Breast Reduction at 29, a Decade of Waiting - Christiansburg, VA

I'm scheduled for a breast reduction in March 12, 2014. I've waited for many years to get this procedure, but I'm still becoming a nervous wreck going over the potential complications in my head and on paper. I've wanted a breast reduction since I was around 19 years old. At 5'3", I've fluctuated between 115 to 135 lbs, but always remained a 32DDD/E or 30G (depending on brand and style). My quality of life has definitely been affected. While I rarely have sharp pain, I have a near constant dull ache in my upper back and shoulders. For awhile I thought this was normal, but I have since found that most people do not have the type of constant pain I experience. I feel restricted when participating in physical activities, especially when I am wearing a daily rather than sports bra. I have some psychological issues around my breasts as well. With my peers I tend to be defined as the "big boobed" one who doesn't fit properly in most store-bought clothes and bras. My students (when I taught high school) were often distracted by them and I felt the need to cover up with multiple layers even in warmer weather. For these various reasons and I'm sure a few more I forgot, I asked my gynecologist about a reduction after my new better insurance kicked in last year. She directed me to my PS.

I initially met my PS in September to discuss the possibility of a breast reduction, my candidacy and insurance coverage. Several weeks later, I found out that my insurance would cover the procedure. Yay! But I wanted to wait until after the holidays, then I couldn't get off work. Finally, now in March, I have time and bite the proverbial bullet.

Today was my two week pre-op appointment with my PS and the hospital. He did some more measurements and concluded I could go for either a superior or inferior pedicle procedure. I believe that decision will be made the day of based on what he sees. If anyone else has had that option, please comment below. I signed all the paperwork, gave a blood sample and all the rest. I'm extremely nervous now. I simply can't believe that it is finally all happening, but still my mind is racing. It seems entirely unfair that I can't have booze at a time like this.

[Pre-op images to be uploaded later.]

So Sunday night, I was so nervous that I couldn't sleep, just kept moving. This was not a good thing for me or my husband. Therefore, he wanted me to take an ativan (prescribed by my PS for anxiety related to surgery). It was like a mild benadryl, but could have been worse. I slept somewhat better last night. Then, today (of all days) I began to feel a pain in my ear, like an infection had just set in. Well, damn. I took my lunch to visit the local urgent care where the doctor ruled out a bacterial infection, but said my lymph nodes were slightly bigger than usual, indicating a viral infection. My PS said he and the EMT would look me over tomorrow before continuing with surgery. As useless as it is, another ativan may be in order for tonight.

Hey everyone! Everything went great. I'll have more of a update when I get home from the hospital.