them constantly. To workout I have to wear two sports bras…and the girls are still jumping all around and require adjusting. According to the measurements I get using the chart I posted I am in between a DDD(F)/DDDD(G).
I developed breasts early on; I remember giving a presentation in grade school and afterwards my friends telling me to go bra shopping ASAP because my bubbies were jumping all over the place. I’m an animated speaker…I use my hands, head, body…you get it. I’m a curvy gal and for the most part like my shape when I’m clothed. Without clothes is another story; I still like the shape but the stretchmarks, large/heavy breasts, and loose post pregnancy stomach is a shock and doesn't match how I see myself – in my head that is.
Symptoms:
Headache/neck/shoulder/arm/palm pain. Trap muscles are tight with knots at all times, weird cracking sounds in my back between my shoulders whenever I pull my shoulders back, round them forward, or circle them around. I’m starting to think that the discectomy surgery I had in 2013 to resolve herniated cervical disks with compressed nerves had to do with the weight of my chest and the jacked up posture…who knows.
How I got here:
I mentioned my symptoms and issues at my routine physical and my PCP sent me off for a variety of tests. Updated MRI – no new disc disease. Ultrasound of lipoma on my shoulder – not seen on ultrasound, not the culprit. Mammogram – we both felt a lump which wound up being nothing but they did find a “suspicious dense area” that needs to be monitored every six months. A referral to a Plastic Surgeon to see what their take is on my symptoms/chest size. The PS was the last appointment I followed up on. I finally called in early October for a consult and was given a date of 11/17. I arrive for my 4pm consult to be told that it was at 12:30…umm my robocall confirmed a 4 appointment but OK. At the office the receptionist gave me a new date of 12/1 at 12:30…I call the day before because I didn’t get a robocall and I’m told that I’m not in the schedule…sigh. The poor lady (not the same person) had to listen to my rant because at that point my RS obsession was in full swing and I was READY to talk to the PS. She suggested 12/22 and I lost it…so she got me in for 12/11. I arrive at 4 and saw the PA at 5:15…super busy office…she went over the procedure in detail but with the tone of a voiceover for a prescription commercial. Nice enough and knowledgeable but it did sound like she goes over the same information all day. The PS came in, apologized profusely, listened to and answered all my questions. He was very personable, didn’t feel rushed, and nice on the eyes!
Breasts –
The highlights being, yes I’m a good candidate, yes he is confident I will be approved by my insurance, yes he can easily remove around 390-400 grams but do not focus on the grams they assign to be removed that he will do what’s best for my body. Listen as long as I am smaller than a D cup and don’t get a bill, do what you do sir.
Other areas –
I asked about a tummy tuck since I will be under the knife anyway…oh and bilateral axillary lipo…simply to compliment the reduction of course. I was told that my loose skin is mainly in the front, I will likely have a short scar, may not have hip to hip, muscle repair, and he includes lipo with the TT. He can do the axillary lipo, no I shouldn't have loose skin. **Should we talk about the fact that I let this man that I knew for all of 2 seconds fondle my belly? I mean NO ONE gets to touch the brain (it looks like a brain when I suck it in)…and here he is…with a handful of it….blech…it’s for a good cause.
The nurse was in the office with us, the camera came out, and the battery died! So I got to ask more questions and make small talk until the battery got some juice. I was photographed and sent on my way. I stopped off at reception and the nice lady that got me the appointment was forewarned that I will be her best friend until I hear that she got all info to the insurance and heard back.
Follow up/Paperwork/Stalking:
True to my word I called on Monday the 14th to ask if she received the notes from the PS, she did and she would send the next day to the insurance. Tuesday evening I received my quotes for the non-insurance covered procedures. Thursday I called the insurance to see if they received the paperwork…they didn’t but did give me the direct number for my clinical case manager and her fax number to give to the PS’s office. On Monday the 21st my case manager confirmed that the documents showed up over the weekend but missing a date of service. I call the very nice lady at the PS’s office and she offered a place holder of 1/11/16…then says it is possible that I could have that as my actual date if all works out. I prayed to the MommyMakeOverGods et Voila…on the 22nd I call my bank for a loan…approved…I call the very nice lady at the PS’s office to ask about the date and the authorization…both approved. I dropped off a check for the surgeon’s fees today…I was told that all fees have to be paid in full two weeks prior to the surgery but that will be Monday the 28th and I like to see a couple of extra coins in my account, especially around this time of the year!!! I will call the hospital to explain the last minute date and see about paying the facility and anesthesia fees later next week.
Work:
I told my leader today that I will be out for surgery, and through conversation I wound up telling her it was for a BR…medically necessary and approved! I said that I will start off with 2 weeks off but I will put in a request with our short term disability provider to cover me if I need more time than that. I have a ton of sick time so I used 10 days of that to cover me from 1/11 – 1/26 (1/18 is a Holiday and I need to fulfill a 10 day elimination period using my own time to qualify for STD). The PS said that with the combined procedures I may need 4 weeks but we shall see. I have the ability to work at home full time so if I am feeling better week three I may start slow with PT hours and ease my way in. Everything is easier to manage when you can stay in your PJs and on your couch or recliner ;).
Home:
My BF took a week off of work to take care of me…this will be ummm different…a true test of my ability to surrender! I’m reading so many stories of SOs needing to help with bathing and going to the bathroom…yikes! I will probably be high on the pain medication and not care so that will be that. Our apartment complex will be moving us from our current apartment to another (smoke free building but smokers moved into the apt below us and our place smells like stale cigars) around the first week or second week of January. I feel bad because if it is post-surgery I won’t be able to help…they are paying for the movers…I wonder if asking for the movers to pack and the complex pay for it is being greedy? Between my sons and the BF I’m sure they can handle it. I will freak out because NOTHING will be where I want it but again…I might be high on the pain meds and not care…until I do.
If you read through all of this I thank you much! Now I have to figure out what forum to join…MM, TT, BR, Lipo, or all! Decisions, decsions…
Obligatory stats:
3 children, at least 65lb pregnancy weight gain, breastfed, 39 years old, 5’1”, last two times I was measured I was told I was a 34 DD and a 32 F….that was 19lbs ago. The 34 band creates a couple of extra back rolls so I tried a 36 band but it is too large. I use the 36 at the height of my menstrual swelling but that’s about it. My breasts spill out of the DD bras but I always have a Barely There CustomFlex Fit bra underneath to hold it all together. I love those things…I wear them to bed and during the day. Without them my ninja breasts find a way to slip under the underwire and I am reaching into my shirt to readjust them constantly. To workout I have to wear two sports bras…and the girls are still jumping all around and require adjusting. According to the measurements I get using the chart I posted I am in between a DDD(F)/DDDD(G).
I developed breasts early on; I remember giving a presentation in grade school and afterwards my friends telling me to go bra shopping ASAP because my bubbies were jumping all over the place. I’m an animated speaker…I use my hands, head, body…you get it. I’m a curvy gal and for the most part like my shape when I’m clothed. Without clothes is another story; I still like the shape but the stretchmarks, large/heavy breasts, and loose post pregnancy stomach is a shock and doesn't match how I see myself – in my head that is.
Symptoms:
Headache/neck/shoulder/arm/palm pain. Trap muscles are tight with knots at all times, weird cracking sounds in my back between my shoulders whenever I pull my shoulders back, round them forward, or circle them around. I’m starting to think that the discectomy surgery I had in 2013 to resolve herniated cervical disks with compressed nerves had to do with the weight of my chest and the jacked up posture…who knows.
How I got here:
I mentioned my symptoms and issues at my routine physical and my PCP sent me off for a variety of tests. Updated MRI – no new disc disease. Ultrasound of lipoma on my shoulder – not seen on ultrasound, not the culprit. Mammogram – we both felt a lump which wound up being nothing but they did find a “suspicious dense area” that needs to be monitored every six months. A referral to a Plastic Surgeon to see what their take is on my symptoms/chest size. The PS was the last appointment I followed up on. I finally called in early October for a consult and was given a date of 11/17. I arrive for my 4pm consult to be told that it was at 12:30…umm my robocall confirmed a 4 appointment but OK. At the office the receptionist gave me a new date of 12/1 at 12:30…I call the day before because I didn’t get a robocall and I’m told that I’m not in the schedule…sigh. The poor lady (not the same person) had to listen to my rant because at that point my RS obsession was in full swing and I was READY to talk to the PS. She suggested 12/22 and I lost it…so she got me in for 12/11. I arrive at 4 and saw the PA at 5:15…super busy office…she went over the procedure in detail but with the tone of a voiceover for a prescription commercial. Nice enough and knowledgeable but it did sound like she goes over the same information all day. The PS came in, apologized profusely, listened to and answered all my questions. He was very personable, didn’t feel rushed, and nice on the eyes!
Breasts –
The highlights being, yes I’m a good candidate, yes he is confident I will be approved by my insurance, yes he can easily remove around 390-400 grams but do not focus on the grams they assign to be removed that he will do what’s best for my body. Listen as long as I am smaller than a D cup and don’t get a bill, do what you do sir.
Other areas –
I asked about a tummy tuck since I will be under the knife anyway…oh and bilateral axillary lipo…simply to compliment the reduction of course. I was told that my loose skin is mainly in the front, I will likely have a short scar, may not have hip to hip, muscle repair, and he includes lipo with the TT. He can do the axillary lipo, no I shouldn't have loose skin. **Should we talk about the fact that I let this man that I knew for all of 2 seconds fondle my belly? I mean NO ONE gets to touch the brain (it looks like a brain when I suck it in)…and here he is…with a handful of it….blech…it’s for a good cause.
The nurse was in the office with us, the camera came out, and the battery died! So I got to ask more questions and make small talk until the battery got some juice. I was photographed and sent on my way. I stopped off at reception and the nice lady that got me the appointment was forewarned that I will be her best friend until I hear that she got all info to the insurance and heard back.
Follow up/Paperwork/Stalking:
True to my word I called on Monday the 14th to ask if she received the notes from the PS, she did and she would send the next day to the insurance. Tuesday evening I received my quotes for the non-insurance covered procedures. Thursday I called the insurance to see if they received the paperwork…they didn’t but did give me the direct number for my clinical case manager and her fax number to give to the PS’s office. On Monday the 21st my case manager confirmed that the documents showed up over the weekend but missing a date of service. I call the very nice lady at the PS’s office and she offered a place holder of 1/11/16…then says it is possible that I could have that as my actual date if all works out. I prayed to the MommyMakeOverGods et Voila…on the 22nd I call my bank for a loan…approved…I call the very nice lady at the PS’s office to ask about the date and the authorization…both approved. I dropped off a check for the surgeon’s fees today…I was told that all fees have to be paid in full two weeks prior to the surgery but that will be Monday the 28th and I like to see a couple of extra coins in my account, especially around this time of the year!!! I will call the hospital to explain the last minute date and see about paying the facility and anesthesia fees later next week.
Work:
I told my leader today that I will be out for surgery, and through conversation I wound up telling her it was for a BR…medically necessary and approved! I said that I will start off with 2 weeks off but I will put in a request with our short term disability provider to cover me if I need more time than that. I have a ton of sick time so I used 10 days of that to cover me from 1/11 – 1/26 (1/18 is a Holiday and I need to fulfill a 10 day elimination period using my own time to qualify for STD). The PS said that with the combined procedures I may need 4 weeks but we shall see. I have the ability to work at home full time so if I am feeling better week three I may start slow with PT hours and ease my way in. Everything is easier to manage when you can stay in your PJs and on your couch or recliner ;).
Home:
My BF took a week off of work to take care of me…this will be ummm different…a true test of my ability to surrender! I’m reading so many stories of SOs needing to help with bathing and going to the bathroom…yikes! I will probably be high on the pain medication and not care so that will be that. Our apartment complex will be moving us from our current apartment to another (smoke free building but smokers moved into the apt below us and our place smells like stale cigars) around the first week or second week of January. I feel bad because if it is post-surgery I won’t be able to help…they are paying for the movers…I wonder if asking for the movers to pack and the complex pay for it is being greedy? Between my sons and the BF I’m sure they can handle it. I will freak out because NOTHING will be where I want it but again…I might be high on the pain meds and not care…until I do.
If you read through all of this I thank you much! Now I have to figure out what forum to join…MM, TT, BR, Lipo, or all! Decisions, decsions…
change2016MeTime's provider
Replies (14)
December 28, 2015
Thank you for reading through my novel! I'm happy I found the site and so many people that can relate to the laser focus I have on my upcoming procedures.
January 16, 2016
Lol. You sound like me. I abandoned FB go guzzle countless reviews day in day out. I am addicted. Every chance I get in picking up my phone to read and look at results. I'm thinking about a TT as well.
January 16, 2016
I swear it's an addiction which has increased now that I'm on the "flat side"...though that's a fib...it's more like the swollen side!
You're in the right place if you are looking to take a plastic surgery journey; good luck end enjoy!!!
You're in the right place if you are looking to take a plastic surgery journey; good luck end enjoy!!!
January 18, 2016
So glad to see one of us going through the process. Our skin heels very different but you will love the results! I'm now 13 weeks PO and so happy I made the excision to go through
I also did a reduction but with a lift and slight implant for the perkiness
I also did a reduction but with a lift and slight implant for the perkiness
January 19, 2016
Congratulations on your surgeries! Are you feeling almost back to your old self energy wise? When did you notice your swelling come down?
My reduction included a lift thankfully and I'm hoping that they wind up perky, pretty little things!
My reduction included a lift thankfully and I'm hoping that they wind up perky, pretty little things!
January 21, 2016
I feel back to myself now! Started feeling that way about 3 weeks ago! My swelling just started not being so bad within this week but still if I have a very busy day (I stopped wearing my compression garment two weeks ago) I swell a lot! I then shower and wrap my stomach in a giant ace bandage and the swelling goes down! If I put a lot of stress on my stomach (picking up really heavy items) I get a twinge which tells me to stop whatever I'm
Doing
Doing
UPDATED FROM change2016MeTime
14 days pre
Queue the naysayers
Breast reduction grinches made an appearance during my family Christmas gatherings. Here are some of the comments:
"I've seen women that need reductions and you're nowhere near their sizes" "You're not that big" "A smaller chest may not look right on you" and my personal favorite was "Your insurance APPROVED that? You know that doctors, hospitals, and insurance companies are in cahoots right? They will chop you up unnecessarily for the money."
Deep sigh...
To that I responded with tons of eye exercises. Side eye, eye rolls (hey I can see my brain!), blank face blinky big eyes. No one shall steal my MMO joy; I'm holding onto it like Smeagol/Gollum with the One Ring. It's my body, and I'll contour if I want to, con_tour if I want too...you would con_tour too if...I can't think of a witty ending that rhymes. Ah well!
Silly Rabbits I will gain relief. Relief from headaches, shoulder and neck pain, backache, double bras, and built-in airbags! The TT and lipo...well that's just icing on the cake! I didn't mention the other procedures because I knew the reaction would be the same.
I'm still singing...
I'm bringing sexy back, yeah, them other (blanks) don't know how to act, yeah!
Honestly, my family wouldn't be my family without the questions and commentary! Their concerns come from a good place. They love me and want me healthy and happy.
I will accomplish just that, better health and I will be happier with how I look naked!
Consult - check
Approval - check
Surgery date - check
Slay the naysayers - check
Next up:
Totally over research recovery supplies
Create schedule for family members to cook and clean for me
"I've seen women that need reductions and you're nowhere near their sizes" "You're not that big" "A smaller chest may not look right on you" and my personal favorite was "Your insurance APPROVED that? You know that doctors, hospitals, and insurance companies are in cahoots right? They will chop you up unnecessarily for the money."
Deep sigh...
To that I responded with tons of eye exercises. Side eye, eye rolls (hey I can see my brain!), blank face blinky big eyes. No one shall steal my MMO joy; I'm holding onto it like Smeagol/Gollum with the One Ring. It's my body, and I'll contour if I want to, con_tour if I want too...you would con_tour too if...I can't think of a witty ending that rhymes. Ah well!
Silly Rabbits I will gain relief. Relief from headaches, shoulder and neck pain, backache, double bras, and built-in airbags! The TT and lipo...well that's just icing on the cake! I didn't mention the other procedures because I knew the reaction would be the same.
I'm still singing...
I'm bringing sexy back, yeah, them other (blanks) don't know how to act, yeah!
Honestly, my family wouldn't be my family without the questions and commentary! Their concerns come from a good place. They love me and want me healthy and happy.
I will accomplish just that, better health and I will be happier with how I look naked!
Consult - check
Approval - check
Surgery date - check
Slay the naysayers - check
Next up:
Totally over research recovery supplies
Create schedule for family members to cook and clean for me
Replies (15)
January 1, 2016
You are hilarious and you need to do what's right for YOU! But you clearly know that already! Just here to cheer you on!
January 2, 2016
Thank you, thank you! The support is much needed and much appreciated! I quickly learned who I could talk to about this...thank goodness for this community ;)
January 15, 2016
I think I'm in love with you - smart, sassy and sarcastic!! You go!!
January 15, 2016
Well thanks Lady! They shall celebrate with me whether they know it or not!
Xoxo
Xoxo
January 19, 2016
The negativity can be tough. I have been pretty secretive about my decision to have a lift and a tummy tuck. Geez, as if we don't feel undeserving enough as women! You really don't have to wear a post baby body as a badge of honor, and even if your breasts did not give you neck and head pain, it's ok to want the body you desire - no ones elses business. Your body, your life!
January 19, 2016
Amen and hallelujah to all of that! There should be much more celebrating and congratulating and less negativity.
January 19, 2016
Right on Orc, thank you.
I have wonderful wonderful things in my life - that I never asked for: a huge old historic house, big yard, a flashy sports car, a special purebread dog, vacations etc. THIS surgery is what I have asked for and have saved for. My husband is 100% a-ok with it and my closest friends are super supportive. Why then do I still feel guilty? I don't know but I am working on that - and working on giving back the support I've received too. Thanks for your thoughts.
I have wonderful wonderful things in my life - that I never asked for: a huge old historic house, big yard, a flashy sports car, a special purebread dog, vacations etc. THIS surgery is what I have asked for and have saved for. My husband is 100% a-ok with it and my closest friends are super supportive. Why then do I still feel guilty? I don't know but I am working on that - and working on giving back the support I've received too. Thanks for your thoughts.
January 20, 2016
Happy to hear your drains are out an things are going well. The guilt thing is weird for me, also. I have a good life, self employed, a sweet whippet and a boyfriend who adores me..of course he doesn't know yet that I'm going under the knife in two months. So while I'm encouraging you to feel unfettered about your decision, it's also because I'm struggling with the feeling that I should be happy with my floppy 30g boobs and loose belly skin... why, because my boyfriend adores me anyway? Gahhhh, I go around and around with this stuff! I'm almost 50 and my boobs have been floppy since I was 16, I want to be happy in this old skin bag! So, thanks for your epic posts, it helps a lot with what to expect. I hope you will post some pictures of your new body soon, I'm sure you will be looking gorgeous. I think as women we are raised to believe that our self worth should come from what we do for others. That being nurturers and help mates takes precedence over what may be perceived as "self centredness" . So lets break out those bikinis!
xo
xo
January 23, 2016
Ha! Love it! It's good you didn't tell them about the TT. They would have served some serious haterade :) That's why I only told very close family and swore them to secrecy.
January 23, 2016
Seriously! My mom found out about the TT in the hospital. She had so many questions, "why did your surgery take so long", "why are they keeping you overnight", "why did that doctor just ask how your stomach is doing"? Lol, dang residents!
February 9, 2016
Do you lose feelings in your nipples when you have breast lift. I wanted the whole mommy makeover but scared I won't have any feelings in my nipples. I
February 9, 2016
It's the total opposite; I have super, hypersensitive nipples it's crazy. Everything sets them off even the slightest mention of the word cold. I walk around with my hands over my breasts! No loss here lady :)!
February 9, 2016
Lil maybe I my rethink the whole mommy makeover. I really want my breast lifted too so everything can be perfect. Thank you. I am going September 5 to have my surgery. I am so excited.
UPDATED FROM change2016MeTime
13 days pre
It's really real now!
Excuse me while I do my happy dance! Hip thrusts, hands in the air, I just don't care! Hahaha ok I'm done!
I received my BR authorization from the insurance company in the mail today. I confirmed the approval verbally last week but it's nice to see it in writing.
I also received my surgery information packet from the hospital today. There were six pages of medications and supplements to stop one week prior to surgery...none of which I'm taking. I'm paranoid so I sent a list of what I am taking to the nurse at the surgeon's office along with other questions about supplies, compression garments, etc.
I'm back to dancing now...I will spare you the details!
I received my BR authorization from the insurance company in the mail today. I confirmed the approval verbally last week but it's nice to see it in writing.
I also received my surgery information packet from the hospital today. There were six pages of medications and supplements to stop one week prior to surgery...none of which I'm taking. I'm paranoid so I sent a list of what I am taking to the nurse at the surgeon's office along with other questions about supplies, compression garments, etc.
I'm back to dancing now...I will spare you the details!
Replies (6)
December 31, 2015
Dear change2016,
You stay strong Hun! I didn't have people directly say anything to me, but got a few looks that made me think I was being selfish and/or egotistical. But never mind those folks. They don't understand why we do this and/or they are jealous. I first had my breasts done...then my Tummy tuck ( I was scared to do them at the same time). Waited a year, had some contouring Lipo done to hips and thighs. Then, just 4 weeks ago, did an arm lift and some contouring Lipo on tummy and back (I didn't do Lipo to tummy at time of TT). All in all, so happy I did everything. I don't care what people think. It makes me feel great. My hubby is totally supportive. I went from a DDD/F to a full C (was D right after surgery, but have lost another 20 lbs). Hubby is PLENTY happy with the girls, lol, so who cares what anyone else thinks :-D
You will do just great. The first week is the toughest. Along about day 10-12 post op things will feel much more normal, and you'll likely have your drains out by then (if you have drains, most do). Once they are out, you don't feel so strange and encumbered. I shared LOTS on my profile, so feel free to check it out if ya want.
Best wishes for a safe surgery and speedy recovery
:-DSuzy
You stay strong Hun! I didn't have people directly say anything to me, but got a few looks that made me think I was being selfish and/or egotistical. But never mind those folks. They don't understand why we do this and/or they are jealous. I first had my breasts done...then my Tummy tuck ( I was scared to do them at the same time). Waited a year, had some contouring Lipo done to hips and thighs. Then, just 4 weeks ago, did an arm lift and some contouring Lipo on tummy and back (I didn't do Lipo to tummy at time of TT). All in all, so happy I did everything. I don't care what people think. It makes me feel great. My hubby is totally supportive. I went from a DDD/F to a full C (was D right after surgery, but have lost another 20 lbs). Hubby is PLENTY happy with the girls, lol, so who cares what anyone else thinks :-D
You will do just great. The first week is the toughest. Along about day 10-12 post op things will feel much more normal, and you'll likely have your drains out by then (if you have drains, most do). Once they are out, you don't feel so strange and encumbered. I shared LOTS on my profile, so feel free to check it out if ya want.
Best wishes for a safe surgery and speedy recovery
:-DSuzy
January 15, 2016
Dancing is good exercise ":)
January 17, 2016
You are so funny!!! If you were Scottish and German, we would be body twins :). I have had the same painful issues that you describe since having my 2nd and last child at 37. I'm in pain every day (and I have a high tolerance - did natural childbirth ) and have seen many Drs and am taking pain meds to deal with issues that I now know are caused by my large, heavy and droopy breasts. How did you get your insurance to approve the br? It has to be "medically necessary " in order for me to have it done as my husband thinks that cosmetic surgery of any kind is ridiculous (even though we live in SoCal and he's a medical professional at a major hospital ) so I need to work with my HMO to get it approved in order to stop suffering. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!
January 18, 2016
Hello There! I'm happy to answer any questions you may have; good luck getting past the medical professional at home!
First I had to get to my PCP. I went in for my routine physical locked and loaded. When I think back I chuckle because I was pre-par-ed!!!
I tried to hold off on contacting her with individual issues over time so I could hit her all at once. I have a documented history of migraines, neck, back, and shoulder pain, cervical disk herniation, and nerve damage impacting my right arm.
I had a previous surgery on my cervical spine, hindsight being 20/20 had we of taken care of my massive mammories years ago that surgery may have been avoided! Who knows.
By the time that appointment was over I had a mammogram scheduled (pain in breast & what I believed to be a cyst) MRI (to check on new disk disease) ultrasound (on breast & shoulder)..and referral to a PS (just to chat ;) about breast size compared to body frame).
All tests came back negative but the mammogram showed that I had a "suspicious" area that had to be monitored every six months.
I shared all of this info with the PS. I also shared the fact that I studied my insurance companies medical policy on breast reductions. I knew how many grams needed to come out to be considers medically necessary. I asked if he thought I would make the cut and he was pretty confident. We of course talked about the skin irritations and shoulder grooving, need for two bras, hard to excercise, etc.
Some advice:
Make a list of all symptoms, past history, impact of daily life, etc.
Don't forget to bring said list to your PCP and PS!
Check out your benefits for breast reduction with your HMO by calling member service. Ask them for the medical policy too.
I hope that helps a bit!
First I had to get to my PCP. I went in for my routine physical locked and loaded. When I think back I chuckle because I was pre-par-ed!!!
I tried to hold off on contacting her with individual issues over time so I could hit her all at once. I have a documented history of migraines, neck, back, and shoulder pain, cervical disk herniation, and nerve damage impacting my right arm.
I had a previous surgery on my cervical spine, hindsight being 20/20 had we of taken care of my massive mammories years ago that surgery may have been avoided! Who knows.
By the time that appointment was over I had a mammogram scheduled (pain in breast & what I believed to be a cyst) MRI (to check on new disk disease) ultrasound (on breast & shoulder)..and referral to a PS (just to chat ;) about breast size compared to body frame).
All tests came back negative but the mammogram showed that I had a "suspicious" area that had to be monitored every six months.
I shared all of this info with the PS. I also shared the fact that I studied my insurance companies medical policy on breast reductions. I knew how many grams needed to come out to be considers medically necessary. I asked if he thought I would make the cut and he was pretty confident. We of course talked about the skin irritations and shoulder grooving, need for two bras, hard to excercise, etc.
Some advice:
Make a list of all symptoms, past history, impact of daily life, etc.
Don't forget to bring said list to your PCP and PS!
Check out your benefits for breast reduction with your HMO by calling member service. Ask them for the medical policy too.
I hope that helps a bit!
January 18, 2016
Thank you so much! This is the first time I've felt like there might be a solution.
Thank you, thank you, for sharing your amazing journey with this community. I laughed out loud in several places in your review, you are a talented writer!
I'm very excited to follow your story and I'm sure others will be as well. Please keep us updated every step of the way, and let us know how we can support you.
Also, to answer your forum/category question, you're in Mommy Makeover, which is breast surgery (reduction or augmentation, lift, etc.), tummy tuck, and sometimes liposuction performed in the same surgery. So, it sounds like you're in the right place!