Surgery this week yikes! 30/07/15

[Charlie33]

Hi all, I've been lurking in the background for a while now and a long term sufferer. I read a thread a month or so ago about Dr Levick retiring and it seemed to give me the kick up the backside that I had been avoiding for so long.

I've had several trips to the breast clinic at my local hospital over the last few years, every I time I built myself up to go I left feeling really down. They basically didn't want to help and really put me off surgery. Spanx vests have basically kept me going for the last 5 years

I thought enough is enough and booked a consultation last month and arranged the surgery the same day.

A little nervous, more so the healing process than anything! I'll keep you posted,

Cheers

[rotors]

Happy hacking

[Charlie33]

Well back home and all chopped out I was a little surprised to see how much there was !! A little sore on the side that was the biggest, Dr Levick was great and the whole team at the Priory were fantastic. Just a little unsure how tight to have the binder? I'm still a little sore but dont want to risk any unwanted fluid etc!

[Brooksielad]

Hi, I had mine done this Wednesday, I was thinking the same thing as you, how tight does it need to be? The binder I was put in seems to loosen and drop after a while, so I've tried tightening it as tight as I can and keeping it as high as possible, the only issue with this is now the top of the binder rubs near the incisions. Causing discomfort. Do you have much swelling at the top of your chest? Not sure if it's because I've got the binder too tight. Good luck with your recovery.

[Charlie33]

Hi, thanks he said there was a couple in the day before me. Yes I have a little swelling above the binder and I've got it sitting as high as I can without to much discomfort! It seems tighter around my stomach than my chest but I don't want to go any tighter while I'm still tender. Hope you get on ok mate.

[Stan19]

Congratulations to you both and good luck in recovery. Whats the plan with your aftercare/revision if needed after mr levick retires?

[Charlie33]

I have to send pics in to him in a week, he is around for another month or so and he has a replacement lined up that also uses the same method he does.

[Stan19]

Do you know the new guys name?  There is a few others at the priory that do gyne surgery but i dont think as specialist as levick is. Should you need revision in the future ( god forbid) will the new guy be doing it for free? 

[Charlie33]

Sorry not sure of his name, I think Dr Levick will still be around in the background he said for a while. Managed to sleep ok lady night seeing as I normally sleep on my front. The binder is bloody annoying though! The wife came up with a good idea , stuffed make up pads in the top edge near the armpit, seems to have helped a little 

[rotors]

m p

[Charlie33]

Thanks for the heads up, you did well 2 weeks in this! Kinda weird looking down and being completely flat, apart from the binder giving me a pot belly ha. 

[Brooksielad]

Do most people leave the binder on more than a week? I was under the illusion once you've had the binder on over a week you then switch to using your vest and then the binder over the top at night? I think I will most probably try to wear the binder as much as I can when I'm in the house. Perhaps just the vest when I'm at work.

[Charlie33]

I was just thinking a week and then over to the 640? I will probably use both as you say at night time. Bit sore under the arms today 

[jay-dub]

I also had my surgery on 29th July. I am very happy it is all done!
My understanding is the binder is to be as tight as possible and this stops fluid building up in the cavity left by the gland removal. The highest risk of this is during the first week post op.
I will switch to the Macom vest tomorrow for 2 weeks day and night then switch to wearing only at night for another week or two.
I have had the binder on constantly the last 6 days and it does dig in and is bloody uncomfortable at night. I have found taking 2 codeine before bed keeps me asleep through the night but not sure this is a recommended course of action! lol
Can't wait to switch to the vest tomorrow. Have already ordered some cool crisp white t-shirts. I have to say I know the recovery takes time but there isn't really any pain so patience is all that's needed.
Mainly excited to not worry about what I wear or holidays and taking shirt off. Life post surgery starts now!

[Charlie33]

Hi mate,
I feel your pain with the binder! I've really tightened mine down today and it feels a bit better , just a bit conscious of a bit of fluid that has built up on the larger side. I think this can be normal and as you say the healing process doesn't happen overnight!
I took two codeine yesterday and went a bit light headed, next think I knew I'd been asleep for two hours on the sofa !
Think I'm going to order another vest as opposed to the Veronica 640, I think a longer body one will be comfier