Ria's bandaged up...

[ria]

Hi All,

It's been 2 days since I've had my BA. I'd like to start a journal, but my circumstance is not permitting. I'm resting at my boyfriend's sister's place while waiting for my new apartment to move into.

The day before the BA, I was informed that the surgery is postponed from 7am to 10:30am. I didn't mind it too much - at least they told me. I went to sleep at 11:30pm hoping to wake up to have just enough time to get dressed and ready for the BA. I kept tossing and turning after 5:30am though.

I arrived at the CSRC clinic half an hour early. I waited and waited with my boyfriend. I finally got the paperwork and measured up betweem 10:45 and 11:15. Then I got changed to a blue dress and a brown robe. *pretty* LOL... My boyfriend took a picture of me smiling ..

Dr Hodgkinson said that I looked calmed and joked around a bit with him. It's funny because the doctor and nursers were friendly and serious before I went to the op theatre, and I was joking around. I ended up going to the op theatre at 11:30 and woke up at 14:30. When I was on the bed, they gave me anaesthetic and put the oxygen mask on me. The nurses and anaesthetist were joking around at this stage and I laughed then I was out. I woke up dreaming of South Park (Cartman). I didn't realise that it was over and done with until I saw the anaesthetist wearing a suit ready to go home and the nurse running around.

The first night was a little harsh due to my back pain. My chest just felt tight. I ended up taking the sleeping pill. I had my post op consultation the next day. They cut up a bit of the bandages to clean my stitches and taught myself and my boyfriend how to do it. I need to keep the bandage for 1 week and clean the stitches daily. I'm wearing a sports bra since Day 1.

The padding that covers the stitches helps a little bit to ease the tightnes of the bra. The nurse told me to take off the bra if it is too sore, but the bra is meant to help the boobies. So I haven't taken the bra off until this morning (Day 2) to clean the stitches. My boyfriend and his sister helped me with this.

In terms of pain, it's only the tightness around the bra line that really bothers me. Sometimes my chest feel very numb and swelling, but the ice pack helps. I only take the pain killers for the first 24 hours, then I take the antibiotics and sleeping pill at night. The swelling usually gets worse at night time.

I'm feeling better today, but still can't see my boobs yet. My next post op is on Wednesday 11 July.

The U pillow really helps. Big triangle pillow is a good investment too if you don't have a recliner. It's winter in Sydney, and I keep myself woarm with blankets etc.

Oo... in terms of the implant, I forgot to ask what I end up getting. I told the doctor to overfill if possible, but here's what I think I have:
Saline 330cc
I think I have unders - but I'll check next post op. I think I was really out of it that I didn't bother asking.

Emotionally, I'm a little up and down. Mainly because of the tightness and the stress of moving house etc. But my boyfriend is a great help in this that I don't have to worry too much.

I think it's almost time for my antibiotics.. I'll post some more when I've moved and have an internet connection again.

Good luck for all other July jigglers out there and speedy recovery.

Sorry for the bad typo and grammar.

[shawnya120]

Sounds like you are doing well! Must be a bummer not being able to see them, huh? Good luck with everything though! Congratulations!

[yellowvette]

Congrats RIA! Glad to hear that things went well & that you are resting & recovering!

[SOON2BD]

Youve gotten your boobies!!!!!
I know you will be happy once they have cal,ed down and you can have a good old play with them!!!!!
Rest up. X

[RaeLa]

Hi Ria!!

I am so happy things went well for you! Enjoy your new boobies!! I am sure you will feel more settled once you move into your place.

~Cheers!

[fifi]

HI Ria,
Congrats on the new jigglers....I was in Sydney (came down from Cairns for work) the day of your op and I was thinking of you all day hoping it all turned out well.
All the best for your recovery and I look forward to sharing my story after the 24th.

Fifi

[Fashionknockout]

Congrats on your ba Ria!!
I hope you have a speedy recovery!!

[emmaline]

Congrats on your wonderful new boobies!

Glad to hear that your recovery is going very well!

Looking forward to your update!

Emmaline

[Boobs-a-Bouncin]

Congrats Ria!! You're prob. feeling much better now- how did your post op go? Sending lots of healing vibes from a fellow "july jiggler"

[ria]

Gee.. It really has been a long time since I posted anything. Sorry, I finally got my internet connection at home.

I've received my ID Card with the following info:
Inamed 330cc left and right.
I forgot to ask about the implant placement and whether they're overfilled or not.

So.. Here's the summarised version on how things went post-op.


Day 0 - 4 July 2007

Afternoon - Bandaged up (with the nipples uncovered) when I woke up from the anaesthetic.

After I was awake for about half an hour and had a drink, the nurse organised a taxi to take us to the hotel which is literally 5 minutes walking distance. The nurse adjusted the seat belt so that the part of the belt that goes diagonally across the chest was placed behind my back. So I only had the seat belt across my tummy. The nurse also mentioned to just drink water and no soft drink/orange juice and to have 6 lighter meals instead of 3 big meals.

I rested for a couple of hours and had a cup of soup for dinner.
Took the pain killers before going to bed, the antibiotic pill. I had to wake up 3 times to go to the loo and drink water. It was a bit uncomfortable - mainly tightness on the chest and the back pain due to bad pillows at the motel. But the U Pillow really helped the neck tremendously. I also had the sleeping pill in the middle of the night too, as the tightness kept me awake.

The nurse mentioned to my boyfriend that I should take the antibiotic 4 times a day until it all finishes (the packet has 24 capsules), the painkillers (a maximum of 4 times with 4 hours gap - only if required) and the vitamins in the morning (as per pre-op). Also, I was instructed to sleep on my back at a 45 degree angle and not to use my arms to help me get up. I kept icing my boobs using the ice pack that the nurse gave me.


Day 1 - 5 July 2007

Chest was tight. Bandage was still on and kept the swelling down. I had my breakfast in the morning and took the antibiotics, vitamin C, Biozinc and Folate (due to my blood condition) before going to my first post op appointment. I was wearing sports bra on top of this too. No shower

I went to my post-op appointment where the nurse cut the lower part of the bandages to access and to clean the stitches. The nurse instructed me on how to clean the stitches with Normal Saline water using gauze, to apply bactroban, to cover it with steri strips and to apply the melolin for padding. She then dressed me up with a Berlei "Bouncing reduced" Sports bra. The nurse would like to see me on 11 July for another post op where the bandages are taken off.

I was feeling quite well on Day 1 - My boyfriend and I walked very slowly to the PS office and return.

After the post-op visit, my boyfriend and I stayed at his sister's place. It took about 1 hour taxi drive. I wasn't comfortable with how he drove. I clenched my fist every single time the taxi driver slammed on the brake. I was afraid that the implants might decide to pop out. he he he.. But all was well.

I took the antibiotic 4 times a day. I also had the painkillers once before going to bed. Then I took a sleeping pill in the middle of the night as I was feeling a little bit to tight with the bra. I also used the ice pack to ease the discomfort.

I was wearing a 12C sports bra with 2 extensions. I felt fatter (especially on the rib cage area and the belly). I used to wear a 12B bra.


Day 2 - 6 July 2007

Same as before.. Took the vitamins in the morning, the antibiotic 4 times a day, no pain killer and just sleeping pill at night. I regularly iced my boobs.
The stitches were cleaned as per usual with my boyfriend's sister's help. It felt eerie to clean the stitches, but it really was just me (I don't like seeing blood/wound too much). I then changed my bra to 12 D bond bra. It was better as I could breathe better.

I had a sponge bath. My boyfriend's sister helped me with washing my hair.

I had a bit of drama with the moving, but all was sorted.


Day 3 - 7 July 2007

Took the vitamins in the morning and the antibiotic 4 times a day, no pain killers and no sleeping pill at night. Still iced the boobs regularly.

The stitches were cleans as per usual with my boyfriend's help. I kept wearing the 12 D bond bra due to tightness.

Another drama with the delivery of our electronic goods that we ordered. I was very emotional.


Day 4 to Day 6 - 8 to 10 July 2007

Took the vitamins in the morning and the antibiotic 4 times a day, no pain killers and no sleeping pill at night. Iced the boobs intermittently.

The stitches were cleans as per usual with my boyfriend's help. I kept wearing the 12 D bond bra due to tightness.

I had a sponge bath. I still received help from people to wash my hair.

I would call Day 0 to Day 6 as the Duck Days - I tried not to lift my arm.
Also from Day 0 to Day 6 the swelling went up and down.


Day 7 - 11 July 2007
At my 2nd post op appointment, the nurse took the bandages off. It felt a bit like waxing, but no pain at all. The nurse said that I was healing very well. She said I could take a shower, change the steri strips every day, wear sports bra for support, keep taking the vitamins, lift my arms slowly until they get used to it and no heavy lifting, and drive without lifting the arms too much. The nurse didn't allow me to vacuum until week 6.

I asked the nurse if I still need to sleep at an angle. She said that I could make it lower or just sleep flat on my back if I wished to, but angled sleep definitely helped in getting up. The nurse also mentioned to ice the boobs only if I felt sore. So I stopped icing them anymore.

I had my first shower. It was good!! I would definitely recommend to keep warm after the shower. My body felt very sensitive with the cold temperature; I was shaking and felt so bad for the boobs for getting them cold.

It felt weird to walk around the city with only sports bra and no bandages. I walked at slow pace at first to reduce bouncy-ness.


Day 8 to Day 14 - 12 to 18 July 2007

I could lift my arms and reach the light items on higher shelves, gradually. I got myself used to with the household chores, bit by bit. Still took the vitamins in the morning.

The boobs have been swelling occasionally at night time, the aerola area felt a little bit 'bruised'. The surgical pen marks on the chest area gradually disappeared from the shower. The top part of the boobs has slowly been getting softer. The bottom part of the boobs were definitely still a little firm. I kept moisturising my boobs to reduce shinyness and to help the stretch.

I could walk faster and faster everyday. My short of breath problem and back pain gradually disappeared.


Day 15 - 19 July 2007

I'm walking almost as fast I usually walked. Now I just need to get fitter. I still take the vitamins (mainly to get rid of my cold that I've had since 3 days ago). I'm still wearing the sports bra. I'm very happy that I have not had any nausea problem or vomiting problem thus far.

The dissolvable stitches looked like they're healing quite well. The stitches have shrunk from 10 cm to about 5 cm now. They now just look like a thin line of scab. The bruising around the sides of the boobs (possibly from the tightness of the sports bra) has disappeared. No progress on the nipples, they just feel a bit bruised.

I wore my suit for the 2nd time this week and felt good about how the shirt was stretching a bit. I found out that a couple of my old shirts needed to be disposed as they wouldn't fit anymore.

My boyfriend is really loving the boobs. He keeps checking the cleavage out. I keep patting my soft new round boobs whenever no one is looking around. He he he..

My next and final post op appointment is 21 August to get the stamp of approval that I can resume life as per usual. I really should ask the placement of my implant and if I'm over filled or not.

I can now wear the 12 C bra without any extension. My belly doesn't bulge out as much as Day 1, thanks to the "at least 1 hour" daily walks.
Yesterday I got asked by a person that I just met on what surgery I just had. He was very polite and said "you don't have to answer if it's personal". He thought I had a rhinoplasty or something like that because I had a cold and couldn't speak properly. he he he... i said to him that it was personal but was willing to share the information. He respected that and didn’t show any awkwardness.

I didn’t sleep at an angle last night, but felt much more comfortable for the boobs when I did. I still avoid using my arms to get myself out of the bed or from sitting down on the floor.

I feel quite amazed how much bigger my boobs look outside clothes (compared to my original boobs), yet how normal they look on me when I wear clothes. But the boobs definitely look bigger uncovered then covered. Does anyone share the same experience?



Sorry, it’s lengthy. Hope some of the information is useful for the rest of the recovering July Jigglers and those who are preparing for the BA.

I will ask my boyfriend to take a picture of me soon so I can post the photos before and after.

It’s late night shopping here in Sydney – I’d better go window shopping new suits and lingerie (to be worn after week 6 of course).

[tumbelina76]

hi Ria
my congrats !!!! I realy injoy you story ,
I wish You all happines in the world

[Boobs-a-Bouncin]

Def. share the experience of them looking "huge" naked but much more modest in clothing. That's normal. Very good info. shared for people yet to go! Thanks

[Kat001]

HI Ria,

Congrats on going through with it all! I am in sydney and im flying back to adelaide on 01 august for 2 consultations with 2 surgeons there. If i dont end up using one of them i would be interested to know who you went through, and how you go with it all... I am scheduled to have surgery at end of October, this is when i can get the time off work....

let me know! And look after yourself xx

[fifi]

Thanks for the story Ria, its great that you took the time to write all that down. I have 2 days to go and I cant wait. Ill post my story too when Im up and about.
Happy continued recovery

[ria]

Originally Posted by Kat001

HI Ria,

Congrats on going through with it all! I am in sydney and im flying back to adelaide on 01 august for 2 consultations with 2 surgeons there. If i dont end up using one of them i would be interested to know who you went through, and how you go with it all... I am scheduled to have surgery at end of October, this is when i can get the time off work....

let me know! And look after yourself xx

Thanks Kat001.

My PS is Dr Darryl Hodgkinson at Cosmetic Surgery and Restroative Clinic (CSRC) at Double Bay (http://www.cosmeticsurgeryoz.com.au/index.shtml). I would recommend him not only for the result but also his professionalism. So far I've only visited CSRC for 1 pre-op appointment, the surgery appointment, 2 post-op appointments. I am still a little bit surprised that I only see him once at pre op and just during the surgery. The other times I saw the nurse - who is very professional and friendly too. My next appointment is with Dr Hodgkinson is on 21 August.

I think (username tiga is with Dr Anoop Rastogi. I found his book after I booked my surgery at CSRC. The book info is:
http://nla.gov.au/anbd.bib-an000041103488.
Also check out his web site too:
http://www.rastogi.com.au/

To be honest, when I did my research, I had no clue who to call and how many PSs I needed to look up. I only stumbled upon this website after I found about CSRC and made my first appointment. Then I did my research (mostly on JBI) and went to the pre op appointment (18 May) armoured with lots of questions etc. I also brought the summarised medical history letter from my GP for Dr Hodgkinson. This is because I have thalassaemia and would like to check with my GP first to get her approval.

At the pre-op appointment, Dr Hodgkinson knew exactly how to deal with my medical condition and had no problem with it at all. When we were discussing the size, the implant type and the implant placement, I was not sure which I should go with. I told Dr Hodgkinson and his assistant that I'd like to have round boobs (like the pictures of a few porn stars with round boobs). They mentioned to me that they'll be too fake looking and would not recommend it (due to my occupation, lifestyle and my figure). I agreed and requested a pair of round boobs that would give me cleavage but proportional to my body. We were happy with the decision.

Since I was happy with the pre-op appointment, I booked in the surgery date in July and didn't mess around. The CSRC website also contains information about the pre-op and the post-op instructions. The post op instructions really depends on how you're going though, but it gives you a rough idea - make sure you confirm with the nurse/PS again of what you can or cannot do. Some of the things that I bought pre-op to prepare for the recovery were not used. Also, it was difficult for me to find 1/2" steri strips so the nurse gave me a bundle If you're in Sydney and need to look for medical items that your PS would like you to get, please let me know, I have heaps to share, especially if yours is in Oct

At the surgery, the anaesthetist and the rest of the crew were really friendly and professional too. On the surgery day, the anaesthetist also knew exactly what my condition is and took care of me too.

The nurse (Melissa) has been very nice to me. If I didn't have some medical items I needed while recovering, she just gave them to me (e.g. the steri strips and special "support" berlei bras).

Hope this information is useful. Just PM me if you need my details in case you want to see Dr Hodgkinson. I don't know if they have a referral scheme. If you are interested in reading Dr Hodkinson's Cosmetic Surgery book and you're in sydney too, just let me know as I have a copy.

I am very happy that I've found a PS whom I can trust in terms of size, implant type and implant placement. I hope you'll find an excellent PS. It's an amazing journey. I'm still over 2 weeks post-op, but I love the result.

Let me know how you're appointments go, Kat001!!

ps: 3 days ago, CSRC just sent me 2 copies of the receipt (Tax invoice) and a Medicare form; I filled in the Medicare form and sent it with a copy of the Tax invoice to Medicare. I'm surprised if I get anything back.