Exchange City
Comments
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Violet: I really wish I knew what this rash is from. I've stopped using everything on my skin now and it's still red but getting lighter than was. I'm wondering if it was the gauze that I was using after putting on the bacitracin.
Your exchange date will be here before you know it. I know it's so hard to choose which implant to go with. I have the round silicone and I love them. And was able to get projection and upper pole. I'm not sure what my bra size is going to be yet (I'm still wearing a sports bra), but I did get 550cc and dr said that I will be happy with that. I am also petite, 5' 1" and small frame. As soon as I get the courage to put my photo's on the picture forum I will. As far as the drains go, I didn't need them with my exchange.
Shellshine: Glad to hear you've made it to the other side.
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Hey everyone!
I'm having my exchange surgery in a few weeks, and my PS wanted me to get fitted and buy a bra before my pre-op so that he can put an implant in the bra on my other side to make sure they match. (I had a unilateral mx and am having an augmentation on the other side for symmetry.) It seemed weird to me, but I had my fitting and ended up buying more than one expensive bra. I'm just wondering, are implants generally the same size as the expander? My expander is 350 cc which puts me at a 32 D, and I like that size. My PS suggested going with a 300 cc implant (which doesn't make sense, wouldn't that make my breasts smaller than the bra he told me to get fitted for?) but said I can go with a 350 if I choose (which I'm pretty sure I will). I'm just a little concerned that my breasts won't come out the same size as my expander and I'll have to get new bras again. I'll ask my PS about this, but was just wondering if anyone had personal experience and advice with this. Thank you!
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Great to hear from you, Shellshine and Romey! Really happy that all the bad stuff you worried about, Romey, did not come to pass. I wish I had all the energy I expended throughout this journey worrying about all the things that never happened!
Shellshine, get your rest and please do post back about the eye surgery. I too am quite curious.0 -
Shellshine and Romey... Yay! Now rest up!
Di... How interesting, did you know the report was online? I'm needing to get my anesthesiologist reports (mx and exchange) as I had some reactions I probably need to be aware of. Am thinking of asking for PS's rept too as I'm now curious if anything like that happened. Did your PS mentioned this extra test at any of your post-op office visits?
Shelley... Sending prayers and good thoughts your way for your exchange this week! My TE's and implants were the same, but I don't think that's always the case. Can't answer your other questions. (My exchange was just over 2 weeks ago, my PS told me last week not to buy expensive new bras yet as I might be a different size when all the swelling is gone and settling is complete)0 -
ashell - Sounds like your PS has a novel approach to sizing and matching. So he/she will actually use the bra during the exchange surgery?
If you haven't already done so you might want to check out the Breast Implant Sizing 101 thread. You will find info in the thread header that is very helpful. It's also a good place (obviously) to ask implant sizing questions. If you don't get a helpful response here perhaps someone there has a PS who uses the same system. Seems there are so many different approaches to implant reconstruction amongst plastic surgeons. It can be pretty overwhelming.
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2nd time around......I just read the billing for the procedure online....the pathology lab had to give an explanation and units (time) for billing. Some of my actual reports are on line, and for me me to access via my own password....but mostly I get all my medical records and keep them in 3 ring binders, so many of my docs through the years have retired or died and then I have nothing....just got word from another cancer support group that a an oncologist I saw a couple years ago for a possible blood disorder (after testing, I was ok, but quite scary) is retiring, so I have to get those records.
Di
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Di... I've been keeping all my test results, billing and other info in binders (started doing this with 1st mx back in '96), we had major water damage in the house and just about everything had to be boxed, DH "lost" binder. Have also learned when I see new cancer-related docs, I bring binder so they can make copies. My PCP had all my old records from 1st mx so they just made copies for me. I have never asked for surgery repts though and my billing isn't detailed since I only have co-pays. I have no on-line views with my health care system, but good to know.
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Aloha everyone. I am feeling much better. The pocket work must have been quite extensive as I was more sore than I expected. Did not need to take oxycodone during the day today but just took one (8:30 pm) for night. I did not expect this level of soreness but it sounds like that's the deal with anatomicals. I am really happy with the shape and size, but also realize this might not be the finished product. The weird thing is that 90% of my drainage is leaking out around the drain tubes, saturating my camisoles and bedsheets. I need to put large gauze pads around the drains every few hours. I'll call my PS tomorrow and let him know, I didn't want to bother him on a Sunday.
Now, for the eyes. Very happy with how they look despite the swelling and bruising, looks like I have purple eye shadow on. The interesting thing I wanted to tell you about, Di, is that the incision extends beyond the corner of the eye by about 1 cm. I thought the whole incision would be inside the crease. It bothered me when I first saw it, but my physician friends assure me that it will be completely unnoticeable in 18 months. Eighteen months! Well, I'm not going to get all wigged out about this now - but I don't like the idea of scars extending out past the lid. Apparently the skin above the eye heals really fast, and you can use silicone gel to help it along. I never thought I would get plastic surgery in my life, but since I was having a plastic surgeon work on me anyway..... my DH said even at this level of swelling there's a big difference in how open my eye is. Here's a picture from this morning, you can see the suture line on the left eye curve up slightly past the lid. The downward mark is photo artifact.
I'll keep you folks posted on the how they heal.
I must say I really love these new anatomical breasts, so soft and feminine.
Really, what a trying journey this has been for all of us. What a bunch of troopers we are. I'm so proud of all of us - we ROCK!!!
Oh, and by the way for those who don't know - Whippetmom has volunteered her time and expertise to help many of us with information on sizing. I don't know how she became such an expert, I don't really care, she's amazing. THANK YOU WHIPPETMOM - you really helped me and it turned out wonderfully!
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Good morning ladies, well let the one week countdown begin.
This time next week I will be in preop waiting. Happy to see everyone is doing well who had surgery this week.
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If anyone has an answer for whenlifegive... about the exchange with fat grafting, I have the same question
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-Shell, so sorry you have had more discomfort than you expected with your exchange. Your eyes look Beautiful!! You are very brave and such an inspiration for everyone. -Peanuts, you are absolutely right, I have wasted so much time worrying, time that I will never get back, can I get a do-over?? I went to my onc. on Tues. and he told me I will need a CT scan to monitor a small mass next to my sternum and node in my clavicle, that they discovered during a contrast MRI. The masses did not show up active on my PET scan, soooo, probably nothing. I'm going to do my best not to worry about this upcoming CT. Which begs my next question, I have not had a CT scan yet. Will things like little masses show up on CT with my new implants in? Totally forgot to ask my PS on surgery day, I guess most of you can imagine why!!
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For the newly exchanged sisters... Congrats! It must be such a relief to be closer to the end of all the surgeries. I'm sending my best wishes to those who are up this week! I see my PS tomorrow and am hoping she gives the okay for 5/16.
Ladies, did you have to wear button up shirts again post exchange? I'm guessing raising arms over the head is restricted?0 -
-Susan, I have more or less used zip up hoodies with both my BMX and now my exchange. They are cottony, comfy, and I can easily zip and unzip for adjusting my bra. My incision sites sit under both breasts, so I am constantly adjusting and re-adjusting to keep my bra off the incision site. So it really may have to do with where your exchange incisions are. Also, no overhead lifting, and no lifting over 5 pounds until post op appt. is what was on my orders. Good luck, hope your date is a good one!!
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Romey and Shellshine - so good to hear from you both and I'm so glad all went well! I have another few months before exchange myself but am enjoying hearing about everyone else's success.
Looked at my calendar a few minutes ago and realized today is 35 years since my first date in 10th grade with the boy who would become my husband, father of my children, and one of my biggest cheerleaders through BC and beyond! EGADS, where the heck did all those years go????
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Michelle... Your eyes will look SO after healing! Smart move doing at same time as exchange!
Susan... I wore DH's old button-down print shirt after both mx and exchange. He's so much bigger than me so they're roomy and a cotton was comfy against my skin. With drains for mx, I pinned to front edge. Recovery so much faster with exchange so in looser shirts and tees now.
Romey... Try not to worry and concentrate on healing. The "what ifs" are such an energy waster.0 -
Tigger... Your day is almost here! How exciting for you!
Susan... Did your PS already schedule exchange for the 16th? Why do you think it might change?
Lisa Jayne... Yowza, lady! Don't often hear stories of marriage relationship longevity like that! Congrats! Do you an exchange date yet?0 -
2nd_time...: Thanks dear! No date yet. Last fill was April 11 so earliest for exchange would be mid-July, but PS has vacay plans so it will be at least early August instead. Have to make a decision whether to delay even a bit longer so I can run a Dirty Girl Mud Run 5k on Aug 24 that I'm already registered for. PS is beginning his implant homework based on my current size and my desire to maintain current size with good projection as final result (currently 750cc in 600cc expanders). I also need to get my expander pix to Whippetmom for confirmation of previous recommendations or perhaps an update. I wanna send that info to PS while he's doing his 'homework'.
Latigger: so excited for you next week! I can't imagine the excitement being so close to exchange but I'll try. I don't want to wish your life away but I hope this week flies by and you'll be soft and squishy before you know it!
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Hello all,
Bikini ladies - My experience has been excellent in that regard. We had two incredible beach days last week (post exchange days 13 & 14 for me) and I took full advantage of them. I wore a bandeau top both days and was very happy with the appearance. Nothing stuck out or looked strange. A triangle top won't work for me just yet, as my incisions were the traditional mastopexy/reduction type, but I can see no problem with them in the future when the crease incisions are calmer.
MNSusan - I wore a button down shirt over the weekend while I had drains in after the exchange. After my surgeon removed them on the following Monday, I went back to regular pull-over style tops. Haven't had any difficulty with range of motion.
As to the bra fitting question so many have raised, personally, I'm not bothering until after my next appointment (six weeks post op), and I may not even then. I've fallen in love with the coobie bras and may just stick with them. I'm not sure they'd work for everyone, but they're great for the little foobs. I ended up with relatively small implants (which have turned out to be exactly the right size, they're my pre-baby boobs all over), allergan high profile 440 cc, so the bra issue literally isn't a biggie for me. Also, with all the swelling, it just didn't seem worth it to blow the money on bras that may not fit next week.
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Thanks, ladies. I had my BMX in November when it was a bit cooler - just trying to figure out if I should pick up a couple of cheap short sleeved button up shirts.
2nd time - I've been in Florida all winter (had my fills there) and haven't seen my PS since January when I had an infection. I see her tomorrow for the first time since then. I'm scheduled for May 16 but it will depend on what she says tomorrow. I don't anticipate any problems but also don't want to count my chickens. I'm filled to 620cc and she doesn't require a waiting period from last fill, just six months from original surgery. It'll be interesting to hear what she has to say about which implant I'm likely to get. Its so strange how we get used to the size of the TEs - I'm at least a cup bigger than I was pre-BMX and it seems okay. I've been wearing the Bali Comfort Revolution bra that fits many different sizes so I don't have a good idea what size I am right now.
I can't remember if I told you that my TEs are named Hans and Franz. Remember the old SNL skit? "We're going to pump <clap> you up!" So the "boys" are going in the trash and I'm excited for the new girls. There are a ton of names in the running for them... today, I'm thinking Barbie and Midge because theirs were high, perky and had no nipples. lol
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Lisa Jayne, today is my anniversary too, 24 yrs with my DH. He has been wonderful through all of this. Hoping I don't end up with drains again, PS is going to try not to but couldn't guarantee it.
I am leaning towards no bras going forward, I haven't missed them since the BMX and all the years of fighting them because one boob was always bigger it has been so nice.
MNSusan, too funny Hans and Franz, loved them! Barbie and Midge will work quite fine I think.
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iatigger: my PS has already said I'll have two drain tubes for 5 days, but that's WAY better than the six I had after BMX for 7-14 days! I'd love to go braless but I've found I need a bra to absorb underboob sweat! A cami with a shelf-bra might do the trick for more casual attire, though!
I wore an underwire today with my expanders and I'm having a little ache in each arm on underneath part of the upper arm. Seemed to fit OK this morning but I'm thinking the underwires are pressing on a nerve or something. Can't wait to take it off.
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iatigger... My PS had the viewpoint of avoiding drains if at all possible, however, she said drains would be preferable if there was a large amount of fluid build-up as this creates a lot of pain. I'd prefer drains over additional (preventable) pain any day!
Lisa Jayne... Ouch! Did you PS want you wearing underwire right away? Hoping you're feeling better after the uw's off!
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Hi ladies! I have my exchange surgery coming up next week on 5/14 and am looking for feedback on Allergan 410's or 45's from anyone who has had them for a little while. I really like the projection that I have with my expanders and it sounds like that might be slightly compromised if I choose gummies over round silicone. I am meeting with my PS Wednesday for the pre-op appointment and am still undecided on what to choose...any information (both positive and negative) would be greatly appreciated.Also, not sure if this is even an option for me since I have Allergan expanders, but does anyone know if the mentor ultra high profile silicones are available yet in the United States?Thanks much!
Dulcigirl - Thanks for sharing about the 45's. I do have a few more questions for you and will send them in a PM.
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2nd_time: Yes, I feel better after taking the UW off, thanks! It wasn't really painful, just one of those achy feelings. I'm still in TE's (since November) and have worn this bra before, but now that I think about it, it was probably prior to over-expanding.....duh!
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ChiSharona - There's a great thread here called Breast Implant Sizing 101. Lots of info right in the header that might be helpful. It can be pretty overwhelming. Best wishes!
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I WISH there was a space at the bottom of our posts (along w/our surgery stats, etc...where ladies had a place to post their style/type/cc's of IMPLANT they got & how they like them & even the TE info./Personal body type/height), etc...
. Wouldn't that be cool?I get confused as to who has which type implant, etc...who had revisions/fat grafts, etc...
Anyone? Is there a way to free-write this stuff that I'm missing?
THANKS!!!!
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violet_1 - You can put info into your signature line. You currenty have a quote, but you could change it to personal information instead.
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ChiSharona I have Allergan 45s, 700 cc. My expanders were filled to 600.
I told my ps I wanted to be a full c, and if she was unsure about the size to go bigger.
I had my exchange on 1/24 and I love them. I saw her today as I am having a revision on 5/23.
I'm 5'8, 162 lbs...lean with some junk in the trunk.0 -
ChiSharona, I have Mentor Ultra High Profile implants and love them! They are available in the US now. Since I am narrow chested, I wouldn't have been able to get as much projection with the others since I couldn't go with a very wide implant.
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Thanks Cheryl, you were correct......I talked to the OR nurse and anytime any tissue is REMOVED, they send it to pathology, and she said if there was any bad news, I would have heard as soon as they received the report....
one less thing to worry about.....
---only a hospital bill that had not been paid from Dec BMX over $41,000 for an overnight stay
---insurance paid surgeon for only breast with cancer
---exchange surgery was DENIED....after the fact.....(told by PS billing office that they will take care of that) I told Medicare I could NOT live with tissue expanders forever)
Di
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