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  • cnemeth
    cnemeth Posts: 136
    edited July 2010

    Brenda ~ What a Bummer!!!!!  It will be August before you know it.  Dr. P won't steer you wrong!!!

    Colleen

  • MBJ
    MBJ Posts: 3,671
    edited July 2010

    Hello Jen!  Welcome to the group!

  • Adnerb
    Adnerb Posts: 727
    edited July 2010

    Thanks for commiserating, ladies!  I'm feeling better every minute of every hour.  I have not looked at my rash in the past 2 hours!

    Colleen, Dr. P. was as disappointed as I was, but canceling today was the right thing to do.  I could always count on him to do the right thing.  I would have gone through with it, with the risks and everything, and that would have been reckless and dumb. 

    Love you all,

    Brenda 

  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Posts: 433
    edited July 2010

    Brenda, What a bummer!!  But that rash will clear up and you will be yippee squishy soon..Aug 5th will be here in no time.

    Jen: and all the newcomers, WELCOME!!  We're very friendly here and glad to have you!!  Who am I talking to again? Oh, yes Jen.  It must be the chemo brain!!  LOL.

    As far as insurance covering the tattoos, most permanent makeup artists don't bother with insurance- it is too agravating...But the tattoos are cheap, probably no more than the cost of the co-pay for the doctor..And some are free.  Check it out.  Love you all,   and

    GOOD LUCK TO THE EXCHANGE GIRLS THIS WEEK!!  You'll Love it!  JUDY

  • Kristinka
    Kristinka Posts: 223
    edited July 2010

    Brenda!!!  I'm so sorry about the delay, but you want to be strong and healthy going in for this procedure.   August is just around the corner...

    My PS did my tattoos a week ago, and all bills were submitted to insurance, in my case HealthNet.  I expect to have this fully covered, since it is considered part of the reconstruction process.  If any of you have questions about the healing process, PM me.  Judy, I was so tempted to hop in a plane and fly to FL so that you could do my tats!  But it turns out my PS knows his stuff and did a good job.

  • deekaay
    deekaay Posts: 254
    edited July 2010

    Brenda, I am so sorry you had to postpone, but it sounds like health-wise it was for the best.  I agree with Lilah, my skin remains changed by chemo.  It was sensitive before, but now I am hugely allergic to adhesive, products, etc.  About two months ago, I started getting these new little red patches here and there on my face that would not go away. ???  The dermo said it was seborriah (sp?) a benign skin condition brought on by stress.  Could be skin stress from a topical product or from internal physiological or emotional stress.  After all we go through, take your pick!!  I hope yours resovles quickly so you can get ready for the exchange in a month.  I know you must be disappointed.  Selfishly, I was really looking forward to comparing notes with you today.  Well, at least I can give you a preview..

    Yipee squishies have arrived for me!!!!!!!!!!!  I had my surgery yesterday at noon, got released around 5:30pm.  Everything went fine and things look good.  I am not bandaged up at all, just steri-strips under breasts at incision line.  My breasts look amazingly like breasts and look pretty even, etc.  I opted to wait for fat grafts until nip surgery so I have a divit on one side, not too bad though.  Only significant thing is what I guess is a ripple front and center on prophy side.  It feels like the implant is not completely full  right there where nipple would be.  I am hoping it will fill in as gravity does it work? 

    In terms of other effects, I was really, really dopey yesterday evening and still some today which I think is from the anethesia.  I haven't felt loopy on vicodin alone after previous surgeries.  I am thinking the cummulative effect of 5 surgeries is taking its toll.  Great part is I slept on my back all night and was pretty comfortable.  Didn't have to take a pain pill during the night at all, but I really didn't move.  This morning, as soon as I tried to get up, yowee, pain!  Part of it is because my breasts now MOVE, a lovely feeling to have back after TEs.  My prophy side is sooooo  squishy it's amazing, and my rad/Lat D side is much firmer which makes sense.  It probably always will be, but still nice compared to the coconuts.  I am sore, but so very happy to be on this side of the exchange and for all you Ladies in waiting, I can tell you now that it is worth it!!!!!!!!!!  Hang in there!!!!!!!! You will have breasts again!!!!!!!!!!!!  luv, deekaay

  • MBJ
    MBJ Posts: 3,671
    edited July 2010
    deekay:  Congratulations and thank you for sharing your experience with us ladies in waiting!  I cannot wait until August!!!
  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Posts: 6,028
    edited July 2010

    deekaay:  Details, details!  What style and what volume implants did your PS end up using?

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Posts: 6,028
    edited July 2010

    Waiting for Val to post how she is doing after tattoos....

  • val61
    val61 Posts: 969
    edited July 2010

    Here I am!  I'm just gonna tell y'all......I am a WIMP!  Yesterday for about 3 hours after the procedure, I felt like two hornets' nests were attacking my foobs.  Today, it's better.....still get twinges of stinging, but am a bit achey.....and if I move very quickly and my foobs bounce, it's not much fun.   Anyway......according to dh, they look great.  I looked at them in a mirror afterwards, but I was pretty bloody, so couldn't get a super good read.  My PS printed off a pic of my "Before BMX" boobs, (which incidently, I'll have to try to post....y'all will get a HUGE kick out of it!) so that we could match my original areola/nip color.  They are spot on, IMO.  The PS nurse gave me 5 lidocaine injections on each side - most of which I DID feel - but even so, the sensation was not particularly pleasant.  Lots of vibration, of course, but it was uncomfortable for me.  Each side took about 20 minutes, I'd say; she did three layers of pigment, with the nips being a bit more pink.  Can't peek  - or shower - 'til tomorrow night. I'll try to get some pics when I change the dressings then.   BTW.....I did bleed through the inital dressing after a couple of hours.....onto my favorite Freya bra.....and then still oozed through during the night.  Just don't wear anything you really care about.....   But guess what?   It's taken 18 months, but 

                                                        I AM DOOOOOOONE!!!!!!!

  • Bigapple09
    Bigapple09 Posts: 247
    edited July 2010

    Kate:

    You meed to ask for more than records, you have to be specific. When I subpeona medicals, I ask for lab results xray, pathology, notes, reports etc. make sure you get notes and your entire file. By law they have a right to charge you for the records. You should also see if you can get the majic langugae from a lawyer in your neck of the woods to make sure you have a certified ccopy of the records in case there is litigation in the future.

  • deekaay
    deekaay Posts: 254
    edited July 2010

    Deborah, I got Natrelle 45 with 650ccs.  They are not too big so I am glad my PS went with the 650s instead of 600s.  I took pix of me w/ expanders the night before exchange I will get the camera out soon to capture post op. Then I will post on the forum. 

    Here's a question for you and any other girls who have implants.  My right prophy side feels so squishy, I feel like maybe it could use more volume.  I can't believe I am saying this 24 hrs. post op, but my rad/Lat D side is so firm it's hard not to notice the difference.  What I am wondering is when you first have exchange, does the silicone ever shift around as it settles?  Maybe this is the drop and fluff I've read so much about? I heard a foob bart this morning when I first got up so that made me wonder if things are moving around in there.  Weird!  

    One more question...if the implant is under the muscle, why does it feel like I am touching the implant--it is right where the nipple eventually will go?  Any thoughts comments are welcome!  deekaay 

  • jkz
    jkz Posts: 158
    edited July 2010

    I get my exchange on Monday.. I am very excited but yet still a little scared. I dread these surgeries. My PS is using allergan silicone high profile implants.. He ordered 650, 700 and 750's he is not quite which one he will use yet. He said he will decide in surgery. He told me that naturelle and allergan are the same implants.. So wish  me luck. I have to be at the medical center at 6:45 am. :) Jennifer

  • didel
    didel Posts: 733
    edited July 2010

    Good Luck JKZ!!! Hope all goes well for you

     Di

  • kate33
    kate33 Posts: 1,936
    edited July 2010

    Bigapple09- Thanks for the advice about the medical records.  I am SO out of my element here.  My BS told me she is going to look into what happened but am still going to request records as well so appreciate any advice.

    deekay- I had my exchange on 6/29 and kind of feel the same as you regarding fullness.  it feels as though the lower part of implant should be fuller but also don't know if that is part of the dropping and fluffing.  

    jkz- Good luck on Monday!!!!

    funsizejen- Wanted to say welcome as well!  So glad you posted! 

  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Posts: 433
    edited July 2010
    Val, Glad your nips went well,  you too, Kristen.  I am flattered that you nearly came to me, but relieved that you were able to get them done locally..  We'll have to wait at least 2-3 weeks for the results.  Until then all you are seeing is extra pigment on the skin, along with the redness of the irritation adding to the color.  It all calms down in 2-3 weeks and then-- wowee-- we see what is hopefully a natural looking areola!!  Good luck to both of you..JUDY
  • val61
    val61 Posts: 969
    edited July 2010
    Thanks, Judy!  I'm hoping they'll end up looking as natural as possible.  I'll be sure to remember not to make any judgments before then.  I go back to my PS after 4 weeks for a checkup and pics.  Just wondering....I get to shower tomorrow night.....will it hurt?  Not that it matters....gotta get clean anyway....just want to be prepared, ya know....wimp that I am and all.......
  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Posts: 433
    edited July 2010

    Do not get the pressure of the shower directly on your foobs.  Other than that, it should not hurt.  And when you wash, use only water on your foobs and be gentle with them--no washcloths, just your hands. if some soap gets on them, it is OK but better to use just water. Keep the gauze pads on them with a good coating of vaseline. or A&D ointment for the first 5-6 days, changing it morning and night.  This may not be what your PS told you, but this is what I've learned after many years of doing tattoioing.  BE gentle!!   JUDY

  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Posts: 433
    edited July 2010

    EVERYONE:  I answer many question about tattooing, but I rarely talk about aftercare, and pre-procedure precautions..here thay are.

    Pre-procedure-- DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL the day before or the day of, the procedure. (You cna have the whole bottle after)   You will bleed more and for a longer period of time.

    AFTERCARE:  In addition to what I said above, Do not allow your tattoo to rub against the fabric of your shirt or your bra.  This is why the gauze is important.

    Remember, you were irritated (assaulted really) and you need to recover.   The first night, change the dressing.  You may wash the tattoo off with water.  If the gauze is sticking, use water to soften it.  Do not pull off the gauze but rather gently remove it.  Do not use soap or other lotions, potions or whatever for the first few days.  Give the tattoo a chance to "close-up after the procedure.  Then soap is OK but gently, always gently.  No Washcloths.   

    Over the course of the next week, you amy see the tattoo begin to flake off.  This is not the tattoo itself being removed.  It is the "extra" pgiment exfoliating off the first layer of your skin.  The tattoo, if properly done, was put into the second layer of your skin.  It was impossible to get to the second layer without going thru the first, and the first will exfoliate.  This is normal.

    DO NOT PICK AT THE TATTOO.  This may cause the tattooed pigment to come off, and worse, it may cause infection.   

    Basically, treat the tattoo with kid gloves for a week or two, and it will pay off in a beautiful result.  JUDY  

  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Posts: 433
    edited July 2010

    I forgot.  Do not go in a spa, swimming pool or the ocean.  They are basically germ pools.  Not for a week at least.

    JUDY

  • val61
    val61 Posts: 969
    edited July 2010

    Judy - Your instructions almost perfectly mimic my PS's, except he said no shower for 48 hours.  When I do, only water.  Also said to be careful to not even wrap up in a towel - just pat gently to dry - or air dry, if possible.  I did notice just now that on one side the gauze is stuck to me - and there was a TON of bacitracin ointment on it when the nurse put the dressing on.  Should I worry?

  • Luna5
    Luna5 Posts: 532
    edited July 2010

    Val....Congrats!!!!!  Sorry it hurts but at least you are done!  Now, we need an 18 month club.  By the time I get my tats, it will be 18 months for me too. 

  • val61
    val61 Posts: 969
    edited July 2010

    Luna - Good things come to those who wait!

  • Lilah
    Lilah Posts: 2,631
    edited July 2010

    Val -- wooohooooo on the tats!!!!  Sorry it hurt (and given Judy's instructions, it's a good thing you didn't drink :)  Can't wait to see -- I have no doubt you are going to look even more fabulous (if that is possible).

    Deekay -- wahoooo for you too!!!!  Sounds like you are already recovering exceptionally well.  Sounds like the Lat side, since tissue was placed there (along with implant? if so, same kind?) it has more to it than the prophy side... though I'm sure you DO have to wait for drop and fluff, it may always feel different since the make up of each side is different.

    Judy -- making a note now of these instructions (for when my nips/tats come later :)

    MBJ -- I LOVE that new pic!  Is that your hair as it is now?  I also really love that top you are wearing :)

  • Lilah
    Lilah Posts: 2,631
    edited July 2010

    Val -- wooohooooo on the tats!!!!  Sorry it hurt (and given Judy's instructions, it's a good thing you didn't drink :)  Can't wait to see -- I have no doubt you are going to look even more fabulous (if that is possible).

    Deekay -- wahoooo for you too!!!!  Sounds like you are already recovering exceptionally well.  Sounds like the Lat side, since tissue was placed there (along with implant? if so, same kind?) it has more to it than the prophy side... though I'm sure you DO have to wait for drop and fluff, it may always feel different since the make up of each side is different.

    Judy -- making a note now of these instructions (for when my nips/tats come later :)

    MBJ -- I LOVE that new pic!  Is that your hair as it is now?  I also really love that top you are wearing :)

  • kate33
    kate33 Posts: 1,936
    edited July 2010

    Just wanted to let everyone know Timtam is shutting down the picture forum the end of August.  She said it is just getting to be too much work.  Can't say I blame her after hearing about all that is involved.  I will be sorry to see it go, though!

  • m-star
    m-star Posts: 340
    edited July 2010

    JUDY~ IS it the same after care as a regular tattoo? it sounds that way (i have 5!)

    Do you also use the same sort of needle as a regular tattoo? Just wondering if it hurt less or more than normal ones! LOL. I have endured around a total of 5 hours tattooing in total.

    MBJ~ your new pic looks AWSOME! i love it! You look stunning and your hair is gorgeous!When was this taken,and is it your own hair or a wig?

  • waldo
    waldo Posts: 145
    edited July 2010

    So much catching up- lions and tigers and cougars-Oh MY!

     Val, Congrats on being done!!!

    Judy, thanks for the advice on pre and post tat care.  I follow advice here and work it into what my PS says; generally they have coincided beautifully.  My PS is a pro underwire- anti implant massage guy.


    Yes, the picture forum is coming to an end- at the end of August.  Fumi seems to be very upset and stressed by people not following her directions and I think she feels unappreciated and under-appreciated for her outstanding dedication.

  • MBJ
    MBJ Posts: 3,671
    edited July 2010

    val:  Congratulations!!!  I have been following your journey since just before your exchange and you have had an amazing outcome and I expect no less with your tattoos.  BTW: I love your new picture!

  • Lilah
    Lilah Posts: 2,631
    edited July 2010

    I'm sorry to hear that Fumi will be shutting down the picture forum, though I can appreciate that it must be a lot of work to maintain (so don't blame her at all). 

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