Exchange City
Comments
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I just posted a picture in the picture forum "under construction". Can you see why I feel the way I do?
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Hi everyone. I've enjoyed reading the discussion and it has kind of helped me with what I am currently struggling with. I had my exchange about 5 days ago after healing for 2 months from a preventative double mastectomy. Everything went well but I am extremely disappointed with the outcome. Everyone says to step away from the mirror but I really can't help it. I know that this is not the "final" outcome as I know there can be revisions but I'm not quite sure how to communicate to my PS that I'm unhappy with my results. I know its my body and I'm the one who has to live with it but a part of me feels ungrateful for telling him I'm not happy.. I had 410 shaped implants put in with my PS's guidance as he thought they would look/feel the most natural and they would be a good shape for my body type. This entire experience has been so positive up until now. Trying to keep my head up and gather some courage to communicate my concerns to my PS this coming Tuesday!
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gabbysy - holy cow! You've already had your exchange only 2 months after the mastectomy?? That's really, really fast. PSs vary with their practice so I don't know what your PS's standard time frame is for this process but t sure does seem extremely quick. My PS is a lot more conservative. My BMX was 11-5-12, final fill was 4-11-13 (had some delays because of holidays, vacations, cancelled visits because of emergency consults, etc). And then he requires a minimum 3-4 month wait before he'll do the exchange, to let the tissue and muscle become fully stretched and as relaxed as possible. My exchange ended up being 9 months post-BMX.
I would recommend you go over to the 'Breast implant sizing 101' thread so Whippetmom (our lovely breast implant sizing guru) can give you some input. Read carefully through the information in the header of the page and either post the required stuff in the thread itself or PM Whippetmom with it. She needs things like height, weight, ribcage circumference and specifics about the TEs you had (and in this case she'll want the details on the implants you received) to help determine what you might need to change to achieve more satisfactory results.
Hang in there - if, after giving it time, you're still unhappy with the results you can have a revision done to different implants if necessary. It's not that uncommon. (((((((HUGS)))))))
shorfi - I'm gonna try to look at your pix. but I don't have very good luck trying to find specific things on that darn thread......sigh
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Gabby of course you are disappointed. You had surgery 5 days ago. We ALL felt like that! If you are still disappointed in two or three months, then you can talk to a PS about a revision. By the way, I have Allergan 410 gummie bears too. Used to have saline rounds. I don't think there is much difference.
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shorfi - Honey, you need to start your own thread rather than posting on sarahjane's. To find the place to start, from the Home page, go into the 'Under Construction' section, look right at the top of the page (under MBJ's picture), and you'll find the 'newthread' button on the right side - it's gray and square That's the place that you can start your own thread and post your pictures. I know you're upset, but let's do this right, so we all know where to go to help. Then no one will be confused between you and sarahjane, OK?
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gabbysy - Hi and welcome to Exchange City! Everyone is right. That is fast - BMX to exchange in two months - WOW! And you're only five days post exchange. We all come through exchange expecting (or hoping for) an awesome outcome, and in actuality that is just not realistic. Sad to say, but you have to wait for everything to settle and the swelling (that you don't think you have) to go down before you'll have any real sense of what your foobs will look like.
Sandra is one of the few ladies here that has had both anatomicals and silicone rounds. She would know better than anyone what you should expect. Regardless of what you have, it is VERY early to be disappointed. But having said that, we've ALL been right where you are right now - disappointed and sad. It WILL get better, but much more slowly than you'd like. You just have to give it some time....
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I know someone has mentioned this before, but we need a "LIKE" button because a lot of these post I feel the need to "Like".
Too much time on Facebook...LOL
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AZ...sorry I posted on the wrong thread. I just corrected it.
Sweet and special..I posted Under Construction.
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shorfi - Good girl! (And you certainly don't need to apologize to me.) That will make it easier to find you and your thread.
It took me a little time to find the one this morning because I thought it was just a reply on sarahjane's thread, so I'm glad you straightened it out. 
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Hi, anyone want to meet for tea, coffee, lunch, drinks???? Mike and I will be in Chicago for a week beginning Wednesday April 16th. If you live in the vicinity, let me know. I'd love to meet you.
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Sandra where will you guys be?
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to Dt, shorfi, gabbsy, Congrats and welcome to the squishie side. And yes. STEP AWAY FROM THE MIRROR. I am 4 months out from my exchange and I'm first beginning to see the final shape. They have dropped, fluffed and developed a kind if divot down one if the incision line. I'm waiting til they really settle down though. Cause they are still changing. My mudflap on the right didn't go as far down as on the left. He may have to fix that. I'll wait til 6 months out to decide though. I know it's dissappointing not to be perfect after all the trouble but give it time. I really was do grateful to have a surgery that worked and keep the implants maybe I'm just accepting more? But I am grateful and every move will be judged as to whether the small fixes are worth the chance of messing with them again. Except for the mudflaps, side boobage. That will have to go if he can do it without disturbing the implant! LOL
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Aviva, my daughter works at Univ. of Chicago but just moved to a new apartment on the north side. While she is a work, we will be at play.
This Friday night we are going on a 3 hr tour by Weird Chicago Tours...the Roaring 20's/Gangs/Prohibition. That should be fun. We will be going to Evansville for Easter Sunday services and brunch with my friend Beth. Those are the only things "in stone." I want to visit some neighborhoods this trip: Andersonville, Chinatown, and Lincoln Square. I also plan a visit to the Dreihaus Museum and the Museum of Art plus nearby Millennium Park but don't have a particular day in mind for any of those.0 -
Oh, Sandra, if you have the time (and the inclination) one of the best things I ever did was take the Architectural River Cruise that is run by the Chicago Architectural Foundation (CAF). It is simply breathtaking - and so interesting. It takes about 90 minutes and is well worth the $40.00 per person! There are many river cruises, but I did my homework and this one is the best! I was initially disappointed as the day I had made a reservation turned out to be overcast, but soon realized that even though the sun wasn't shining, I could see so much detail. We had a retired professor from Northwestern as our docent tour guide and he was marvelous!
https://www.architecture.org/rivercruise
I'll see if I can dig up the pictures I took if you're interested....
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Hi all, I think I'm ready to join this thread. I've been reading it for months though, helped me endure these awful TE's through chemo
I had my final fill last week and am waiting on prior authorization from insurance before I can schedule a surgery date. I'm hoping it will be mid June. The TE's are definitely more uncomfortable after this last fill. I can't sleep in one position for very long at night and the left side is sore under my arm and causes muscle spasms.
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Moon...is it normal to feel uncomfortable after the final exchange? I'm still taking Percocet. How long did it take for you to get relief? Some of the swelling has down a bit. I purchased some soft sport bras and they feel great! I'm at the point now where I don't want anything touching my skin.
I will post a new picture tomorrow. Have a good evening!
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shorfi - Does it feel like someone rubbed sandpaper on you? It might be nerve hypersensitivity...
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Shorfi, most people do not take Percoset five days after their exchange. Where is your pain? Does your doctor know you are in so much pain you need narcotics? Some need drugs for discomfort for a short time after exchange, but most people say they had little or no pain, just enough for a Tylenol or Motrin. Can you get by without narcotics? How did you deal with pain after your mastectomy? Some people are more sensitive than others.
Welcome Kcat. Finding a comfortable way to sleep is a challenge from BMX all the way through to weeks after your exchange. With full TE's, it's especially difficult. Pillows are your friends...lots of pillows in every size and shape.
AZ, my daughter has mentioned this Chicago architectural cruise to us several times. She's always wanted to do it but hasn't in the 18 months she's lived in Chicago. Maybe we'll go. I'm interested in learning more about it.
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Sandra - Oh, GOOD! You will all LOVE it! Everyone I've ever recommended it to has come back raving about it!!
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shorfi, my exchange was my easiest sx. I took narcotics for only 3 days. Are you feeling pain or just stiff ,uncomfortable?are you running a fever? Are you red? Is your breast hot? If not try extending the time between pills. If you can go 6 hrs between pills you can cut back. If you are watching the clock for the next pill, go get checked out. Sometimes pain is a good thing to let you know something is wrong. My BMX was different. I took narcotics for over 3 weeks.
One other thing. Just because you can, DOESN'T MEAN YOU SHOULD!
Are you trying to do too much? Lifting too much? On your feet too long. Reaching for things? There's a reason to be careful at this point in time and pain let's you know when you are doing too much. Don't rush at this stage. If you need pain pills and you aren't doing anything try to figure where the pain is licated. When he placed my last TE last year, it hurt under my ribs almost like a broken rib. It was the alloderm. It hurt for 2 weeks. So it might be a normal thing but you may need to ask.
Specialk, how you doing?
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Hi Shorfi, I was probably like you, I had pain after my exchange for several days, cut yourself some slack, you just had invasive surgery. Also, ask your PS if other work was done at the same time, that could explain your pain. I'd say, if you're in pain, take your pain meds as scheduled till either the pain subsides or you see your PS (hopefully, you're not driving). Like the others said, depending when your next apt is, you can always call the office and ask to speak to a nurse for your individual situation. Rest up and take it easy.
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Sandra, my PS is very well aware of the pain that I have. If he felt that I was having a real problem with pain he would surely have me in his office right away.
Unlike most people, I am in pain and still experiencing it 5 days after my exchange, hence the need for narcotics. Most women don't need to take narcotics longer than a day, but I did, unlike most people. I had a lot of lipo done also and that is why I have so much pain. I was taking one Percocet daily and as of this morning, I don't feel anything stronger is needed.
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Moon...I have gone hours between taking meds. I think I might be doing too much while at home. I plan on doing nothing more than taking a shower and relaxing. Yesterday was my first day out of the house. My husband and I had a nice breakfast and a nice walk afterwards. It was wonderful. I felt like I could spruce up my powder room and perhaps that was a little too much. I have learned my lesson...just because I can doesn't mean I should
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hi ladies! new to this tread... im getting my exchange on may 13th! got my last fill friday im overfilled to 850cc and tryin to decide which mentor implant to get. I have briefly talked with ms whip on the sizing tread. i need to jump back over there and talk with her some more. I am having some tightness under my arms and back pain cause i cant sleep well. i cant seem to get comfortable. until the last fill i felt pretty good. glad im not the only one with uncomfotable te's
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mere mere, you are going to have exchange 4 days after me!! I too can't get comfortable a find that rightie is throbbing by the end of a 10 hour day at work. Can't sleep so also tired and grumpy. Can't wait to join the squishy team!
Thanks everyone for all your posts and support for each other. It is great! Think they are the only thing keeping me going sometimes
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forgot to say, Shorfi, had a look at your pics and I think they are looking great for so early after the operation! Try not to be to harsh on yourself. Rest and keep positive.
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Hi Shorfi: I am 2 days behind you and didn't have the lipo yet, but did have some extra pocket work and incisions. My PS said no lifting of my arms over my head and to try to keep my arms in and no driving for a week. I'm also unable to take a shower or remove the dressings or the surgical bra that I woke up in, until Friday (1 full week), so I haven't seen anything beyond a little peek from above to confirm that I have incisions on both the inside and underside, and am working on managing my expectations for the big reveal Friday.
I haven't needed narcotics and don't have much pain, UNLESS I try to reach for something, or use my arms to sit up, or just sit/stand for too long. I hurt myself trying to open a jar yesterday and gave up, since it wasn't worth a torn incision. Maybe you just need to slow down and take it easy. I know it's hard to just lay around. Waiting for you body to heal is like watching paint dry, but you don't want to lean up against the wet paint either!
I hope today is better for you!
Diane.
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Dtkd...thanks for the sound advice. In hindsight, I have been doing too much. I didn't have any restrictions except not lifting anything over 10 pounds and no strenuous exercising or pulling anything for 2 weeks.
Feeling pretty good today and haven't taken a pain pill since yesterday morning. So things are getting better. Glad to hear you are doing well also.
Previvor...thanks the encouragement. I look much different from nte time I took that picture. Seems like a lot of the swelling has gone down. I am resting and not doing anything!!
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Shorli - I'm so glad things are better today. There are so many little things they don't tell us and every PS is different. We have to help each other so we don't overreact to what is happening.
I will eventually get my photos to the forum, and you will see that I have completely different incisions from what I see on everyone else. Mine are sort of an upsidedown and slightly curved Y. The shape is good and the scars are healing well, but like I said, I haven't seen anyone else with the same scaring pattern, which is curios.
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