Exchange City
Comments
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Marianne - sorry...it's graduation weekend for my highschool son, so my time at the computer is limited. as to your question about sleeping in a bra....ABSOLUTELY - AND IN AN UNDERWIRE ONE, TOO! You are fresh out of exchange....you need to keep the girls in place. More to come VERY SOON!0
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Adnerb....so funny /' . '\ hee hee
nice to laugh!Best to all,
Laura2
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Geneskirt: No grafts. Mine were strictly "origami".
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Hi to all in EC!
I am having a weird phenomonom..I am 9 days post op and my new foobs are feeling incredibly hard, heavy and more numb than they ever did before. Is this normal? Is this the capsular contraction thing going on? Am I still dropping and fluffing? Are they growing? I have to remind myself that I don't have TE's in anymore but truthfully, this is about as unpleasant as the TE's ever were.
Please don't tell me it's from not wearing a bra! lol
Thanks for anyone's insight!
Kat0 -
ps...another way to describe this is like having charlie horses in my chest. Please tell me this is normal!
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Hello Everyone! I don't post often but I read all of the time. I just wanted to send out a big THANK YOU to Deborah for guiding me through this process. I originally had 600 cc med profile implants and was not happy with the projection. Deborah helped me have the information I needed to get what I wanted. Well, yesterday I was exchanged to 750 high profiles. From what I can see I LOVE THEM!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
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Hi cs7777, Thanks so much for your response. Great that you are, so far, so pleased! SO many women seem unhappy with their 410 gummies that it is a HUGE relief to hear your report. I agree that much of the outcome probably has to do with the surgeons skill. If you don't mind my asking, where did you get yours done? After all of this TE misery, I feel similarly that comfort now comes before looks, in my book. Very glad to hear about the "squish" and that you are not feeling them sitting inside of you. Both concerns of mine. Do you think that size is related to comfort? My PS told me from the get-go (tho I don't understand why, exactly...) that my pre-BMX D's were going to be "big-B's/little C's. Thats fine with me ... I would happily go smaller if I thought I would be more comfy. I have Allergan TE's with capacity of 400cc, but am filled to 570 cc's + the Alloderm that they put in at the beginning.. PS said this would give him more (skin, muscle??) to work with in the OR, and that he was going to put in 410 or 445 mod ht, extra -full projection. Possibly 450 full height, but prob that would be too hi. Do you have a sense of how this compares to what you got? How long will you be in surgical bra, and can you eventually go bra-less? How has the recovery been? When do you think its reasonable to expect to be back to normal daily stuff ( like bathing, driving ,working?) Sorry for so many questions. Hope I don't wear you out with all this!!! PS, My surgery is June 17th.
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I have already forgotten who posted a question about RADS AND IMPLANTS... I work thurs-sat and am not online much these days... PLEASE PM me your questions... I think you said you got filled 100% PRIOR to rads.... if so.. BRAVO !!!!! This is the very best way to achieve best results.. IMO and the opinion of MD ANDERSON's protocol for this. Anywho.. off to bed for me... but ask ANYTHING in my PM... I will help!!!!
SHEA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
I KNEW that our girl MooreTennis was going to help you SO MUCH!!!! I am so glad you let her help.... amazing!!! You will not be sorry you waited a little and got ALL you needed and wanted from your reconstruction!!
THUMBS UP FOR US ALL!!! We are AMAZING support for eachother! WAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
If ever anyone feels I ignore them...
...... I don't..:).. I really do read all.. I just help with the radiation girls......... or the girls I see that have different issues that need addressed that cannot happen here on EC daily...If ANYONE wants me to point them in a direction... PM me and I will do all I can to get you to the "sister" here that might be able to help you if you cannot get the answer you need on EC.
(((((HUGS))))))
Have an amazing weekend!
Laura
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Kat, I see that no one has addressed your concern... I really don't have an answer for you except to say that I have not had that... From what I understand it sounds like it could be the contracture thing... I would definitely call your PS as soon as possible. Hope you ahve a great a weekend!
Paula
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Hi Kat,
I'm chiming in cuz at 9 days post op, im thinking swelling may be causing unnecessary pressure. i had bi lateral fluid and thot it was the implant... the skill of my surgeons eye took about 3 seconds to determine....SWELLING!
Do/did you have drains in that were recently removed? Probably not, but have you been doing any excessive activity that may have caused a bit of flare up with fluid?
Any redness or fever>?
If you can't call ur PS due to the weekend, and as long as there is not redness/fever (infection?) , I would DEFINATELY sit urself down on the couch/bed and limit activity (especially arm) and put your feet up!. 9 days post exchange is still VERY SOON after major suturing internally! We tend to feel SO RELIEVED AND HAPPY we forget it is major surgery!
I struggled alot with seroma and excessive fluid post exchange, and the fluid build up had a direct correlation with activity throughout the day. I also uped my protein (a tip I learned here at EC) and it had an immediate effect on reducing swelling overnight.
Good luck darlin! Treat yourself and your new girls kindly for a while! xoxo
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Kat, sounds like it's worth a call to your PS. I had charley horses with my TEs and with my new implants, especially after a new kind of exertion. (Once it was just holding my friend's newborn for too long.) My PS prescribed Flexeril, which helped relax my muscles. Once they were locked, it was hard to relax them. I hope you're feelng even a bit better today. If you're in pain, though, call your dr. Someone should be on call, even on a Saturday, right?
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Kat: It would be quite unusual to see capsular contracture bilaterally - occurring at just the same time. I had some very similar sensations occurring after the exchange as well. Nerves and muscles are responding to the newly released, unrelenting pressure of the tissue expanders. However, if as geneskirt queried, you have increased swelling or redness and/or if you have a fever, this would be something else and you should call your PS. However, the likelihood of a seroma or hematoma occurring bilaterally - at the very same time - would also be quite unusual. As Maggie suggested, you could call and get a rx for Flexeril or the generic equivalent...
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Yay! I'm glad that someone with some knowledge and experience chimed in! I obviously had no idea what I was talking about!!! I think the safest bet would be to call or like geneskirt said, SIT DOWN!!!! Have a good one and let us know how you're doing!
Paula
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Paula: Yes! Sitting down with your feet up. I love it when a doctor makes that suggestion to me!!
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Hello ladies I hope everyone is doing good. I tried to catch up as much as possible. I just got home last night around 6pm from my surgery. I had my gallbladder out and some other procedures but not real clear on all that yet. I have 16 staples on my stomach ouch! I look like I am 9 months pregnant and I have a road map on my tummy. Not a pretty site. Well I will never again believe a doctor who says something is out patient I always end up there 3 days or more.
Well I will be getting the staples out on Tuesday and reportedly getting my pathology report then as well I am not sure what we biopsied but I will have a lot of questions when I get out of this fog I am still in.
I am just so glad to be home.
To all the ladies who have had surgery I hope all is well.
mIrbelle thanks for asking I did have a lap surgery but not sure where the extra holes are from I have 5 holes in my lovely stomach.LOL
Rebecca
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Thank you all!
No fever or swelling. Coolness actually...my lower poles are cool to the touch. No redness either. I think you are all correct that I just need to relax. I do overdo because when I feel good I feel as though I can do anything! I will lay low this weekend and wait for my new Victoria Secret bras to come in the mail. (*I had a gift card and went ahead and ordered 2 wireless) I think all you bra girls are right and I may be hindering progress by letting them hang free. dammit. Well, I will be positve that the bras will look sensational and I will wonder how I ever thought I could do without them! I think sleeping in them is pushing it though...baby steps!
Thanks for all your help and thanks for your PM Deborah! I feel better already.
Kat0 -
This board makes it feel like I'm having a discussion with a bunch of girlfriends on the phone when i can't think for myself and they add logic and humour.... then, they have a mini crisis and the roles reverse!
WE NEED EACH OTHER
xo WE ALL HAVE OUR TURNS 0 -
Hey, Judy, good to hear from you, too! I hope you you're healing is coming along now. What a long road for you, but your positive attitude will get you through. Take good care. deekaay0
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Sonia: I am just so thrilled for you! Cannot wait to see photos!!! So glad I could help!
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Rebecca: So glad you are home and on the mend! Let us know about the path results. I am curious also about what was biopsied....????
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Rebecca, sounds like quite an ordeal! I hope you're on the mend and deflating!
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Tx adnerb for the dog-ear description - LOL!! So the point is that there is extra skin that's not "filled" and sticks out in points because of how it got pulled? Or are just any extra folds of skin that aren't filled considered dogears?
Bigapple - good luck on your surg on Monday!! I'm sure it'll turn out great. BTW you also have the Allergan 410 on one side right? Perhaps you can say something about how you like it to Jerusha who's concerned about getting them, if you haven't already???
Kat - Per the flexeril, ah, excellent drug when needed, but do be aware that it can really knock you out. Don't drive, operate heavy eqpt (like those new foobs), or expect to stay awake through a movie if you take it.
Regarding resting, I'll pass on my BS's advice to not type much or at all. Typing contracts the pecs with every stroke and is surprisingly stressful on the chest. Rebetata - So glad you're home. Hope you can rest. May all the path reports be inconsequential!!
Estepp - I want to thank you for your ongoing enthusiasm - you're just always a pick me up and that's what we need a lot of the time. Thanks!!!
m-star & Jerusha - about your questions re my Allergan 410 - My TE was a 500 ml one filled to 500 ml, and my implant is 250-280 grams, which is approx = 250-280 mls. I don't know the exact size or model as they didn't give me the card yet, but I'll add that info when I get it. I'm guessing it's full or moderate height and moderate or low projection, but I can't be sure. Note that my post about the overstretching with the TE compared to the implant size wasn't to promote that as a method because I expect it wouldn't be right for all desired outcomes; rather, it's just an example of a process my PS chose to get to a desired outcome, and the process itself influences the outcome (its not just my body + the specific implant,IMO). FYI, for comp to yourselves, I'm about an A cup, 5'8", 127 lb, 30.5" braline circumference, about 17" shoulder width, and somewhat long-torso and shortwaisted. I'm in the SF Bay area and had them done here. I'll PM you the specifics Jerusha. I don't have alloderm. Re the "comfort" I think the TE being larger than the final implant is related to comfort since I had plenty of space for the implant and don't have tension on the tissues anymore. That was the PSs explanation for it. I expect the small size might be related to comfort too since its not very heavy, but I'm still mostly in the bra so only time will tell. They said I can take the bra off some now and I did for about 5 hours last eve but I was surprised that after a bit I felt like I needed it on to keep everything "in place". I'm a bit swollen still and the pocket was moved quite a bit so I feel all the movement around the edges of the implant. The PS says I don't need a bra when I'm healed, and indeed, despite all the bra discussion here, I plan not to wear one. I rarely did before MX - one of the benefits of being small busted - and I'm just not going to now unless I'm literally more comfy with it. Not likely. He's instructed me to start stretching again now but go slowly. Still not to lift more than 10 lb (I'm doing less). I feel good today,energywise, and expect to be back at most things not needing chest muscles next week. I think that answers all your Q's...but feel free to ask more here or via PM. Take care!
CS
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Good luck on Monday BigApple...hope your home and comfortable in no time
Glad your back Rebecca...hope that's the last you have to see of any surgery for a long time and that your labs come back free and clear.
I overdid it yesterday...I was just a few days shy of my 4 week restriction free date. I cleaned house, did laundry...felt very proud of myself. I sat down to relax with Smudge and a cup of tea in the afternoon. When I got up from the couch I pushed off with my arms...and OUCH! I felt a tender zing of pain where recent pocket work had been done =( So now I'm being very good again and trying to dial back my enthusiasm. I guess even when we feel good....there is still healing going on....so I've learned my lesson....I'm back on tylenol and understand that you can't rush healing. Lesson learned
(yes I was and am wearing a bra) Strength, healing and comfort to all,
Laura2
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Laura2: Stop that housecleaning right now!!! Wait till you are completely healed...
CS: I don't think you can call regular folds dog ears. Dog ears are usually made by a straight incision on a curved surface. The straight incision across your chest can cause a dog ear.
Brenda
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Hi Ladies...It has been great reading all of your posts. I surf this thread, but haven't posted very much. It's nice to finally find some people who I can talk to about this. A little about me....I'm 30yrs old and I was diagnosed with ILC on 11/9/09...I had a nipple sparring BLMX on 12/28....I did 4 rounds of T/C...and will be taking Tamoxifen for 5yrs. I'm 5'4...115lbs...rib cag is 29.5"...small framed....I was expanded to 465cc...and it hurt like heck...and I know you all can relate to that. My exchange surgery in on June 1st, and I am sooooooooooo excited to get rid of these rock boobs.....FINALLY. My PS ordered a few different sizes for me...Mentor high profile cohesive gel implants, 325, 350, and 375cc. I'm really worried about what the outcome will be because right now these TE are so high and far apart...I'm hoping the implant aren't like that too...YIKES, that would be scary! Do any of you have the same size implant that I am getting? If so how do you like them? Glad to have found this site...and hopefully will be able to make some new friends!
:0) ~Mandi
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CS7777: Thanks for sharing your story about your exchange! I'm a uni and getting 410 and nothing done to my "good side" so it is nice to hear first hand you are still feeling good about your decision. I know my PS told me I would be lop-sided without a bra on still but less surgery was fine with me. I'm glad to know it isn't too bad though, since right now I'm definitely bad!
Bigapple, I hope your surgery goes great with no complications and you have a speedy recovery!
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cs7777 and ogarden thank you for your good wishes.
In re the 410:
The shape is great, it looks so natural that when I was in Memorial in December for the infection in the right side, the attending asked if I had anything done on the left side, I said, yup the same as the right, he was surprised.
My right side never looked good, the radiation damage and the implant displacement made it look weird. The right side was also very very tight and painful. The left side was always softer but still not as soft as a breast or even a regular gel implant. It sort of reminds me of those gel wrist supports that people use with computers, the bottom pole is much softer than the top and the sides which seem much tighter.
I was going to have the 410(s) removed and replaced with regular gels before I came down with the infection. I am opting to leave the left side alone right now because the risk of an infection or a less attractive result is too high right now and I really just want to be complete again. I'll see how things look after I'm all healed. I really do miss the softness of my breasts. there is no jiggle at all with the 410, literally none. It might be different if you had expanders, but my understanding is that they have to make the pocket very tight to avoid rotation as the implant is not round and rotation would be visibly apparent. I had skin and nipple sparing one step, I went down a cup size with the implant and the PS was able to do it all at the same time.
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Mandi, I'm a little bigger than you (5'7"/ 120) and had 350 cc TEs expanded to 400cc. They were under my arms! but the PS did some pocket (sutures to close up the pockets on the sides near my arms) work during the exchange and they are properly spaced and not under my arms. I'm lopsided and will need a revision, which I wish I had done before nips. Apparently it is not uncommon to need a revision even after the exchange but the PS usually tries to adjust during the exchange... i think mine just over-shot it a bit.
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Hi ladies:
I just got brave enough to post photos. The photos show my progress from surgery through the current expansion of TE's to 525cc.
As a quick reminder (and for other slim framed girls on this thread), I am 5'7" 108 lbs with a 28 1/2 inch chest/band. i was a natural 32DD and my PS understands that I want to be smaller and perkier than my 50 year old former self. The plan is for 600 CC Mentor High Profile - and while I realize my bra size will probably remain as it was - I also know that they will actually be smaller and certainly "perkier". I have to laugh at myself because I recall thinking I actually looked pretty good after the surgery. YIKES!!! I suppose we are a bit delusional in trying to convince ourselves that we will look good - a coping mechanism no doubt.
My exchange surgery is only a few days away - wed May 26th. I will post asap thereafter.
Have a great evening and thanks to everyone for their encouragement and especially for all of your sharing of your stories. We are quite a "family" - the good kind that is there for each other as opposed to the sometimes selfish ones we are born into. (a bit of a personal issue with my family - I know, I know - I can only work on one issue at a time LOL !!!)
-Jaclyn
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Laura2: So sorry you're in pain! But thanks for posting your story, cuz it just made me sit down again. I was thinking about cleaning out some drawers but I'm going to wait. And I'm wearing my surgical bra. : / Hope you feel better soon!
Mandi: Re your TEs, many many women on here have TEs in wierd places and their implants end up in the right place looking good. Sometimes not perfectly, as already mentioned by AStorm, but much much better than the TEs.
Judgejaclyn: Good luck to you this week! I so recently came through my exchange that I can definitely feel your relief in being ALMOST THERE and ALMOST DONE! Good for you - and good luck to you!! And the same to the others with surgery this week too: Artzy (exchange), Binga (nips), and Packergirl (nips), and of course bigapple. Best wishes for safe surgery, quick recoveries, and fabulous outcomes to you all!!
Thanks bigapple for commenting on how you feelabout your 410 implant.
Take care, all! CS
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