anyone had a reduction? advice needed plz

heartbreak_star

Have you tried back strengthening exercises in the interim? I'm a 36H but have absolutely no issues because I have an immensely strong back.

Might help while you build your case for a reduction - good luck!

HBS x

Tiggy_Wiggy

I had mine done 10 years ago. Paid for a private consultation with the same consultant who I would've seen through NHS, due to the length of the initial waiting list to see him.

I was then lucky enough to meet all the criteria to have the procedure done on the NHS.

I went from a 32H to a wonderful 32D. The only regret I had is that I had waited until I was 30 to do it.

I needed 7 weeks off work, as one of the wounds got infected. Was in and out of hospital within 2 days. The worst thing about the operation was having the drains taken out.

Work were very understanding and accepted my sick notes so I didn't lose any pay.

You won't regret it if you do it. But do check with your GP,you might be able to have it done on the NHS.

LolitaLove

j.e.j. wrote: »

I have never heard of people getting breast implants on the nhs purely for cosmetic purposes? I would have thought ops like that would only be funded in cases of serious breast disease, etc.

Yeah I don't know how it'd be now but the girl I knew had her op a few years ago as she claimed her A cup boobs caused her to be severely depressed and ruined relationships as she wouldn't let people see her naked...and that it ruined her social life etc. That's what she told the medical team. The reason it annoyed me is....I don't want to sound judgemental, but she used to go out clubbing with me. She used to go out very regularly, get drunk and expose herself, regularly cheated on her boyfriend and to be honest, thought she was god's gift to mankind. That's why I said it seems unfair....but then maybe a few years ago I'd have got the op too I know everything is very different now in this economic climate.

LolitaLove

heartbreak_star wrote: »

Have you tried back strengthening exercises in the interim? I'm a 36H but have absolutely no issues because I have an immensely strong back.

Might help while you build your case for a reduction - good luck!

HBS x

Yeah, I do pilates and stuff, if I don't I'd be in constant pain....I have to stretch every day too..... one day my back was off, I was working in a small office and most of the other staff were on a training day. It was late afternoon, and I couldn't get comfortable in my chair. There was no-one around, so I got on the floor, on my knees....like sat on your knees with butt touching the back of knees and like leaned all the way forward with head on the floor stretching my arms and shoulders and back.......I usually stay like this for 20 mins as it completely relaxes my back. So I sat quietly in this position waiting until my muscles started to relax. To my horror, I nodded off, and woke to find my colleagues about to call 999 :P I still cannot forget the shame

LolitaLove

Tiggy_Wiggy wrote: »

I had mine done 10 years ago. Paid for a private consultation with the same consultant who I would've seen through NHS, due to the length of the initial waiting list to see him.

I was then lucky enough to meet all the criteria to have the procedure done on the NHS.

I went from a 32H to a wonderful 32D. The only regret I had is that I had waited until I was 30 to do it.

I needed 7 weeks off work, as one of the wounds got infected. Was in and out of hospital within 2 days. The worst thing about the operation was having the drains taken out.

Work were very understanding and accepted my sick notes so I didn't lose any pay.

You won't regret it if you do it. But do check with your GP,you might be able to have it done on the NHS.

Sorry Tiggy, I really hope you don't mind, but can I ask a few questions about the op? You don't have to answer if you prefer I totally understand it's a private issue.

I was only really wondering about the

a) Pain level

b) You mentioned drains - is that standard? Really wouldn't fancy the removal

c) Might sound silly but did you decide what size you wanted to be, or do the surgeons decide?

Thanks for your advice, and no probs at all if you don't want to answer feel very cheeky for asking :P

Tiggy_Wiggy

LolitaLove, don't be silly, its fine we are all friends here right?!

Sorry I should've explained a little more, but I responded earlier when I was in work.

The pain itself wasn't that bad compared to other operations I've had. The worst being was when I had the bunion on my right foot removed a couple of years ago.

I felt uncomfortable most of the time early on after the operation, due to not being able to fully lift my arms, but the pain was definitely manageable with the 'standard' pain relief medication, like paracetamol and codeine.

The drains are standard, I believe, and the tubes are inserted along the scar underneath your boobs. They are there to drain any of the blood or other fluids that gather after the operation.

I wasn't given any additional pain relief when I had these removed. And without getting too graphic, the tubes are sutured into place in the middle of your boobs, so when they are pulled out, you do literally feel the stitches pulling from the middle of your chest, which wasn't nice at all, and all in all very painful. However, they do do it quite quickly. I remember the nurse saying that it's like when you remove a plaster, it's always best to do it quickly!!

No, I left the decision of the size to the surgeon, but I'm sure they will take on board any input you would have regards to what size you wanted to be.

As I said earlier, it was at the time, the best thing I have ever done. When I came too from the anesthetic in the recovery room, I remember struggling to lift the gown off my chest just to have a peek. It was really strange, after having had large boobs for so long, to see the little mounds underneath my gown, albeit they were completely bandaged, but still I remember feeling a sense of relief about finally having done it.

Just one small piece of advice. Remember to take a dressing gown into hospital with you (with pockets), as having somewhere to put the drainage bottles when you need to do your ablutions is a godsend.

Hope this helps. TW