Two 30+ Year Old Implants Removed Yesterday; Four Hour Surgery! - Santa Cruz, CA
I had double lumen implants; the saline ruptured a...
I had double lumen implants; the saline ruptured a few years ago and I opted not to do surgery then. But then the inner silicone bags ruptured (had an MRI) and they needed to come out. I'd had them for over 30 years! Yesterday (Friday, May 25, 2012) was my four hour surgery (it was supposed to be a two hour, but I guess there was a real mess in there). I am just now beginning to feel among the land of the living. I haven't taken off the hospital compression bra, but have taken a peek and am distressed to see what would flop down if the bra were off. I'm hoping the fluffy fairies visit me over the next several months.
I was very glad that my insurance company decided to cover the cost, and know that I am lucky.
It is now Day Four after surgery; I'm hoping to be...
I'm feeling confused about compression bras. I'm wearing a sports bra (couldn't stand the compression bra the hospital put on me, which was making my rash worse; I must have a latex allergy) but my doctor told me that I did not have to wear a bra at all (? was anyone else told this? pros/cons? Did someone NOT wear a compression bra and things came out okay?)
For the first time last night, I cried in my husband's arms for the loss of fullness in my breasts (the area above my nipples is collapsed; my breasts look sweet other than that). I am so hoping that the fluffies visit me in the next few months, although my implants were placed through the aerola and on top of the chest wall, which I understand makes it less likely that the Fluff Fairies will visit me. If anyone else has had that experience and the Fluff Fairies DID visit them, oh my gosh, please, please let me know!
My husband has not seen my breasts, but has seen the flattened shape in the bra. I told him that day and night I will need to be wearing a compression bra for 6 weeks, so that is buying me some time. He loves me no matter what, and I feel so lucky (a) that I have him and he really loves me and (b) that I don't have breast cancer (like my older sister does), so I'm kicking myself for any "sorry for myself" stuff that comes up. How did others handle timing, etc. for their partners, especially those who didn't have a regular shaped breast afterwards? It's a bit hard for me right now taking this time off work, as my husband has been unemployed 5 months. I need to get back to work (I have a career helping others with their emotional stuff!!) Maybe that's a good thing that I don't have time to sit and feel sorry for myself!!
Any and all input, experience and advice will be very much appreciated!
Lastly, what bras have others found that work for them (cotton, comfortable)? I live in California.
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