POSTED UNDER En Bloc Capsulectomy Reviews
56 with 25 Year Old Implants ~ Want Them Out!! LONG STORY - California, CA
UPDATED FROM doublerocks
15 days post
Has anyone used Pambra's Bra Liners?
doublerocksSeptember 24, 2015
WORTH IT$7,650
I am getting reading to switch over from my ace wrap and bra compression mode to a sports bra tomorrow! I'm so happy ~ my body has been "fluffing" for weeks from inactivity, now maybe the fluff fairy can visit my girls! :)
I purchased a 3-pack of Pambra's Bra Liners (http://pambras.com/products/original-bra-liner/) online. The pack contains a black, beige and white liner. They arrived today and they are in the wash now, getting ready for my upcoming transition to the sports bra. They are designed to wick the perspiration for between and under the breasts and I thought it would provide a protective padding for my incisions.
Just curious if anyone else has just these and if they were happy with them ~ ?? I will give them a try and report back after a few days of use.
Have a great day!!
I purchased a 3-pack of Pambra's Bra Liners (http://pambras.com/products/original-bra-liner/) online. The pack contains a black, beige and white liner. They arrived today and they are in the wash now, getting ready for my upcoming transition to the sports bra. They are designed to wick the perspiration for between and under the breasts and I thought it would provide a protective padding for my incisions.
Just curious if anyone else has just these and if they were happy with them ~ ?? I will give them a try and report back after a few days of use.
Have a great day!!
doublerocks's provider
Replies (3)
September 25, 2015
Hi
I am having my 30 year old implants removed.
Just wondering if you have and pictures of how your breast are now without a lift.
Not sure if i can live without a lift but I really need the implants out.
Any help or advice would be most welcome.
Also thank you for being honest and sharing you are very brave
I am having my 30 year old implants removed.
Just wondering if you have and pictures of how your breast are now without a lift.
Not sure if i can live without a lift but I really need the implants out.
Any help or advice would be most welcome.
Also thank you for being honest and sharing you are very brave
September 25, 2015
Hi koolcoffee ~
Congratulations on having made the decision to have your implants removed and not replaced. It is a very good decision, especially since I read on your question to the doctors that they have ruptured. Be sure to research getting an en bloc removal so that they are taken out with the scar tissue ~ this is very important in my opinion.
I will probably be able to post pictures in the next day or two. I know everyone else's pictures helped me immensely so I will just need to be brave and put them out there. :)
Fortunately, I did not need a lift. I was very small to begin with ~ 32/34 AA ~ and my implants were not large (240CC) so the breasts were not stretched that much. The procedure was done after I had my child and my weight stayed pretty consistent over the years, with a 5-8 pound fluctuation at most. I also think that helped with my outcome. My breasts now appear to be abit larger than before my BA, which was a nice surprise.
I have seen so many wonderful results on here of women who opted not to lift. I think it would be best to wait and see how your body recovers first in case it is unnecessary. I think the explant with a rupture is enough to go through under anesthesia and to recover from. If you do need a lift, you might get a more accurate result after your breasts settle into their final form following the explant.
I wish you the very best ~ I know you will do great and , like many of us on here, probably wonder why you didn't do it sooner. :) Please keep me posted on how you are doing.
Congratulations on having made the decision to have your implants removed and not replaced. It is a very good decision, especially since I read on your question to the doctors that they have ruptured. Be sure to research getting an en bloc removal so that they are taken out with the scar tissue ~ this is very important in my opinion.
I will probably be able to post pictures in the next day or two. I know everyone else's pictures helped me immensely so I will just need to be brave and put them out there. :)
Fortunately, I did not need a lift. I was very small to begin with ~ 32/34 AA ~ and my implants were not large (240CC) so the breasts were not stretched that much. The procedure was done after I had my child and my weight stayed pretty consistent over the years, with a 5-8 pound fluctuation at most. I also think that helped with my outcome. My breasts now appear to be abit larger than before my BA, which was a nice surprise.
I have seen so many wonderful results on here of women who opted not to lift. I think it would be best to wait and see how your body recovers first in case it is unnecessary. I think the explant with a rupture is enough to go through under anesthesia and to recover from. If you do need a lift, you might get a more accurate result after your breasts settle into their final form following the explant.
I wish you the very best ~ I know you will do great and , like many of us on here, probably wonder why you didn't do it sooner. :) Please keep me posted on how you are doing.
September 30, 2015
Hi koolcoffee~I have an appointment next week to discuss en bloc explantation. I have had autoimmune issues for the past ten years--with not one doctor mentioning that my implants may be the cause of my horribly disabling condition. I have every symptom of neuropathy there is, including constant chronic pain. Even tried a trial with a nerve stimulator and several spinal nerve blocks--all to NO avail. Please tell me what some of your synptoms were, to cause you to explant. After having these baseballs in my body for 27 years, I cannot even imagine the amount of effort it will take to remove them (and the surrounding capsule, I'm sure)! I am filled with anxiety. What if my physical illness does not go away after all the pain and expense, etc., etc. ?
September 30, 2015
Oh how I wish I could afford to see Dr. Feng! I am going to see a typical PS in Naples, FL, where so many of them practice--None are recommended on real-self. I chose one who is on my insurance plan and it's not even guaranteed coverage, unless there are proven health-related issues. I'm 65 and on Medicare!
September 30, 2015
Hi Katajena ~ I definitely understand your concern. It is frustrating that Medicare won't provide for the coverage unless there are proven health issues. It would cost Medicare less in the long run, I would think, to remove the implants as a pro-active, preventative measure. Unfortunately, that is not the case...
Anyway, here are a couple of thoughts that crossed my mind in regard to your situation:
Maybe get a few names of doctors who are on your insurance plan and Google their names and see what you come up with. Healthgrades.com is one site where you might be able to find some helpful information. Once you find one or two you are comfortable with, you can schedule a consultation and see if you are comfortable with them and if they answer all the questions you have to your satisfaction.
Another idea is to post your story on RS and ask for guidance from others that live in your area. The members on this explant community are so helpful and supportive and maybe your answer could come from there.
I'm so sorry you have to go through this and I hope you find a doctor that you feel comfortable with soon. I think there are many good doctors out there who, for one reason or another, are not acknowledged on RealSelf. Don't discount them just because they are not listed on this site.
You are in my thoughts!
I'm hoping you get some answers soon and can get this behind you. I'll be thinking about you and please le
Anyway, here are a couple of thoughts that crossed my mind in regard to your situation:
Maybe get a few names of doctors who are on your insurance plan and Google their names and see what you come up with. Healthgrades.com is one site where you might be able to find some helpful information. Once you find one or two you are comfortable with, you can schedule a consultation and see if you are comfortable with them and if they answer all the questions you have to your satisfaction.
Another idea is to post your story on RS and ask for guidance from others that live in your area. The members on this explant community are so helpful and supportive and maybe your answer could come from there.
I'm so sorry you have to go through this and I hope you find a doctor that you feel comfortable with soon. I think there are many good doctors out there who, for one reason or another, are not acknowledged on RealSelf. Don't discount them just because they are not listed on this site.
You are in my thoughts!
I'm hoping you get some answers soon and can get this behind you. I'll be thinking about you and please le
September 30, 2015
I don't know where that last paragraph came from. I think I did a copy and paste instead of a cut and paste and left that behind. Anyway, please keep me posted. :)
October 1, 2015
Thank you for the positive response! I almost said the "uplifting support", but it sounded like a bad pun! I will be in touch...
March 30, 2017
I just wanted to say thank you so much for sharing your experience, it really has helped me. I'm explanting with doctor Feng in 5 days. I'm still a nervous wreak, but that's to be expected! Good luck and wishing you continued health!
March 31, 2017
I'm so happy for you! You will be under such good care with Dr. Feng. Yes, it is absolutely to be expected that you are nervous, but hopefully once you meet with Dr. Feng, all those fears will go away...they did for me. I was anxious (in a good way) for the surgery to take place the day after meeting her. It was a long way for me to travel without having met her, but I still would not have done this any other way! You will do great!!! Keep drinking lots of water and eat well...I'm convinced those two things, along with follow the list of do's and don'ts from Dr. Feng, helped me heal rapidly and get my drains removed 2 days after surgery. I'll be thinking of you next week!!!
UPDATED FROM doublerocks
10 days post
Tips if you are travelling to Cleveland for an explant by Dr. Feng's office
doublerocksSeptember 19, 2015
I responded to another RS user with some of the travel advice based on my trip. I am reposting what I shared with her here and adding in more information that came to mind. I hope you find this helpful. Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions:
We stayed at the Homewood Suites in Beachwood and it really worked out well. I upgraded our suite from the standard one, which had one queen bed and one sofa sleeper, to one with two queen beds. It was spacious with a kitchen, living room area, bedroom with the two queen beds, and a large flat screen TV in the bedroom.
Having a kitchen was really a great perk. We loaded up the fridge with a case of water and having the cold water available really upped my water consumption both pre- and post- surgery. It is also handy to store the salad and soup that Dr. Feng sends you home with post-surgery as the portions are really generous and you will not be able to eat it all. The kitchen also has bowls and a microwave for reheating the soup.
Homewood Suites provides a morning breakfast, but I will say the coffee isn't the best. I may be a coffee snob, though. :) In any event, I bought a Starbucks card and my sister did coffee runs for us on those first couple of mornings post-surgery. Starbucks is close by in a car, just over the freeway, but not close enough for walking if you want hot coffee. :)
I loaded a lot of movies on my computer for the trip. If you don't have the ability to do that, you can bring a few DVD's. We watched a movie on the plane, using a headphone splitter so we could both hear the audio. It made the travel go by so much quicker. I also brought along an HDMI cable and connected my computer to the TV at the hotel to play the movies on the flat screen TV. You will need to change the input setting to HDMI via the TV remote to make this work.
While at Costco, I bought restaurant gift cards for Fleming's Prime Steakhouse ~ $80 for $100 worth of gift cards. We don't have any Fleming's near us and it was a very good meal. We went there the night before my surgery and somehow it came up in our conversation with the waitress that we were in Ohio for surgery. We were sent home with a gold gift box filled with 4 DECADENT creamy chocolate truffles. Such a nice touch! They were delicious ~ we both had one that night and then saved one for when I got the drains out. Since I had been focusing on eating healthy, that little splurge was really enjoyable!!
We also enjoyed Mitchell's Fish Market ~ eating there once pre- surgery and once post- surgery. We went in the day after my surgery for dinner and explained that we would prefer a corner table in the back. I didn't want to bring much attention to myself in my post surgery, covering the drains mode! They were very accommodating to our request. I mentioned in another post (somewhere) that this is the restaurant where my sister and I both ordered the DELICIOUS pecan crusted trout dish and my sister cut the fish and veggies (asparagus and green beans) on her plate, then switched plates with me. A perfect solution.
We didn't book our plane flight until after the drains were out as we didn't know how long that would take or if I might have complications from surgery. My drains were removed on Friday, so we wandered around Ohio on Saturday and then flew home Sunday. The Homewood Suites has a business center available with both a computer and printer that I was able to use to print off our boarding passes.
I set up my rental car in advance from Avis, using the AARP Avis worldwide discount code (A359807). Using the AARP benefits, we were able to get a free car upgrade, the second driver fee waived, along with more benefits listed here: http://discounts.aarp.org/offer/index/offerId/77203/uSource/PSRV2/categoryId/174/pandaLog/%7B%22term%22:%22Avis%20Rent%20A%20Car%22,%22type%22:%22Autocomplete%22,%22pageNumber%22:0,%22position%22:%220%22,%22entityType%22:%22Store%22,%22entityId%22:77203,%22categoryIdFilter%22:174,%22clickLocation%22:%22panda-list-item-%7Bid%7D%22%7D
If you using a rental car (or are driving in from another area in your own car), the Google Maps app for the iPhone or Android is very helpful. It shouts out directions in a timely manner in advance of the turns, lane changes, etc., that you need to make. The directions were accurate and got us to where we wanted to go.
Be sure to get to the Cleveland Clinic early for your meeting with Dr. Kahn. This was the only part of the trip that didn't go smoothly. You need to call in prior to your appointment to begin the registration process. I had done so, and I was fortunate enough to have the 17 minute phone call to show them in my phone history. I thought I was set up properly after all the delays and holding I went through with that initial phone call. Well, there was some snafu that I still don't understand and it delayed me for quite awhile, which caused me a delay in meeting my appointment time with Dr. Kahn. This wasn't a reflection on Dr. Kahn or his office, but on the part of the hospital that handles the registration/insurance processes. Bring your medical insurance card (as they request in their paperwork package) AND a charge card or check book. My insurance did not cover the cost of the ultrasound, so I had to charge the $960 fee. Fortunately, I had two charge cards with me as my one charge card was maxed out due to the payment processing date and new charges I had accrued.
As Dr. Feng indicates in her paperwork, she will need two CERTIFIED checks, one for the surgery fee and the other for the facility fee. Although it wasn't required, I provided Dr. Feng with copies of all the paperwork I had on my implants from 1990, so she knew the exact size, brand, etc., that she would be working with. I also brought along copies of my recent labs so she knew my baseline health (which is quite good) and could do a comparison if there were any unusual results that were encountered in the labs done there.
You do not need to bring along a compression bra ~ Dr. Feng's office will provide one. We did purchase some Hibiclens Antiseptic/Antimicrobial Skin Cleanser that we used to ensure our hands were sanitary every time we had to deal with the drains.
When the drains are removed, steri-strips will be placed over the sutures, then gauze, then Tegaderm bandages (which are clear and thick, reminding me of mailing tape). Following that, you will be wrapped in an ace bandage, then the compression bra.
You can/should take off the ace bandage and compression bra to sponge bath and just air out your skin daily, then put them back on.
At the one week point from the drain removal (yesterday for me!!), the Tegaderm bandages and gauzes can be removed and the first full shower can take place, which is heaven! Then you have to gently dry under your breasts where the steri-strips are and reapply the ace bandage and compression bra.
In one more week, the ace bandage and compression bra come off for good and a sports bra can be worn. The steri-strips stay on until they fall off.
The ace bandage is held on by a couple of clips that are not meant to have a long life span. One of mine got bent at the edges, was not holding the bandage on well, and was poking me. In desperation of finding a replacement clip (which looked to be mail order through Amazon), I found a much better solution thanks to the internet...DUCT TAPE! :)
Anyway, hope this helps and I will be checking in if you have any questions.
We stayed at the Homewood Suites in Beachwood and it really worked out well. I upgraded our suite from the standard one, which had one queen bed and one sofa sleeper, to one with two queen beds. It was spacious with a kitchen, living room area, bedroom with the two queen beds, and a large flat screen TV in the bedroom.
Having a kitchen was really a great perk. We loaded up the fridge with a case of water and having the cold water available really upped my water consumption both pre- and post- surgery. It is also handy to store the salad and soup that Dr. Feng sends you home with post-surgery as the portions are really generous and you will not be able to eat it all. The kitchen also has bowls and a microwave for reheating the soup.
Homewood Suites provides a morning breakfast, but I will say the coffee isn't the best. I may be a coffee snob, though. :) In any event, I bought a Starbucks card and my sister did coffee runs for us on those first couple of mornings post-surgery. Starbucks is close by in a car, just over the freeway, but not close enough for walking if you want hot coffee. :)
I loaded a lot of movies on my computer for the trip. If you don't have the ability to do that, you can bring a few DVD's. We watched a movie on the plane, using a headphone splitter so we could both hear the audio. It made the travel go by so much quicker. I also brought along an HDMI cable and connected my computer to the TV at the hotel to play the movies on the flat screen TV. You will need to change the input setting to HDMI via the TV remote to make this work.
While at Costco, I bought restaurant gift cards for Fleming's Prime Steakhouse ~ $80 for $100 worth of gift cards. We don't have any Fleming's near us and it was a very good meal. We went there the night before my surgery and somehow it came up in our conversation with the waitress that we were in Ohio for surgery. We were sent home with a gold gift box filled with 4 DECADENT creamy chocolate truffles. Such a nice touch! They were delicious ~ we both had one that night and then saved one for when I got the drains out. Since I had been focusing on eating healthy, that little splurge was really enjoyable!!
We also enjoyed Mitchell's Fish Market ~ eating there once pre- surgery and once post- surgery. We went in the day after my surgery for dinner and explained that we would prefer a corner table in the back. I didn't want to bring much attention to myself in my post surgery, covering the drains mode! They were very accommodating to our request. I mentioned in another post (somewhere) that this is the restaurant where my sister and I both ordered the DELICIOUS pecan crusted trout dish and my sister cut the fish and veggies (asparagus and green beans) on her plate, then switched plates with me. A perfect solution.
We didn't book our plane flight until after the drains were out as we didn't know how long that would take or if I might have complications from surgery. My drains were removed on Friday, so we wandered around Ohio on Saturday and then flew home Sunday. The Homewood Suites has a business center available with both a computer and printer that I was able to use to print off our boarding passes.
I set up my rental car in advance from Avis, using the AARP Avis worldwide discount code (A359807). Using the AARP benefits, we were able to get a free car upgrade, the second driver fee waived, along with more benefits listed here: http://discounts.aarp.org/offer/index/offerId/77203/uSource/PSRV2/categoryId/174/pandaLog/%7B%22term%22:%22Avis%20Rent%20A%20Car%22,%22type%22:%22Autocomplete%22,%22pageNumber%22:0,%22position%22:%220%22,%22entityType%22:%22Store%22,%22entityId%22:77203,%22categoryIdFilter%22:174,%22clickLocation%22:%22panda-list-item-%7Bid%7D%22%7D
If you using a rental car (or are driving in from another area in your own car), the Google Maps app for the iPhone or Android is very helpful. It shouts out directions in a timely manner in advance of the turns, lane changes, etc., that you need to make. The directions were accurate and got us to where we wanted to go.
Be sure to get to the Cleveland Clinic early for your meeting with Dr. Kahn. This was the only part of the trip that didn't go smoothly. You need to call in prior to your appointment to begin the registration process. I had done so, and I was fortunate enough to have the 17 minute phone call to show them in my phone history. I thought I was set up properly after all the delays and holding I went through with that initial phone call. Well, there was some snafu that I still don't understand and it delayed me for quite awhile, which caused me a delay in meeting my appointment time with Dr. Kahn. This wasn't a reflection on Dr. Kahn or his office, but on the part of the hospital that handles the registration/insurance processes. Bring your medical insurance card (as they request in their paperwork package) AND a charge card or check book. My insurance did not cover the cost of the ultrasound, so I had to charge the $960 fee. Fortunately, I had two charge cards with me as my one charge card was maxed out due to the payment processing date and new charges I had accrued.
As Dr. Feng indicates in her paperwork, she will need two CERTIFIED checks, one for the surgery fee and the other for the facility fee. Although it wasn't required, I provided Dr. Feng with copies of all the paperwork I had on my implants from 1990, so she knew the exact size, brand, etc., that she would be working with. I also brought along copies of my recent labs so she knew my baseline health (which is quite good) and could do a comparison if there were any unusual results that were encountered in the labs done there.
You do not need to bring along a compression bra ~ Dr. Feng's office will provide one. We did purchase some Hibiclens Antiseptic/Antimicrobial Skin Cleanser that we used to ensure our hands were sanitary every time we had to deal with the drains.
When the drains are removed, steri-strips will be placed over the sutures, then gauze, then Tegaderm bandages (which are clear and thick, reminding me of mailing tape). Following that, you will be wrapped in an ace bandage, then the compression bra.
You can/should take off the ace bandage and compression bra to sponge bath and just air out your skin daily, then put them back on.
At the one week point from the drain removal (yesterday for me!!), the Tegaderm bandages and gauzes can be removed and the first full shower can take place, which is heaven! Then you have to gently dry under your breasts where the steri-strips are and reapply the ace bandage and compression bra.
In one more week, the ace bandage and compression bra come off for good and a sports bra can be worn. The steri-strips stay on until they fall off.
The ace bandage is held on by a couple of clips that are not meant to have a long life span. One of mine got bent at the edges, was not holding the bandage on well, and was poking me. In desperation of finding a replacement clip (which looked to be mail order through Amazon), I found a much better solution thanks to the internet...DUCT TAPE! :)
Anyway, hope this helps and I will be checking in if you have any questions.
Replies (2)
September 19, 2015
Glad you're happy and all was successful! I am in Northern CA too, had my 25 year old silicone implants taken out here in Santa Rosa, by Dr. Canales (who was amazing!). Mine were encapsulated as well and the "shell" around the implants was like a hard plastic that actually broke the scissors they tried to cut them with after they had removed them. I LOVE LOVE LOVE no longer having them... though, they did serve their purpose, I was just done. :) I had them removed 11/13 and did not have anything done (new implants or a lift). I was a little worried how bad they would look, but I have to honestly say, they don't look bad at all! (I'll be 47 in November). I've toyed with the idea of a lift but am not sure there is even enought tissue to "lift". My biggest problem, after surgery, was find a bra. Moving Comfort "Fiona" bra has been my favorite... I prefer the 34D (crazy I know... before surgery I was a 36DD) but I think I just like all the coverage and feel more lifted and secure (especially after surgery... wouldn't go without anyting for the first year because I was scared!).
Anyway... congratulaitons! My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner - I feel so free! :)
Anyway... congratulaitons! My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner - I feel so free! :)
September 20, 2015
WOW! Our stories are very similar as far as the age of our implants and the encapsulation, although I don't think mine broke any scissors! That is about as clear of a sign as you can get that they needed to be out ~ thank goodness you didn't wait any longer and experienced more adherence issues ! I love the way I feel as well as definitely wish I would have done this sooner, too ~ but as the saying goes, "When you know better, you do better!" I love what I am doing for my future health and happiness!!
Thank you for letting me know about the Moving Comfort Fiona Bra ~ that is a really cute style! I think I will run over to Nordy's on Friday when I am freed from the ace wrap and compression bra and get a professional bra fitting done and buy a couple of them...or maybe one in every color!! :) I'm so looking forward to that!!
Thank you for letting me know about the Moving Comfort Fiona Bra ~ that is a really cute style! I think I will run over to Nordy's on Friday when I am freed from the ace wrap and compression bra and get a professional bra fitting done and buy a couple of them...or maybe one in every color!! :) I'm so looking forward to that!!
September 23, 2015
Thank you for your post. I also have chosen Dr. Feng for a November 2015 surgery. Your story and others have given me the confidence to get this done. I know I should post my own story here as well but I am not quite there yet. Again, thank you!
September 23, 2015
Congratulations, natsim!! You will soon be joining the ranks of us singing the praises of Dr. Feng and her staff. I came on this board early in July knowing little to nothing about any of this and the stories of others helped me become educated and on the path to getting this done just 2 short months later. That period of time between deciding and the actually surgery was the most challenging ~ I just wanted them out NOW! :) But that period of time was actually a blessing in that I got my life in order before I left, including cleaning my house from top to bottom (and my car, too), placing clean sheets on the bed before I left, getting all the laundry cleaned and put away, paying bills in advance, etc. You won't be up to housekeeping for awhile and it would have been a huge distraction to me to have things in disarray when I returned. Here are some additional things I did, which helped alot:
I put a couple of plates, bowls, glasses and cups on the counter for my return, knowing my reach would be limited. Also, cooking items that I use alot were put out ~ pots and pans on the stove top, olive oil and seasonings on the counter top, etc.
I have a rolling stepping stool that has suction cups that adhere to the ground when you step on it. That has been extremely helpful. I push it to where it needs to go with my feet so I don't have to lift it. I use it to reach my microwave, get food items from unreachable spots in the fridge or in cabinets, to reach clothing items in my closet, etc.
I cooked and froze some foods in advance of my travel, but I did need fresh food when I got home. I am pretty independent and hate to ask anyone for help, so I ordered my grocery delivery from a local store. First delivery was free! The young man came in and put all the frozen items on one counter and the refrigerated items on another, and everything else in a different location, so I could stage putting these items away. It is something to ask for if they don't do it automatically.
When I drove for the first time, I was careful to use proper body mechanics when opening/closing the doors, getting in and out, etc., but quickly discovered I couldn't reach the garage door opener switch that is built into my vehicle. Necessity being the mother of invention, I now keep a ruler in my car and it is the perfect length to reach that opener switch. :)
I have deferred doing a lot of my laundry, but when I did it, I used the end of a hanger to pull up the items one by one from my deep front loading washer.
Oh, and one more ~ I only use my glasses to read. I don't want to see how dirty my kitchen floors or other areas have become! LOL!
I wish you the best of luck, although you won't need it as you will be in THE best of hands (literally)! I look forward to reading your story when you get around to posting it.
I put a couple of plates, bowls, glasses and cups on the counter for my return, knowing my reach would be limited. Also, cooking items that I use alot were put out ~ pots and pans on the stove top, olive oil and seasonings on the counter top, etc.
I have a rolling stepping stool that has suction cups that adhere to the ground when you step on it. That has been extremely helpful. I push it to where it needs to go with my feet so I don't have to lift it. I use it to reach my microwave, get food items from unreachable spots in the fridge or in cabinets, to reach clothing items in my closet, etc.
I cooked and froze some foods in advance of my travel, but I did need fresh food when I got home. I am pretty independent and hate to ask anyone for help, so I ordered my grocery delivery from a local store. First delivery was free! The young man came in and put all the frozen items on one counter and the refrigerated items on another, and everything else in a different location, so I could stage putting these items away. It is something to ask for if they don't do it automatically.
When I drove for the first time, I was careful to use proper body mechanics when opening/closing the doors, getting in and out, etc., but quickly discovered I couldn't reach the garage door opener switch that is built into my vehicle. Necessity being the mother of invention, I now keep a ruler in my car and it is the perfect length to reach that opener switch. :)
I have deferred doing a lot of my laundry, but when I did it, I used the end of a hanger to pull up the items one by one from my deep front loading washer.
Oh, and one more ~ I only use my glasses to read. I don't want to see how dirty my kitchen floors or other areas have become! LOL!
I wish you the best of luck, although you won't need it as you will be in THE best of hands (literally)! I look forward to reading your story when you get around to posting it.
September 23, 2015
Oh, I wish I could edit here so my stories would make sense...I meant to say my deep TOP loading washer! :)
UPDATED FROM doublerocks
9 days post
A couple questions for those on the "other side"
doublerocksSeptember 18, 2015
I went in to update my profile with the surgeon review, cost, etc., but I don't see where I can change my rating from "Not Sure" to "Worth It". I'd sure like to do that, so if anyone can advise me on how to do so, I'd appreciate it!
Also, at the two week point from having my drains removed, I will be able to remove the ace bandage and surgical bra, and begin using a sports bra. Since that is just one week from today, I am now considering what type of sports bra is best. I'd love a front zip one, but comfort is most important. I think at this point I will need less compression so that the fluffing can begin. :) Any recommendations? Thank you in advance!!
Also, at the two week point from having my drains removed, I will be able to remove the ace bandage and surgical bra, and begin using a sports bra. Since that is just one week from today, I am now considering what type of sports bra is best. I'd love a front zip one, but comfort is most important. I think at this point I will need less compression so that the fluffing can begin. :) Any recommendations? Thank you in advance!!
Replies (4)
September 18, 2015
Congratulations on healing well. Well, I certainly don't recommend a sports bra with cross straps. I'm before removal but already bought 2 sports bras and didn't consider straps at all . Though I'm still fine I could hardly put them on because of the complexity of the strap construction. I looked funny in too small a bra but at least I know cross straps are bound to be a failure post surgically !
September 18, 2015
Thank you, Marmolada ~ you make some good points there!! Those cross straps are complicated, even pre-surgery as you noted. I was just looking online and saw these handful bras: https://www.handful.com/shop/handful-bras/adjustable-handful-bra It looks like they give you the option to use cross-straps if your clothing needs require, or you could just wear them the traditional way. I just wish it was a front zip, although those usually aren't the most comfortable!
I've been following your story and wish you the best!
I've been following your story and wish you the best!
September 19, 2015
such thin cross straps won't harm, the bra is very subtle. I bought a VERY tight and thick one. Two layers fabric and cups sewn in in the bust. Well... Armour. it is like a top to wear shirtless rather than a bra. Im going to buy something cheap at Decathlon.
Thank you for wishing me well. I am happy to have opted for an explant . I'm axious though!
Thank you for wishing me well. I am happy to have opted for an explant . I'm axious though!
September 19, 2015
Hi Marmolada ~
Armour...haha! I have definitely worn some bras like that!
I am so happy to hear you have made the decision to go in for an explant. You are young and beautiful and your health is key! As you read story after story on this site, you will notice that those of us who are on the other side are happy to have done this and just wish we had done it sooner. When is your appointment for the explant scheduled?
The styles now are so flattering for smaller breasted women. And if you want a little extra cleavage at times, there are bras that can make that happen with whatever size you have to work with.
Congratulations on having made your decision. You will do well and will rock your new size! :)
Armour...haha! I have definitely worn some bras like that!
I am so happy to hear you have made the decision to go in for an explant. You are young and beautiful and your health is key! As you read story after story on this site, you will notice that those of us who are on the other side are happy to have done this and just wish we had done it sooner. When is your appointment for the explant scheduled?
The styles now are so flattering for smaller breasted women. And if you want a little extra cleavage at times, there are bras that can make that happen with whatever size you have to work with.
Congratulations on having made your decision. You will do well and will rock your new size! :)
September 19, 2015
Oh, yes. On sept 4th, when my ps said I don't have to downsize if I choose to reimplant. 2 weeks prior I told him I wanted explant, and later, I confirmed it firmly very conscious and aware that I want to remove them . I'm writing from the phone so what I'm writing may seem incoherent. Sorry .
September 19, 2015
I'm taking decision to not try to imagine the very procedure so as not to get terrified. As for post op- I'm prepared to be low for many months a after surgery. I won't make judgements , however, until March 24th!
September 19, 2015
No problem ~ I understood. It seems many of the plastic surgeons just want to push you to reimplant. I've read on here that many of them say things to make women doubt their decision to explant, telling them horrible things about how they will look if they don't reimplant. I guess that is because they make more money with implants and revisions than they do with a one time explant surgery. Still, it doesn't seem right!
September 18, 2015
I just commented above on this but I'll put it here too. The Bali bra was recommended by some ladies on RS. I tried lots of Walmart bras with no luck. The Bali ones aren't cheap but they give a nice shape and comfortable support. My compression bra from the Dr is super comfortable. It's just fruit of the loom with hook-n-eye closure. Does nothing for the profile but I can live with that. Hope that helps
September 18, 2015
Hi csaskj ~
Thank you for that lead. I researched it and I think the Bali bra mentioned is the Comfort Revolution Seamless Smart Size Bra, Style 3484. That one starts with an XS being a 34B! I guess I might be back to the training bra department...LOL! Anyway, the Bali bras all have great reviews online, so I think a run to Macy's in in my future, as well as a professional measuring to know my new size. Also, thank you for the note about the Fruit of the Loom with the hook and eye closure. I actually have two of those (in different colors) that I bought prior my surgery and before I knew they would be providing a post surgery bra. I had kept the tags on and was going to return them, but now I may need to take another look. Thanks ~ you've helped alot!
Thank you for that lead. I researched it and I think the Bali bra mentioned is the Comfort Revolution Seamless Smart Size Bra, Style 3484. That one starts with an XS being a 34B! I guess I might be back to the training bra department...LOL! Anyway, the Bali bras all have great reviews online, so I think a run to Macy's in in my future, as well as a professional measuring to know my new size. Also, thank you for the note about the Fruit of the Loom with the hook and eye closure. I actually have two of those (in different colors) that I bought prior my surgery and before I knew they would be providing a post surgery bra. I had kept the tags on and was going to return them, but now I may need to take another look. Thanks ~ you've helped alot!
September 18, 2015
To update your profile:
Click on your icon --upper right corner
Click on "My Profile"
Click on "Update Your Review"
Click on the "Edit" icon which if to the right of your review title
You can change rating, update your title etc.
Click on your icon --upper right corner
Click on "My Profile"
Click on "Update Your Review"
Click on the "Edit" icon which if to the right of your review title
You can change rating, update your title etc.
September 18, 2015
Hi Serenity ~
It is really strange. I checked there again and I don't see that option. I see I can change the title and cost. I can choose the procedure date, but only if it is in the future ~ it will not process a manual entry of the date and the calendar provided starts with Saturday, September 19th. I can also edit my doctor review, but not the name of the doctor or location. I checked using both Google Chrome and Firefox, wondering if it might be a browser-related issue. Anyway, I guess a read of my review will show I find it to be "Worth It", right? :) Thank you for your help!
It is really strange. I checked there again and I don't see that option. I see I can change the title and cost. I can choose the procedure date, but only if it is in the future ~ it will not process a manual entry of the date and the calendar provided starts with Saturday, September 19th. I can also edit my doctor review, but not the name of the doctor or location. I checked using both Google Chrome and Firefox, wondering if it might be a browser-related issue. Anyway, I guess a read of my review will show I find it to be "Worth It", right? :) Thank you for your help!
September 19, 2015
Marmolada ~ I'm so sorry to hear you are terrified about the procedure. Feeling confident that you choose the right surgeon will help take away that fear. Also, many of the women on here reported feeling the way you do, but if you read their post surgery comments, you will see that almost all are happy they did it immediately afterwards. You will do fine!
Just curious if anyone else has USED these, not JUST these...
It appears I am having a rough day...need more coffee, I guess!! LOL!