Finally at Age 60, Much Needed Breast Reduction

I want to thank all of you on this forum for sharing your stories. It has helped me immensely during this process. The information I've gleaned from so many of you helped me be better prepared for my own surgery.

Like most of you I developed large breasts at an early age. Between the summer of my 7th & 8th grade years, my breasts exploded. I was always the one in pictures with the larger bust and it made me extremely self-conscious. Large breast are hereditary in my family. My grandmother and mother developed large breast as well as many of my cousins. My aunt had a breast reduction at an early age. I was resigned to living with my large breast until menopause hit. Suddenly, one day I looked in the mirror and had my late grandmother's boobs. My back, neck, shoulders hurt and I had shoulder indentations from bra straps cutting into my shoulders. None of my tops or dresses would fit properly and it was embarrassing to have boobs hanging down almost to my waist. I started avoiding having my picture taken. My life was miserable. About two years ago, I started having tightness in my hamstrings and lower back. My doctor ran tests and found nothing unusual and prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs & muscle relaxants. Finally, on my 60th birthday, I had had enough. My health provider is Kaiser Permanente, an HMO, and they are very reluctant to approve "unnecessary surgery". My OB-Gyn said she didn't think I'd meet Kaiser's strict policy for breast reduction but to check with my primary care physician. Well, I emailed my primary physician and explained my rationale/justification for the BR and within a few days he set up an appointment to see the PS. I was amazed at how quickly I was approved. When I met with my PS in early April, she was very considerate and caring. I felt instantly at ease with her. She immediately set up my pre-surgery mammogram, EKG and blood tests. My PS was surprised that at my age I wanted to have BR. I told her I've been wanting to do this for years but always hesitated. But now, my mind was made up and I was getting this done. She asked what size I wanted to go down to and I told her a "C" cup. I said I've breast fed three children and at may age these large breasts had served their purpose. I was ready to be free of these size 40H boobs hanging from my chest. My surgery was scheduled for July 5. We arrived at the ambulatory center at 6:00a.m. and by 7:30 I was on the operating table. My entire surgical team was comprised of fantastic women who did a great job of putting me at ease and taking great care of me. They were a godsend. While marking me up my PS said I had heavy dense breasts so it's no wonder they were causing me such pain. I had severe nausea after I woke up from the general anesthesia, but that always happens to me anytime I'm giving any type of anesthesia. My PS told my husband she took 5-6 pounds off my chest and she was confident that I'll love my results. My husband and daughter have been taking great care of me. It's one day post-op and the pain/discomfort is minimal. I didn't even have to use the Percocet prescribed for pain relief. I've just been using Motrin. I've been using ice packs to help with swelling. I took everyone's advice and slept sitting up on my chaise lounge and will continue doing so until my post op office visit. But I feel pretty darn good. I already feel so much better and the normal pain I felt in my hamstrings and lower back were gone when I woke up this morning. I'm so happy and it's only day one. I can't wait to try some tops I've been wanting to wear but couldn't because of my monstrous boobs. I will update my posting with my recovery progress. Once cleared for exercise, I intend to lose the stomach weight.

I'm 5 days post-op and feeling pretty good. The night of and the next day following my surgery were the worse due to the general anesthesia. Once the narcotics cleared out my system, I felt much better. I've only been using Tylenol for the mild pain I occasionally feel. I've been able to shower and I followed the advice given to shower backwards and allow the water to run down over my chest. I can honestly say, my recovery thus far has been much better than I had anticipated. The swelling is slowly going down, the pain is mild, the itching hasn't been overwhelming. I've been sleeping sitting up which is a bit of a challenge but I think it is helping with the overall healing process. I see my PS on 7/13 for my first post-op appointment and the removal of my drains. Fingers crossed everything continues to improve and go well.

I had my first post-op visit with my PS on July 13th. She removed the drains and said everything seems to be healing well. She told me she removed 2KG (7-8 lbs) of breast tissue! No wonder I was in such pain....all of which has now vanished. My PS has cleared me to begin exercising (walking but no high impact cardio for at least 6 more weeks). I have feeling in both nipples and the swelling is definitely better. I no longer need pain medicine (not even Tylenol). Hope my recovery continues going well.