loved my doctor and glad I went through with it!

I was on the fence for oh....25 years or so on getting a breast reduction. The pain in my back, arms etc... was just not going to get better as I have aged. Better to just do it now than keep putting it off. He and his staff have been incredible. While in surgery he found cysts and even went the extra mile to have a breast Doctor in the hospital come into the surgery to give a second consult/opinion. They removed the cysts and added in "markers" for my future mammograms etc... This is the kind of care and professionalism every woman deserves. They look amazing....he is an artist for sure. He has truly tried to help manage my pain which is huge in any procedure. Very glad I braved up and went through with the procedure and was lucky enough to find him.

This week was a roller coaster for sure. As the prednisone pack came to an end my period also decided to join the party. My pain started to get worse. Tuesday I called and they had me come in to make sure no infections were kicking in. They said my bruising is possibly worse than normal due to lower iron than most. My levels are always just barely on that border of anemic and go back and forth especially with the time of month. I have half a thyroid (another long story from last year) and keeping vitamins up is a constant struggle for me.
Add in....I seemed to be having a mild reaction to the glue and the tape. They decided to take the glue/tape off since it was time anyway. I knew that would hurt but I was not prepared for how badly. It literally felt like my nipples were ripped off. By the end my gown was drenched in sweat. It was AWFUL. Hands down worse than the drain removal. Probably had a lot to do with my bruising and sensitivity to the tapes I am guessing? The last two days were tough afterwards because I really can't stop life at this point. So I discovered the fine art of doubling up on the bras AND adding a tight tank top over top to make sure they stay put. Every little bump in the road is not my friend! Boy has this been a life saver with driving! I can't take pain killers during the day because I have to drive my kiddos all over the place everyday (I homeschool two of them) but my sister tries to help me get in at least two hours ever afternoon to get a nap and just get gravity off of these gals. At night once hubby is home I do take an Oxyvand go lay down. I am toast at that point. Now that the glue is gone I have added in Arnica cream for the bruising of course NOT on incision areas JUST on surrounding areas. Huge help!!! I will add some pics of the bruising. Glad to see it finally starting to fade. The breasts themselves really do look good and it's so nice to be in such a smaller size! Purchased my first dress last night!! Something I could never do before because I am a solid dress medium but my breasts were a solid XXL in the dress world! Ugh!

Must say today's appointment was a bit tough. Still in a great deal of pain on my right side and while I totally get that "the normal patient" is apparently feeling just fine and dandy (from what I keep getting told) by now it was a bit of a downer to hear the old "you just have to ride it out" and felt a bit dismissed. Like my pain is just something I shall have to live with and I can't help but fear "what if it never goes away". Perhaps I do need to just suck it up (not that it's really a choice) but I am so bummed that every single bump in the darn road or even walking has me still cringing in pain. I figure if I am still running the low grade fever I have for three weeks now come Monday I will just switch over to my regular doctor and do some blood work to confirm no infection and check my vitamin and thyroid (I only have half a thyroid) levels. Try to rule out any other issues that could be causing the healing process to be taking longer than "normal". Can't help but to know that this feels just like mastitis I had while nursing my babes (you don't forget that feeling). I have had three stitches pop out so far on my nipples (OUCH) and I think this is normal. So while still loving the new gals...the pain has me bummed and over it. I am completely, physically drained and just want to do nothing but sleep...which I ,of course, can't do between life and the pain. Here's to hoping week four brings some much needed pain relief and a healing turn around for my right breast. If not I won't be waiting around to find out why I am "not normal"....lol!