8 months later ????
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29 Dec 2016
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8 months post
Hi Everyone: I'm now 8 months post surgery. I have to say I'm pain free from my surgery, and I've heeled very well. Still see scars, but my doctor provides me with scar med which I put on most of the times that I do remember after my shower. I was lucky that I had enough of my own breast to fill a B cup. I'm now a 34B, and I weigh between 119lbs - 120lbs at my highest. I love how my breast look, and how I look in clothes. I went from wearing large size tops to a size small. It took me a while to realize I can fit into a size small!! I purchased some bras after my surgery that were pretty, and realized that after the breast swelling goes down, at about 3 months after surgery, that I went from a C cup down to a final B cup. I had purchased quite of bit of pretty bras which I barely can fill them in now. .. C to B. So when I want to wear them I just insert the little bra inserts. I always remove them from my bras, but I can easily insert them in. I had my bras when I was a 34B back a long time ago, when I was 95 lbs, with implants!! They are like brand new, so I now can wear those also. Very pretty, lacy, and I can fit in them. I've donated my large size sweaters, blouses, and dresses that I can no longer wear as they are too large for me. I'm happy with my new look, feel younger, and look younger. I don't look matronly any longer. It's strange as I came across a photo taken of me this past January 2016 having lunch with a friend, and I looked like a muscle builder with big biceps, and a too small of a blouse for my big breasts!! I was shocked!! I looked so big sitting next to my friend! It's great having small breasts now, and not having to carry all that weight on my shoulders, and my poor back!! I'm just so proud of myself when I look in the mirror. This entire journey was well worth it!! One thing that I'm not happy about is the scar around the aerola. It's lighter than I'd like it to be, as in lighter than my aerola which is also light, but the scar is lighter. I've had this funny thought of tattooing it!! But, not sure if that is done. Anyhow, it's no biggie and I do love my breasts, and my new look. We just purchased a rowing machine for our home gym, and a low impact bike, and I plan to loose a few pounds, and get in better shape and fit. It's amazing what 8 months can do. Recovery has been great, and being able to lay on my stomach and not have the pain of my heavy breasts is just great in itself. For those of you who do make the decision to remove your implants, just know that each person is a different case in itself. but for me it was the best decision. My doctor has been great, and I'm 100 percent satisfied with my decision. If I had to do it over again, I'd do it in a heartbeat ????
Explant, and lift surgery done. I am now on the other side
Hello beautiful ladies: So sorry it took me till today to write. My breast explant, and lift surgery are all done. I am now on the other side. Surgery was on April 25, 2016. Just as I closed my eyes in what seemed lik one second, I was waking up from the general anesthesia. The first thing I did was look down on my chest, to make sure I was not in a dream. I said, "Thank you God for leading me on the path to a healthier me, and for being there for me." As the nurse helped me sit up, I asked to go to the restroom. She helped me take small steps, as I was slowly took steps. They had put a surgical bra on me, a compression band, and my sweatshirt. I peaked in the restroom, and it looked like I had enough breast tissue left. I thought to myself...well, I just had surgery, and I'm swollen so don't assume anything. Just be happy the implants are gone. I wanted to see my hubby, and daughter, and give out a cry. I could hear my inside self wanting to let out a whimper. It's like a big relief, that wanted to escape my throat, and cry out!! I reared up when I saw my family. The rest was a little blurry, as I wanted to get in the car, and be home. We drove home, which was less than a 15 minute drive. I was helped into more comfy clothes, and started on my Tylenol extra- strength. I did not need to take the antibiotic Keflex that day, as they had given me some while in surgery. My surgery started about 8 a.m. I was his first surgery, and I knew it was going to be at least 3 hrs. I was so happy with my PS, and I had confidence and trust in him. He did everything we discussed, and some. He had a tougher time than he thought he'd have with the capsule of my left breast.. My implants were textured silicone with saline..which he said surprised him... Due to paperwork I'd given him on the implants. I'll get more info on my second post op, which is on Tuesday. Sorry, I seem to be bouncing around. I'm trying to write what I can remember, as I type. My implants were big, but due to gained weight, I had plenty of my own breast tissue now. He got everything out, and removed some of my own breast tissue, which was sent to pathology. He did the Mastopexy, and was happy with the outcome. When I returned the next day for my first post-op, I was excited. His assistant removed my compression band, and bra. I saw my reflection in the mirror. My daughter, and I exclaimed at the same time...Oh my God!!! It was a beautiful site! They were small, and my very own natural breasts. They were no longer looking south, and so big..and painful. They were where they deserved to be all these years. Now, I promised I would never hurt them again. The assistant said, you now have what you wanted..and we all hugged. A few minutes my PS walked him, and you could see he was happy also. We discussed the surgery, pathology, breast care, showers, not overdoing it, taking my meds, pain management, nausea, wearing surgical bra, my next appointment, and any questions, and concerns I had. Always, making sure that I could reach them at any time, day or night. I did tell him I loved my new look. The day I got home from surgery, I was sick to my stomach with nausea. Even though I was drinking water, my body did not like the anesthesia. By the next morning it was over. Then it was time to start my anti-biopics, and continue with my Tylenol for the pain, and discomfort that I was in.. Couldn't find a comfortable spot on the bed nor recliner. I did not get a any sleep, and was at my post op at 9 am the following morning. Once, I got home with my daughter from post op, I finally fell into a deep sleep. Once, I woke up, I took my first shower. I did have the steri strips on for the stitches, but PS said no problem to wet them. I never got drains, so did not have to worry about that. The shower felt great. I put back the bra, and also some surgical pads I cut up, as the PS said the stitches in the cup area of the bra may cause some discomfort on my breast, so he said to add surgical pad if I wanted to...so I did. The rest of the days have been long. Some in more pain than others. Yesterday, I finally felt the best of all the days prior. I walked without hunching, and I was not having bra fog. As far as some things that I have noticed..... My facial skin looks smooth, and non yellowish, as it had for at least 6 years. It's almost like my natural complexion skin tone has come out of hiding. Itching that I had in different areas of my body, where I'd need to take allergy meds...well, it has not shone up since the day of surgery. My arms, fingers, feet, toes, tingling needle pokie pain - that's just about 80 % disappeared. My right shoulder pain is there, but very mild. My left side lower hip, and back pain are still there, but about 75 % less pronounced. The burning pains on the sides of my breast are gone. My legs no longer feel like I'm dragging rocks, as I go up the stair of our house to get to the bedrooms, That heaviness is gone. My tummy is slightly swollen, but that I believe is due to the meds, and my prescription meds I take on a daily basis. Some I may not need in the very near future. My primary physician, and I will discuss it. I now weight 119 lbs, almost of about 7 pounds as of about 2 months ago, and 2 lbs as of the surgery date. I think the 2 lbs had to do with the breast implant, and my breast tissue....lol. I probably will end up loosing 2 more lbs, and then I will have reached a healthy weight my my small frame, and 5'1"" height. My new breast are a great fit for me, and my body frame. Yes, I look like I've lost a lot of weight, on my upper body. No longer matronly looking. Even my arms, neck, face, and shoulders look smaller. My band under my breast is still 31 1/2, and the measurement on my mid-breasts is 37! I was shocked, as my breasts look so tiny, and they are. The difference is, that my breasts before Explant were higher on my chest, and were also very big, and they also had started going south, so when I packed them..lol.. into my bra, they then because huge. So I was like a 34 E or F depending on the bra style. It was killing my back, arms, shoulders, etc. The weight of my breast were also quite heavy. Once, I no longer have my steri- strips, I will try many of my smaller clothes that I saved. I let the girls out of the surgical bra for a few hrs each day, for some adventure..ha ha. They deserve it. Then we take a shower, and back to bed they go..lol. I requested photos of my surgery, implants, and capsule on my last appointment before surgery. My PS said he always takes photos, and I will get copies, once the photos are developed. He will also give me a copy of the surgical report, the pathology report, and anything else that pertains to my surgery.. Plus my blood lab results. He doesn't want me putting any cream for now, until my sutures are all gone. My chest feels very tight, but not as tight as day one post Explant. My breasts have softened since my surgery, and are warm to the touch. Not cold like when my implants were in. My nipples harden when I touch them, but not all the feeling is there yet. May or may not come back. It's not an issue for me. Hubby loves the new boobies btw. Oh, I almost forgot. I used to get strong under arm odor for the last four years, and I had to use men's deodorant which helped a lot. As of Explant I have not odor, and I'm back to my sweet smelling self. I really like perfumes, and lotions, but I couldn't figure out what caused my under arms to sweat that much, and it was just a strange odor. I was always triple protecting my under arms from being exposed to someone else's nostrils! The last thing that I will mention that I've noticed is a calmness that has enveloped me. It's quite surreal. I feel that things just don't seem to stress me, or bring me to a quick upscale surge or mood. Now, just a little warning..these things can all come back, or never show their face again, but the most important thing to know is that your are free of these toxic implants. I will continue to post, and soon put up photos. I will also put my PS info as soon as I have my one month post op. Wish me luck in my second post op appointment. Remember, we are all beautiful, and we are all Princesses. My sincere love, hugs and kisses to all my Real Self sisters. See you in the other site, with the Fluff Fairy and her wand!!!
Can't wait to have them out. I'm in so much pain....
Can't wait to have them out. I'm in so much pain..neck, shoulders, arms, hands, back, chest, and burning pain in my breasts. I'm hoping this surgery gets me on the right track, and my pains subside. My cost includes everything, including surgery facility, anesthesia, pre-op tests, meds, compression, bra, post op exams, and cream. I already picked up my meds. I have to start taking the antibiotic on Sunday. My surgery is on April 25, 2016 which is this coming Monday. I'm so nervous, but I'm comfortable with the PS. Answered all my questions, and concerns. They are also removing the capsules. I will also be having an inverted T breast lift during the surgery. It is. 3 1/2 - 4 hr surgery. It will be outpatient. General anesthesia..of course :-). I'm all set at home in regards to where all my immediate necessary items will be during my recovery. I may sleep on my bed propped up, or on my recliner. I'm cooking some meals this weekend to freeze, so that hubby, our daughter, & I can eat. Also plan on having healthy smoothies made at home. I have a separate shower that has a seat, so it will help with showering, and washing on the first couple days. I see the PS the following day, for my post surgery exam. Then again 2 weeks after. I asked about drains, and he said no drains. That could change. I've got music, movies, and books on my iPad. Plus I can watch Netfix, YouTube, etc on my tv. I will try to move around as much as I can. Our home has two floors, so I will climb stairs also, depending on my pain level. I've gone thru the pre, and post op lists, and think I've just got a couple of thing to get, and I'm all set. The PS said I might be a size B. I was a size A when I had my first surgery. Then they had to be removed due to both Silicone Implants rupturing in 1998. Fast forward to now, and I've gained 30 pounds, but lost about 6 1/2 so far since 2 months. I'm a 34 size F now due to having gained weight. When I got my second set of implants, I was a nice 34 C for my 5'1" and 95 pound body shape. The PS said I have enough breast of my own to at least be a size B. I think I've covered everything so far. Oh I have to arrive at 7:30 am for surgery. My daughter, and hubby will be there. Yesterday, was a bad day for me..my nerves were a mess. I had tummy aches, headaches, and the big D..yikes. I thought...oh please don't let me get sick now!! By this evening I've got a little cough from the dry hot weather we're having. Can't take vitamins or ibuprofen till after surgery, so I have to suck it up. Excuse any misspelled words,,they're not my fault, but my iPads autocorrect!! Yep, I'm blaming it on my iPad..lol. OK sisters, I'll soon be on the other side. Hugs SophiaR