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CJ's Journey to BA

Stats:
Height: 5’7”
Weight: 108 – 112 lbs
Pre Bra Size: 32A…but always padded to a B…lol (love the fluid filled ones)
Post Bra Size: TBD….PS says full C…WOO HOO
Age: 51 yrs young
Breastfed 2 boys

My decision was easy, after nursing 2 boys, one of them for 18 months for his health, what little I had, became saggy skin and a nipple. I had often thought about having a BA, but in the real world raising 3 children, on my 2nd marriage it was out of the question. Well the baby graduated college 3 years ago. The toys started, we bought a new home, a big screen TV, and a new Harley. Now 3 years have past and I still had not brought up having a BA. I started talking to my best friend who had a BA 2 years prior. She was so supportive and encouraging so I approached my hubby with the idea, he said he had no opinion that he would love me no matter what my choice. I then emailed 2 PS’s; I got a response on day one from the one my girlfriend recommended. My concern was I have fybro cystic breast disease, I have scoliosis, I have pectus carinatum, and I herniated 4/5L disc in November 2005. So you can see my concern and apprehension in having this type of surgery. The PS said none of this would disqualify me from having the surgery but to be sure, please call and set up a free consult. I procrastinated for a week discussing with my husband further on the subject.

I found the breast implants 4 u site and read everything I could find. Looked at the journals and pictures, then I got the courage to join in on 1/22/06. I ask a question about dense tissue and cysts. I received the warmest welcome and Vicki was fabulous with her response. I continued to visit the site reading the posts, I almost felt like a stalker. I learned so much and since I didn’t have any answers to give, I would ask some of the questions I didn’t understand. I finally scheduled 2 consultations, the first PS gave me the creeps, and yes 1st impressions are not a good way to judge, but when it comes to a Dr. I think you have to be comfortable even on the 1st visit. The one I chose was fabulous, his only concern for me was size. I had very little tissue left, and with the pigeon chest (pectus carinatum) I wanted volume, not necessarily projection. I know this sounds crazy to most of those who read this, but I really wanted to disguise the disfigurement rather than be large breasted. I set up a date for the surgery.

My surgery was set for 3/10/06, I let the office know if anything came up sooner to call and I would take it. On my way home I thought wow, that is a long time to ponder this decision. I knew it was what I wanted, but I had already made my mind up and I didn’t want to wait. To make a long story short I received a call the very next morning telling me they had a cancelation on 2/10/06, (it is good to have a friend who knows the PS) but it would be a late afternoon surgery. Without thinking about it I said YES!!!

Now lets step into high gear here, I had to have a mammogram, an ultrasound, blood work, a Pre-op and shopping to do in less than 2 weeks. I did not have time to think about a thing, I checked into the forum and let everyone know my progress, what love and support I found. I began nesting just as if I was having a new child. I had sleepless nights, one that lasted 36 hours. Nerves and fear set in, my biggest worry was vomiting after surgery, and I have had bad experiences with anesthesia.

I thought my pre-op appointment would never get here! During this appointment I was able to try on the implant size I decided I wanted to go with 300cc's in each breast. My PS said he agreed but would fill them to 330 if possible. . I was a candidate for silicone but chose not to go this route due to allergies and other medical concerns. I was given two prescriptions, on for nausea and one for pain. My surgery would be with general anesthesia, under the muscle with crease incision. The day of the surgery I was to wear a top that buttoned up the front, comfortable bottoms, and nice fleece warm socks, my nurse said if I had nice warm PJ’S that would be great. There were so many do’s and don’ts to list, I am thankful they gave me a handout, because I was so excited I would have never remembered everything. My surgery included all post op visits for life, a surgical bra, and other perks I was unaware of, I received a free facial for Valentines Day.

The anesthesiologist called me the night before surgery to discuss any concerns I had. The PS only doe’s surgery 3 days a week and each time I was there she was not. She was great and told me to bring the meds and not to eat or drink anything after 5:00AM…

The day of Surgery is here and 3:00 PM is a long time away! I am having a hard time with the no eating and no drinking part, I eat at least 5 times a day and always have a tall glass of water on hand. I received a call saying to call the office at 12:30PM and I would probably be able to come earlier, the surgery prior to mine was going great (my lord was with me). On the drive I was really nervous, I told my husband to drive safe because I didn’t want to be caught in public in “Lucy” pajamas and slippers. I arrived at the office at 1:30PM. I awoke from surgery at 3:35PM, it was weird I cried about 3 tears, realized where I was, the anesthesiologist looked up and replied “that is the biggest grin I have ever seen after this type of surgery”. She made me feel great, I have a theory that was fully supported here, women who support and uplift other women are the best! My PS actually laughed, and said everything went very well. They brought my hubby in who was obviously very nervous when he saw my grin he actually shed a tear and kissed my forehead. I asked how I had gotten from the surgery table to the recliner. The scrub nurse said I did exactly what they told me to and got in by myself. My husband, who had since relaxed, asked if they made me dance or cluck like a chicken too. The whole room broke out in laughter. A comment was made about my blood pressure needing to come up before I could leave and I popped in with, “I guess you will have to keep me my blood pressure will not be any higher”. The PS said she is right her pressure is very low to begin with.

It is 4:40PM, I am on my way home…guess who I called. Yes, I called my girlfriend and this day being her birthday, I sang as loud as I could and told her all went well. Her comment was “ I cannot believe you feel well enough to call me, let alone sing Happy Birthday”. I must say I was on a cloud, part of that was probably meds, but I know most of it was just relief. I had finally done something I had wanted to do for 28 years. When I got home I called my family and let them know all was well. They were all shocked that I did the calling and so soon after surgery. I posted that evening to let everyone know I was fine. The vicodin is another story, I took my first pill at 6:00PM, what a trip, my mind was all over the place. I ate and ate and ate, I couldn’t seem to get enough food and water. I am one of the lucky ones I needed no help walking or getting up, this is probably due to all the pilates and treadmilling I have done to help with the disc. I did not go to sleep until 12:30AM.

Day 1: I awoke at 3:30AM, WOW something very heavy is sitting on my chest and the pressure is intense. I ate so I could take another Vicodin, well I rested but did not sleep again until noon and then only 2 hours. Wow, boobs heavy, again not painful per se but uncomfortable. Take note, I have to sleep on 4 pillows on my back because of pressure, that is part of the reason my sleeping periods are so short. I am taking the vicodin as prescribed every 4 hours for at least the first 24-hour period. I am eating again…lol…maybe I will gain some weight during this recovery period. I showered applied triple antibiotic, Vaselined the twins, and applied the gauze, per PS instructions. This day has not been hard at all. I do sleep often but for short periods.

Day 2: Here it is again “Morning Boobs” OUCH!!! Today I have more discomfort than yesterday. A bruise appeared I did not have yesterday. I am so hungry and so wired. Hung out with hubby watched shows we had taped throughout the week. I am so fortunate to have him to help, I feel pretty helpless not being able to move my arms away from my sides. I am still taking the vicodin but am letting 6 hours pass between dosages, I don't really feel pain, just pressure. Sleeping periods are still short but again I do not feel tired. The daily showers are well worth the effort!

Day 3: Morning Boob is worse today, asked hubby if they looked more swollen and his response was they look just great. I had my first post op today and my girlfriend took me. The PS said everything is going as expected and to go get a sports bra wearing it only when washing the surgical bra. I had no idea how to buy a sports bra, thanks to my girlfriend who had gone through this 2 years ago, she drove straight to Wal-Mart and chose the same one she wore. I have the best support system with her, my hubby and the YTF girls. Well, the sports bra was another story...I wore it for a total of 4 hours while the surgical bra was air drying....more swelling and pressure from it so I got out the blow dryer and finished drying the surgical bra. Still having to rest often, sleep is still elusive for any amount of time. This is the last day I will take pain pills, if my body feels fine without them I am done….

Day 4: Morning Boob again. Snow on the ground outside, wish I could go out and play. YTF to the rescue again…They are assuring me this morning boob will lessen soon. Just wish I could wear something special for the hubby tonight, but with having to wear this surgical bra, I cannot think of a thing with buttons down the front that would look sexy…Hubby brought dinner home tonight, he is such a supportive person. This is the first day with no pain meds, I feel better without them. I have a mild headache due to stopping the pain pills. Sleep is still in short and nap-like.

Day 5: Morning boob again and I have more bruising? Down the cleavage line it is all green with a half dollar size bruise below the bra line, bruising on both armpit sides, not sure if this is normal? Wow off to YTF site, everyone is so supportive, I am told this is normal, WHEW! I am not so groggy, wired, or swollen and there is no pain, just pressure. Fell asleep for an hour sitting up, this is a first ever for me, I knew these short sleep hours would catch up to me. I have a mild headache again due to stopping the pain pills.

Day 6: Morning boob not as bad this morning. But I am feeling Yucky, stomach ache, headache, bloating, getting hot then cold, feel like everything is going to pop. Still sleeping in short periods. Off to the YTF site again…Thanks everyone for all your knowledge….And I called the PS, I am taking Milk of Magnesia and Tylenol PM tonight, will let you know tomorrow if it helps…

Day 7: Much better this morning, the milk of magnesia worked, I got 6 hours of sleep and the swelling is much less. Got my new siggy today, Bailey is super. Feel the need to continue typing this and get it submitted. (I am hand writing in a journal and transferring it to the laptop) I would also like to get pre and post op pictures up. I will stop here and make a wish list of things I found I could have used during this week of adventure.

Things I wish I would have thought of or purchased for this week!

A bed table, for journaling, and the laptop.
I bought Jell-O, applesauce, ensure, pudding, etc. but once I was alone I could not open them. I used a knife to cut off the tops, the ensure was another issue, I had my hubby open the lid at night for the next day.
I had childproof tops on the medications, again what a pain, ask the pharmacy for regular lids, I had to have the lids loosened for me and I spilled the pills twice.
Liquid hair remover, you cannot shave your armpits, no lifting of the arms.
A great hat, husband does not do well with the hair…lol
Week 2: Noticed the “morning boobs” is much better, less swelling and less pressure. I am still sleeping just short periods but I know it is all positioning due to my back problems and having to be in one position all night. I saw the PS on day 11. He told me I was healing well and I could start treadmilling, vacuuming using both hands on the vacuum at all times, and to start massaging 4 ways 4 times a day. He also gave me a 30$ gift certificate for VS but said I could not buy a bra with it yet. That is teasing…Day 12 I treadmilled 1 mile, I vacuumed the upstairs, and I massaged the 4 times. Day 13 I was right back to day 1, swelling was outrageous, pain was back, pec muscles were spasming, I called the PS and he wanted me in his office. Went to see him, he said I did no harm to the implants but I had set my healing back a bit and he gave me a strap because the left implant was so much higher and swollen than the right. I am lying low again and need to find a way to spend all this energy.

Week 3: Because of all the swelling last week, I am again experiencing severe “morning boob” but I also have a lot of swelling at night. This surgery bra is driving me crazy, it is not natural to have to wear a bra 24/7, sometimes I take it off and relax for about 30 minutes, I need the rest. This week I can honestly say I have experienced depression. I know it is from the overdoing last week, but I thought of going in and having them taken out. I just want my normal life back, I told my hubby this and he said you are just feeling trapped. He knows me so well, he pointed out that whenever I get sick by the third day I am a raving lunatic if I cannot be busy. He said he was surprised I had been okay with it this long. I just kept thinking long term until this week, now I can’t see past the day. I have not posted much and am missing the girls on the board, I just do not want to be on there and be whiny or depressed (this is not me). I actually had a revelation this week also…my posture is terrible, I know part of this is the scoliosis, but the other is hiding the old “no boobs” I am trying to throw back the shoulders when I am sitting and standing. I wonder if I am the only one who did this? I am very anxious for changes in the pressure and hardness; I know that will come in time.

CJ