49 Y/o Nonsmoker. DDD to C. Be Careful and PLAN for Recovery!!!!! - Savannah, GA

I'll spare my history, as it's very similar to most on here. The main reason I'm posting is because I made a calculation mistake that I hope others don't make. My surgery went great, my doctor was wonderful, my breast are gorgeous, but my recovery time has been MUCH rougher than anticipated. I am 4 1/2 weeks post op and only back to work 2 days per week. I anticipate this will be my schedule for another month. I had planned on taking off a week as recommended, but was out of work 3 1/2 weeks. Note I have a long commute, (car rides are NOT forgiving of breast reductions) which is a factor. Still very swollen, incisions are clean but have a strong "burning" feeling still and continued sharp pains. My doctor says this is normal, and is just healing taking its course. Still on occasional pain meds. Lower back pain from having to sleep on my back is insane. Happily, though, the headaches and shoulder pain I had pre-surgery vanished the day after my operation!

The moral of my story is to hope for the best, but be prepared both financially and lifestyle wise (i.e., kids, pets, housework, work commitments, travel, etc) if, for whatever reason, recovery goes longer than expected. I am glad I had the surgery, I think the ultimate results will be wonderful, but wish I would've had a clearer understanding of just how rough this recovery process might be.

5 weeks post op and I feel like a beached whale. Don't know if it's swelling, laying around, or what, but I am huge. None of my clothes fit anymore, it's depressing. My boobs are the only thing on me that look great. Beginning to wonder if it was worth it. Has anyone else experienced anything similar this far out after surgery?

Doing better, I finally had to deal with the reality that my diet and lack of activity have been contributing to my swollen midsection more than I thought. Trying to drink more water, move more and eat better, which is helping.

The breasts are gorgeous...still swollen and sharp pains but managing with Advil. Can now lie on my side for 5-10 minutes at a time, which is exhilarating!