Oddz N Endz N Questions #864,245,111
Hey, what happened to the little Thumper picture in the sidebar with the blog title? I really liked it and miss it.
Disney happened, that's what. They don't like it when people use their IP. And they are very persistent in getting people to remove those images...even ones that were buried deep in old, old posts. I just never have figured out something to replace it with.
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Can we ask you questions about your surgery? I don't want to pry and I know it's private, but I admit to curiosity and have never known someone to go through a mastectomy before. I didn't know it was an option for pain, and I have a lot of pain, so yeah, I have questions.
You can ask me anything; anyone can. I'll ignore questions that cross the line (like how will this affect sex? Will you do things differently? My guys, you don't need to know what we do) but I am open to sharing information. There's a lot of info out there regarding reductions (and if you're thinking of one, /r/Reduction on Reddit is a fantastic place to research and ask questions. It's where I started, when I was considering "just" a reduction. Be aware, you will see lots of boobs on there. And one day, even mine, I think.
Why? Because sharing info, even what it looks like post surgery, is how others learn and make informed opinions about the whole thing. I benefited from other people sharing, so I'll share in return.
Common questions so far:
Are you going flat or getting reconstruction?
Flat. The whole point is to remove pain, and movement = pain. I don't need boobs anymore; I certainly don't feel like I'll be less of a woman for it, but I do feel like I'll benefit immensely from being flat. And no more bras, ever!
Is this like trans top surgery?
I hope this is not his tool kit...
Not quite. In top surgery some breast tissue is left behind--men have breasts, after all. All of my breast tissue will be removed, though my scars might resemble top surgery. I'm not sure if I'll have two incisions or one long one. Mike mused that it didn't matter because no one else beside him will see, but who knows? I might get brave and go topless now and then ;)
How did you get insurance to pay? I want something similar but I'm not big enough according to them.
I didn't. Apparently 40+ years of pain is not enough for this to be "medically necessary." It worked out better for me, though, I think. The surgeon I'm going to does not take insurance (private clinic) and requires payment before the surgery happens (financing available lol.) No, this is not alarming; a lot of private practices just don't want the insurance headache anymore and offer reduced pricing because of it.
Yes, it's spendy. No, we still are not rich. But we did have this much available, and it's kind of an investment in my future. If I can live another 20 years, pain free (other than my back) it will be totally worth it.
And funny enough, a simple bilateral mastectomy is cheaper than a reduction. By nearly 5 grand.
Will there be photos? Like before and after?
Are you asking to see my boobs while I still have them? LOL maybe. There actually are some before photos on the surgeons website, but hidden behind a password. If they make it to his main site, I might tell ya. If there are picture taken during the surgery (and I've given permission for that and video) it might wind up on the center's IG.
How long is the recovery?
Not 100% sure. He did say that by six weeks I could return to normal activities, including working out. I've been told that (in a reduction, at least) days 2 and 3 are the worst, followed by week 2. After that, I'll probably feel fine but I'll still have restrictions...like working out and lifting anything heavier than 5-10 pounds. And that's the sucky part. I'll want to pick Amelia up, but she is a bit more than 5-10 pounds. Mike will lift her to my lap when she's here (or we're there) and I ask him to. There will be a barrier between us (mastectomy pillow) so I'm unsure how it will really work out.
How long with you be in the hospital?
Not at all. This is a surgical center and it's outpatient surgery (for real! Times have changed.) I go in in the morning and will be home by evening. It's an hour drive and we'll probably wind up in going-home traffic, so that part will suck. I'll have to hang around for a couple hours after, but by the end of the day they'll kick my asterisk out and I'll be free.
Bra burning party?
Oh man, I would love to. I'll probably have to settle for just tossing them all out and celebrating with a drink. After I can drink again.
I had planned gall bladder surgery last year and was told no weed before. You once mentioned using it for sleep. Can you still?
My surgeon never said anything about it, but everything I've read says to stop 72 hours beforehand. So I won't sleep much for a couple of nights. Ngl, I am not looking forward to that part.
What about kitty snuggles???
I hate it, but the bedroom door will be closed initially, and Ducky especially will have to be kept away from my chest. He's a cuddle bug at night so he'll be most affected. Not sure how it'll work out, but we'll figure it out along the way.
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Where is the next Wick book? I miss them!
I have started and started over so many times...but I *am* working on something. It's in my head, from start to finish, but since Mike retired I have found way too many other things to do.
We're going to space, I can tell you that much.
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My mind is single track these days, just counting off days as if it were Christmas and I were an 8 year old excited for Santa. I imagine by 2026, I'll have other things to talk about. Probably bikes ;)
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