My stomach is still lumpy, I'm hoping that isn't permanent... But the good news is that the space between my breasts is closing in finally and I hope it continues to do so. I've been massaging them in all sorts of ways and they are getting much softer. I'm anxious to have someone else touch them so they can let me know what they feel like. (Because what I feel isn't what someone else will, I'm still very aware of the implant...)
I slept in my own bed last night and it felt really good finally! I've been going bra-less with just the strap on top and it seems to help. Last night I also slept without my binding garment and had no issues...maybe I won't need it that much longer after all.
Scars are looking good and the gym has felt pretty normal so overall I'm pleased!
Friday, May 11, 2012
Mini notes
Thursday, May 3, 2012
5 weeks post op update
SO! They are changing every day. I'm actually much happier when I look at them now. They look great under clothing, as I'm not wearing the band unless I sleep so I can pretty much wear all my shirts normal again. (Except the few that no longer fit!) The right nipple still doesn't have any feeling, so there is obviously some swelling present, but except for initial soreness when I wake up in the morning they feel normal. There times when I'm extremely aware of their weight though, that can get uncomfortable. I still am not wearing a normal bra, even recently when I try them on they look and feel funny. My doctor said that I might not be able to wear an underwire for possibly 3 more months. I've been wearing bandeaus instead and they work well because they hide my (always erect/swollen) nipples and I never have to worry about hiding bra straps. My stomach, however, seems to be getting fatter, and not smaller, so I'm hoping it's just the way the swelling is working itself out. The places that feel bumpy are still hurting when touched, which my doctor says means the swelling is present. I hate, hate, hate with a passion having to wear my garment [even though it makes my clothing look great!], as my skin is itchy and sore and it's uncomfortable. Dr. D said that she wore hers for 6 months after her own lipo, so I'm not anticipating it going away anytime soon.
I had a vacation last week and so I went shopping for a bathing suit before I went. It was quite difficult. I can't wear a underwire, and they don't look normal enough to wear the typical "triangle". So I shopped for the bandeau shape exclusively, which is a popular look this season so I was fortunate. I found a few tops that match my bottoms I already have and two new ones that look pretty good. Too bad I didn't really have an opportunity to wear them, but now I'm prepared for the upcoming summer season. While I was shopping thought I also bought new clothing, and they all looked really good with the new "fullness". Makes me excited to shop more!
I had my second follow up and came prepared with a list of questions. Sometimes I think she's not ready for everything I have to ask (: I asked her about the area between each breast, it's still swollen and raised and looks kinda funny so I'm hoping that will go away. She really didn't give me any answers, but I've noticed afterwards that it is going down slightly so I'm hoping that it will continue to do so.
I told her I noticed a size difference and she mentioned that the opposite breast looked bigger than the one I think does. I finally found out that she supposedly did put less CC's in one compared to the other, so now I'm not sure what happened, or will happen as time passes. It's a horrible waiting game! I asked about whether I can tan, and she said yes, and then mentioned that they "gurgle" sometimes when I massage them and that supposedly is normal.
My scars are looking great, she did an awesome job on the incisions and the last tape is no longer there either so I can keep track of them. She told me to massage them to break up the scar tissue and so I do, even though it hurts and I feel a popping sensation each time I do. It's like bubble wrap, but I suppose that means that it's working. She gave me a weird bandaid-looking thing that supposedly will help the scar get better so I use them now, which helps because I can protect the area from the tanning bed that way.
She gave me the go-ahead to sleep however I want now, but honestly, it has been so long in that position that now I can't sleep anyway else without being miserable and waking up with aches and pains. It's pathetic but I've been sleeping better on my couch than on my own bed. I'm hoping the sleeping gets better because I need my rest and I hate not sleeping well.
Ok, kinda weird but I thought I should mention, because she hadn't really heard of it before so if someone else goes through this I wanted to make sure you don't feel alone: I couldn't stop shedding for over a week. Every time I put lotion on each breast it's like my whole top layer of skin just sloughed off. It was disgusting. And it didn't stop, it just kept coming. You'd think it was over, and then I'd go to put lotion on again the next day and there it was happening again. I will say that now when I lotion-up everything is "normal", so no worries. I told her I thought it was because I didn't have any room to start and now my body was quickly regenerating skin so I could fit them, lol. Who knows. Just don't freak out, it does go away.
I asked her if I could exercise and she said yes! Greatest news ever, I've been going stir crazy and as much as I lost weight [obviously] in my stomach area I've been gaining it everywhere else. I'm hoping it helps with all the swelling as well, even though she said it will make it worse initially. I just have to wear a good sports bra and she says that I will probably want to wear the supportive garment as well because of the up and down. But overall, I've been given a green light. I went back for the first time this week and it felt good, but also strange. The running hurt at first, but it wore away after a few minutes. I went twice so far, and each time was the same. The worst wasn't the breasts or the lipo-ed area, but the rest of my "fat" lazy body finally moving!
I have another follow up in a few weeks. I'll post another update then!
I had a vacation last week and so I went shopping for a bathing suit before I went. It was quite difficult. I can't wear a underwire, and they don't look normal enough to wear the typical "triangle". So I shopped for the bandeau shape exclusively, which is a popular look this season so I was fortunate. I found a few tops that match my bottoms I already have and two new ones that look pretty good. Too bad I didn't really have an opportunity to wear them, but now I'm prepared for the upcoming summer season. While I was shopping thought I also bought new clothing, and they all looked really good with the new "fullness". Makes me excited to shop more!
I had my second follow up and came prepared with a list of questions. Sometimes I think she's not ready for everything I have to ask (: I asked her about the area between each breast, it's still swollen and raised and looks kinda funny so I'm hoping that will go away. She really didn't give me any answers, but I've noticed afterwards that it is going down slightly so I'm hoping that it will continue to do so.
I told her I noticed a size difference and she mentioned that the opposite breast looked bigger than the one I think does. I finally found out that she supposedly did put less CC's in one compared to the other, so now I'm not sure what happened, or will happen as time passes. It's a horrible waiting game! I asked about whether I can tan, and she said yes, and then mentioned that they "gurgle" sometimes when I massage them and that supposedly is normal.
My scars are looking great, she did an awesome job on the incisions and the last tape is no longer there either so I can keep track of them. She told me to massage them to break up the scar tissue and so I do, even though it hurts and I feel a popping sensation each time I do. It's like bubble wrap, but I suppose that means that it's working. She gave me a weird bandaid-looking thing that supposedly will help the scar get better so I use them now, which helps because I can protect the area from the tanning bed that way.
She gave me the go-ahead to sleep however I want now, but honestly, it has been so long in that position that now I can't sleep anyway else without being miserable and waking up with aches and pains. It's pathetic but I've been sleeping better on my couch than on my own bed. I'm hoping the sleeping gets better because I need my rest and I hate not sleeping well.
Ok, kinda weird but I thought I should mention, because she hadn't really heard of it before so if someone else goes through this I wanted to make sure you don't feel alone: I couldn't stop shedding for over a week. Every time I put lotion on each breast it's like my whole top layer of skin just sloughed off. It was disgusting. And it didn't stop, it just kept coming. You'd think it was over, and then I'd go to put lotion on again the next day and there it was happening again. I will say that now when I lotion-up everything is "normal", so no worries. I told her I thought it was because I didn't have any room to start and now my body was quickly regenerating skin so I could fit them, lol. Who knows. Just don't freak out, it does go away.
I asked her if I could exercise and she said yes! Greatest news ever, I've been going stir crazy and as much as I lost weight [obviously] in my stomach area I've been gaining it everywhere else. I'm hoping it helps with all the swelling as well, even though she said it will make it worse initially. I just have to wear a good sports bra and she says that I will probably want to wear the supportive garment as well because of the up and down. But overall, I've been given a green light. I went back for the first time this week and it felt good, but also strange. The running hurt at first, but it wore away after a few minutes. I went twice so far, and each time was the same. The worst wasn't the breasts or the lipo-ed area, but the rest of my "fat" lazy body finally moving!
I have another follow up in a few weeks. I'll post another update then!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Little Updates
1. Movement is getting better each day. I still find myself waking up in the middle of the night having to stretch my arms though, as they get very tight from not doing much, especially while sleeping.
2. I was back to my nanny job for the first time today. I've been dead tired all day because of it. It actually took a lot out of me and I didn't do much, so I'm not sure how I'm going to handle cleaning her house this Friday. The going is most definitely slower than normal.
3. I've stopped putting vitamin E on my incisions, because my smart ass didn't realize that the surgeon's glue is still present and at this point it's doing nothing but making a mess and ruining my bra. I will resume once all that's there is a scar.
4. I have less pain every day, but different sensations appear also. Right now I'm experiencing a sharp pang in my left breast close to the breast bone that comes and goes at random. It's very uncomfortable and there's nothing I can do but grin and bear it, which is worse in public because I keep wanting to say "ow". My stomach is regaining sensation but my nipples haven't [yet, cross fingers]. The swelling on my stomach is less and less, I can tell because the Velcro on the binding from the doctor keeps changing positions. Also, I DETEST the band that I wear across my chest, it hurts worse every day. That, so far, is the worst part at this point. I can't wait until it's gone.
5. I have eczema and most of my life I forget this. Until I decide to buy a Nivea firming lotion that I think will be great for my newly siphoned stomach skin and discover that it does everything but moisturize. That plus the antibacterial soap that I foolishly continued using (it's gel based and very drying) and the fifteen layers I wear everyday that create a furnace around my neck have created a million and one little bumps and scaly skin around my neck, arms and chest. It's been lovely.
6. I purchased new "bras" yesterday. After hours of searching through endless types and guessing at a size (I think so far I'm a 36 C but don't quote me), I found a few that were similar to shelf bras inside a camisole and got those to wear during the day instead. They are more comfortable and hide my unsightly swollen nipples well. Because of my new wears, I actually am starting to like what I look like in the mirror. Clothing looks much better as well. I'm starting to get to that point you read about where the chicks all want people to look at them and touch them. I have no shame, if someone said "show me your tits" I'd probably flash them without even thinking. I presume it's because my thought process on them is that they aren't really a part of my body yet, and right now they are still a "new item I just bought" and must show off. Wonder if that will change....
7. I also broke my "no shopping" rule that I made for myself back in October to help save money and also because I was getting a new "body" so to speak. I still don't think it's a good idea to buy actual clothing since I'm not really "normal" yet, but I bought myself a little of everything else and it felt good. I was tempted to buy a summer dress because it's not going to look much different on my once I "settle". It's still in the back of my mind so I might go back before my vacation at the end of the month and treat myself (:
8. One of my breasts has started to drop and fluff already. It's leaving the other one in the dust. I heard that might happen but it's kinda sad. And if it continues it will start to look funny. I'm going to have to massage the other one more now, I think it needs the attention. Whore.
9. My sister called me sexy when I sent her a picture. One of my best friends told me she thinks everyone will notice. My coworker commented to another coworker that I appeared to be wearing a really padded bra today. She just shrugged at him and pretended he didn't know what he was talking about. So far he's the only one that I've noticed has noticed. Unless people are just being polite. And females don't pay as much attention anyway. I told my desk partner: "It looks like before when I would wear padded bras. Except now it's no longer padded and it's also no longer false advertising!"
2. I was back to my nanny job for the first time today. I've been dead tired all day because of it. It actually took a lot out of me and I didn't do much, so I'm not sure how I'm going to handle cleaning her house this Friday. The going is most definitely slower than normal.
3. I've stopped putting vitamin E on my incisions, because my smart ass didn't realize that the surgeon's glue is still present and at this point it's doing nothing but making a mess and ruining my bra. I will resume once all that's there is a scar.
4. I have less pain every day, but different sensations appear also. Right now I'm experiencing a sharp pang in my left breast close to the breast bone that comes and goes at random. It's very uncomfortable and there's nothing I can do but grin and bear it, which is worse in public because I keep wanting to say "ow". My stomach is regaining sensation but my nipples haven't [yet, cross fingers]. The swelling on my stomach is less and less, I can tell because the Velcro on the binding from the doctor keeps changing positions. Also, I DETEST the band that I wear across my chest, it hurts worse every day. That, so far, is the worst part at this point. I can't wait until it's gone.
5. I have eczema and most of my life I forget this. Until I decide to buy a Nivea firming lotion that I think will be great for my newly siphoned stomach skin and discover that it does everything but moisturize. That plus the antibacterial soap that I foolishly continued using (it's gel based and very drying) and the fifteen layers I wear everyday that create a furnace around my neck have created a million and one little bumps and scaly skin around my neck, arms and chest. It's been lovely.
6. I purchased new "bras" yesterday. After hours of searching through endless types and guessing at a size (I think so far I'm a 36 C but don't quote me), I found a few that were similar to shelf bras inside a camisole and got those to wear during the day instead. They are more comfortable and hide my unsightly swollen nipples well. Because of my new wears, I actually am starting to like what I look like in the mirror. Clothing looks much better as well. I'm starting to get to that point you read about where the chicks all want people to look at them and touch them. I have no shame, if someone said "show me your tits" I'd probably flash them without even thinking. I presume it's because my thought process on them is that they aren't really a part of my body yet, and right now they are still a "new item I just bought" and must show off. Wonder if that will change....
7. I also broke my "no shopping" rule that I made for myself back in October to help save money and also because I was getting a new "body" so to speak. I still don't think it's a good idea to buy actual clothing since I'm not really "normal" yet, but I bought myself a little of everything else and it felt good. I was tempted to buy a summer dress because it's not going to look much different on my once I "settle". It's still in the back of my mind so I might go back before my vacation at the end of the month and treat myself (:
8. One of my breasts has started to drop and fluff already. It's leaving the other one in the dust. I heard that might happen but it's kinda sad. And if it continues it will start to look funny. I'm going to have to massage the other one more now, I think it needs the attention. Whore.
9. My sister called me sexy when I sent her a picture. One of my best friends told me she thinks everyone will notice. My coworker commented to another coworker that I appeared to be wearing a really padded bra today. She just shrugged at him and pretended he didn't know what he was talking about. So far he's the only one that I've noticed has noticed. Unless people are just being polite. And females don't pay as much attention anyway. I told my desk partner: "It looks like before when I would wear padded bras. Except now it's no longer padded and it's also no longer false advertising!"
Friday, April 6, 2012
Friday
Today was, by far, the best day! I spent most of the night awake, I'm not sure if it's because I've been sleeping so much or because I took a vicodin before I went to bed. Regardless, I woke up late, had breakfast and then fell asleep on the couch again until the afternoon.
I took off all my lovely "bindings" and decided to take a "one week after" photo in the same bathing suit I wore in the pictures I took "before". The band that I've started wearing has already helped, the implants seem to be settling down more. My stomach also looked exceptionally better than yesterday, I'd say almost half the swelling is gone already. Everything I read online last night said that it takes 4-6 weeks to see a major difference and up to 6 months to see the final results. When I was at the my appt yesterday I asked about what other pain meds I can take instead of Tylenol because I don't feel like it's working. I started taking Advil now instead, and I think it's finally helping with the swelling and pain because I feel much better. Also, it could be the walk yesterday as well. Who knows, all I know is that I feel and look much better than I have yet.
Then in all my feeling-good-ness I decided to clean myself up a bit and take a shower. This time was much different from the first, I was able to move much better, wash my hair again and even shave [you'd be amazed at what can happen under your arms in only a week!]. Once again I spent every last drop of hot water. I did my massages that I was instructed to do in the shower, and they were quite uncomfortable. I'm gaining more and more feeling back in them each day, and only to my chagrin as they are still oh so very sore.
So, since I continued to feel good I decided to try blow drying my hair. Success! It took a little longer than usual, but I was able to do it ok. [p.s. I've been putting vitamin E oil on my incisions and noticed today as I was applying that I have some nasty yellow bruises under each breast. Lovely.]
I also managed to take another walk up and down main street and it was much quicker than yesterday and I felt much more energetic. Since I can't make it to the gym like I'm used to, I think I'll continue the walking to keep me from going rigid. Once I was home I was still feeling good so I tidied up my apartment and even managed to {slowly} do my dishes.
Am I doing too much? Maybe. I'll probably find out tomorrow. But as of now, I finally feel back to normal {mostly} and am loving the new arm mobility and decreasing pain.
Here's to hoping it lasts...
I took off all my lovely "bindings" and decided to take a "one week after" photo in the same bathing suit I wore in the pictures I took "before". The band that I've started wearing has already helped, the implants seem to be settling down more. My stomach also looked exceptionally better than yesterday, I'd say almost half the swelling is gone already. Everything I read online last night said that it takes 4-6 weeks to see a major difference and up to 6 months to see the final results. When I was at the my appt yesterday I asked about what other pain meds I can take instead of Tylenol because I don't feel like it's working. I started taking Advil now instead, and I think it's finally helping with the swelling and pain because I feel much better. Also, it could be the walk yesterday as well. Who knows, all I know is that I feel and look much better than I have yet.
Then in all my feeling-good-ness I decided to clean myself up a bit and take a shower. This time was much different from the first, I was able to move much better, wash my hair again and even shave [you'd be amazed at what can happen under your arms in only a week!]. Once again I spent every last drop of hot water. I did my massages that I was instructed to do in the shower, and they were quite uncomfortable. I'm gaining more and more feeling back in them each day, and only to my chagrin as they are still oh so very sore.
So, since I continued to feel good I decided to try blow drying my hair. Success! It took a little longer than usual, but I was able to do it ok. [p.s. I've been putting vitamin E oil on my incisions and noticed today as I was applying that I have some nasty yellow bruises under each breast. Lovely.]
I also managed to take another walk up and down main street and it was much quicker than yesterday and I felt much more energetic. Since I can't make it to the gym like I'm used to, I think I'll continue the walking to keep me from going rigid. Once I was home I was still feeling good so I tidied up my apartment and even managed to {slowly} do my dishes.
Am I doing too much? Maybe. I'll probably find out tomorrow. But as of now, I finally feel back to normal {mostly} and am loving the new arm mobility and decreasing pain.
Here's to hoping it lasts...
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Thursday
I had my post op doctor's visit today. Let me tell you: driving down there was something else! I really thought I'd be in better shape by now, but that trip taught me otherwise. I did my best to drive as careful as possible, but if anything would have happened I would have been screwed.
When I got there I didn't wait long and was whisked into a room to see my nurse. She told me to get undressed and put on a robe. Then we undid my bra and waist binder.
Side note: I finally took a shower last night. It was wonderful. Weird in some places, as I couldn't feel the water everywhere and it was hard to maneuver, but still wonderful. I used every last drop of hot water possible. I also washed my hair [yay!] but didn't shave because I still can't reach certain areas. When I got out I put on the second bra that I came home with and also the new binder. I slept like a rock.
Ok, so I'm swollen. Really swollen. Even my doctor says so. As far as my stomach, she says it may take a month to finally go down. Walking will help, but it also may add to the irritation. I was told to drink water and avoid salt. She also wants me to stop wearing what they gave me because it's not very comfortable and buy Spanks or a corset or something from the underwear dept at a store.
As far as my breasts, she said they are really high and swollen as well. She brought me a band, made of the same material that was on my waist, and told me that I need to wear it 24/7 for probably the next 3 weeks to help push them down into place. Awesome. One more thing to make me feel super sexy.
I asked her about arm movement and she said that I could do whatever I wanted as long as I didn't push myself and it didn't hurt. If I take it slow and am careful I can even blow dry my hair if I want. She said light exercise like walking is ok. I asked her if the feeling would come back in my nipples [inquiring minds want to know!] and I was told that it would, I'm too swollen now, and that no one had ever permanently lost sensation there. Phew!
The bra I had on was too tight so she got me a new one that was closer to the original I had come home in. I can wear a camisole if it's tight or has a shelf bra instead if I want, but no sports bras because they might push the implants up again. She taught me a simple exercise to move the implants around in the shower and help them settle. I asked her about all of the fancy techniques for massaging that I saw on the internet and she said that wasn't necessary. Hmmmm...who to believe??? [I am inclined to believe my own surgeon, but then in the back of my head can't help but wonder why other surgeons recommend differently...]
She told me everything looks normal, even though I feel like a freak, and said to see her in two more weeks for another follow up. And then we were done, just like that!
When I got home I was tired, the driving was really taxing, and so I ate and sat around for a bit. Then I decided to take that walk that I had meant to take the other day [gotta pay them bills!] so I grabbed my phone and ventured out.
OMG. Waaaaay harder than I thought.
It took me almost an hour to walk like ten blocks. My body was complaining the whole time and I kept having to remind myself that my shoulders should be back and not to grab my stomach [I resembled someone about to throw up]. By the time I was home I was out of breath and exhausted. I'm inclined to think that it was probably good for me, but I need to take it a little slower.
However, nothing hurts as bad as the new band across my chest squeezing air out of my lungs and fighting the two bags of silicone that are trying to push back up. This is going to be a very painful month!
When I got there I didn't wait long and was whisked into a room to see my nurse. She told me to get undressed and put on a robe. Then we undid my bra and waist binder.
Side note: I finally took a shower last night. It was wonderful. Weird in some places, as I couldn't feel the water everywhere and it was hard to maneuver, but still wonderful. I used every last drop of hot water possible. I also washed my hair [yay!] but didn't shave because I still can't reach certain areas. When I got out I put on the second bra that I came home with and also the new binder. I slept like a rock.
Ok, so I'm swollen. Really swollen. Even my doctor says so. As far as my stomach, she says it may take a month to finally go down. Walking will help, but it also may add to the irritation. I was told to drink water and avoid salt. She also wants me to stop wearing what they gave me because it's not very comfortable and buy Spanks or a corset or something from the underwear dept at a store.
As far as my breasts, she said they are really high and swollen as well. She brought me a band, made of the same material that was on my waist, and told me that I need to wear it 24/7 for probably the next 3 weeks to help push them down into place. Awesome. One more thing to make me feel super sexy.
I asked her about arm movement and she said that I could do whatever I wanted as long as I didn't push myself and it didn't hurt. If I take it slow and am careful I can even blow dry my hair if I want. She said light exercise like walking is ok. I asked her if the feeling would come back in my nipples [inquiring minds want to know!] and I was told that it would, I'm too swollen now, and that no one had ever permanently lost sensation there. Phew!
The bra I had on was too tight so she got me a new one that was closer to the original I had come home in. I can wear a camisole if it's tight or has a shelf bra instead if I want, but no sports bras because they might push the implants up again. She taught me a simple exercise to move the implants around in the shower and help them settle. I asked her about all of the fancy techniques for massaging that I saw on the internet and she said that wasn't necessary. Hmmmm...who to believe??? [I am inclined to believe my own surgeon, but then in the back of my head can't help but wonder why other surgeons recommend differently...]
She told me everything looks normal, even though I feel like a freak, and said to see her in two more weeks for another follow up. And then we were done, just like that!
When I got home I was tired, the driving was really taxing, and so I ate and sat around for a bit. Then I decided to take that walk that I had meant to take the other day [gotta pay them bills!] so I grabbed my phone and ventured out.
OMG. Waaaaay harder than I thought.
It took me almost an hour to walk like ten blocks. My body was complaining the whole time and I kept having to remind myself that my shoulders should be back and not to grab my stomach [I resembled someone about to throw up]. By the time I was home I was out of breath and exhausted. I'm inclined to think that it was probably good for me, but I need to take it a little slower.
However, nothing hurts as bad as the new band across my chest squeezing air out of my lungs and fighting the two bags of silicone that are trying to push back up. This is going to be a very painful month!
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Surgery Day Recap
After only getting 3 hours of sleep, I woke up around 4 am right when my alarm went off. I was so worried that I wouldn't hear it, but thankfully I did. I wasn't nervous, but I was a little anxious that I wouldn't be done in time. I made sure that all my packing was complete, which included making sure all my food I needed for the weekend was in a bag for my friend's house. I took a shower, washing in my antibacterial soap again, and I made sure I washed my hair good and shaved good [since I knew I wouldn't be allowed to for at least a week]. I had decided to wear makeup because my doctor said that would be fine. No lotion or deodorant though, which was weird because I always have dry skin and the soap made it worse. I made sure I had a coat and a pillow and a bucket for the ride home and then got myself together and waited for my ride.
My friend picked me up a few minutes early [thank goodness my usually late ass was early today!], and we headed down to the hospital. I still wasn't nervous, and we kept ourselves talking so I couldn't focus on it too much. She always drives fast so we arrived closer to 6am than the 630am I was told. We ended up getting there at the same time as the receptionist, which I think threw her off guard because she was a little disheveled. We sat in the waiting room with another couple until she was ready and then I said goodbye to my friend and was walked into another part of the hospital.
She brought me into a low lit room that reminded me of a hotel room, minus the bed. I was instructed to undress completely and put on a hospital gown and robe along with some warm green socks. Even though I hadn't had anything to drink for over 12 hours and had already gone to the bathroom that morning, she told me to give her a urine sample in the attached bathroom. Somehow my body obliged!
While in the bathroom I looked at my naked body for the last time. It was weird, I didn't feel as ugly as I had the other night when I was taking my before shots. I still wasn't nervous, but I did feel a little sad knowing I'd never see that again. But I put on my extremely attractive surgery attire and sat in the chair waiting to see what was next.
A nurse came in, one I'd never met before, and she was a little grumpy. She started asking me questions and then had me sit next to her on the couch. I started signing paperwork and noticed that my DOB was wrong so once I pointed it out suddenly it put them in a tizy and we had to do all the paperwork from the beginning over again. The first lady came in and took the old paperwork and then was in and out getting it straightened out.
Nurse #1 hooked me up to a bunch of machines, taking my blood pressure, monitoring my heart rate, etc. She couldn't find the oral health interview I had done earlier that week so she did it again. Then she took my temperature. BIG UH OH. She used a tool that read from my ear, and it said my temp was 99.9 and 100.1. That's a definite fever. I was so confused because I had taken my temp the day before and it was normal. The nurse started getting nervous and was giving me looks like suddenly I was going home and it was over. NOW I WAS NERVOUS. I was NOT going to go home after all of this without my surgery being done. She ran out to confer with other people in the hospital. She came back in and took it again. Same thing. My friend who is going to be my nurse in the room with me came in and checked on me. What's going on? I told her that I had felt a slight sore throat earlier in the week but it went away as soon as it came and I was taking my vitamins so I didn't know what was up. She left and came back in with a different thermometer that measured from under the armpit. That came back normal. She told me she'd give the info to my doctor and in the end her and my anesthesiologist would make the final call. Not gonna lie, I started praying and praying and praying at that point.
I was able to text my sister and a few friends for a few minutes, finally acknowledging that I was nervous as all hell. My emotions were a mix of excitement, calm and pure nerves. I'm not sure how, but I was a roller-coaster.
Another nurse came in. Asked me a million more questions. Tried to be cute and funny. I wasn't in the mood. Did I care that she fought with her husband before coming to work? No. Did I care that she wanted me to be as comfortable as possible and feel safe and secure. Nope. At this point I was ready to get in and get out.
Then the anesthesiologist came in. She had a russian-like accent and was really sweet. I was told that I shouldn't have worn eye makeup because of the "goop" she uses to keep my eyes shut during the procedure. [p.s. that goop stayed on my eyes for days fyi]. Had I known, I wouldn't have but of course, I was given two different stories. She went over my health questions AGAIN [I swear I was asked everything almost 7 times] and said I looked perfect on paper and asked how I felt. I told her I was feeling fine and couldn't understand why I had a fever. She made sure all my piercings were out and then left.
Finally my doctor came in. She had me undress and started marking me with a permanent marker. Then I got dressed again, was given a warm blanket and lead to my locker to put away my phone. Then right into the operating room I went.
Suddenly my slow morning felt a little rushed. I was immediately put on the table, and the anesthesiologist went right to work on putting in my IV. They were all in good moods, joking around with me. She told me she was giving me a cocktail, and it was a good one so she'd be charging me $10 "which is a good deal because if you're in the city a good one costs $15". I told her she'd have to wait because it was in my other pants pocket. My friend was joking with me as well, and I was in a mood that had me giggling nonstop. I couldn't believe it was finally happening.
I remember feeling the IV working and it felt great. There aren't many memories between that initial feeling of "high" and the oxygen mask going on my face. I was out.
When I woke up, I remember seeing my friend again. She told me I did well and that they went big, putting 375 cc in. Did they get a lot out of my stomach? "As much as they could". They told me they put in a call to my friend to come get me. I think I fell asleep again.
The afternoon is blurry. Somehow I got from the operating room to a recovery suite. My friend was there and she took a picture of me. I remember passing out for a while and she sat reading a book. I woke up because the pain was suddenly very intense even though I had taken pain rx. I started freaking out and we called in the nurses to get an idea of what to do. They ended up giving me a more powerful medication through my IV, that suddenly made me sick to my stomach so then I was given a anti-nausea medication as well. Finally I was feeling somewhat ok and they handed my friend my aftercare instructions and I was wheeled out to the car.
The ride home was very painful, but I was in and out of consciousness so somehow I made it. I barely remember getting out or getting into her spare bedroom. The rest of the day all I did was sleep until she would wake me up to eat and take more medication. I thought I wouldn't have an appetite but I was STARVING. I think I ate more in the last week than I have all month.
That's pretty much all I can remember...the rest is, what they say, history (:
My friend picked me up a few minutes early [thank goodness my usually late ass was early today!], and we headed down to the hospital. I still wasn't nervous, and we kept ourselves talking so I couldn't focus on it too much. She always drives fast so we arrived closer to 6am than the 630am I was told. We ended up getting there at the same time as the receptionist, which I think threw her off guard because she was a little disheveled. We sat in the waiting room with another couple until she was ready and then I said goodbye to my friend and was walked into another part of the hospital.
She brought me into a low lit room that reminded me of a hotel room, minus the bed. I was instructed to undress completely and put on a hospital gown and robe along with some warm green socks. Even though I hadn't had anything to drink for over 12 hours and had already gone to the bathroom that morning, she told me to give her a urine sample in the attached bathroom. Somehow my body obliged!
While in the bathroom I looked at my naked body for the last time. It was weird, I didn't feel as ugly as I had the other night when I was taking my before shots. I still wasn't nervous, but I did feel a little sad knowing I'd never see that again. But I put on my extremely attractive surgery attire and sat in the chair waiting to see what was next.
A nurse came in, one I'd never met before, and she was a little grumpy. She started asking me questions and then had me sit next to her on the couch. I started signing paperwork and noticed that my DOB was wrong so once I pointed it out suddenly it put them in a tizy and we had to do all the paperwork from the beginning over again. The first lady came in and took the old paperwork and then was in and out getting it straightened out.
Nurse #1 hooked me up to a bunch of machines, taking my blood pressure, monitoring my heart rate, etc. She couldn't find the oral health interview I had done earlier that week so she did it again. Then she took my temperature. BIG UH OH. She used a tool that read from my ear, and it said my temp was 99.9 and 100.1. That's a definite fever. I was so confused because I had taken my temp the day before and it was normal. The nurse started getting nervous and was giving me looks like suddenly I was going home and it was over. NOW I WAS NERVOUS. I was NOT going to go home after all of this without my surgery being done. She ran out to confer with other people in the hospital. She came back in and took it again. Same thing. My friend who is going to be my nurse in the room with me came in and checked on me. What's going on? I told her that I had felt a slight sore throat earlier in the week but it went away as soon as it came and I was taking my vitamins so I didn't know what was up. She left and came back in with a different thermometer that measured from under the armpit. That came back normal. She told me she'd give the info to my doctor and in the end her and my anesthesiologist would make the final call. Not gonna lie, I started praying and praying and praying at that point.
I was able to text my sister and a few friends for a few minutes, finally acknowledging that I was nervous as all hell. My emotions were a mix of excitement, calm and pure nerves. I'm not sure how, but I was a roller-coaster.
Another nurse came in. Asked me a million more questions. Tried to be cute and funny. I wasn't in the mood. Did I care that she fought with her husband before coming to work? No. Did I care that she wanted me to be as comfortable as possible and feel safe and secure. Nope. At this point I was ready to get in and get out.
Then the anesthesiologist came in. She had a russian-like accent and was really sweet. I was told that I shouldn't have worn eye makeup because of the "goop" she uses to keep my eyes shut during the procedure. [p.s. that goop stayed on my eyes for days fyi]. Had I known, I wouldn't have but of course, I was given two different stories. She went over my health questions AGAIN [I swear I was asked everything almost 7 times] and said I looked perfect on paper and asked how I felt. I told her I was feeling fine and couldn't understand why I had a fever. She made sure all my piercings were out and then left.
Finally my doctor came in. She had me undress and started marking me with a permanent marker. Then I got dressed again, was given a warm blanket and lead to my locker to put away my phone. Then right into the operating room I went.
Suddenly my slow morning felt a little rushed. I was immediately put on the table, and the anesthesiologist went right to work on putting in my IV. They were all in good moods, joking around with me. She told me she was giving me a cocktail, and it was a good one so she'd be charging me $10 "which is a good deal because if you're in the city a good one costs $15". I told her she'd have to wait because it was in my other pants pocket. My friend was joking with me as well, and I was in a mood that had me giggling nonstop. I couldn't believe it was finally happening.
I remember feeling the IV working and it felt great. There aren't many memories between that initial feeling of "high" and the oxygen mask going on my face. I was out.
When I woke up, I remember seeing my friend again. She told me I did well and that they went big, putting 375 cc in. Did they get a lot out of my stomach? "As much as they could". They told me they put in a call to my friend to come get me. I think I fell asleep again.
The afternoon is blurry. Somehow I got from the operating room to a recovery suite. My friend was there and she took a picture of me. I remember passing out for a while and she sat reading a book. I woke up because the pain was suddenly very intense even though I had taken pain rx. I started freaking out and we called in the nurses to get an idea of what to do. They ended up giving me a more powerful medication through my IV, that suddenly made me sick to my stomach so then I was given a anti-nausea medication as well. Finally I was feeling somewhat ok and they handed my friend my aftercare instructions and I was wheeled out to the car.
The ride home was very painful, but I was in and out of consciousness so somehow I made it. I barely remember getting out or getting into her spare bedroom. The rest of the day all I did was sleep until she would wake me up to eat and take more medication. I thought I wouldn't have an appetite but I was STARVING. I think I ate more in the last week than I have all month.
That's pretty much all I can remember...the rest is, what they say, history (:
More hope
You can tell I'm going a little crazy about how I look right now because when I'm not sleeping my pain away I'm up on the internet looking for people who went through the same thing as me. I found the following website showing a look similar to mine. It's also very informative on the whole BA process from beginning to end if someone wants an overview. I'd recommend reading the entire page.
*This picture shows before, 2 days post op, and 3 months post op
*This picture shows before, 2 days post op, and 3 months post op
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