24 Hours Post Op:
Pre-surgery:
Surgery was scheduled for 2:30 but the surgeon was running about 90 minutes behind. They called me and told me I could come in later, which I did. I got to their office at about 2:45 and they had me finish up a few minor paperwork items and I changed into a gown. They also had me try on the compression vest before surgery to make sure the size was ok.
Then, I sat in a nice recliner and they started an saline IV with antibiotic. The anesthesiologist, Dr. Lane, came and asked some questions and explained what he was going to be doing. He was very attentive and helpful. It was about 3:30 at that time, and I had a RAGING headache from dehydration, I guess. They measured blood pressure and blood sugar, and asked me if I wanted a sedative that would help with my headache. I declined the sedative so I could be clear headed when the surgeon talked to me pre-op.
The surgeon, Dr. Bruce Van Natta came to see me at about 4:00. He drew lines on my chest and explained the process of surgery and recovery. He answered my questions very thoroughly. Coincidentally, Dr. Van Natta and some of his family members are also gyne sufferers. He had the surgery done on himself, so he was able to make me very comfortable with the process.
At that time they started my anesthesia and walked me back to the operating room. I remember laying down on the operating table, and telling the anesthesiologist about my trip to Las Vegas last week...I was lights out within a minute or two.
Post-Surgery:
My wife said that the operation was about 90 minutes and then it took me another 60 minutes to wake up. The next thing I remember is waking up very groggy. The surgeon was there and he showed me the orange milk shake that he had removed from my chest. I dont remember how much he said it was. I think the nurse told me it was almost a pound from each side. I barely remember talking to the surgeon. But he said the surgery went very well and he gave me his cell number and said to call him if I had any questions or concerns and that he would see me on Thursday for my follow-up visit.
I was very groggy and could barely stay awake. The nurse gave me all the water I wanted and brought me a yogurt which tasted very good since I hadn't had any thing to eat or drink for about 18 hours. I was very aware of the compression garment. It was uncomfortable around my armpits but not really painful. They unhooked the IV and my wife drove me home...its only about 15 minutes away but I could barely stay awake. Really groggy. I really just wanted to get up and move around a little.
On the way home, I was aware that my right side was bleeding quite a bit. By the time I got home, it had bled through my vest and shirt. My wife is a physical therapist so she was able to help me get cleaned up. My wife helped me get the vest adjusted in the armpit areas. That helped my comfort level quite a bit. After that, it seemed to stop bleeding...it was graphic, but I dont think it was a big deal.
At home:
Once I got home..around 8pm, I tried to get something in my stomach...I drank a Muscle Milk which I threw up almost immediately. I think that was from my body getting used to the narcotic pain killer. By 10pm I was surprised how good I felt. I ate a hot dog (sounded good) and some apple slices. I went outside and walked up and down the sidewalk for a little fresh air.
I like to sleep on my stomach, so I didnt get a great night's sleep. I went to bed at bout midnight and my wife woke me up woke at 3 to take meds. I stayed up for about an hour and moved around a little. Just walking around the house and had a bowl of cereal...still hungry. Then I went back to bed and slept fine until she woke me up at 7am for more meds. I had a good breakfast coffee, fruit, english muffin and a scrambled egg. I checked my email and read the paper. Then, crashed out again at about 9:30am and she let me sleep until about 1pm today.
State of body:
Now, I'm about 24 hours post-op. I feel really good, considering. I haven't yet taken the vest off, but I can tell there's a considerable amount of gland and fat gone. My wife is going to help me check the dressings and get cleaned up in a bit. I have occasional sour stomach from the meds, but I've been able to keep food down with no problem. I have not been nauseous to speak of.
I have a lot of bruising already in my upper pec area, armpit, shoulders. I was not expecting that...He did some lipo in those areas to help sculpt the shape he wanted. I'll post some 24-hour post-op pics soon.
State of mind:
I have a lot of recovery to do, and I'm realistically expecting my results won't be perfect. BUT...I'm feeling very proud of my decision to improve my life in this way. Physically, it hurts a bit. Mentally, it feels AWESOME.
Gynecomastia has been my enemy since I was 14 years old and in some ways it has been kicking my ass every day for thirty years. I didn't even know its name until last year. Now, I feel like I'm finally winning the battle. I can't even begin to explain how good that feels.
The only way it could get any better is if my story helps someone else.
Topic: 44 y/o taking the plunge (Read 9534 times)
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