Well, the time is getting closer and I find myself less consumed by the surgery. I spoke to the receptionist at my PS's office, and she told me that I was getting 400 grams off the left and 500 off the left. I am scheduled to go down to a B - small C. I really hope it is a small B. I will be talking to the surgeon soon. The receptionist was so amazing to talk to. She assured me that everything would go well. She was very chatty and willing to answer any questions. I also found out today that I will be getting a Lift as well as the reduction, which is kind of hilarious. Apparently the PS does it as an extra-special treat. Have I mentioned that this will be covered?
So, some things I would like to clear up. I have been waiting for this surgery for almost three years now. During that time, people have tried to talk me out of it. The thing is this, if I did not feel that this was my only option left, I would not do it. The last thing I want to do is put my body through major surgery. I have been considering the surgery for a decade now. I researched for a long time before consulting with my family doctor. People have made suggestions to me, and although they are just well wishers, I am tired of justifying what I am doing.
Some of the suggestions with my responses:
1)Why don't you just exercise?
I am very fit. I do exercise, I actually have a lot of muscle mass. I have very large pectoral muscles under my breasts. I have tried the exercise route for years. Does not work.
2) Why not just get a better bra?
Well, I am tired of wearing underwire for 12-18 hours a day, and it gets expensive. I am also tired of having to sleep in a bra. As well as find a bra-bathing costume. I am sick of having to wear a bra.
3) Why don't you diet?
Cause I am not fat. And even if I were, does that mean that I have to suffer?
This is the thing. I am in a lot of pain most of the time. Sometimes, the pain is so much I can hardly breathe. I have to sleep with a pillow supporting my chest, otherwise my ribcage caves in slightly and I spend hours trying to crack it open. My shoulders have indents in them. I have scars underneath my boobs. I have permanent sore muscles in my shoulders, I hunch, my arms go numb if I wear a bra for too long. Every time I breathe deeply my back cracks, right between my shoulder blades. I am uncomfortable, in pain, and unable to ride my bike 3-4 days each month.
Although I am not really that large, my breast are very heavy. I have gotten to a point in my life where I can accept the way I look, I am just tired of the pain and frustration of having to support the girls any longer.
Besides, wearing underwire bras isn't a healthy option.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Gearing up. -or- 7 days pre-op.
I went to my pre-operative appointment today. It was basically for blood work and discussing surgery expectations with the head OR nurse.
Last evening I could not sleep at all. I was afraid to take any sort of thing for it even though it is all homeopathic in nature. I am amazed now at the things I was afraid of before my appointment.
I read somewhere that garlic would thin my blood, and so it is to be avoided 1-2 weeks prior to surgery. This was a tad distressing as I eat at least 3-4 fair sized cloves a day. When I asked the nurse, she informed me that it was okay to eat it, just stay away from the garlic pills. I have decided to cut back regardless.
I have also cut back on my coffee intake. I had (painfully) stopped for a couple of days, but the nurse confirmed for me today that it would not be hazourdous to drink coffee.
Before going to the hospital today, I was extremely anxious. One of my concerns is getting down to an acceptable size. When I talked to my plastic surgeon (ps), he told me that he would make me a size that fit my body. I want to go smaller than that. I am not concerned with my size being proportionate to my body. And I do not mind it anything looks odd in the end. As long as it isn't noticeable under a t-shirt. As long as it does not draw attention when I am clothed. I am fortunate in that aspect because I am immersed in such a supportive community in that sense.
When I went to check in, the admitting nurse told me that my PS would not be there. I went into a small panic. This was later resolved when the Head Nurse assured me that my PS would come to talk to me the morning of the surgery, and that we would discuss sizing. She also told me that he is the best in the Maritimes, and that is the third time I have heard that. I can also call the office if I need more reassurance. I have been waiting for 2 1/2 years for this appointment, but I am very willing to walk out if I can not go small enough.
If this is the case, I can always go back to Ontario where the waiting list is apparently a lot shorter.
Anyways, after talking to the HN for an hour, I felt much more confident. She was funny and she told me she would more than likely be on the floor with me when I go in for my surgery.
I went to a store afterwards, went to the bra section and looked at different cup sizes. I think that is when it hit me the hardest. I was so ecstatic I could hardly breathe. You know that kind of "I can't stop grinning" kind of look. I look crazy when I get that excited, but I could not help it.
Last evening I could not sleep at all. I was afraid to take any sort of thing for it even though it is all homeopathic in nature. I am amazed now at the things I was afraid of before my appointment.
I read somewhere that garlic would thin my blood, and so it is to be avoided 1-2 weeks prior to surgery. This was a tad distressing as I eat at least 3-4 fair sized cloves a day. When I asked the nurse, she informed me that it was okay to eat it, just stay away from the garlic pills. I have decided to cut back regardless.
I have also cut back on my coffee intake. I had (painfully) stopped for a couple of days, but the nurse confirmed for me today that it would not be hazourdous to drink coffee.
Before going to the hospital today, I was extremely anxious. One of my concerns is getting down to an acceptable size. When I talked to my plastic surgeon (ps), he told me that he would make me a size that fit my body. I want to go smaller than that. I am not concerned with my size being proportionate to my body. And I do not mind it anything looks odd in the end. As long as it isn't noticeable under a t-shirt. As long as it does not draw attention when I am clothed. I am fortunate in that aspect because I am immersed in such a supportive community in that sense.
When I went to check in, the admitting nurse told me that my PS would not be there. I went into a small panic. This was later resolved when the Head Nurse assured me that my PS would come to talk to me the morning of the surgery, and that we would discuss sizing. She also told me that he is the best in the Maritimes, and that is the third time I have heard that. I can also call the office if I need more reassurance. I have been waiting for 2 1/2 years for this appointment, but I am very willing to walk out if I can not go small enough.
If this is the case, I can always go back to Ontario where the waiting list is apparently a lot shorter.
Anyways, after talking to the HN for an hour, I felt much more confident. She was funny and she told me she would more than likely be on the floor with me when I go in for my surgery.
I went to a store afterwards, went to the bra section and looked at different cup sizes. I think that is when it hit me the hardest. I was so ecstatic I could hardly breathe. You know that kind of "I can't stop grinning" kind of look. I look crazy when I get that excited, but I could not help it.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Starting Off
Tomorrow I go in for my pre-operative appointment. I cannot sleep. This does not surprise me as I often suffer from insomnia.
The basics. I am 32 years old. As the title states, I am about to under go breast reduction surgery. I have been on the waiting list for three years now. My surgery is being covered by the government as it is considered a health issue. I am presently a 34dd. I want to go down to nothing, but that is another issue all together. I am hoping to go to an a or b cup. I will find out tomorrow.
so many things are running through my mind right now. I really thought that three years would be enough time to prepare, but I am still very frightened. I keep thinking I will not survive the surgery. Although the chances of not surviving are slim. I am very healthy. I also have very good friends that are going to be helping me out.
Tomorrow I meet with my plastic surgeon again. I haven't seen him since my second appointment with him. He seemed nice, kind and what not. He does not frighten me. My regular doctor referred me to him. She said he was the best in the business. I trust my doctor enough to steer me in the right direction.
I once meet with a doctor when I was seventeen about getting a reduction. He told me my breasts were very lovely and that I should reconsider. I left sad and afraid. I did not know what my rights were back then.
I am going into this surgery well informed. I have thought it out and although I am hella nervous, I am very excited as well. I am hoping to keep this journal, not only for myself, but maybe someone else will stumble upon it and find it useful.
In the next few days I will be filling in the details of what brought me here. I am also hoping to compile a list of on-line resources and lists as I have seen previously. These have always been helpful to me.
till next time.
The basics. I am 32 years old. As the title states, I am about to under go breast reduction surgery. I have been on the waiting list for three years now. My surgery is being covered by the government as it is considered a health issue. I am presently a 34dd. I want to go down to nothing, but that is another issue all together. I am hoping to go to an a or b cup. I will find out tomorrow.
so many things are running through my mind right now. I really thought that three years would be enough time to prepare, but I am still very frightened. I keep thinking I will not survive the surgery. Although the chances of not surviving are slim. I am very healthy. I also have very good friends that are going to be helping me out.
Tomorrow I meet with my plastic surgeon again. I haven't seen him since my second appointment with him. He seemed nice, kind and what not. He does not frighten me. My regular doctor referred me to him. She said he was the best in the business. I trust my doctor enough to steer me in the right direction.
I once meet with a doctor when I was seventeen about getting a reduction. He told me my breasts were very lovely and that I should reconsider. I left sad and afraid. I did not know what my rights were back then.
I am going into this surgery well informed. I have thought it out and although I am hella nervous, I am very excited as well. I am hoping to keep this journal, not only for myself, but maybe someone else will stumble upon it and find it useful.
In the next few days I will be filling in the details of what brought me here. I am also hoping to compile a list of on-line resources and lists as I have seen previously. These have always been helpful to me.
till next time.
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