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BRACHIOPLASTY: One Year Later
Thursday marked one year since having the skin on my arms removed. I made a point of not comparing my arms to how they were for the last year, because I needed to see a distinct difference, and boy, did I!
Recovery went well. I still have some things that irritate me, but I don't complain. I still get tingles from armpit to fingertips on occasion, always when I put on deodorant. And my fingers don't handle the cold so well anymore. I don't in general actually, so I just wonder if that's because I have less padding on my body. I have some swelling in my left arm, but not in my right. The scar fade is better in the right, but not in the left, and I can raise my left arm higher up my back than I can my right.
I am in the maintenance mode of my lifestyle change now. Not looking to lose too much more weight. I currently weigh about 145, putting total weight loss at 206 pounds. I am 5'8 and large boned.
Life is good, I have some interesting projects in the works....things way out of my comfort zone. But I'm finally living life. Almost 40, and I'm finally alive! I'm so thankful for having the strength to do this, the family who supported me, and the fortune of finding Dr. Wanzel.
Recovery went well. I still have some things that irritate me, but I don't complain. I still get tingles from armpit to fingertips on occasion, always when I put on deodorant. And my fingers don't handle the cold so well anymore. I don't in general actually, so I just wonder if that's because I have less padding on my body. I have some swelling in my left arm, but not in my right. The scar fade is better in the right, but not in the left, and I can raise my left arm higher up my back than I can my right.
I am in the maintenance mode of my lifestyle change now. Not looking to lose too much more weight. I currently weigh about 145, putting total weight loss at 206 pounds. I am 5'8 and large boned.
Life is good, I have some interesting projects in the works....things way out of my comfort zone. But I'm finally living life. Almost 40, and I'm finally alive! I'm so thankful for having the strength to do this, the family who supported me, and the fortune of finding Dr. Wanzel.
13 weeks post op
Thirteen weeks post op. Overdue update on the arms, requested by many. Sorry. :(
The epic swelling remains in the left arm, which I believe was done by the student doctor. I also have new swelling in both armpits. You can see it in the pictures. Also on the left arm, down near the elbow I continue to have problems with, I think, a stitch. Very sore spot.
No more forearm pain, that went away in both arms a couple of weeks ago, so about ten weeks post op. I do still have pain on touch in both upper arms and along the scar line especially. I also have new pins and needles type pain all along the scar line. It's random and grabs my attention when it happens.
I am still frequently checking for openings, ripping, blood, because the pain I feel sometimes make me think something grody is going on.
I am training (cardio) like crazy for this marathon in November. Also lifting every other day, we are gradually increasing weight as my pain levels allow.
Even with all the fear and discomfort, I'd do this one over and over again if I have to. I just wish my armpit skin wasn't so crepe-like and he could have removed more in that area.
PS: that mother in my armpit started draining and settled down on it's own. It was vile. Lol.
The epic swelling remains in the left arm, which I believe was done by the student doctor. I also have new swelling in both armpits. You can see it in the pictures. Also on the left arm, down near the elbow I continue to have problems with, I think, a stitch. Very sore spot.
No more forearm pain, that went away in both arms a couple of weeks ago, so about ten weeks post op. I do still have pain on touch in both upper arms and along the scar line especially. I also have new pins and needles type pain all along the scar line. It's random and grabs my attention when it happens.
I am still frequently checking for openings, ripping, blood, because the pain I feel sometimes make me think something grody is going on.
I am training (cardio) like crazy for this marathon in November. Also lifting every other day, we are gradually increasing weight as my pain levels allow.
Even with all the fear and discomfort, I'd do this one over and over again if I have to. I just wish my armpit skin wasn't so crepe-like and he could have removed more in that area.
PS: that mother in my armpit started draining and settled down on it's own. It was vile. Lol.
Uh oh
Figures I have no issues until I see Dr. Wanzel on Monday and he says "see you in four months"
Left armpit, right at the end of my scar, I have a huge, hard, painful lump. I know about the pimple like bumps that resolve themselves, but I never had one this big or painful with the other surgeries. And this is less like a pimple and more like a boil. A big boil. As in it probably has it's own digestive and circulatory system. I think it waved at me.
I've attached pics so you all can laugh at the drama queen within me. Maybe this just seems huge to me because it looks like it's breathing, when in reality (which I am rarely in touch with) it's just a teeny nuisance.
Left armpit, right at the end of my scar, I have a huge, hard, painful lump. I know about the pimple like bumps that resolve themselves, but I never had one this big or painful with the other surgeries. And this is less like a pimple and more like a boil. A big boil. As in it probably has it's own digestive and circulatory system. I think it waved at me.
I've attached pics so you all can laugh at the drama queen within me. Maybe this just seems huge to me because it looks like it's breathing, when in reality (which I am rarely in touch with) it's just a teeny nuisance.
Provider Review
Dr. Wanzel is an amazing and talented surgeon. He takes pride in his work and does not make promises he isn't sure he can keep. I think it works well that I don't seek perfection (though his work is pretty perfect) and he doesn't want his patients to look unnatural. He explains everything thoroughly, right down to the little things that can be expected. I am so happy I chose him to do my surgeries. Helen is also wonderful. She is very friendly and helpful with returning phone calls and emails.