Breast Reduction and Lift with Tummy Tuck - Winnipeg, MB

Thank you so much Kate! That really puts my mind at ease. I suffer from anxeity and was worried about being too anxious the morning of surgery and having a freak out. But reading what you said puts my mind a bit more at ease. I have a question, I have two kids (1 and 5) and they will be gone for the first week after surgery to give me time to recoup. Any advice for when they come home? Is a week enough time for me to gain some movement so I don't freak them out when the come home? And also, pain meds, what would you rate the pain without meds and with meds? I have never really been on anything very strong and I am extremely nervous they won't help with the pain. Thank you!!! ❤️

If you have help with the kids (picking them up and running with the wild) it's okay for them to come home after a week but you will need help 24/7 if not and they're in a good place AKA grandmas place ;) then I'd leave them there for at least two weeks and they can come and visit you. I only say that because your little one will want to be picked up and will NEED to be picked up. Your 5 year old will be lots of help I'm sure but again any sudden movements will cause pain. Now don't let that freak you out because I'm talking jolting or feeling the need to rush to someone's aid. You are going to walk around like mr tudball from the carol durnette show....if you're unfamiliar with who that is I just made myself sound REALLY old :? The pain meds aren't mind blowing....they calm the pain but don't get rid of it completely and I think that's better because then you always know you limit. I was prescribed 80 pills and didn't even come close to finishing them. The first four days are hard, sitting up you'll need someone to help you and lying down again. For the next few days pay attention to how much you really use your abs.....it a lot so any time you need them you'll need help. Again get a chair for the shower it will save your back!!! The pain is really only there when you use your abs....again laughing is cruel and unusual punishment so avoid all funny stuff....keep a pillow close for coughing and or sneezing. It's not UNBELIEVABLE pain it just hurts. You can't pick up anything 10 lbs or over for at least ten weeks so with your little one you'll have to sit down and she/he can climb up onto you for cuddles....again after the recommended time from the dr....id say at least two to three weeks. You're spending a lot of money on yourself and I wouldn't want you to hurt yourself. You're fragile for 8-10 weeks. I hope I covered everything for you and if not just t me know....I'm always here for you :)

Sending love from Vancouver Kate

Oooooo the binder will be good if you have to cough and start taking softeners right when you get home.....when the time comes bring a pillow to hold tight when you have to go.....personal??? Too much???? Well when the time comes you're going to think of me and say THANKS Kate!!!! And aren't I the lucky one :? Lol

Hello Danielle! Nerves are completely normal. I tried to fight them but honestly, If your not nervous your not human lol. I can tell you Dr.Lockwood and his entire surgery team were amazing! I was so nervous and the first surgery of the day. I went at 6:30am and walked in crying. Once I got changed and Dr Lockwood came in to draw my lines he completed put me at ease. He was so gracious. It's not a fun experience standing naked in front of someone as they pull at your flaws and draw lines all over your body. But he even told me a story about when he had a surgery and felt the same way. The anesithioligist (sp?) was amazing as well. He told me how many surgeries he had done and all the precautions they take to keep us safe. Once I walked into the operating room they told jokes, laughed and Dr Lockwood held my hand as a nurse rubbed my leg and another nurse held my other hand. I'm sure they could see the complete fear in my eyes as they started putting me to sleep, but Dr Lockwood looked me in the eyes and never looked away until I fell asleep. I woke up in a beautiful, warm and comfortable recovery room. As I feared, I was nauseaus. But I told the nurse and she immediately put some meds in my IV and I was instantly better. Every time I woke up I was a bit confused and she held my hand, rubbed my head and helped me breathe through everything. Even when she took me to the washroom she was sweet enough to turn the water on for me to help me pee lol.
Like I said, nerves are completely Normal. I am now 10 days out and each day is getting easier. The first few days are frustrating. But stay ahead on your meds (even when your having a good sleep and don't want to wake up to take them). They really do make everything bareable. Im not sure if ice packs are good or not but I found them to be a life saver on my tummy!
Any other questions feel free to message me. I met someone on here who really helped me before surgery and during recovery. So having support is key! I'm here anytime!

Thank you so much, I am definitely trying To prepare a bit from what people are saying. I will be staying with a friend for six days before I fly home and my mom will be with me the entire time. I really worried about what it will feel like and I'm praying I will be able to fly home on time. What items were helpful that you think I definitely should have ? I know the basics but things you wish someone would have told you about...someone memtioned having a ten pound bag of bird seed to lay across as compression?! I'm just praying for a smooth recovery and to not get constipated lol

I think by day 6 you should be fine. Especially with a shorter flight. It will be uncomfortable but doable! Good "spanx" are a must. And I actually found the brand name ones to be the hardest to put on. So I would start with some cheaper ones. And buy then a size or two larger than you would normal wear to begin with. Swelling is crazy. A must have for me was a stool for the shower. Even on day 10 my husband is still helping me in and out of the shower (maybe we are to cautious lol) and I sit on a stool and let the hot water poor over me! Amazing! Another is an abundance of pillows. I find it much more comfortable to sleep with my legs propped up. Does your friend have a recliner? Much easier to sleep in than bed. Getting out of bed is really really not doable for 3-4 days. Also, coughing is not fun. So make sure if you feel a cough coming out to try and clear your throat before you have the urge to cough. Weird, I know, but I wish I would have had a heads up on that. I didn't have any trouble with constipation! I took 2 stool softener a after surgery and every morning following and by day 4 I had a easy BM (tmi? Lol) you will do great! Have a lot of gauze and non stick pads and tape for your dressings! Very happy to hear your mom will be with you - that always makes things so much easier. I lost mom three years ago when I was 27 and I wish I could have had her here for this. Moms just know how to make things better. Thankfully my husband and father were amazing through it all. Just think, soon it will be all over on you will be on your way to feeling amazing!!! ❤️