So Ready for Surgery and Hopefully Less Pain. Brookline, MA

For a number of years I have been thinking about a breast reduction. I am a 34H. For years I wore a 44DD because that is what I could find in stores that fit me (not really, but it was the best that I could find). When my college roommate went to a bra fitting at Nordstrom's and told me that she was a 36D I thought there is no way that I am a 44DD as I am thinner than she is so I decided to go to the same place. I was shocked when they told me my size. I was able to get a few bras that fit me but at about $75 a bra it was a bit of a shock.

My back and neck have hurt for a long time and like many other women my size, I have marks from the bra straps. I have a friend who had a reduction about 12 years ago and another friend who had one about 8 years ago. A year ago I was really fed up with the pain and I began thinking about surgery. I found this web site and have been reading reviews. I finally made an appointment with my primary care in August to discuss getting a referral and she send me to Dr. Morris at Longwood Plastic Surgery in Brookline, MA. I met with him in September and my surgery is scheduled for January 2nd. My insurance company BCBS approved it without a problem which was a bit surprising since I have read so many stories about insurance companies initially denying the surgery and expected I would have to fight for it. I also think that I secretly hoped they would deny it so that I would not have to go through it since I do find it slightly scary. That way I could say "see the insurance company denied it so I guess I don't really need it."

One thing that I find interesting is that when I tell people I am getting reduction surgery so many people say "I didn't think you were that big, you carry it so well". I know that I am not as big as many people but I am surprised by some people's reactions. Which I think is another reason I have questioned whether I need it. This past week I was having a lot of pain under my right shoulder blade right where my bra strap is. It did not feel like other times when I have pulled a muscle in my back, instead it felt more internal. I found it hard take a breath and when I did I got a stabbing pain. I told one friend that although I do not know what I broken rib felt like, I felt like I had a broken rib. Another friend who is a PT looked at it for me and said I had a rib out of place. I think it was caused by a sports bra I work last weekend. I am down to 2 regular bras and 1 sports bra and I refused to by any new ones this fall knowing that this surgery was coming up.

I am excited and terrified at the same time.

I would appreciate any support, guidance, help, prayers, etc. that anyone can give me. What should I have a home so that I am ready when I come home from the doctor's office. My husband might not be able to get the day off from work so one of my best friends might drive me.

What did you find help you heal the best?
What do you wish you had done differently?
What are you glad you did?

I am 1 month away and I am excited and terrified at the same time. I know this month will fly by!

I had my surgery on Friday January 2. I did freak out a few days before my surgery but on the day of my actual surgery I felt very calm. My husband drove me to the doctor's office and when we got there they quickly took me back. I thought that they would let him go back with me but they didn't and that threw me a little. The pre-surgery nurse Cyndi was so nice and made me feel comfortable. Before I knew it I was headed into the surgery room and the next thing I was waking up with my husband next to me. I don't really remember the ride home but when we got there my husband set me up in the family room in our basement so that I would have peace and quiet.

The last couple of days I have not been in pain but I have been feeling like I have been stung by a billion bees. Plus I keep having the sensation that my chest is slightly vibrating at times.

Here are before pictures

I am feeling better today. This is the first day that I have not felt exhausted. Also last night I was able to sleep semi on my side which felt nice as I was getting tired of sleeping on my back. It was also the first night I did not wake up in the middle of the night feeling like I had cotton in my mouth.

Here are pictures from day 6. I cannot believe that tomorrow will be a week.

I still feel really tingly and stiff.