I’m Alive & Well

  Posted on June 3, 2016 By

 53 Comments

Just a quick note to let everyone know that I am doing well.  Surgery went well and I am home from the hospital.

I’m definitely sore, but at the same time I am surprised at how well I’m doing.

A few facts about the surgery:

  • I didn’t die, thankfully.
  • Once Baby MPB and Mr. MPB left me, I cried before surgery.  A lot.  I was crying as the anesthetist knocked me out and I begged her to knock me out quicker.
  • When I woke up and before I even saw underneath the bandages, I knew I made the right decision.  I feel so great (asides from the current recovery pain).
  • When the plastic surgeon removed the bandages the next morning he said (and I quote) “I think they look perfect.”  Which I’ve decided is exactly what a women wants to hear post breast reconstructive surgery!
  • For a girl who always falls on the wrong side of the medical stats, I am doing really well as there have been no signs of:
    • a hematoma;
    • necrosis (dying nipple once reattached); or
    • infection.
  • Just over 1kg (approximately 2.5 lbs) was removed from each breast for a total over just over 2kg or 5lbs.  Evidently that is a lot.
  • On the surgical team one of the student doctors had the same name as my sister.  One of the nurses had the same name as my mom.
  • My entire body is itchy from the morphine and percocet post-surgery.  I am desperately hoping I stop itching ASAP.
  • I’m now on Tylenol 3’s for pain and am hoping to come off of them over the weekend.*
  • I do not know my new bra size yet as I’m still swollen.  I expect to be about a 34 C but wont know for a few weeks.
  • The hospital I had my surgery at does between 6 and 8 breast reductions a week.  I had no idea they are this common!
  • Drains are uncomfortable, especially when one is not working properly.
  • I have hundreds of stitches holding me back together.
  • Pantie liners are an excellent at home substitute for gauze. And it’s the first time in my life that I have stuffed a bra.
  • Front close bras are a basic necessity post surgery.  I have not worn a bra this small since I was probably 12 or 13.
  • There are no restrictions on what I can lift except don’t do it if it hurts.  So, for now I’m not lifting Baby MPB as I don’t want to risk any sort of damage and if he knocks me I’ll probably cry out in pain.  But, we are playing together on his activity mat and reading stories together.
  • My first shower post surgery probably deserves an entire post on it’s own.  All I will say for now is that there was nothing sexy about it and required extensive help from Mr. MPB.  I’m not sure he will ever be able to look at me the same.
  • The care I received at the hospital was phenomenal.
  • Mr. MPB is being super Dad and super husband.  I am truly thankful for his love and support.  He is amazing.

*Due to the pain medication I am on, my sincere apologies if this was poorly written.

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 Category: Medical System      Tags: , , , , , ,

53 Comments on “I’m Alive & Well”

  1. So happy to hear that you’re doing so well!! I hope that things continue to go well for you, and that you heal faster than you ever thought possible. And don’t worry about what Mr. saw…they love us for who we are, and that’s what they’re there for!!

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  4. Yay! I totally know what you mean about the shower, it was horrific! Kevin was terrified to touch me. I imagine it would be really hard to see your partner all cut up like that. And the itching is awful. I didn’t have itching too bad after my breast reduction but my skin was raw from all the scratching I did after my c-section. Feel better soon!

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    • Mr. MPB did a great job helping but my body kind of went into shock in the shower and he ended up having to get in to help me stand. And of course he had to wash my hair and help me get all bandaged up again. He was great!
      And the itching is so horrible! I’m going crazy and nothing seems to help!

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  7. I am so happy to hear from you! Glad everything went well and it sounds like you had a great team taking care of you (including Mr. MPB)! Check with your doctor but Benadryl is great for post surgery narcotic itching!! Here’s to a speedy recovery 🙂

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    • I really did have a great team!! Completely different experience from the when we were going through infertility and loss!
      I’m going to look into the Benadryl as I’m going crazy with itching. Thanks for the tip!

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  8. Happy to hear you’re continuing to do well. The drains are the one thing I’m really not looking forward to…at least the removal of them. I’m going to call today to see if my surgery can be moved up to ASAP!

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    • I would absolutely try to get your surgery ASAP! I’m confident that you wont regret it and to have it before baby would make life a little bit easier. That said, even if you have it when baby is young it wont be that bad, at least in my experience so far.
      The removal of one drain that didn’t work properly hurt slightly because they had been messing with it constantly. And the pain lasted all of a few seconds. The other one didn’t hurt at all. I was expecting much worse.

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    • Thank you! I agree that a 34C sounds lovely and sane! I’m rather happy about it. And I suspect in 2 weeks time once I’m healed up I’ll be even happier about it! 🙂

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  13. So happy to hear this! Rest up– a new life awaits when you are healed 🙂

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      • We are doing much better. She’s finally gaining weight, although still very low considering where she should be, but we finally found what works. We still have rough days, but at least she’s eating and gaining.

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    • Yup, yay for not dying! I’m thrilled by this fact!!! Thanks as always for your support and love.
      How are you doing??? I’ve tried to stay caught up this week but with all the drugs I’m not too sure I remember everything. 😉

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  17. Yay for recovery! So glad things went well and you’re feeling pretty good. OMG the itching is the worst! Had it with both my c sections. Horrible! Hope it goes away soon! And I’m so happy to hear that you made the right decision!

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    • How long did it take for the itching to stop???
      I definitely made the right decision and am already annoyed I didn’t do this 15 years ago! Now to just get through the next 2 weeks of healing. 😊

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  23. This is brilliant. I’m so pleased you are ok and that you feel (know) you did the right thing. Apologies – I did have to have a little laugh at you sticking panty liners down your bra! Ha ha. Hope you recover well 🙂 x x x

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  24. Hooray! Great news! Congrats, and glad to hear that everything went smoothly. Sounds like you’re loving the new you (or at least you will be soon)!

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  25. Congratulations on making it through the surgery with no complications! That’s awesome. I’m glad you’re feeling great about it (minus the itchy pain meds). I hope you continue to heal up and can lift Baby MPB soon, although the time on the floor sounds lovely.

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  26. Amazing!!! Not a small thing to go through… it sounds as though it went beautifully. I hope your recovery is swift and pain free xxx

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  28. That’s brilliant news! It’s come round so quickly! Wishing you a super speedy recovery and excellent boobs! 😊 x

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