Exchange City

Hi gals, my exchange is tomorrow.  Just wanted to thank you for all the words of wisdom they have been very helpful.  I'm a bit nervous... but you ladies have made me feel much better!  Soooo just wanted to throw out a huge thank you to you all.  One quick question, were you all in some sort of wrap after surgery?

Thanks again, Cheryl

Lilah, isn't getting the port out the best!!  I had mine for 18 mos. and it always creeped me out even though I was grateful that I had it for chemo.  I loved the feeling of its absence.

Bigdogmom, only small bandages at the bottom of my breasts where the incision was for me.  I could see my whole breasts from the get go.  Two days later gauze came off and I only had steri strips from then on.  PS docs all seem to have their own method of post surgery wrapping, bra recs, etc.

Cheryl - I've had gauze pad bandages and have been wearing a compression bra since my exchange surgery last Wednesday.  I was supposed to get the bandages removed tomorrow when I see my PS, but I was allergic to the adhesive on the bandages and the itching and hives got so bad, that my PS's nurse said I could take them off today (my PS was in surgery all day today).  Your post-surgical bandage/wrap situation will depend both on the extent of your surgery as well as your PS (there doesn't seem to be a lot of consistency among PS's regarding bandages, drains, etc.).

Cheryl -- different doctors do different things - some just use bandages, some put you in a surgical bra (like mine), some ask you to bring a zip front sports bra.  So best plan is to ask your doctor what he/she does!

Deekay -- yes I am SO glad it is gone!  There is still a bump where it was though... I am hoping that is just swelling due to all the work that had to be done to get it out (or scar tissue?) -- it seems to have gotten smaller but at the moment it kinda feels like it's still there (which sucks).  That said, it definitely DOES feel like it's gone!  And I'm SO happy.  Mine went in on June 23, 2009... so ALMOST 18 months!

Holly, I think many women on EC have opted for silicone, but I went for anatomical (?) saline, fairly small implants. They look fabulous and I've taken them off my worry list. They are harder, though, than the silicone ones. I went with my PS's advice on size, shape, type and it worked out really well. By the time we got to the exchange, I felt I could trust his judgment. I know many women here who are sooooo excited by the yippee squishee and I can't say I've had that sensation...

Good wishes Cheryl for an easy surgery and beautiful results!

tnbcRuth:  Wow, I had no idea you were going through so much.  Get those drains out, heal up and rest.  Gentle hugs!

Cheryl:  Very best wishes with your exchange and yippee squishees for you.

sorry - chemo brain malfunction - I'm getting my PORT out :l

Bonnie -- LOL -- ok well now I am liking your PS more

Ruth -- my port removal was done in my BS's office with local anesthetic only (lidacaine shots) -- I was NOT put out but was awake throughout (she kept telling me not to look -- LOL).  My port was rather far from the incision point so it took a long time to get it out (an hour) and I was sore for a few days after (but Tylenol was all I needed).  I did not need anyone to drive me because I was never put out; if you ARE being put out you probably will need someone to take you.

Ruth-

I had my port out under concious sedation - at the hospital where they put it in.  I liked doing it this way bc I'd rather not feel anything.  They did an x-ray to confirm it was entirely removed when it was done and a Physican Assistant did the procedure.  Very little pain after.  Glad to have it removed - was like graduation day.  Some people keep there's "just in case" but I felt it was the end of the journey.

Good luck

Kward -- an x-ray to be sure they got it all out?  It's justs a small disk with a tube!  What could be left behind?

Deekay -- I agree it always felt like an alien to me.  I have dissolving stitches too and am just waiting for the last bit of steristrip to fall off   But it already feels normal again.

brokendreams it really is easier than the other surgeries we go through. I hope all goes well for you tomorrow.  I have one piece of advice take it easy even if you feel great let the internal stitches heal. It may help from needing any revisions.

Rebecca

Gunner really happy everything went well.  Even your daughter!  And, yes, I believe in angels!

Lilah, glad the port is gone!!  Yay for one more thing to be ticked off the list!

Bonnie--you da woman!  My, my, my.  Hopefully, that crappy PS doesn't give you a hard time!

Rebecca--to talk things out and get them into the open just helps clear our minds and put things in perspective.  I'm sorry for your pain.  Tears can heal and clean.

Lisa--that is CRAZY!  Glad your dad was there to be your advocate.  I'm surprised they said anything.  I'm sure after discussing it amongst themselves they thought it would be better to come clean then have something happen to you and there be a law suit!

Alma--no fat grafting for me under my nip!  PS told me yesterday.  Insurance won't pay, but it can be addressed later down the road if I so desire.  Glad you're doing well!