Expectation: Pain Relief - Irvine, CA

I joined Real Self several months ago, but since my surgery was scheduled out so far I thought I'd wait until the month before to give my story. So here goes...

My surgery date is scheduled for October 6, 2014. Unlike a lot of ladies I wasn't overly large at an early age or after pregnancy. I was pretty much a 32c through my twenties to forties. Petite frame good figure, beautiful breasts. 45 was probably about the time my body started changing. I'm 56 years old, 5'1", about 125-135lbs. bra size 32 f or more. I'm bursting from the seams of my 32e I wore comfortably last year.(well not comfortably!)

About 10 years ago I took my flat chested friend to get breast implants and was so impressed on how natural and beautiful they looked. That was my first experience with Plastic Surgery. While waiting I was chatting with the front desk women in the office and she said you should come in and have a consult with the dr. For a breast reduction. I didn't think I needed one, I was bustier than the average but not huge by any means. But I made an appt to see what he had to say. It all sounded great and then since it wasn't medically necessary my insurance didn't cover any of it. So that was that, no biggie. Jump ahead to Feb.12, 2010.

I went off with my eldest daughter on a snow skiing trip, I've skied most of my life, but it had been a couple years since my last trip. End of the day, last run I hit ice going way too fast flew up came down hard. Trip to the emergency room, shattered right shoulder, broken arm, nerve damage. Life changing accident. Within 3 years I've had 4 shoulder replacement surgeries. 4 years of extensive physical therapy, manipulations under anesthesia, epidural injections, the list goes on and on. Depression, disinterest, weight gain, bigger breasts. I can't bear the touch of a bra strap, the pressure gives me unbearable pain. I make every excuse not to go out so I don't have to wear a bra. Weight gain, bigger breasts. My husband was the one who said why don't we look into breast reduction.....hummm.....I went to see my PC and tearfully brought up the subject and she said I think that's a great idea, let's submit and see what insurance says. Right away I was give the name of a PS, made an appt. I was so nervous, I hardly remember the appt., about a week later they called with an approval. My youngest daughter was scheduled for brain surgery(seriously) so put everything else out of my mind until about a week after she was home recovering. Called back to speak with the PS surgery coordinator figuring my daughter would be able to function without me by the beginning of August. That would give me recovery time before Bible Study and college classes started back up. I had no idea that there would be a waiting list so took first available surgery date of Oct.6th.

Truthfully at first I was not seriously thinking of having another surgery. Then I did a lot of research, several consultations and found this site before making my mind up. The thought of another recovery really frightens me. I have about 50%motion in my right arm and I am right handed. Scared to death of hospitals so glad this is out patient. My body makes a ton of scar tissue, that also scares me to death. I have shoulder, neck, back pain. I've had fusion in 2000 C 5/6 6/7. I went from being really healthy and fit all my life to a wreck! But now that the day for my BR is getting closer I can't wait to get it over with! I'm really happy about the decision and the prospect of pain relief, small perky breasts. I told my PS that my goal in life is to be a hippie and go bra less the rest of my life, and to brush my hair right handed. Seems like good goals to me! I am ready with all the right things for after surgery. I don't mind staying home and hopefully having my family wait on me. I have puppies to snuggle with my Bible, books and netflix. And my IPAD so I can obsess over this site and pintrest. What else could I need.

These last four years have been life altering, first my accident, my husband had a burst appendix and then the following year prostate cancer, my eldest daughter moved away to New York (we are from California). And my baby, 23, just, end of May, had brain surgery. Wow, that's a lot for one family. I'm ready to heal from all this pain and live lighter and happier! I hope this wasn't too much information. I'm sure there was things I left out. Oh ya, I want to be a Bcup....small C at the most. I'll update when I think of anything or have more news. And I'll add a before photo when someone helps me with that.

I month pre surgery

I'm trying to post these photos and have never done this before....don't judge me by my lack of computer skills!