Surgery With Karadis Complete (27/09/12) - Pre+Post Pics

[sjwsjw]

Im a wimp (that and the fact im self employed) im gunna take a couple of weeks off after my op, even tho i have a crazy easy job, most of the time im sat around at a desk, i just don't like the thought of sitting around in a chair at a desk just a week after, what with the vest and all that, my job is too full for me to take my mind off it

[adamj]

My mobility gets better day by day. Originally I could hardly lift my arms but now (1 week post) I feel like I could do some very slow and careful star jumps (not that I've tried yet!).

Yeh working did suck a little bit for the first couple of days, but you get used to it. The co-drydamol painkillers you get made my face all red and flushed at times but other than that it was all sound yeh. It's only a desk job too, minimal movement. If it wasn't such a new job I'd definitely have taken a few days off, but I didn't want to seem cheeky, especially since I'm on a probation period.

One annoyance is when the vest sort of ravels up on your stomach, I just go to the toilet and pull it down usually. Looking forward to reading your story pal. Don't hesitate if you have any questions.

[sjwsjw]

Do you drive? Thats a part of my job also, i'll have someone in the car with me and im kinda worried about the seatbelt thing too, is that uncomfortable?

I'll make a dairy of mine when it starts, i've seen a lot of other peoples and read through the lot, i feel like i already know so much about the whole thing that the consultation feels like its more about just meeting Karidis

[adamj]

Yeah felt the same way! Went into the consultation and knew basically everything that he told me already! Nah I live in London and normally cycle but I've been walking or tubing to work since the op. I'm sure driving will be fine after a day or two max! Could be uncomfortable if you haven't got power steering though ha!

[sjwsjw]

Yea!

Nah, we've got new cars, its more about the fact that im trying to get through this with as few people knowing as possible, tbh only one person knows atm and im thinking that if all of a sudden im a little bit more careful with putting a seatbelt on they might think wth lol

I'm thinking of getting the train back the same day (3 hour journey) do-able?

[Nipper]

I would say so , yeah.  If you have a good wake up after the GA.  I could have lasted 3hrs on the train, knowing that my home was at the end of it.
I was lucky and got a lift in the end, but I would have rowed a boat with a hole in it up the Thames if it was the only way to get shot of the gyne.  You will be fine mate, book first class if you can??

[sjwsjw]

LOL, im thinking if things go ok first class and a taxi should get me to my bed ok with someone with me

[adamj]

Day 11 Post

Definitely on one of the more frightening parts of the 'rollercoaster' at the moment.

Devastation under my compression vest but I know that this is expected.

I've highlighted a few points:

1. Scar tissue, rock solid pushing out that side (it was the bloody other side elevated previously ha)
2. Scar tissue and sweeling causing puffy nip. It was much smaller previously. This nip hasn't woken yet either.
3. Pretty intense bruising. Much better than it was, used to be jet black, now more red.
4. More scar tissue, rock hard.
5. Swelling
6. A bruise that came from nowhere

@sjwsjw - yeh sounds good, you'll be cool with that.

[Nipper]

I'd be more concerned about that rug mate haha!   Honestly man, I think you look pretty good considering, it's just all traumatized at the moment!   In certain lights, my chest looks mental.  But here's what you need to do - Don't worry about it.  You can't do anything yet anyway, you just have to ride it out, keep yourself occupied and wear your vest as advised.  I'm sure massage will benefit you greatly.

[Nipper]

And if it's any consolation, my right nipple is puffy too, feels like fluid build up but the thought of gland crosses your mind, I won't lie...but there isn't any in there as it's been excised, logic is your friend in these situations

[adamj]

Yeh I'm pretty cool with it to be honest, I know that it's going to sort itself out so I'm just playing the waiting game. As I think I've read you say - even if it doesn't sort out, I'd rather live with a funny looking male chest than a pair that stick out under my clothes!

In other news, I got my stats back today through an email:

A total of 300mls of fat was aspirated
22grams of breast gland was resected from the left breast
23grams of breast gland was resected from the right breast

Didn't half have a pair on me!

Those 45 grams used to destroy my confidence and linger in my mind all of the time, but no more! What's great to think is that pile of gland is in a bin somewhere, where it belongs. I kind of wish they'd have given it to me though, I would have lit it on fire and basked in the light and heat of thinking that I have finally beaten the condition that has caused me so much emotional pain. F_uck you gyne.  

[sjwsjw]

Sounds like a fair bit out

Did you have to ask for the stats or is it an auto thing?

[adamj]

Nah apparantly it's by law they have to provide hospital discharge information. The letter actually comes from Alex Karidis himself, though I doubt he actually wrote it! It came about 10 days post for me but you can ask for it earlier if you want, I thought i'd wait for the surprise though. 1 more day of 24hr vest wearing to go!

[Nipper]

Didn't half have a pair on me!

Haha, glad you can laugh about it now mate, up up and away now though bud.  Just soak it all up!

[adamj]

Argh fucking nightmare. I had my vest in the wash and my housemate wanted to use the machine and I was out so she emptied the machine and put all of my clothes in the basket. She must have actually transferred it from the machine to my basket. Nothing has been mentioned, just hope she doesn't bring it up and more importantly doesn't mention it to anyone. Cheeky bitch doing that anyway!