Plucking up the courage - Surgery completed 15.03.12

[zm]

dexs, i also sleep on my back and majority of times, have my legs crossed...beat that...lolz

[dexs]

You win zm now that's some next level sleeping method 

[Birmingham]

Once I tried to convince myself that sleeping on my back was just a mental issue and that if I was tired and sleepy enough, and resisted turning, I could do it. 12 hours passed and I was still awake lol

Nam how many waterproof plaster do you have left? I feel like they didn't give me enough only have 3 left after first changing them.

[namsoni]

Once I tried to convince myself that sleeping on my back was just a mental issue and that if I was tired and sleepy enough, and resisted turning, I could do it. 12 hours passed and I was still awake lol

Nam how many waterproof plaster do you have left? I feel like they didn't give me enough only have 3 left after first changing them.

They definitely didn't give me enough. I bought some waterproof plasters and surgical tape, so hoping that should be enough to cover the incisions.

I am feeling a little better today, but not sure if I will be able to go back to work by wednesday. Its an office job, but I'm walking like a robot at the moment, and everything is such an effort that maybe its a bad idea.

N

[Birmingham]

Once I tried to convince myself that sleeping on my back was just a mental issue and that if I was tired and sleepy enough, and resisted turning, I could do it. 12 hours passed and I was still awake lol

Nam how many waterproof plaster do you have left? I feel like they didn't give me enough only have 3 left after first changing them.

They definitely didn't give me enough. I bought some waterproof plasters and surgical tape, so hoping that should be enough to cover the incisions.

I am feeling a little better today, but not sure if I will be able to go back to work by wednesday. Its an office job, but I'm walking like a robot at the moment, and everything is such an effort that maybe its a bad idea.

N

You'll be fine by Wednesday bro. How's your swelling? I have a ridiculous amount of swelling on both chest and flanks...

[namsoni]

I sure hope so. You know what? I haven't actually given much though to what it looks like, as weird as that sounds. My chest doesn't feel like mine at the moment. I definitely don't miss the gynecomastia but I don't know, I just haven't got that sense of jubilation yet. I'm not too worried though, and I'm hoping to just grow into my new body. Anyone else feel like this after surgery?

N

[Birmingham]

That's exactly how I feel as well. I cringe every time I have to change the bandage or put the other vest on and try to avoid touching my chest as much as possible.

[namsoni]

That's exactly how I feel as well. I cringe every time I have to change the bandage or put the other vest on and try to avoid touching my chest as much as possible.

Well, hopefully that feeling will pass soon, and despite not having that euphoria moment yet, I'm definitely feeling stronger everyday. I've started wearing a tshirt under my vest which has made it more bearable, and the larger vest I ordered should arrive tomorrow so I'll see how that compares. I just wondered how long I should keep changing the dressings?

N

[Birmingham]

That's exactly how I feel as well. I cringe every time I have to change the bandage or put the other vest on and try to avoid touching my chest as much as possible.

Well, hopefully that feeling will pass soon, and despite not having that euphoria moment yet, I'm definitely feeling stronger everyday. I've started wearing a tshirt under my vest which has made it more bearable, and the larger vest I ordered should arrive tomorrow so I'll see how that compares. I just wondered how long I should keep changing the dressings?

N

They said a week but I'd also like to know if anyone took them off before that. I've used all of mine so not sure if to keep these on for another day then go without or to get some more.

[zm]

I changed mine the very next day then every day after that.they were water proof so cuts would not get wet. Even if you do get the incisions wet, don't worry about it. After your shower, just peel them off slowly, wipe with antiseptic wipe then just apply new water proof plaster.

[namsoni]

This compression vest is almost unbearable. It's so itchy, and I have a growing rash in the middle of my chest. My guesses for why this might be is either because it is too tight, because I shaved my chest and the hair growing back/ingrowing hairs because of the vest, or because I have started wearing something underneath the vest to make it more comfortable, but maybe this is making me too warm? I had to take it for 1/2 hr this evening, and I will get some talc tomorrow, but if you guys have any tips it would be uber useful as this is terrible!

N

[zm]

I didn't do this but buy a 100% cotton vest and wear the compression vest on no top.

[dexs]

Its because you shaved your chest and the hair is growing back.  It will itch like mad! 

zm has made a good suggestion, which should work.

[namsoni]

Cheers guys. Will definitely do the tshirt thing, and going to get some aloe vera lotion tomorrow as well. Despite my constant moaning, I am generally happy, but this is only the first of a few things I resolved to change this year. I also need to get in shape (not round), invest in some laser hair removal (I'm not vain but as my previous posts divulge I am somewhat jungle like), and move house. The gyne is generally sorted now apart from recovery, and last Monday I found somewhere new to live. I have the cash for the laser treatment, but need to wait a bit to recover from this first. I'm thinking a month, but doubt any of you could advise on that! Also, I wondered if you think its feasible for me to move flats next Monday. I haven't got a lot of stuff, but there will be some heavy lifting to and from cars. Bad idea?

In the mean time, a couple of pics. The only before pics I have are from 4 years ago, but they generally tell the story.

Before pics:



After pics



The after pic shows some creasing which is largely due to how tight the vest is. I do have some slight creasing round the nipple, but not too worried about this.

N

[Birmingham]

Last year before I lost weight my gyne looked exactly like yours. Your results look good bro but your chest and your overall body shape will improve so much once you lose some weight. if I was you I would just put this op at the back of my mind, get in the gym and then after a year or so judge the results and I'm sure you'll be very happy. How heavy will the heavy lifting be? Get someone to help you out with the heavier stuff don't wanna risk anything.