My story.. my second ba

[mayaonearth]

I had saline/overs/305/areola in 1999. I actually had a tumor removed, and opted for implants as my already pitiful breasts from breastfeeding needed it, and they estimated removal of this tumor would be around 1/3 of my RB soft tissue.
I had no problems until around 2003, I developed a late case of CC. I decided at that time, no surgical intervention.
On 2/1/08, I woke up, and after a while realized that something felt "different", this I perceived as more what I "didnt" feel, than what I did. I went and looked, and it was obvious to me that my left breast had ruptured, and deflated.
I called my original ps, and made an appt for the following Monday. (this happened on Friday)
My ps confirmed a "spontaneous" deflation of LB, and grade III-IV CC on RB. We discussed my options, and prices of surgery. Unfortunately, the implants used during my original procedure were no longer approved by the FDA, and had gone bankrupt in USA, so I would not be receiving ANY financial assistance for this surgery. To be very honest, I was a bit peeved with my ps over this. I didnt expect him to offer me a "free new boobie job", but I did feel it would have been nice if he would have given even a "discount" on his surgical fees, due to the fact that HE picked the original implant. At the time of original ba, the PIP implants came with a 10 year replacement and $2400 towards cost of surgery. That was not the case, and because I trusted, and respected my ps, and his staff, I did not even have a consulatation with any other ps.
My pre-op was on 2/18, my surgery was scheduled for 8:30am on 2/21. My ps and I decided on Inamed, HP silicone co-hesive gels, over muscle, (subglandular) 475, and he would also be performing a capsulectomy on both sides. (removal of all scar tissue and entire scar capsule)
I could NOT have gotten thru those 2 weeks without the love, support, and dedication of ALL the girls on this forum. I learned so much, and felt I was well prepared for my surgery.
I awoke about 5:30 am the day of surgery, took care of my dogs, fed and got every one pottied and settled in outside kennels. (I have 7 dogs lol) I took a shower and washed my hair, using the gel soap they sent home. I was excited, and nervous. We (DH and I) dropped our son off at school and headed for the surgery center. We were needed there by 7:45 am, and arrived about 5 minutes early. My ps has his office and surgical center attached. I first signed all of my papers, and was then led into my pre-op waiting room. I was allowed to leave on my panties, socks and loose fitting sweat pants. I put on a tie back gown, and hair net. Since I had a hyster, a pregnancy test was not needed. The nurses were so caring, and reassuring. They went over everything with me again, and told me I was the first pt, so things should begin to move quickly. They wrapped my right arm in very hot towels, then put plastic over this, that brings the veins in the hand and arm up, for less chance of blowing the vein. The nurse gave me a local, a shot of lydacaine (sp) and I really never even felt the IV needle. In a moment, we noticed a flat, red rash on my right arm and hand.. OHHHH....
I was like.. "trouble already.. oh no".. the nurse was laughing and called the other nurse in to check. They both decided to be on the safe side, they would inject a very small amount of both of the local's that my ps would be injecting into my breasts during surgery. They injected these into my opposite arm, I didnt have any reaction to either, so we assumed it was just from the towels being too hot.
The anesthesiologist came in, he was warm, friendly, and made sure he answered all of my questions. He told me not to be afraid of being awake, that he uses very high monitor equipment, and his ONLY job is to make sure I am safely under! I told him my last surgery I had extreme nausea, so he would be giving me some meds in my IV to help.My ps came in.. and was calming to me. He asked me again.. what are we doing now??? LOL.. (you have to know my ps to know that this is funny, not rude) I said.. BIG as we can!!! He laughs.. ok... see ya soon.. and off he goes! My op room nurse comes in.. and asks me if I am ready? GULP... kiss and tell DH goodbye.. (that was hard, he looked scared at that moment) and got a little "cocktail" in my IV!! I was LOOPY.. and saying.. Wooooo woooo... wooo...
the nurses were patting my hand and leg and smiling.. and saying ok.. we got us a happy one here!! I didnt recall going to surgery room until like two days later. I vaguely recall being asked to "scoot over more" onto the surgery bed, and they said.. we are going to give you some oxygen, they put a mask on my face.. and I was thinking.. this smells funny!!
The next thing.. I am waking up.. I am saying.. who are you?? Am I dreaming? Are we still waiting?? My Dh was there, he says.. you are done!! It's over.. all of sudden.. OW.. ouchy.. yea.. ok.. I woke up fairly quickly and ps came in and explained what all he had done. He did say I had some pretty bad scar tissue in both breasts, and that I would likely be very sore for a few days. (compared to my first ba) he said that he did put drains in both sides, (he had told me pre op this was likely) and that I did great, very little bleeding, and that everyone in the OR LOVED the size and profile we picked.. he said he LOVED the way I looked, and he was sure I was going to be very happy. (he later explained to me, that in the or.. they sat me up, and they can see how the implant will "look" because.. there is no swelling, or distortion yet). After ps left, I complained of pain, and was given a pain med, I was told to fill these and bring them to surgery. The nurse went over ALL the instructions with me and DH. And I was told to call ANY time if ANY thing didnt feel right, or for ANY reason. I was awake, in moderate to severe pain, I would say, about an 8 on scale of 1-10. (just bear in mind, my cc was the reason, not the actual ba) The ride home was fine. I had set my bed up, and DH had taken the day off. I was given some very strong pain meds, which while they worked for pain, they made me.. "antsy" or.. hyper, and even with the valium for muscle relaxation, I was not really able to sleep that first night. My first post-op was the following day. I had arranged for my DDIL to come stay with me, and she took me to post op appt. They switched my pain meds, and checked my drain tubes. I would be returning on Monday, with the hope of having tubes out then. I slept MUCH better that day, and over the weekend. The new pain meds, Percoset, were much better suited to me.
I had some high pain the first 3 days, and then from that point it fell more into the "normal" category, which I would say its more pressure, more uncomfortable than really super painful.
Monday they removed both my drains, and my nipple stitches. I had taken a pain pill (DDIL drove) just prior to this appt, but honestly the drain removal was very painful for me. I understand most people feel this as slight "pinching", but my left side was hard to release, and this hurt enough to bring tears to my eyes. The stitches pinched, but not quite as bad as drains. I felt significantly better with those darn drains out, you have to pin the two compression bulbs to your shirt or bra strap, and they are just a bit awkward, showering was difficult, because DH had to either hold the bulbs for me, or I had to shower with a bra on.
At that time of writing this, I am 10 days post op. My breasts are still a bit "heavy and tender", but not painful. I am sleeping through the night well. I have had some back pain, but thats a weak area for me, and I dont actually feel its related as much to my surgery as to my body, if that makes sense. I tire easily, and by late afternoon, I am ready for bed!! I am 49, and I do feel age does contribute to this. I would say that compared to my first ba, this was a bit "rough". But both ps and nurse said this is because the CC removal is very invasive.
I want to thank everyone that posted on JBI, because this has been immense support for me. I would advise anyone considering a ba, or similiar surgery to just be prepared. This is surgery, and there is going to be some pain and discomfort. Be realistic with your ps and expectations. I have no regrets, I was prepared, and not surprised by my surgery, and/or recovery. As things stand, I am extremely pleased with my choice of size. I hope that my story maybe can help someone, as I have been helped. I was often asked after my original ba, would you do it again?? The answer is yes!!! And again.. and maybe even again! Even with CC, and my deflation, having breast implant surgery was the right choice for me. I believe that life has risks, sacrifices, rewards and benefits. Each of us has to weigh these to find the choices that are best for our self, and our life. For me, this surgery, the pain, complications (real and imagined) were a consideration. After my deflation, I did seriously considered having my implants removed, and a lift done without implant replacement. But in the end, its not the choice I made. It's hard to put a price on our sexuality, our feminity, and "value" as a woman. While I have never felt that ONLY my breasts defined me, I do feel that they certainly could "enhance" or detract from my self esteem. And I even had someone say to me, "at your age what do you care"? EXCUSE ME????? I may not be "young" on the outside, but on the inside, I am that same young, vibrant, sexy woman. I was not ready to give up my boobies. My DH loves me no matter what, but he supported my decision. Sitting here, writing this, looking down at these rather strange orbital objects.. I KNOW I made the right choice!
Love and light to all,
Maya

[Katee]

hey maya...you go girl!!! takes a lot of courage and confidence to research and plunge ahead...i am so happy for you and your results!!! i am coming up on my 7th anniversary of my ba and my ps retired around a year ago... i realize the possibility of deflation is out there...i have saline...i have been researching pss in my area because i want to be prepared for the possibility...i better get with the program!!!
congrats on your results and happy healing!!!
k<3

[Kimmy71]

Dear Maya,

I think your boobs look absolutely amazing! I hope your pain is subsiding. I hope mine looks as good. I go for 1st Ba on 4/15/08

Kim

[Barbara Ann]

Thank you for sharing your awesome story. You are an inspiration and a blessing to me. Glad you are doing so well.

[wocky]

I'm so glad your story had a happy ending. You've been through quite a journey! Thanks for sharing, and your new boobs look gorgeous!

[BflyInTheMaking]

I agree....great story! Like I told you in my PM, you look AMAZING! Your avatar is smokin'! It's always great to hear about success stories, especially with redo's and I totally agree with you regarding JBI and the support it provides.
I wish you continued success with your recovery. You go girl!!

Oh yeah, age is a state of mind, no matter how many calendar years we have clocked......lol. How dare anyone question us about our age and desire to be sexy....

[Barbara Ann]

Originally Posted by BflyInTheMaking

I agree....great story! Like I told you in my PM, you look AMAZING! Your avatar is smokin'! It's always great to hear about success stories, especially with redo's and I totally agree with you regarding JBI and the support it provides.
I wish you continued success with your recovery. You go girl!!

Oh yeah, age is a state of mind, no matter how many calendar years we have clocked......lol. How dare anyone question us about our age and desire to be sexy....

Amen sister! Age is only a number. I love getting older (wiser, lol) but love also that I feel so young. Why would someone wonder why you would care about having nice boobies at our age? I don't understand that kind of thinking.

[mayaonearth]

Originally Posted by Kimmy71

Dear Maya,

I think your boobs look absolutely amazing! I hope your pain is subsiding. I hope mine looks as good. I go for 1st Ba on 4/15/08

Kim

Thank you!! I am sure you will look amazing, and I will be here to support you, and cheer you on.