Last week I spent 24 hours in the hospital for a breast reduction. The care I received was nothing short of phenomenal. (In fact, of everyone who cared for me I only disliked one student doctor who simply didn’t exhibit any signs of confidence in herself which is not what a patient wants prior to going into surgery).
The plastic surgeon and his team were fantastic. I didn’t even feel awkward as 3 doctors stared at my naked chest to paint me prior to surgery.
The anesthetist was phenomenal and compassionate as I shared my fears and cried while she knocked me out.
The surgical nurses were amazing. One in particular was supportive as I cried waiting for surgery.
The post-op nurses were fantastic and took great care of me all night long, including when I almost passed out on my first mandatory walk (fun times).
I was absolutly shocked that everyone was so amazing. Then I realized that in the last 3 or 4 year of my life I have had nothing but horrible medical care. My Reproductive Endocrinologist and his entire team treated me and Mr. MPB poorly. Every single time I went into that infertility clinic or to the hospital for a miscarriage I was treated like an inconvenience. And, I always felt judged when I showed emotion over the loss of another baby. I felt like I was nothing more then a paycheque to them and I strongly believe their advice was based on their profit margins not on modern medical research. So, I guess I came to expect this type of sub-par treatment.
So, needless to say, when I was treated well last week, I was shocked. When I showed emotion they were all there for me. When I was scared, they all calmed me down. When I had to review my past medical history and surgeries (i.e sharing about 5 losses in detail), they all offered their condolences. They even all played with Baby MPB when he visited prior to surgery.
I guess what struck me more then anything is that I was treated with compassion and dignity.
I think I thanked the nurses about 1000 times each for being so nice to me.
And while I truly appreciate how amazing everyone treated me last week, I cannot help but think about how this compares to my infertility experiences. It’s an absolute crime that I was treated so poorly by my fertility clinic and team who was supposed to help us.
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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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My Perfect Breakdown 