I got a letter today - I am getting my top surgery on January the 8th. I thought this day would never come and I am thrilled!
I am concerned about a few things though - not the surgery itself, that worry might come later on. First of all, my surgeon has said that I won't be able to lift anything for a week. This doesn't seem like a lot of time to me, I specifically mentioned I have a 3 year old, who I need to lift into her bed each night - would I be able to do that? He says after a week I will. Can anyone back this up?
I will be back at uni shortly after my surgery. Should I realistically look at taking time off? Do I need to tell them I've had surgery or will it be easy to hide? They know nothing about my history.
If it is hard to hide - any ideas on what I can tell them?
Edit: Thought of something else - working out? How soon can I do this? I use free weights and I run on a treadmill. I would like to join a gym once I'm all healed up - and go swimming and hiking and generally all kinds of physical stuff I don't like to do with a burden on my chest. Anyone have any experience with how long recovery takes for that?
I don't have any kids, but I'm getting surgery in January too and I was wondering about the lifting and stuff too. I know most exercise will be after 6 weeks or so. Can you climb stairs and stuff after surgery with your drains and stuff in? Thanks.
Oh and sorry to hijack the thread.
Not at all feel free to add in any questions ;D
I have another, how long do they keep you in hospital for? Days? Hours?
It's no more than 10ish pounds for 6 weeks. Get your kid a ladder. You will be moving around fine after 2 weeks just don't lift stuff or stretch, scars may turn out yuckier if you do. Don't exercise with weights until at least 6 weeks. I imagine stairs are fine any time but don't attempt to pull yourself up with the handrails. Take some walks and light moving like that for those 6 weeks. You should be back home the same day, unless some terrible complication happens.
You don't seem as well read on the subject, I think you need more research.
How long? I had surgery and was out the same day (which is how it is done in the US for the most part). I think without complications a day or two is typical in Europe, Australia. In same day surgery centers I think you are pretty much there for half a day or maybe a bit more.
Regular activities, lifting? I was not allowed to pick up anything over 5 pounds (I *could* but not should) for a few weeks. Dr G doesn't seem real specific after a few weeks. I think you do things gradually. I can do everything in my house except garbage and the litter box. (I am at 4 weeks). I have a friend who comes in a couple times a week. I was not allowed to drive for two weeks. I drive now, but have to drive lower hand. I have heard some doctors are VERy conservative and heard of one doctor who doesn't allow lifting over 5 lbs for 3 months. I think this VERY cautious! A 3 year old is kind of heavy but since you aren't doing this 10-15 times a day...It's not goign to kill you or completely strip your scars. Lifting with elbows locked and so on, you'll learn tricks.
I put about two weeks of meals in the freezer and got plastic utensils and paper plates, kind of at the end of those but it was a really good idea.
Exercise? Work out? It's good to walk around right after. I mean RIGHT after (maybe next day). You are not supposed to get your heart rate up while you are wrapped and maybe a couple weeks after that. I walked about a mile about 4-5 days after surgery. You can do walking and so on, but no weights and stuff like push ups for awhile (Dr G says 6 weeks which sounds way too early to me!) I think that this is going to be an individual thing of between 6 weeks to several months.
I think of hiking as more vigorous than walking esp for me it means elevation (hiking in the mountains).
Stairs? I could climb stairs the same day, they wouldn't let me because I was very wobbly. But the next day the wobbliness was completely gone. My room was upstairs and would go up and down stairs many times a day with drains and all.
Job and School? IF I had a sedentary job, I could have gone back to work in a couple weeks. I think the big problem for school is carrying books and so on. Maybe a little wheely backpack? You really shouldn't pull too much weight either. Carrying just a notebook and some pens wouldn't be an issue. You MAY not have completely normal energy right after, I did but that varies.
Hard to hide? well RIGHT after, it would be hard to hide drains and so on (if you have drains), but now, heck no. You might have bandages but they are going to be hidden by clothes. The nipple dressings and so on, I had for 3 weeks. You couldn't see them.
Thinking I'm doing a logistics video. Might put it up here. Not too many people talk about it beyond supplies.
--Jay
Jay a video would be fantastic if you find the time. I know I'd greatly appreciate it. Going in for surgery Dec 17th. Early Xmas gift for me! Lol.
Quote from: Jack_M on November 29, 2013, 12:06:54 AM
Jay a video would be fantastic if you find the time. I know I'd greatly appreciate it. Going in for surgery Dec 17th. Early Xmas gift for me! Lol.
Jack, awesome! I'd be happy to help out!! Are you traveling? I probably will include some traveling stuff too. I'm thinking this weekend. I have a really good friend who has surgery coming up.
--Jay
I thought of some more stuff re: exercise: Hiking. Well I hike quite a lot as we have some excellent mountains, but I couldn't hike in them until I can do push ups and so on. My kind of hiking involves a dog who gets excited on the trails and a hiking stick. If you are talking no hiking stick and not too vigorous, I think you could hike after your nipples are attached. I don't know but I was rather nervous til they were.
Swimming is obviously off til around six weeks. You have to be well-healed up. Most swimming is fairly hard work on the pecs (obviously excellent post-surgery!).
You could start walking the treadmill 2-3 weeks. I mean it can be as light or hard as you want.
Someone mentioned a kiddie ladder for the child getting in bed. It's a good idea. Even if you had to assist a little you wouldn't be bearing the full weight. I read the average weight of a 3 year old is 30+ pounds. The more stress you put on this the worse your scars are going to be.
--Jay
Quote from: aleon515 on November 29, 2013, 01:31:32 AM
Jack, awesome! I'd be happy to help out!! Are you traveling? I probably will include some traveling stuff too. I'm thinking this weekend. I have a really good friend who has surgery coming up.
--Jay
I'm thankfully only about 45 mins away by transit and obviously have someone giving me a ride home. Glad for that aspect. Will be good to sleep in my own bed that night :).
Still getting bits and pieces and making up some meals for the freezer this weekend. Getting excited now :).
I knew my surgeon telling me "one week and you'll be fine" was a load of crap
Someone mentioned research, I have done lots over the years which is why I was so confused about my surgeons optimism.
I am also not getting a double incision like a lot of people do - just the one incision for me, and one around the nipple. He says this aids recovery time and obviously produces less scars ... but I am more likely to need a second surgery after 6 months to tidy up some lumps and bumps left over.
It's sounding like I may need to graduate my little one to a big kid bed. My partner can take a few weeks off work to be there at bed time and my sister is going to be babysitting as much as she can so I can rest. But 6 weeks before lifting over 30lbs is gonna be an issue :P
She weighs around 35lbs, probably more like 40 once surgery day rolls around. The bars on her cot are really high - I have to lift her at around armpit height to get her over the bars and then lower her all the way down again to her mattress. The cot converts to a proper bed with some readjusting which makes the mattress higher and the bars lower. To be frank I wanted to keep the bars there as long as possible so she can't escape her bed and go running around if she wakes up in the night :P
The main thing I am worried about is uni. I have to carry several heavy books, folders and my laptop and my whole day is around 2miles of walking. I feel like I'm going to have to tell them SOMETHING about why I'm so delicate...I just don't know what :-\
You can tell people that you had surgery and can't lift. You can have surgery for a million different things that stops lifting, and if they ask what you say you don't want to tell.
One week and you'll be fine IS BS. Of course, you are fine in one sense. I had pretty good energy during the day. I could probably do 80% of everything I do by myself. 40 lbs is heavy. I think the small bed makes sense. You are NOT goign to raise your arms that high very fast, esp to lift and raise your arms. These things are too separate things. I still (4 weeks) can't raise my arms very high without feeling like it's pulling. Pulling feeling is bad.
Well obviously that much weight around campus every day is a problem. I know of some guys who made deals with friends to continue with classes. Sometimes you only THINK you need stuff when you don't use it at all. If it is needed to study, you can go study at home. Because I don't think more than a couple notebooks and a few pens is too realistic. Might get away with a laptop, if you packed everythign in a wheely backpack or something.
Back in your own bed that day: make sure your bed can handle you! I have a bed rest pillow (look that up) and a couple body pillows as well as a neck pillow. Actually have gotten really comfortable on my back, never heard anybody else say that, but I like all those pillows around me.
--Jay
Hey, Jeatyn. I think that when everyone answered you they assumed you were getting the double incision. Is this accurate, guys?
Does anyone know if the same information applies for a peri/keyhole? I mean the lack of lifting weight for the double incision method is about the large incisions tearing. Although I am confident that you shouldn't be lifting your 3 year old after one week with a peri/keyhole (it is unclear which you are getting), Jeatyn, your surgeon may be giving you different information than you are getting here due to it being a different surgery. Do a bit more research and make sure you mention the peri when you post questions, since many people assume DI when one mentions top surgery.
Good luck! You will love your new chest!
Yeah that's true. I'm pretty sure peri/keyhole will have different instructions. You could ask your doctor's office if they have written instructions they give to people post surgery. I think that's my first choice. If there aren't you could look up other people's surgeons, for some general info, though you would need to keep in mind that surgeons are different in what they think and some might be more right than others. THat said I think it's very interesting how different surgeons are in what they think and still get to the same place more or less. Binders, no binders; sutures, take out, dissolve; how much weight to pick up and when; etc etc.
You can obviously pull your incision with peri, but there is definitely much less incision to pull and it would no doubt be harder.
--Jay
Got another question. How long after surgery (DI) can you wear a Tshirt? I know for the first week with drains it's best to wear button ups, but when are Tshirts ok?
Hi, Darrin.
For me, the decisions I have made about "getting back to normal", have been based on my attempt to minimize my widening of scars. With that said, you can certainly put on a t-shirt the same day you get the drains out. Let the pull/feeling of your incisions be your guide on that one. All of your physical decisions around movement with be natural based on how your incisions feel. I was putting on t-shirts on week two, but I was also leaving them on for 24 hours after I got them on. I leaned WAY over to get them off. You will find that the feeling of the "pull" of your incisions will be your guide in the way you do things and what you do.
I was at the 5 weeks mark before I lifted my elbows above a 90 degree angle. I still don't lift my arms all the way up, unless needed, and I am 7 weeks post op. I am basing everything on my body. If I don't feel pulling to the incision, then I do it. If there is, I don't do it.
Today was the first day that I did any form of cardio exercise (hiking) because Garramone said to wait 6 weeks to do so.
I can get a t-shirt on, and could about 4 weeks out (I'm just about 5 weeks). It depends on when you can lift your elbows out easily. I still can't really raise my hands over my head but I sort of bunch up the sleeves and don't raise my arms out too high. Most of my t-shirts are a little large. I probably could have earlier, but I was a little afraid to try.
Yeah I wouldn't hike til later. Of course, I am considering hiking to be a strenuous activity, but not everyone does strenuous hiking-- I think of that more as walking. Walking you can do this right away, and should.
--Jay
I'm sorry I appear to have caused a bit of confusion. I'll try and clarify. I'm not getting peri (I wish! E cups over here :() or DI. It's a new technique that my surgeon apparently invented. He keeps the nipples in tact, just cuts around them an a stalk of blood vessels to keep everything attached, no grafting. Then one incision underneath to take off as much tissue as possible without damaging the blood vessels. Which is why I might need extra work once that's healed up.
Personally, I don't really understand it. I brought this up with him but I still don't get it. My chest is really large...and frankly saggy as hell. I can't really picture how he's going to take still attached nipples that are pretty much to my belly button and have them end up in the right place. But whatever, as long as I eventually have a flat chest under my clothes I couldn't give a damn about how it all looks underneath.
I do have a good friend who lives not to far away from me who I am considering asking to carry my stuff, and I just happen to have a wheely suitcase that converts to a backpack.
Sounds like a T anchor incision, but for a E cup??? I think you would be better off with a DI.
The T anchor (not testosterone, I think it's the shape) and wedge and so on aren't really anything new. I also agree with Alexthecat on this one, this is not for very large chests.
FTM guide talks about it here: http://www.ftmguide.org/chest.html
Have you asked to see comparable results in chests like yours. The latter is important. If he can't (or won't) show you results in someone with a DD chest or something, it's a bad sign.
That said, some people are pretty happy with this surgery, they say that the extra incision isn't as large so it doesn't show up so much as the larger incision line.
--Jay
Also, do you have small nipples? In grafts they reduce size of nipples and a lot of people of a larger size tend to have bigger areola and/or nipples themselves. If this is the case for you, preserving the nipple it'll still react to cold and would be visible under tees of dress shirts. If you're not getting this type of surgery, be sure you're happy with the type of results your surgeon has gotten for people who are actually your size and the current size of your nipples on a flat chest. Areola can be reduced in size in this op of course but it can cause a pursing effect if more extreme.
Jack's explanation is probably why they don't recommend the T-anchor with guy's with too big a chest. Areola and nipple size tend to go with chesticle size, but maybe not always. Always really a good idea to ask the surgeon (or office) to see results in people with chests like yours doing the same procedure. If it's not the same procedure, you may be doing inaccurate comparisons. Make sure you are happy with them.
Jack my video is up! I will probably putting it here later.
--Jay
Ok here's my video. There is a 3 minute or so thing where I show my chest so enjoy (or skip).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gf5z2PtHqYE
Thanks for the video Jay!
PS your chest looks great! :D
Wow, so, today I got a call while at college. There has been a cancellation and I have had my date bumped to the 10th. One week from today.
Cutting a long story short, my partner has quit his job. His last day is the day before my surgery, so I have solved all of my logistical problems. I have told my course leader and my last day of college is tomorrow. I don't need to go back in until the 7th of January so I should be healing nicely by then!
I'm so excited, and nervous, and shocked. It's all hapenning much quicker than I thought!
I jelly. 41 days till is killing me.
@Jeatyn: One week, that would kill me. I had to do a mammogram due to my age, so I couldn't have done it. But happy for you!!
@AlextheCat: 41 days will be over and one before you know.
@Geek: Thanks.
I cleaned up the video on youtube with the contrast and lighting and so on. Not doing too much automagically anymore. Oh well. I often do them at night. Maybe I need to get some camera lights. LOL
--Jay
Just watched the video. Your chest is looking great, it's healing really well!
That's great, Jeatyn! Did you ever tell us who your surgeon was? Good luck to you!
Alexthecat, the last couple of months is KILLER. You'll get there, though! Who are you going to?
Quote from: Alexthecat on December 03, 2013, 08:10:08 AM
I jelly. 41 days till is killing me.
49 days for me here and it's KILLING me!! Can't wait for it to be done.
Quote from: Brett on December 03, 2013, 06:25:05 PM
That's great, Jeatyn! Did you ever tell us who your surgeon was? Good luck to you!
Alexthecat, the last couple of months is KILLER. You'll get there, though! Who are you going to?
Medalie
Quote from: Alexthecat on December 03, 2013, 08:03:34 PM
Medalie
That's great! He seems to consistently have good results.
If you're really brave Dr. Medalie has a video on a top surgery (or part of one). It's an actual surgery with actual blood and so on.
--Jay
Quote from: aleon515 on December 03, 2013, 11:07:01 PM
If you're really brave Dr. Medalie has a video on a top surgery (or part of one). It's an actual surgery with actual blood and so on.
--Jay
Quote from: aleon515 on December 03, 2013, 11:07:01 PM
If you're really brave Dr. Medalie has a video on a top surgery (or part of one). It's an actual surgery with actual blood and so on.
--Jay
I actually wish I didn't watch it! It's terrified me! But hey I still cry when I get my bloods done :p not everyone is as wussy as me!
Quote from: geek on December 04, 2013, 02:30:09 AM
I actually wish I didn't watch it! It's terrified me! But hey I still cry when I get my bloods done :p not everyone is as wussy as me!
Well I guess I was only bothered by the initial incision and the lipo (for some reason that seemed really scary). But maybe I should say that I am kind of science geek type.
I was talking about it in support group and someone said "not me I want a magic surgery and I have it and they are done". So I guess that is a lot of people's feelings on it.
On a separate note, happy to hear other people's results and so on.
--Jay
I don't mind watching surgery stuff, it fascinates me. I would prefer to know exactly what's going on. The lipo was the worst part though! They're so rough with it!
I still don't understand the surgery I'm getting and that bugs the hell out of me. I hope all will become clear soon.
There's a few of us getting surgery really soon :D I don't think I've fully grasped just HOW soon mine actually is yet. I thought my original January date was really soon, but 6 days holy crap.
Another question about healing if you all don't mind, I have tons of work to do - is this going to be possible like the day after surgery? Just typing on a computer sort of work. There's still two weeks of term left and I have several deadlines.
Quote from: Jeatyn on December 04, 2013, 01:49:43 PM
I don't mind watching surgery stuff, it fascinates me. I would prefer to know exactly what's going on. The lipo was the worst part though! They're so rough with it!
I still don't understand the surgery I'm getting and that bugs the hell out of me. I hope all will become clear soon.
There's a few of us getting surgery really soon :D I don't think I've fully grasped just HOW soon mine actually is yet. I thought my original January date was really soon, but 6 days holy crap.
Another question about healing if you all don't mind, I have tons of work to do - is this going to be possible like the day after surgery? Just typing on a computer sort of work. There's still two weeks of term left and I have several deadlines.
I didn't like the lipo for the same reason, my doctor and I were talking about this, she commented that at least this was not orthopedic surgery. Don't watch that.
I don't think that I could have done something like that a day after surgery. I was very foggy after anesthesia, which I think is common. It takes a few days to get it out of your system. I never took Vicodin, didn't need it, but if you do, that's another thing to fog up the mind. The other thing you might not sleep well. I had trouble getting comfortable and this is with a recliner, I think it would have been worse without one, but still. I think it took me a few days to be able to sleep well. So yeah you may be napping and so on, but your brain doesn't get the rest of the proper sleep (with dreaming and so on). Another thing is that it's pretty uncomfortable. I was never really hurting but it is so uncomfortable. My concentration was affected in a negative way. I could do FB and so on, but nothing requiring really high amts of concentration. I didn't really read. I watched a lot of Netflix. I think you need to think of this is a big deal. I know some of the 20 somethings act like this is not. But your body is cut into and there is trauma. Even the best surgeons, you are going to get this. Some people might be able to do this. I wouldn't and I had a very easy recovery compared to a lot of people I know.
Go to youtube and look at videos 2-3 days after surgery.
--Jay
Quote from: Jeatyn on December 04, 2013, 01:49:43 PM
I don't mind watching surgery stuff, it fascinates me. I would prefer to know exactly what's going on. The lipo was the worst part though! They're so rough with it!
I still don't understand the surgery I'm getting and that bugs the hell out of me. I hope all will become clear soon.
There's a few of us getting surgery really soon :D I don't think I've fully grasped just HOW soon mine actually is yet. I thought my original January date was really soon, but 6 days holy crap.
Another question about healing if you all don't mind, I have tons of work to do - is this going to be possible like the day after surgery? Just typing on a computer sort of work. There's still two weeks of term left and I have several deadlines.
Geez, really? You're brain isn't going to be in tip top shape the first couple of days. Are you talking papers or exams? I don't really see how you are going to feel comfortable typing, either. I'm sure you can swing it, though.
I started to watch Medalie video and decided I preferred to not see exactly what went on.
I brought an iPad, which was nice vs a laptop, but I had to carry stuff in carry on on the way back. I didn't want to write much. I posted a 1 sentence post on FB the same day (didn't recall this) and then one every day or two later. I posted a video to youtube 3 days later. I started reading a book pre-op but then just stopped, didn't really feel like reading.
I think you need to really understand this is *surgery*. And even if you are 25, it doesn't mean you will have a super easy time. It's uncomfortable and unpleasant. I wasn't in a lot of pain, but some people have a harder time than others. I don't mean to try to scare you, but just to think that I think guys don't always understand that's what they are getting into. I'd do it again if I had to do it over (Glad I don't have to!!!), but just think about it.
The two of us writing the most here are Brett and I, maybe because we just went thru this. I am still recovering. I am definitely NOT 100%. I have 100% of my energy and so on, but I have discomfort and tenderness now.
--Jay
Quote from: aleon515 on December 04, 2013, 09:42:14 PM
I brought an iPad, which was nice vs a laptop, but I had to carry stuff in carry on on the way back. I didn't want to write much. I posted a 1 sentence post on FB the same day (didn't recall this) and then one every day or two later. I posted a video to youtube 3 days later. I started reading a book pre-op but then just stopped, didn't really feel like reading.
I think you need to really understand this is *surgery*. And even if you are 25, it doesn't mean you will have a super easy time. It's uncomfortable and unpleasant. I wasn't in a lot of pain, but some people have a harder time than others. I don't mean to try to scare you, but just to think that I think guys don't always understand that's what they are getting into. I'd do it again if I had to do it over (Glad I don't have to!!!), but just think about it.
The two of us writing the most here are Brett and I, maybe because we just went thru this. I am still recovering. I am definitely NOT 100%. I have 100% of my energy and so on, but I have discomfort and tenderness now.
--Jay
I agree, Jay. Jeatyn, I would strongly suggest BUSTING YOUR ASS to get as much school work done before the surgery. Seriously, guy, you really want to get as much out of the way as you can.
Sounds like the surgery I had, except that the surgeon cut a circular hole in the correct place on each side of my chest. With the nerve stalk still intact, the nipple and areola are drawn through the hole and stitched into place. I certainly hope your doc plans to do this because you WILL have nipples halfway down to your belly otherwise!
P.S. I didn't do much but lie around and sleep for the couple of days after surgery, but I was forty-six. Still, I can't see you getting much done. Can you get deadlines extended if you have documentation to prove that you had surgery?
I'll be honest, while im totally psyched to have my bits gone.. im so scared about going to do it, like im so scared something is going to go wrong @_@ how does one deal with that?
Arch - That makes MUCH more sense, I hope they will be doing that.
My plan is indeed to get as much work as possible done before I'm admitted. It's coursework only, no exams thankfully.
Unfortunately it will be impossible to get EVERYTHING finished in the next 5 days. I have three assignments, I've half finished two of them. Not even looked at the third. I already requested an extension on the one I haven't looked at, we were supposed to have it finished and present it to the class the day after my surgery...the presentation is part of the mark...so there's no chance :P I'll be doing mine next term instead.
I'm also juggling 4 web design clients. Oh gawd so much to do!
My pre-op consultation is today, no idea what to expect.
Oh and my surgeon is Philip Ruben - UK NHS so I'd be surprised if anyone here has heard of him :P
Quote from: Jeatyn on December 05, 2013, 03:48:23 AM
My pre-op consultation is today, no idea what to expect.
Good Luck today! :D
In case anyone has any of the same questions I will summarize what went on today
The whole thing took about 2 hours, they looked at eeeeeverything, bloods, urine, swabbed all over, EKG, listened to my heart/lungs,blood pressure, height, weight, lung function test, and asked me about eleventy billion medical history questions.
Recovery, the nurse agrees that the 1 week my surgeon told me is wildly optimistic. Though they do want me pottering about as early as possible. I will be staying in for 3/4 days until my drains come out - this was a surprise to me as I assumed I would go home with the drains still in. Working will not be an option as you guys have said - I'll be groggy and more than likely on pain meds.
I may or may not be admitted the afternoon before surgery. Apparently this is because my surgeon likes to come and see me to have a chat and explain everything and make sure I'm happy. They've said though that after I've booked my bed and seen the surgeon, I might be allowed to go home and come back the next day for the actual surgery....but this is up to whoever is running the ward at the time.
Quote from: Arch on December 04, 2013, 10:36:04 PM
P.S. I didn't do much but lie around and sleep for the couple of days after surgery, but I was forty-six. Still, I can't see you getting much done. Can you get deadlines extended if you have documentation to prove that you had surgery?
I don't believe this is an age thing. Since I was at New Beginnings, I was with mostly young guys. There definitely wasn't anyone as old as me. I don't think that I recovered any worse. Actually in some ways better, but I am healthy and took very good care fo myself pre-surgery. There may be some guys who are just unusual capable after surgery. I definitely puttered around one day later. Actually walked a mile about 4 days after. I didn't take pain meds but it was still uncomfortable. Good that you know that you have take your time and let yourself heal Jeatyn. I think two weeks is about average to be able do sedentary work (I mean with normal concentration and so on). BTW, the only UK doc I know of is Yelland. I have a couple online friends who went to him.
Hey just say geek!!! Hey good luck! :)
--Jay
I am 43 years old. The two guys I was with were in their early 20's. The one had a much rougher go of it than I did (energy level, pain), and the other was about the same as me when it came to how quickly we got our energy level back, pain difficulties. The first night/the next day he was a mess, though. So, all in all, the old guy did the best! ha!
Jay is right, it is not all about age. Some of it relates to how well you heal. I think that how healthy you are before you go makes a difference too. I was eating healthy and exercising before going. I also started taking supplements specifically in preparation for surgery/recovery from surgery beginning two weeks before my surgery (as directed).
geek, who is your surgeon? If you know they have a consistent history of good results, trust that!
Quote from: Brett on December 05, 2013, 05:35:19 PM
I am 43 years old. The two guys I was with were in their early 20's. The one had a much rougher go of it than I did (energy level, pain), and the other was about the same as me when it came to how quickly we got our energy level back, pain difficulties. The first night/the next day he was a mess, though. So, all in all, the old guy did the best! ha!
Jay is right, it is not all about age. Some of it relates to how well you heal. I think that how healthy you are before you go makes a difference too. I was eating healthy and exercising before going. I also started taking supplements specifically in preparation for surgery/recovery from surgery beginning two weeks before my surgery (as directed).
geek, who is your surgeon? If you know they have a consistent history of good results, trust that!
I had an excellent diet and was working out. Too bad my pecs are nothing but it still looks very good. I think the scarring I have doesn't look so good at my age. I think my skin just isn't as elastic. But energy and so on was just as good or better than the younger guys. One guy had a VERY hard time, I think he just responded badly to the anesthesia. He was quite a young guy, so it doesn't matter.
I was very out of it the day of surgery. I think mostly because I didn't sleep anesthesia out in the recovery room. I got very cold (which is an effect of anesthesia), so I might have been somewhat more out of it right after surgery.
--Jay
Quote from: geek on December 05, 2013, 01:35:44 AM
I'll be honest, while im totally psyched to have my bits gone.. im so scared about going to do it, like im so scared something is going to go wrong @_@ how does one deal with that?
I feel the same way. I'm scared to have the surgery, but I'm excited to have my bits gone. I do know that I am ok with surgery in general. Ive had major surgery before.
Quote from: Darrin Scott on December 05, 2013, 09:09:49 PM
I feel the same way. I'm scared to have the surgery, but I'm excited to have my bits gone. I do know that I am ok with surgery in general. Ive had major surgery before.
ah see i havent and im stressing out of my mind about it, i think a big part of it is like.. im going to fall asleep without choice? i dont know :/
Quote from: geek on December 05, 2013, 11:05:39 PM
ah see i havent and im stressing out of my mind about it, i think a big part of it is like.. im going to fall asleep without choice? i dont know :/
I was very anxious about this. When Dr G asked how I was feeling when i first met him, I said nervous. He said "Why's that, you're a very healthy guy. Your doctor says your healthy. Your going to do very well." (or something on that order). I found it all completely calming. I wasn't even really worried the day of surgery.
I think the loss of control is certainly anxiety producing.
--Jay
Quote from: geek on December 05, 2013, 11:05:39 PM
ah see i havent and im stressing out of my mind about it, i think a big part of it is like.. im going to fall asleep without choice? i dont know :/
They should tell you they are injecting the anaesthesia. First they have to put the IV in and get it flowing then they inject into it afterwards, asleep you are in less than a minute.
The funny thing is I'm totally not bothered about the surgery part, the part I hate, surprisingly enough, is the IV going in my hand
I've been under a few times before and I have always freaked out and not let them put the IV in before knocking me out with gas first xD
I dunno what it is, I'm fine with having bloods taken and obviously I get two shots every few months for my hormones and blocker and they don't bother me....but IVs? EUGH D=
Quote from: Jeatyn on December 06, 2013, 05:03:58 AM
The funny thing is I'm totally not bothered about the surgery part, the part I hate, surprisingly enough, is the IV going in my hand
I've been under a few times before and I have always freaked out and not let them put the IV in before knocking me out with gas first xD
I dunno what it is, I'm fine with having bloods taken and obviously I get two shots every few months for my hormones and blocker and they don't bother me....but IVs? EUGH D=
see... i have meltdowns to the point of tears for bloods.. yet my shot im ok with (its in the ass i guess) and i think im going to need to be restrained or something to get the IV in lol. far out the dumbest things can be so damn hard!
Quote from: Alexthecat on December 06, 2013, 02:41:04 AM
They should tell you they are injecting the anaesthesia. First they have to put the IV in and get it flowing then they inject into it afterwards, asleep you are in less than a minute.
yeah i wish i could pinpoint what my problem is >.<
It is the fear of never waking up.
Quote from: geek on December 06, 2013, 06:32:47 AM
see... i have meltdowns to the point of tears for bloods.. yet my shot im ok with (its in the ass i guess) and i think im going to need to be restrained or something to get the IV in lol. far out the dumbest things can be so damn hard!
yeah i wish i could pinpoint what my problem is >.<
How about asking your surgeon if he will give you something to relax you beforehand, such as Ativan? A lot of doctors are willing to do that when people have surgery. Usually they just give you one dose that you take the morning of the surgery.
Quote from: aleon515 on December 06, 2013, 02:39:01 AM
I found it all completely calming. I wasn't even really worried the day of surgery.
--Jay
It was strange for me that I wasn't anxious at all about the surgery from the moment I stepped off the plane. Really weird. However, I can see how Garramone could make a person who was anxious feel calm. Maybe because I had met him face to face for consult I already felt good about him. All I know it, for me, a person who gets anxious about mundane stuff, it was interesting that I had none about surgery, all the way through (even up to the last minute when they started wheeling me down the hall to go into the room).
Quote from: Brett on December 06, 2013, 11:30:49 AM
It was strange for me that I wasn't anxious at all about the surgery from the moment I stepped off the plane. Really weird. However, I can see how Garramone could make a person who was anxious feel calm. Maybe because I had met him face to face for consult I already felt good about him. All I know it, for me, a person who gets anxious about mundane stuff, it was interesting that I had none about surgery, all the way through (even up to the last minute when they started wheeling me down the hall to go into the room).
I could see that too. There is a build up to surgery and you get off the plane and then you don't have the build up. Yes I am actually talking about the pre-op. I hadn't met him before that unless you count the phone consult, which I don't. :)
They can give you Ativan or there is some other drug (Versid??) that can go in the IV. The hand is weird. i don't care for this either as I think it kind of hurts. But one time I had a shunt type of thing, where they kept the danged thing in for 3 days, I think, so that they could put seizure drugs in me whenever, since I had a seizure that wouldn't stop. I think that cured me of fear on IV in the hand. But it does hurt. I have heard there is stuff that can numb the hand. I don't know if it is actually better that way. Someone on youtube talked about how it just is so cold, they felt it made things worse, but you do have that option.
Leland says the drug Versid should be in the water supply so maybe it is good stuff. But I didn't really need it. I was super scared of the whole "won't wake up thing". Really this is not that much to worry about in that area. The only thing is when I signed the ream of papers he has you sign at the pre op, that got me scared for a few minutes.
--Jay
thanks guys :)
Today is the day! I got admitted last night, barely slept, fell asleep around 5am, only to be woken up at 6:30am by several nurses swarming in turning the lights on and telling me stuff o_o very much looking forward to drug induced sleep later!
Quote from: Jeatyn on December 10, 2013, 01:06:23 AM
Today is the day! I got admitted last night, barely slept, fell asleep around 5am, only to be woken up at 6:30am by several nurses swarming in turning the lights on and telling me stuff o_o very much looking forward to drug induced sleep later!
wishing you luck and a speedy recovery! hope you post pics later! good luck dude!
By now you are probably in surgery/have already have it. I hope it goes well. I'm sure it will! Keep us updated.
I imagine you're finished! Good luck on the healing!
--Jay
All finished =D
I can't believe it guys, I am boobless, they're gone and I never have to look at them or feel them bouncing around EVER again.
At the moment it barely feels any different because I'm covered in bandages and what the nurses are calling a "corset" o_0 - not the word I would give it - tis basically a binder.
The op took freakin' ages and I missed dinner, now I have a very poor, dry excuse for a turkey sandwich, not amused after being starved all day ... I also asked for coffee and they brought me tea. I realise they're not running a hotel here but c'mon guys I've been looking forward to food and coffee all day :P
I actually feel like I could have done work tonight, I feel great! No grogginess at all, though of course for all I know I will read this back tomorrow and realise I'm not as coherent as I think I am.
I am hating not being able to move around or get up much. I did not get a catheter - woohoo! Though this does mean bedpan - boooo =( which just so happens to be the duty of a very hot young nurse. FML. I genuinely feel like just getting up and walking to the loo would have been way less effort than using a bedpan, but they insisted I don't get up.
Congrats on the surgery! It has been two months since mine and I still wake up with a huge grin on my face when I remember they are gone! I think it is so wild they don't let you get up. I walked out to my ride two/ three hours after surgery. We don't stay overnight here in the U.S. It is same day surgery. Definitely no bed pan!
Glad you feel so great!
Congratulations! I would ask if they would let you go to the bathroom if you were accompanied to the room/stall in case anything bad happens, which I'm sure it won't. It's worth a try and might keep them happy enough to let you.
I demanded they let me get up to go and pee :P I was totally fine
My morphine machine thingy unfortunately gets angry when it gets unplugged, it beeped loudly the whole time, I hope I don't have to pee in the middle of the night or I'm gonna wake everyone up xD
I'm just waiting for a nurse to stop by to look under my bandages before I go to sleep, I'll get to have a cheeky look at my new chest yay :D
Awesome! You have waited a long time for this!
I am thrilled with the results already, photo from last night:
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.strife-designs.com%2Fstuff%2FWP_001004.jpg&hash=d77b4ecd089a9901b95390fb12a88ee2b3265407)
The little peep holes for my nips make me chuckle xD
There's a chance I'll be discharged today, I'm doing much better than predicted, my original proposed discharge day was Friday. Hardly anything coming out my drains, pretty much non existent swelling and bruising. Pottering about by myself no problem.
The only reason it's not a definite discharge is that I am having trouble keeping food down :-\ despite two anti-nausea shots, damn you stomach I want to go home!
You look great! The worst for me was that Garramone wraps an ace bandage around your chest until your post op appointment. You can't see your chest for 6 days. (actually the worst part of it was the itchy tape! It drove us all - all 3 of the guys I was in the house with - bonkers!)
Congrats on the great recovery! I hope you got a decent amount of school work done so you don't have too much to do while resting.
I handed in two assignments and got an extension on one, so I can just chill for a few weeks.
I was not discharged today, booo, hopefully tomorrow. I was also moved to a ward instead of a private room...I could barely sleep in that room because of all the noise, I highly doubt any sleep will be had in here o_o especially now the morphine is gone.
I was getting cabin fever earlier so I decided to go for a walk outside around the hospital, this was a mistake! My heart rate went way up and everything has felt really tight and uncomfortable ever since. I'm going to try my hardest to just sit and do nothing for a while now.
You are looking good!!! Yikes they are nurse maidish around you, but nothing much you can do about it I suppose. Funny little peep holes! :D
Itchy tape was the worst for me too Brett. I also had cabin fever. But Netflix was great.
--Jay
You know what's awesome. I just had 9 people staring at my chest and I didn't care at all (med students come by to gawp at me a few times a day) this would so not have been the case a couple of days ago ^_^
Getting my drains out later. Not looking forward to that =/ I can't imagine it will be comfortable. Be nice to not have to carry them around with me though.
After that I have to wait for my surgeon to come take a look at me to say whether or not I can be discharged, god knows how long that's gonna be, he's in theater at the moment apparently.
edit: Drains are out now, I actually didn't feel it at all. The hideous binder thing is also gone, I have a tube of fabric now. Like the sort of thing you'd put on a sprained wrist, just a big one. Feeling 100 times better now those drains are gone. All my paperwork is done and I just gotta sit and wait for my surgeon to come sign me out. They're predicting another two hours.....*sigh*
Yeah the right drain bothered me a lot. I felt that one go out, but not the other one.
I was very happy to be done with them!!! Glad you are doing well and sounds like everythign is going like it should.
--Jay
The fabric tube was rolling up and gathering right where my incisions are -_- not good, so I have swapped it for my original binder which is doing a much better job xD glad I didn't get rid of it straight away
I got home around 5pm, fell asleep at 9pm, it's now 6:30am and I'm wide awake o_o
This sleeping on my back malarkey SUCKS, my chest doesn't hurt at all but my lower back is killing me. I keep trying to roll onto my side and then remembering that it isn't an option.
If you aren't still in the hospital, I don't know how to answer this if you are, but I have totally perfected back sleeping. Heck I like it. So here goes: you make a ramp with the pillows on your head. You really need a neck pillow, this cradles your head so it's not lolling around. There is also a V-pillow that looks excellent, maybe better. Then you put pillows on either side.
--Jay
I got myself a sort of frame, that makes a triangle, so I can prop myself up, and lotsa pillows. It's just I have an old lower back injury and it's aggravating it =( I may have to see if my GP will prescribe me some stronger pain killers, my chest feels fine! Barely any pain at all, my back is a different story.
My partner is being amazing, I have only needed to get up to answer the call of nature, he's doing everything else ^_^
I JUST began this past week to be able to sleep on my side. Do you have a recliner at home? A lot of people people will sleep on those.
I don't unfortunately, the closest I have is a gaming chair, which looks like it would be super comfy and the perfect angle to keep all body parts happy :P however I feel once I was in it, getting up would be impossible, even when I have full use of my arms it takes a lot of effort to swing out of the thing.
I ended up snoozing on my side for an hour this morning, propped up with supportive pillows. It was heaven for my back, felt ok for my chest but not ideal, I could feel things pulling.
You're two months post op right Brett? Would you say side sleeping is 100% now or is it still a bit iffy?
I'm starting to get sensation back in my nipples, is it just me or is that really soon? o_0 I wouldn't say it was pain I'm feeling...it's like...an intense shooting tingle, and they are reacting to cold. Trying to keep warm because them tightening up doesn't feel great xD
It just started not being iffy the last couple of days. In fact, my partner commented this morning that I slept on my side. Otherwise, about a month in, I was able to sleep partially on my side. Hard to explain, but I was half way on my side, half not, if that makes sense.
How about when sleeping on your back, putting a pillow under your knees? That helped me a bit. Also flip your mattress plus maybe sleep on the opposite side of the bed. Sounds weird, but finding a softer spot or a harder spot may help (it did me) garramone specifically tells you to not sleep on your side for 3 weeks, so it isn't just a co.fort thing. Although for me it was too painful to sleep on my side anyway ( if I rolled onto my side while asleep, the pain would wake me up), consider if it is actually worth it if it would actually effect the outcome of your healing/results.
GIn terms of the cold, did you get free nipple grafts? With mine being nipple grafts, I do not feel the cold, however, pretty quickly after surgery my areolas could feel touch. I don't know how much sensation does come back with nipple grafts, I guess it depends.
Glad to hear you got a chunk of work done prior to your surgery.
My nipples were kept fully in tact bar a bit of trimming around the areola. Feels weird to say that my nipples got trimmed xD kept on a stalk of blood vessels and moved rather than grafted.
I certainly couldn't sleep on my side for a full night, but that hour this morning was a nice rest for my back.
I'm being naughty about everything xD I have my binder off for the moment, it was irritating me. I'll put it back on later but needed a break.
I noticed earlier while inspecting my bandages, I have a big honeycomb sticky bandage going over the whole area as you can see in the picture, underneath on either side is a bit of extra padding for the holes where my drains were....but on one side the nurse seems to have totally missed, it's sitting off to the side of the hole. I have a bunch of extra bandages, should I try and cover up the drain hole properly or just leave it alone? =/ I was told to just use the extra bandages on top if they started to peel rather than fully try to replace them. I wouldn't need to take the whole honeycomb bit off...just peel it back a bit on one side to put the padding on. It's itchy and sore with it sitting directly under the sticky bit rather than padding.
Appreciating all the tips and comparing experiences guys ^_^
Quote from: Jeatyn on December 14, 2013, 01:11:16 PM
My nipples were kept fully in tact bar a bit of trimming around the areola. Feels weird to say that my nipples got trimmed xD kept on a stalk of blood vessels and moved rather than grafted.
I certainly couldn't sleep on my side for a full night, but that hour this morning was a nice rest for my back.
I'm being naughty about everything xD I have my binder off for the moment, it was irritating me. I'll put it back on later but needed a break.
I noticed earlier while inspecting my bandages, I have a big honeycomb sticky bandage going over the whole area as you can see in the picture, underneath on either side is a bit of extra padding for the holes where my drains were....but on one side the nurse seems to have totally missed, it's sitting off to the side of the hole. I have a bunch of extra bandages, should I try and cover up the drain hole properly or just leave it alone? =/ I was told to just use the extra bandages on top if they started to peel rather than fully try to replace them. I wouldn't need to take the whole honeycomb bit off...just peel it back a bit on one side to put the padding on. It's itchy and sore with it sitting directly under the sticky bit rather than padding.
Appreciating all the tips and comparing experiences guys ^_^
Put your binder on and be a good boy! Geeze! :)
I could start sleeping on my side, but doesn't seem very comfortable yet. I've put some weight on my chest like hugging people. We were told to cover the drain hole for a week. It does end up healing itself though, I still (6 weeks) have a little hole there kind of. We just used band aids (or plasters?) with some antibiotic ointment on it.
Yeah strange array of bandages and all. I didn't have the anchor so maybe it is more typical for this procedure. After all I think they want the grafts to keep hydrated.
The biggest complaint I've heard from anybody is not pain, but itching. It's not really healing itching, it's itching from the bandages and adhesives. You might try taking something like Benadryl (by mouth) or Zyrtec. I took Zyrtec as it is less drowsy producing. I think my worst week wasn't right after surgery but week 2. I had a lot of itching and even burning sensation. But when the bandages are off you are going to look amazing, so it's worth keeping your eyes on the prize, as they say.
--Jay
I would cover the drain hole, Jeatyn
I agree, re: the drain hole. That could get infected, I think. Also it oozes out, but it is only going to need to be covered another week or so. Nothing long.
--Jay
So it turns out on closer inspection, my drain hole is actually covered up - what I was looking at appears to be the very edge of my incision on that side. It's really hard for me to see with it being on my side and covered by stuff, I tried to get my partner to take a look at it but this sort of stuff really squicks him out. I got him to take some photos so I could look at it, I'm confident it's not the drain hole I can see. The only other explanation is that it's the edge of my incision....which is supposed to be underneath the honeycomb, I can't see it on the other side.
I'm pretty sure I was told in the hospital that I don't have any stitches, I just have glue. So I did a bit of research and all the sources I found say not to put bandaids or sticky things of any sort over the glue, because it might pull it off. This confuses me considering there is essentially a giant band aid over the entire thing xD I'm definitely just gonna leave it alone though, I have an appointment in 5 days I will ask what the deal is then.
This is a huge issue with the NHS - they don't tell you anything, it's all rushed and blurted and then you get shoved out the door like "wait I have questions...;__;" I literally only have one leaflet - it's A5 size and titled "breast reduction surgery" and is a generic list of things that might go wrong.
I woke up on my side this morning and the frame to prop me up had been abandoned. I'm trying to be good but my subconscious seems to be rebelling :D nothing hurts though, feel great today, no back pain.
I have abandoned my binder in favour of the tube thing again, but I've cut the tube in half. Working way better now, not rolling or bunching and annoying the crap out of me, just sitting there supporting me like it's supposed to :P
I have to take antihistamines anyway for my array of allergies. Sneezing really sucks at the moment haha, trying to keep as much distance as possible between me and my cats. The itching is definitely the worst part, very much looking forward to getting the bandages off.
I'm glad you got it all sorted, Jeatyn. It seems to me that you made some good decisions.
Eugh, I am now experiencing pain. The numbness is wearing off, it started yesterday as a mildly painful pins and needles feeling that got progressively worse. Now the entire area well...feels like I was cut open :P
The hospital only provided me with regular strength paracetamol and ibuprofen, which do nothing.
Hey, Jeatlyn. I am surprised you are having that much pain at this point. I only took a couple of pain meds and a few Tylenol after my surgery. We all heal differently, though. Give your doctor a call and keep us updated. Hang in there.
My GP says I would have to make an appointment and actually go down there. I'm not really feeling up to going anywhere.
The pain isn't unbearable, just a bit of a surprise I think after feeling pretty much nothing until now. Nothing looks different, no swelling or bruises or anything, 3 days until bandage change!
I had minor surgery on my hand years ago, the co-codamol they gave me badly touched it, but you old definitely tell when you were due another one. I don't think there's anything over the counter which will completely take the pain away, but it's good in some ways, it stops you doing too much.
I was in more discomfort than pain (actually NEVER took anything at all-- even the Vicodin, not recommending this, just what I did). I think I EXPECTED more pain or discomfort the days after surgery than two weeks later, so I think expectation is a factor here. I wonder also that you had access to a morphine drip and so on, at some point you don't have that anymore. But a lot of what you describe sounds like healing pains, esp. the pin prick sensations.
--Jay
So I'm pretty sure I was told at the start that today was a bandage change, and around a week into the new year I would get all the bandages off completely
I ended up getting all the bandages taking off today, they say it looks like it's healing fine and they have no concerns.
Pictures (don't click if scabby nipples and stuff will gross you out)
http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/m528/Jeatyn/WP_001028_zps392a8c26.jpg
http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/m528/Jeatyn/WP_001030_zps4b79de00.jpg
I'm pleased with it! It looks a bit lumpy in places but it's only been 10 days. I'm a little concerned about the part of my incision that seems to be coming apart a little bit...but the three nurses and one doctor I saw don't seem fussed so *shrug*
I now just have a layer of gauze and the tubey thing, and I'm allowed to *carefully* shower. I also got some stronger pain meds, so yay ^_^
The pain hasn't been that bad since that one day I complained about it on here :P more discomfort and itching now, my back however is killing me.
Looks good, Jeatyn. Congrats!
ETA: You never told us the name of your surgeon?
Quote from: Brett on December 20, 2013, 10:22:57 PM
Looks good, Jeatyn. Congrats!
ETA: You never told us the name of your surgeon?
I think I did a few pages back, it was Philip Ruben, an NHS surgeon
Sorry, I only scrolled back briefly to search. What is the deal with NHS surgeons? You just pick the one that you want? Aren't about 6 of them?
Quote from: Brett on December 21, 2013, 03:38:33 PM
Sorry, I only scrolled back briefly to search. What is the deal with NHS surgeons? You just pick the one that you want? Aren't about 6 of them?
Apparently we do have the "right" to pick whatever surgeon we want but with the NHS you generally just take what you're given to avoid making the waiting times longer than they already are. I was referred to Dr Rubin by my Gender Clinic, the hospital he works at is a 20 minute drive from my house and the waiting list was short so that was good enough for me :P I didn't even research any others.
Quote from: Jeatyn on December 22, 2013, 08:11:22 AM
Apparently we do have the "right" to pick whatever surgeon we want but with the NHS you generally just take what you're given to avoid making the waiting times longer than they already are. I was referred to Dr Rubin by my Gender Clinic, the hospital he works at is a 20 minute drive from my house and the waiting list was short so that was good enough for me :P I didn't even research any others.
Well that worked out great, then! I know that there are a couple of NHS surgeons that people consistently say has poor results (I don't remember the names, though). Clearly, your surgeon was not one of them!
So, have you found that you wake up every morning with a smile on your face? It has been 9 weeks for me, and it still happens every day!
Totally! Especially now the bandages are off, I'm constantly looking down my shirt or just standing shirtless in front of the mirror :D
I've already planned my outfit for the first day back at uni, I'm giddy at the prospect of just wearing a t-shirt, one layer! holy crap!
Quote from: Jeatyn on December 22, 2013, 12:04:57 PM
I've already planned my outfit for the first day back at uni, I'm giddy at the prospect of just wearing a t-shirt, one layer! holy crap!
I can't wait for that either! I'm excited! Congrats and I'm sure that's a great feeling!
I always wore button down shirts, went out and got a bunch of long sleeve t-shirts and so on. So happy, everything looks super.
Happy you're doing so well, Jeatyn (and Brett). :)
--Jay
My entire wardrobe is button down shirts, but I've had lots of stuff in storage that I've bought just for this occasion :D I got them all out last night and did a bit of a fashion parade and I'm thrilled with how they look on a flat chest.
My hips and ass look huge in comparison now, but that'll soon get sorted out once I am fully recovered. I'm so excited to start exercising without anything hindering me
Yes, it is great to only wear one layer! There was only once or twice that the weather has allowed me to wear a t-shirt outside since my surgery. However, this past Sunday it was warm when I went hiking, so I was in a t-shirt only. It felt sooo good to feel the breeze against my chest. What I noticed first thing when I wore a light t-shirt was the feeling of the shirt against my sternum...it is a odd, yet great feeling!
I had to try on my t-shirts when I first got home (8 days after surgery) just to see how they looked! ha!
Quote from: Brett on December 22, 2013, 10:31:06 AMSo, have you found that you wake up every morning with a smile on your face? It has been 9 weeks for me, and it still happens every day!
I still have moments when I run my hand over my chest and smile--and it's been over four years for me. Best $7500 I have ever spent. (Well, I'm pretty stoked about the car I just bought, but it cost only five thousand and some.)
Since it's in the 40s don't really want the breeze on my chest. In a few months maybe. But no compression... :)
--Jay
Looking forward to that tee feeling so bad. And then the multitude of days following where I can just wake up and throw on a tee/polo/shirt or WHATEVER and not have to contort my way into a binder or two! Lol.
Personally I'm looking forward to the next Taekwon-do competition I attend. I got a lot of weird looks at my last competition because no one competing in sparring wears a tshirt under their dobok (uniform), not even the girls! Girls wear sports bras and guys wear nowt. You sweat a LOT and overheating isn't good. For me I wasn't just wearing a tee, but also two binders underneath. I was sweating like a pig with limited range of motion while getting the, 'Why you wearing a tee, bro?' looks. Next time - no tee - no getting attention! Cannot WAIT!
I find that with people who know about me (I'm mostly stealth) asking me questions they all jump straight to swimming or beach questions. And very often it shocks them when I tell them that's all secondary concerns for me compared to the simple act of putting on a tshirt! Anyone else finding that?
Jeatyn, do you not still wear any compression vest or anything now?
All I have now is a tube thing for compression, but I mostly just put it on to sleep because when I'm sitting it rides up and it digs in RIGHT where my incisions are - I figured this is gonna be doing more harm than good xD I have put some new patches/bandages/big bandaid things over my nipples, they were making me nervous looking at them, they look so fragile o_o I asked at my last appointment how long I needed to wear the tube thing for, how long until I could sleep on my side, etc....their answer was always "whatever feels most comfortable for you"
I'm healing awesomely, I expected the incisions to look hideous and red for months but they don't,the scabs have mostly fallen off already and it looks really neat and tidy, I think my scars are gonna fade nicely ;D I have a dog ear on one side...and it's lumpy where the edges of the incision is in on the inside....in my former cleavage xD but I really don't care. I doubt I'll go in for a revision.
I was surprised at how GOOD some of my clothes felt on me, I have a really nice soft (thin and tight :P) sweater in particular that felt heavenly against my skin, it occurred to me that I haven't felt proper clothes on me in years and years - just PJ's :D
I used to wear a minimum of 4 layers to flatten myself sufficiently, from shoulders to ass I haven't felt anything but spandex and sweat for years xD one compression body suit, one short binder, one t-shirt and a button down. I also had to put cotton wool pads underneath to soak up the sweat otherwise I'd literally be soaked through my shirt before I even arrived at class ... people just don't realise how much effort it was to get dressed and exist with all that going on ... "lets walk ten minutes up this hill to go to lunch" .... er, let's not, I might pass out o_o All I can say is thank god I didn't have to attend class during the peak summer months, I don't think I would have coped.
BUT NOW? Oh god. I can't even describe how excited I am to start getting out and about to feel the improvement. Even at home when I'm running on my treadmill, I'd wear a sports bra, have all the curtains closed, and just try my best to power through the workout without bursting into tears at the sight and feel of those monstrosities bouncing up and down - most of the time I could only last 10 minutes.
Another thing I never really thought about because it's just been my life, since puberty, my upper back, shoulders and neck just feel sooooo much better. I'm standing up straight for the first time in forever. I weighed myself before and after surgery - 8lbs was gone. It's literally a huge weight off my shoulders :D
I have a compression vest thing so I still wear a binder of sorts for another 5 weeks. Lol. I don't mind though. I feel more secure with it right now because it means nothing rubs or pulls on anything, especially my fragile nipples!!!! Eeek! Only problem with mine is that it digs in under my arms in the worst way, and yet it's almost a blessing because that trumps any surgical pain. Distraction annoyance FTW! :-P
I think that two-three weeks is the worst time. I know people probably think right after surgery, but to me it was all very expected. I kind of got a bit driven to distraction by the dressings on the nipples (not the nipples per se) and burning feeling and so on. After that it was totally downhill. 6-7 weeks and no pain at all. I am a little worried when my cat reaches his claw onto my chest, but it's probably habit.
--Jay
Hi Jeatyn, thanks for all the brilliant information you've shared here :)
I'm on Mr. Rubin's waiting list, and it's reassuring to hear from someone else who's been through surgery with him. He seemed very nice and considerate and trans-friendly when I went for my first consultation with him (I have another in a fortnight as he said he requires two, though I did manage to talk him into putting me on the waiting list at my first appointment - he said he'd have to take me off if I didn't turn up to my next appointment, but I assured him there wasn't much chance of that, LOL). I'm having peri, so I guess our experiences may turn out to be quite different, but still - Rubin Buddies, UNITE! ;)
Now just preparing myself to get through the 18 week waiting list! :(
Quote from: Clive on January 21, 2014, 08:05:53 AM
Hi Jeatyn, thanks for all the brilliant information you've shared here :)
I'm on Mr. Rubin's waiting list, and it's reassuring to hear from someone else who's been through surgery with him. He seemed very nice and considerate and trans-friendly when I went for my first consultation with him (I have another in a fortnight as he said he requires two, though I did manage to talk him into putting me on the waiting list at my first appointment - he said he'd have to take me off if I didn't turn up to my next appointment, but I assured him there wasn't much chance of that, LOL). I'm having peri, so I guess our experiences may turn out to be quite different, but still - Rubin Buddies, UNITE! ;)
Now just preparing myself to get through the 18 week waiting list! :(
Oh that's awesome, it's pretty rare to meet someone so close to me on here. (I assume you must be close :P) If you check out the sticky update thread I've posted loads more in there. If you want to ask any specific questions on either thread or via PM I will be happy to help.
I ended up having three appointments before getting on the waiting list because of an admin mix up, nice one on persuading him to put you straight on - I remember him making my second appointment and saying something like "go away and think about it and then come to the second appointment and we can talk about whether or not you want to go ahead" - like I'm gonna change my mind ::)
Been following your progress Jeatyn for years (long time lurker, not as creepy as that sounds I swear!). I knew you were in the UK, but didn't realise where. I am also within easy distance of Mr Rubin, but for a number of reasons have decided to go with Yelland in Brighton. Not looking forward to 3 commutes down South in less than a month!
Anyway, just thought I'd say hi and let you know there are more of us in this area!
Quote from: MaximmusFlavius on January 21, 2014, 02:47:58 PM
Been following your progress Jeatyn for years (long time lurker, not as creepy as that sounds I swear!). I knew you were in the UK, but didn't realise where. I am also within easy distance of Mr Rubin, but for a number of reasons have decided to go with Yelland in Brighton. Not looking forward to 3 commutes down South in less than a month!
Anyway, just thought I'd say hi and let you know there are more of us in this area!
oh wow! Suddenly all coming out of the woodwork ;D we should all totally go for a beer/coffee/some sort of beverage sometime xD
Definitely! I sent you an email (meant to PM you, but got the wrong button :embarrassed: )
Quote from: Jeatyn on January 21, 2014, 12:40:11 PM
Oh that's awesome, it's pretty rare to meet someone so close to me on here. (I assume you must be close :P) If you check out the sticky update thread I've posted loads more in there. If you want to ask any specific questions on either thread or via PM I will be happy to help.
I ended up having three appointments before getting on the waiting list because of an admin mix up, nice one on persuading him to put you straight on - I remember him making my second appointment and saying something like "go away and think about it and then come to the second appointment and we can talk about whether or not you want to go ahead" - like I'm gonna change my mind ::)
Thanks Jeatyn, both for pointing me to the thread and the offer of PM communication! :)
Quote from: MaximmusFlavius on January 21, 2014, 02:47:58 PMI am also within easy distance of Mr Rubin, but for a number of reasons have decided to go with Yelland in Brighton. Not looking forward to 3 commutes down South in less than a month!
Anyway, just thought I'd say hi and let you know there are more of us in this area!
That's so spooky - I was going to opt for Yelland, though at the last minute realised it would be too logistically difficult to get there and back so many times. :'(
And who knew there were so many of us in this area? Jeatyn's right, we should totally all meet for a coffee or something, lol! ;)
Quote from: Jeatyn on January 21, 2014, 03:21:31 PM
oh wow! Suddenly all coming out of the woodwork ;D we should all totally go for a beer/coffee/some sort of beverage sometime xD
Good idea! It's too bad we all live in different places including in all different states, the UK, and Australia. :)
--Jay
Quote from: Jeatyn on January 21, 2014, 03:21:31 PM
oh wow! Suddenly all coming out of the woodwork ;D we should all totally go for a beer/coffee/some sort of beverage sometime xD
Or caramels...;)