Exchange City
Comments
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WOW!!! SQUISHES!! I LOVE THEM! I'm home and the doc said the surgery went very well. Like unowhoandwhy, like you my pain is in my underarms, doc had to do a LOT of pocket/underarm work. He really marked me up with his purple pen.
Thanks so much for the kind words, good wishes and prayers. I love you guys!
Romey, it's your turn, it's not as bad or painful as I thought it would be, it does hurt but now that I'm home I'm feeling really good. I'll be saying prayers for you tomorrow and wishing you well.
Shell, one more day till your turn!!
I'm a little loopy so I hope my proof reading wasn't too bad.
...Jackie xoxo
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Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Jackie....you are officially on the squishy side....don't you just love the purple pen
.My PS said he lost his purple pen and was just going to use a black Sharpie.....he was just teasing....but a took a full week to lose the purple, found some purple ink hiding in "sharpei side" in one of my skin folds, mid breast (and purple is my FAVORITE color)
Di
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YAY JJ!!! Brava Sister!! Romey - I'm in your pocket when you go in tomorrow - we are all rooting for you Sweet Pea.
I'm in a really peaceful place. Up until about 6 months ago I worked in the same hospital, and was often in the OR dept as a Research NP. THIS time, since I'm not scared sh**less like last time, I'm going to enjoy my ride down the hallways and ask the nurse anesthetist not to give me too much IV sedation till I'm in the room. I want to see what it feels like watching the lights from a guerney, rather than as a nurse. Weird, I know. I'll probably just keep my mouth shut, close my eyes, Zen out and wake up with a smile......and sore eyelids!
Di - Girl - you gotta get those eyes done - I'm gonna hound you till you do it!
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I just had my bmx with TE's yesterday- My breasts look deformed and it isn't scaring me as much as I find it's just weird. The recon doctor only cut below my breasts and didnt cut around the aerola or down from there like I thought he would.
They are SO uncomfortable... I am a side sleeper and a bit afraid I'm not going to be able to sleep on my side untli after my reconstruciton. Do you at some point get used to the TE's or do most women find they are completely sore and uncomfortable until you get them out? I know it's only day one for me but I'm just wondering how other women felt as the days go by.0 -
Thank you Carrol2 and Di2012 :-).
Chantel- I promise things do get better as time goes on, although I did pretty much become a back sleeper for most of the time I had my TE. Even after my exchange surgery, I sleep with a teddy bear cuddled against my chest to keep it from hurting during the night. A couple of weeks into your injections you will be much more use to them. Recliner may be your best friend for the first few weeks0 -
Chantel- Do a pillow nest. I slept with 5-6 pillows stacked around me for about 6 weeks. It was the only way i was comfortable. After a while I was able to use my bodypillow to prop up the TE's on because they were so heavy. Hope that helps. Here's a picture of my nest.
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I was able to sleep on my side at about two weeks post mastectomy, so it is possible!
I am doing very well today. Still some discomfort where he did lipo under the armpits, but that's it. I'd go back to work tomorrow if I didn't have these darn drains in. Ah well, I'll take the time to catch up on books & TV shows. Took a couple short naps today and the dogs and I took two 3.5 mile walks. Slow, careful walks, not my usual arm-swinging power walks.
Glad to hear yours went well, too, Jackie! Good luck tomorrow Romey!0 -
You go, Unowhoandwhy! So glad you're up to it so soon. I really think the key to getting all the anesthesia out of your system is just that.....MOVE, MOVE, MOVE!
JuicyJackie, glad to hear you're home and doing well. Every day gets better.
Romey and Shellshine, not much longer for y'all! Praying for you both tomorrow and day after.
Chrisrenee77, your nest cracks me up! The lengths we won't go to to get a good nights rest. I bought a bed wedge and it was too hard so I had my hubby put it under my memory foam mattress and topper. It made the bed all catawampas, but it worked for me. My faithful recliner was first choice after TE's, but now I find I get a more restful sleep in the bed. Speaking of which, my bed is calling me now. Here's to everyone finding a restful position to sleep in tonight!!!!! Nite all0 -
Chantel - Glad everything went OK. My PS filled my TEs with quite a bit (350cc) initially so I was uncomfortable for a few weeks. Don't know if it was the TEs or the actual MX surgery. Hard to stand up straight, take a deep breath, etc. I slept in the recliner, then propped up on the sofa for a while.
Once that recovery period was over, the TEs and fills were easy for me. But, my PS only fills 50cc at a time and lets the patient decide how often to schedule the appointments. And they always offered to remove saline if I was too uncomfortable. Unless there is a reason to rush prior to some other part of your treatment, TE expansion is not a race. I hope it goes easily for you.
Congratulations on getting over a big hurdle. Take good care of yourself!
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cheryl - I have read other accounts of newly-placed implants making weird noises. According to those posts, it's nothing to be concerned about and will go away with some time and healing. Of course, it's worth a mention at your next PS visit. Never a dull moment, right?
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Hi everyone. I am scheduled for my exchange on 6-6 and I guess I have not asked enough Qs to my PS. Will I have drains and if so, how long? Reason I am asking is that I am suppose to present at work, 6 days later. I might have to move the surgery back a week or so.
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Best to you Romey! You're going to love the squishy side! I had a lot of work done and I was able to sit and watch TV most of the night with my DH. Sleeping in my bed was good, just propped with lots of pillows.
It's your day Romey, I'll be thinking and sending healing wishes your way.
ShellShine, you're up tomorrow!! Best to you.
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Chantel - do you know if your PS filled your TEs with any saline at time of placement? If so, doyou know how many cc? I woke up with 100cc and was so happy to have at least that little mound to take home! I couldn't sleep anywhere near on my side for about 3 weeks, then graduated from recliner to couch, where I could lean into or kind of be propped against the couch back and be sorta kinda on my side.
I had a lot of pain for a good 4 weeks because we filled too fast (100cc each week starting 2 weeks post surgery). We switched to 50cc fills weekly plus I switched pain meds and haven't had any pain with fills since then (that was early December). My TEs got more comfortable with time and expansion. The bigger they got the less I was aware of discomfort. I'm more aware of THEM than discomfort because they look pretty awesome right now
. I'm at 750cc in 600cc expanders and have another visit with my PS this afternoon for either another fill or a decision that expansion is complete.You WILL feel better. Give it time. You're body has been violated in a major, major way and it just needs to rest and heal. Once I got over being loopy (took a few days!) I started joking that
1) I felt a bit like a tyrannasaurus rex (sp?) because I couldn't move anything but my forearms. I had to keep
my elbows at my sides because I had absolutely NO range of motion.2) I felt like I was playing the part of the suicide bomber in the school play because I had six, count 'em six!,
drain tubes and what looked like six grenades pinned to my MX bra!Romey - hope all is absolutely spectacular with you and your new squishies!
Shellshine - prayers and hugs for you today....may the force be with you (and your caregivers!)!!
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jdevonm - I did get a body pillow and it does seem to work, although it does take up most of the bed (queen size), my DH is so understanding... he has so little room once I get comfy. He say's he needs to be a "stick figure" in order to fit in bed...
I also bought "a wedge" it's called, but it's not as comfy as all the pillows. I use 5 pillows plus body pillow. I'm looking forward to one day being able to sleep on my side again.
Min937- I asked my PS about the redness and he thinks I may be allergic to the bacitracin. But I do wonder if it is the allerderm because I've stopped using bacitracin and I still have the redness. I have to go back in two weeks, so I'll ask about the allerderm when I see him. I have such sensitive skin.
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I think you will be fine 6 days later Not-me..I am at that point and I am doing stuff...still can't lift much but am not on pain meds anymore!
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Not-Me, every surgeon is different so even though my drains (2 on left and 1 on right) from exchange are going to be in for at least a week, it doesn't mean that yours will ...or that you'll have them at all!
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Unowhoandwhy... Did your PS tell you prior to surgery that you would definitely be having drains? Mine said she prefers no drains, but depends on what she finds during surgery. If a lot of fluid, then drains to prevent massive swelling and pain, otherwise, no drains. (Sorry if it's TMI)
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They will likely use drains to help reduce post-surgery fluid build up if you have had lymph nodes out on that side- it helps reduce the chance of lymphadema.
I had a drain for three weeks since they removed a total of 28 lymph nodes from that side. It was okay though, all is well now so I am glad I had it. Short term "yuck" for long term benefit.0 -
My PS said that the body responds to Alloderm by creating extra fluid. If Alloderm is going to be placed during exchange that could be a reason for drains as well.
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My PS said that he's using drains so my new anatomicals don't flip while there is fluid hangin around.
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My PS doesnt use drains because of the risk of infection, he believes they aren't needed so I don't have drains..
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Hello ladies!! Again, sorry for being MIA. Work has been busy, busy, busy.
Cheryl~ Had to laugh at the 'do anyone's implants make noise?" question!
Mine don't make noise, but when i work out, the right one makes a weird...feeling (not sure how to describe it). At first, I thought i was wheezing...it was making an odd feeling in my chest. So strange. So, i started keeping track of it...when i'm doing HIIT, and breathing hard (read: chest really expanding in and out), the right implant must be rubbing on something. It's SO STRANGE!!! hahaah!My next appt is on May 24th--i'm having a slight revision: Fat grafting. He's taking some fat from my high/inside thighs and right above my booty and adding it to the boobies. Should be interesting. I"m not happy about having to wear compression garments in the middle of May in Houston, but alas....
Steph
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Stewbie - OMG what you describe about the weird feeling is EXACTLY what I have when working out and get really winded! At first I thought well, that's weird, I must have some lung congestion or something that only presents when I'm breathing really hard and deep. So good to hear I'm not the only one with that!
All - PS and I decided today that I'm done expanding.....YAY!! Last fill was April 11. He requires a minimum 3 month wait but said it will have to be at least the first of August because of his vacation in July. That's OK because I just started training for a 5K in mid-July at our local summer festival....got my new running shoes yesterday, Brooks Adrenaline and I love 'em!
I do have to give some serious thought to early August though, because I'm registered to do a Dirty Girl Mud Run 5K on August 24. What do y'all think? I don't have any serious discomfort from the TEs and by early August I'll have had them for 9 months already, so I'm kinda thinking what's a few more weeks? And then, too, my training schedule is set up to take me through the mud run so do I want to give up the mud run for the exchange? On the other hand, even though I don't have the pain and discomfort that so many of you have or have had in the past, I am really looking forward to getting rid of the coconut shells for something more malleable
. Either way, I'm thinking I'll be in tip-top condition for surgery!Next appt with PS is in a month and we'll be talking surgery date then so I've got plenty of time to think about it and make up my mind.
Oh, and my PS told me 2 drain tubes for 5 days. I think he must do that as standard practice because he didn't qualify it with comments about amount or type of pocket work,etc.
I don't see anything from Romey, or am I blind? I hope everything went well for her today.
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Hi All... saw PS this morning (2nd post-op, surgery was 2 weeks tomorrow): stitches out, reports all looks good (with the exception of swelling because of slip on Monday). So excited, they look fairly symmetrical, better than the "nothing" side I had for so long! Said I could start going to bed braless (camis or genie bra if uncomfortable), bra on during the day, no underwire for 3-4 months post-op (well, maybe if it's a special occasion). Advised not spending too much for a bra or two for the next couple of months till they settle completely.
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Hi ladies - I have been using this site like crazy since getting diagnosed back in late January of this year, but this is my first time posting.
I had a BMX on 3/04/13 with Allergan 133MX-12 (400cc) expander placement. For some reason this is not showing on my signature line and I have yet to figure out how to resolve. I am overfilled to 540cc's and have my exchange surgery scheduled for 5/14/13. My PS was originally planning to use Allergan 410 anatomicals (gummies) but is now leaning towards Allergan Style 45's. I like the projection I have with the expanders and she does not think I will be happy with the 410's for that reason. I am looking for feedback (pros and cons) on both of the Allergan 410 and 45 implant types. Are you happy with your decision? What, if anything, do you not like about the style?
I am really looking forward to having these awkward feeling expanders removed and having something softer in place, but find myself getting more nervous as my exchange date nears.
This site has been so helpful to me throughout this awful journey we have all found ourselves on, at a time when most others do not understand what we are going through.
Thank you all for your posts - wishing all members only the best!
Sharon
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It will be nice when the maximum projection 410's are approved by the FDA. I would get them at my !!!EXCHANGE SURGERY TOMORROW!!! if they were available. Just finished sewing "pockets" inside a Goodwill button down blouse for my drains.
See you on the other side, Exchange Sisters. Looking forward to hearing from Romeygirl.
~ Michelle
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Shellshine - The best to you tomorrow. Looking forward to hearing how everything went
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ChiSherona,
Glad you decided to finally post. :-)
I have the Style 45's. i can't think of anything negative to say about them. I am overall larger than I had hoped to be, but the shape is wonderful, they look and feel quite natural, and they are comfortable. So I prefer to think that I got what I wanted plus a good-sized bonus. Ha!
I'm sure some ladies with gummies will chime in soon. Let me know if you have any more questions about 45's. Best wishes!0 -
Shellshine - Good luck today, will be thinking of you.
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Shellshine... Today is your day! Prayers, good thoughts and cyber hugs to you! What a great idea about sewing drains into the shirt - hadn't thought of that one. Just used one of DH's big Hawaiian shirts and used a large safety pin to pin drain tubes to front edge of shirt. I wish I would have done it your way with an old shirt of his.
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