VERY nervous about returning to work after OP!

[now-gone]

Hi,

On Saturday I had my op with Dr K.  It went very well.  Today I removed all the dressings for a shower and applied new waterproof plasters (oddly I was really worried about seeing myself in the mirror for the first time - not sure if anyone else felt this way at this stage?).  After putting on the vest and a t-shirt and looking in the mirror again I couldn't believe it, the transformation was vast!!!  I was sooo happy at first but this has now turned in to dread about going in to work tomorrow.  I feel that the change is that massive it will be easily recognisable by my piss taking work mates    To be honest I am dreading it.  However I have come up with a cover story if questioned about the sudden loss of breasts - 'a bad back'.  I am still walking around like a Darlek so it seems like a good cover - and I can point out that I wearing a support vest  .  So by my reckoning after a week or two people will forget all about it and I can begin to lead my new and normal life.

Do I sound mad OR is this just me stuck in my pre-op cover up ways, trying to assess and control every situation that might disclose the true horror of my chest??

[thetodd]

god your mad returning to work, im guessing you have an office job ... i had 3 weeks off lol

people just say i look more "hench" no-ones even noticed my chest at all tbh and they used to comment on it before now and again. What youve got to realise is that its a massive problem to us but to others its a bit of a joke. No-ones going to mention it and if they do just say that youve been down the gym a bit. The less you think about it the less people will notice

dont hunch over, walk tall (as much as you can) just look confident as you can

[now-gone]

Thanks for the words of support!!!

I am currently sat at my desk and not a work from anyone - looks like I was being a little stupid last night.

My movement is a lot better today - a little sore getting out of bed but other than that no too bad.  Oh - putting socks and shoes on was hard too!!

Updates to follow.

[frozen]

Glad it went well for you!! Bet it's awesome having a flat chest now 

I'm a bit worried about what other people will think once I've got a flat chest myself, but I'm hoping it's like thetodd says and that no-one actually notices or cares about our moobs half as much as we think they do!

[now-gone]

I am sure you are right - no one at work said a thing.  The next hurdle is my close friends - I REALLY do not want anyone to know what I have gone through.  I am sure though it will be fine.

It feels so weird having a flat chest now - I have been sat here this evening watching the tennis thinking about what I can now do - swimming, wearing t-shirts, going on summer holidays, etc.  It is very exciting and at the same time quite daunting - all these new experiences to get used to and mannerisms to lose.

I had the op of Saturday afternoon and today I managed to go in to work with out to much fuss (office job).  The vest is uncomfortable and makes me walk around with a stiff looking back.  I did find the computer chair at work to be quite comfy - better than the sofa at home which I found a little hard to get up off.  Saying that though, tonight it feels like I have got a lot more movement back and I even managed to put the rubbish out!!

I have been eating bucket loads of pineapple - helps I love the stuff - no idea if it is actually helping but in my mind it is.  I also swapped and put the spare compression vest on tonight which feels a lot tighter than the first - I imagine that the first has stretched slightly.

I have not needed to take any pain killers for over 24 hours now - I am quite surprised how little pain I have had.  It has only really been discomfort and slight twinges.

My next big decision is whether or not I should drink this weekend - it will have been a week since the op so I see no harm.  Let me know if you have any opinions or know better - I would love to hear what your thoughts are.

Cheers!

[frozen]

I had a quick look around and most websites just seem to advise the same thing: no alcohol 1 week prior or after surgery but after that it should be all fine and dandy!

Personally I think you'll be fine, but wait and see if others say anything. Only problem is that, apparently, "alcohol thins the blood, slows healing, and increases bruising."

I feel the same about family/close friends that don't know about my surgery. I'm hoping they don't notice that my chest is mirraculously flat! 

I can't wait to be in the same shoes as you. I'm already planning awesome holidays / going swimming / going biking in just a t-shirt!! Can't bloody wait!

[thetodd]

youl be fine drinking a week after, just dont binge

i was up town 2 weeks after surgery proper twisted, didnt have any bad experiences at all!