Nipples & Nervous!
I feel kind of crazy. Also, does it hurt? My insurance won't pay to have them done at his office, so I have to go to a hospital. When talking with the lady doing the scheduling she mentioned that I needed to go to pre-op to talk to an anesthesiologist. I told her no way did I want anesthesia. I feel like my brain is just starting to focus and work properly again. Anesthesthia kicks my a$$. I said no way. We went back and forth and then she asked this: "How tough are you?" I struggled with what to say? I don't know. I've never had any surgery until the whole bc nightmare! I told her I was tough enough to handle local. But am I? I didn't know they put you out to do the procedure. I'M SCARED! And I feel pretty stupid being this scared and anxious over nips. This should be fun, right? Nearing the end of the process ... but all I feel is scared. Help!
This is so trivial compared to what some of you are going through. I'm sorry. I just needed to vent ...
Comments
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I was also and still am
I was also and still am quite afraid of any and all surgery. I don't like when they wake you and yell... or so it seems to me. Then I get so sick from the stuff that puts you out. I throw up 3-4 times before I go home. Others go right on like it was just a bump in the road and on to a normal life. You are not alone and from what I found out from this site that there are a lot of people here pulling for each of us and all of us. Even if they are worse off than we are. Hang in there and God will be with you. My prayers are with you.
Have a great Holiday.
Hugs,
Diana0 -
Just had mine done on 11/11.
First I have to say nothing is wrong with you!!! This whole thing in our life was handed to us. This is not like you just decided to get a breast job done for cosmetic reasons. Emotionally it is so huge and your doing the best you can. I don't think what you are feeling is trivial and I think it is good that you can put those feelings into words and share them with us. Try to remind yourself, this is not the same as the first bc surg. That was huge for me because emotionally I kept going back to that place. I have to remind myself that I'm not going back, this is part of the process to move forward.
I shared the same doubts as you about getting them done. I had bi-laterial w/ tran flap reconstruction on 4/30/2010. I struggled with I should get the nips done or not. I did have them done. They are much larger now because they are swollen. The dr. assured me that they will go down and that everything went well. The dressing I have to keep on is easy to do. I bought neosporin, gauze pads and non-stick pads and have had sucess with it. I just had some stiches removed yesterday and the rest come out in 2 weeks. For me being a girly-girl, I wanted / needed to have them done. As much as I thought, I don't need to get them, emotionally, right now, I am glad I did. For me, it helps me in being able to turn the page on this entire situation.
I had discomfort after. Extra strenght tyln. was what I used instead of the oxy-what ever (can't remember which one) that I was given a script for. I had fears / concerns that I posted the other day about some things from the "after". The ladies here were supportive and offered some suggestions. That helped me in how and what I talked to my surgeon about yesterday. I am so glad I did.
I hope you are able to get to a calm place inside that offers you the ability to make your decision and have peace with it.
Justine 0 -
THANK YOU!lovs2decorate said:Just had mine done on 11/11.
First I have to say nothing is wrong with you!!! This whole thing in our life was handed to us. This is not like you just decided to get a breast job done for cosmetic reasons. Emotionally it is so huge and your doing the best you can. I don't think what you are feeling is trivial and I think it is good that you can put those feelings into words and share them with us. Try to remind yourself, this is not the same as the first bc surg. That was huge for me because emotionally I kept going back to that place. I have to remind myself that I'm not going back, this is part of the process to move forward.
I shared the same doubts as you about getting them done. I had bi-laterial w/ tran flap reconstruction on 4/30/2010. I struggled with I should get the nips done or not. I did have them done. They are much larger now because they are swollen. The dr. assured me that they will go down and that everything went well. The dressing I have to keep on is easy to do. I bought neosporin, gauze pads and non-stick pads and have had sucess with it. I just had some stiches removed yesterday and the rest come out in 2 weeks. For me being a girly-girl, I wanted / needed to have them done. As much as I thought, I don't need to get them, emotionally, right now, I am glad I did. For me, it helps me in being able to turn the page on this entire situation.
I had discomfort after. Extra strenght tyln. was what I used instead of the oxy-what ever (can't remember which one) that I was given a script for. I had fears / concerns that I posted the other day about some things from the "after". The ladies here were supportive and offered some suggestions. That helped me in how and what I talked to my surgeon about yesterday. I am so glad I did.
I hope you are able to get to a calm place inside that offers you the ability to make your decision and have peace with it.
Justine
Thank you gagee & ritzy .. appreciate so much those prayers and it is always helpful to know you're not alone. Thank you!
lovs2decorate - you so nailed it ... i cried and can't stop when I read your post, "Try to remind yourself this is not the same as the first bc surgery ... I kept going back to that place." WOW! That's EXACTLY what I've been doing and didn't realize it. You have no idea how much that helps me. Thank you soooo much for responding. I would love to read the posts you've mentioned! Can you bump them up for me? Thank you for the advice on the pain too ... I'm worried about that. Did your PS knock you out or did he do a local? I'm pretty nervous about being awake for the procedure and what it is going to feel like. It is so helpful and so encouraging to hear from those who've 'been there, done that.' THANK YOU!!0 -
Please, knock me out untill its allllllllll over!!!Dawne.Hope said:THANK YOU!
Thank you gagee & ritzy .. appreciate so much those prayers and it is always helpful to know you're not alone. Thank you!
lovs2decorate - you so nailed it ... i cried and can't stop when I read your post, "Try to remind yourself this is not the same as the first bc surgery ... I kept going back to that place." WOW! That's EXACTLY what I've been doing and didn't realize it. You have no idea how much that helps me. Thank you soooo much for responding. I would love to read the posts you've mentioned! Can you bump them up for me? Thank you for the advice on the pain too ... I'm worried about that. Did your PS knock you out or did he do a local? I'm pretty nervous about being awake for the procedure and what it is going to feel like. It is so helpful and so encouraging to hear from those who've 'been there, done that.' THANK YOU!!
Hi Dawne,
My PC knocked me out. I had lypo done off both hips to fill in a hole on one breast, he scraped out necosis on the other breast and then finished off my hips from the tummy tuck (gift with purchase from trans flap). Then he took the skin from the hips and used it to make my nips.
I am challanged and not sure how to bump. It is "reconstruction problems, what do you think?"
If you want to pm me, I'd love to talk to you if youd like.
Justine 0 -
Dawnelovs2decorate said:Please, knock me out untill its allllllllll over!!!
Hi Dawne,
My PC knocked me out. I had lypo done off both hips to fill in a hole on one breast, he scraped out necosis on the other breast and then finished off my hips from the tummy tuck (gift with purchase from trans flap). Then he took the skin from the hips and used it to make my nips.
I am challanged and not sure how to bump. It is "reconstruction problems, what do you think?"
If you want to pm me, I'd love to talk to you if youd like.
Justine
I know my comment is not going to help you. I have decided not to go for nipples. At least for now. My plastic surgeon said whenever I am ready, my breast surgeon told me to be healthy at least for two years. I am not ready to undergo another surgery, I have been without nipples and feel ok.
Good luck with your decision.
Hugs,
New Flower0 -
Nope, you aren't alone. YouDawne.Hope said:THANK YOU!
Thank you gagee & ritzy .. appreciate so much those prayers and it is always helpful to know you're not alone. Thank you!
lovs2decorate - you so nailed it ... i cried and can't stop when I read your post, "Try to remind yourself this is not the same as the first bc surgery ... I kept going back to that place." WOW! That's EXACTLY what I've been doing and didn't realize it. You have no idea how much that helps me. Thank you soooo much for responding. I would love to read the posts you've mentioned! Can you bump them up for me? Thank you for the advice on the pain too ... I'm worried about that. Did your PS knock you out or did he do a local? I'm pretty nervous about being awake for the procedure and what it is going to feel like. It is so helpful and so encouraging to hear from those who've 'been there, done that.' THANK YOU!!
Nope, you aren't alone. You have us! I know you must be nervous and scared. Just do what you want to do Dawne. We love you no matter what!
I am also sending you prayers and cyber hugs.0 -
appreciate it!New Flower said:Dawne
I know my comment is not going to help you. I have decided not to go for nipples. At least for now. My plastic surgeon said whenever I am ready, my breast surgeon told me to be healthy at least for two years. I am not ready to undergo another surgery, I have been without nipples and feel ok.
Good luck with your decision.
Hugs,
New Flower
Thanks, NewFlower! I want to hear other's stories, appreciate very much knowing what you're thinking and what your docs saying re the nips. I want hear it all!
Thanks!0 -
thank you!Angie2U said:Nope, you aren't alone. You
Nope, you aren't alone. You have us! I know you must be nervous and scared. Just do what you want to do Dawne. We love you no matter what!
I am also sending you prayers and cyber hugs.
Thanks, Angie! I'm so tired of dealing with all this cr@#! I don't know what I want to do! Hard to sort through all the fear to really get down to what I want. Thanks for the love, prayers and hugs! 0 -
I had nipsDawne.Hope said:thank you!
Thanks, Angie! I'm so tired of dealing with all this cr@#! I don't know what I want to do! Hard to sort through all the fear to really get down to what I want. Thanks for the love, prayers and hugs!
I had my nips done at the hospital done under local anesthesia not general and I had no problems. When the nipples were first done they were very big but over time they went down because of the swelling. Now they look more like large mosquito bites. I am very happy that I went through with it.
You will do fine.
Margo0 -
Dawne, I had a terrible timetommaseena said:I had nips
I had my nips done at the hospital done under local anesthesia not general and I had no problems. When the nipples were first done they were very big but over time they went down because of the swelling. Now they look more like large mosquito bites. I am very happy that I went through with it.
You will do fine.
Margo
Dawne, I had a terrible time deciding whether or not I wanted nipples. I think that I probably would not have done them, if I didn't have to have one breast reduced a bit, and he did the nipples at the same time. (I struggled about whether I should do the surgeries at all because I hate anesthesia, and I almost felt like I was tempting fate since they weren't a requirement for my cancer treatment).
My PS did a relatively easy procedure, but it wasn't really successful, and they offered to redo it. I opted out of the redo.
But, you need to be at peace with your decision. I decided that I would never be truly happy until I had the breast reduced, but I'm fine with not having the nipples redone.
I do want to mention that I have had more than one surgery with a local and a sedative, and I would recommend it. In fact, my sentinel lymph node biopsy was done this way. There was no pain, and I was out of it most of the time. But, you wake up immediately and I've had no side effects from it, like I have had with anesthesia. It may be something you'd like to explore.
Joyce0 -
Good luck with your surgery.New Flower said:Dawne
I know my comment is not going to help you. I have decided not to go for nipples. At least for now. My plastic surgeon said whenever I am ready, my breast surgeon told me to be healthy at least for two years. I am not ready to undergo another surgery, I have been without nipples and feel ok.
Good luck with your decision.
Hugs,
New Flower
Good luck with your surgery. I am sure you will be very happy!
Hugs, Megan0 -
Just saying good luck DawneNew Flower said:Dawne
I know my comment is not going to help you. I have decided not to go for nipples. At least for now. My plastic surgeon said whenever I am ready, my breast surgeon told me to be healthy at least for two years. I am not ready to undergo another surgery, I have been without nipples and feel ok.
Good luck with your decision.
Hugs,
New Flower
Just saying good luck Dawne and sending you the biggest hug ever!0 -
I would be scared too Dawne,lovs2decorate said:Just had mine done on 11/11.
First I have to say nothing is wrong with you!!! This whole thing in our life was handed to us. This is not like you just decided to get a breast job done for cosmetic reasons. Emotionally it is so huge and your doing the best you can. I don't think what you are feeling is trivial and I think it is good that you can put those feelings into words and share them with us. Try to remind yourself, this is not the same as the first bc surg. That was huge for me because emotionally I kept going back to that place. I have to remind myself that I'm not going back, this is part of the process to move forward.
I shared the same doubts as you about getting them done. I had bi-laterial w/ tran flap reconstruction on 4/30/2010. I struggled with I should get the nips done or not. I did have them done. They are much larger now because they are swollen. The dr. assured me that they will go down and that everything went well. The dressing I have to keep on is easy to do. I bought neosporin, gauze pads and non-stick pads and have had sucess with it. I just had some stiches removed yesterday and the rest come out in 2 weeks. For me being a girly-girl, I wanted / needed to have them done. As much as I thought, I don't need to get them, emotionally, right now, I am glad I did. For me, it helps me in being able to turn the page on this entire situation.
I had discomfort after. Extra strenght tyln. was what I used instead of the oxy-what ever (can't remember which one) that I was given a script for. I had fears / concerns that I posted the other day about some things from the "after". The ladies here were supportive and offered some suggestions. That helped me in how and what I talked to my surgeon about yesterday. I am so glad I did.
I hope you are able to get to a calm place inside that offers you the ability to make your decision and have peace with it.
Justine
I would be scared too Dawne, but, I bet everything will turn out great! Sending you strength and lots of hugs too!
Leeza0 -
not dumb at all!ccincin said:Dumb question Maybe???
What are the nipples made from. Or got from??? I'm naive with bc and refuse to google things!
I'd be afraid to google this too! LOL!
Different PS's do it differently. Some do grafts from skin in the other parts of the body. I've read of one doc in FL who is taking part of the cartilage from the ear and making a nipple. Some will use other tissue or even synthetic materials to make a nipple. If it not the most common, it's close, is to use some kind of 'flap' surgery where the PS takes the skin on the reconstructed breast, cuts a cross and then twists the skin together to make a nipple. This procedure is what I will have done, if I choose to go through with it. They make it HUGE to begin with because it will shrink to about 3/4 of the size over a few months time. I'm discovering that plastic surgery is a lot like fashion ... there are the latest trends and then they move on to some 'new' and 'improved' procedure. It changes so quickly it is hard to stay up with the latest.
Hope this answers your question, ccincin.
Thank you everyone for your support. This decision has proved harder than it should be.0 -
I'm sorry Dawn that you haveDawne.Hope said:not dumb at all!
I'd be afraid to google this too! LOL!
Different PS's do it differently. Some do grafts from skin in the other parts of the body. I've read of one doc in FL who is taking part of the cartilage from the ear and making a nipple. Some will use other tissue or even synthetic materials to make a nipple. If it not the most common, it's close, is to use some kind of 'flap' surgery where the PS takes the skin on the reconstructed breast, cuts a cross and then twists the skin together to make a nipple. This procedure is what I will have done, if I choose to go through with it. They make it HUGE to begin with because it will shrink to about 3/4 of the size over a few months time. I'm discovering that plastic surgery is a lot like fashion ... there are the latest trends and then they move on to some 'new' and 'improved' procedure. It changes so quickly it is hard to stay up with the latest.
Hope this answers your question, ccincin.
Thank you everyone for your support. This decision has proved harder than it should be.
I'm sorry Dawn that you have been struggling with your decision. I can understand totally.
Sending you good luck and hugs today!
Sue 0 -
Dawne .. Like Miss Ritzy stated .. struggling withRitzy said:I'm sorry Dawn that you have
I'm sorry Dawn that you have been struggling with your decision. I can understand totally.
Sending you good luck and hugs today!
Sue
this decision .. I know, I have nightmare myself in which way to go .. nipples or just tattoo's. I seem to flip flop every 2 weeks or so. So what I've decided is that I will put my decision on hold for 6 months -- and select which option is best for me at that time - when my body is more prepared for another surgery, or if I just want to get on with life !
Solid C and HAPPPPPPY with my new breasts!
May God have his hand on you and your decision, surgery and recovery!
Your fellow WARRIOR, Sister in PINK
Vicki Sam0 -
You will both, Dawne andVickiSam said:Dawne .. Like Miss Ritzy stated .. struggling with
this decision .. I know, I have nightmare myself in which way to go .. nipples or just tattoo's. I seem to flip flop every 2 weeks or so. So what I've decided is that I will put my decision on hold for 6 months -- and select which option is best for me at that time - when my body is more prepared for another surgery, or if I just want to get on with life !
Solid C and HAPPPPPPY with my new breasts!
May God have his hand on you and your decision, surgery and recovery!
Your fellow WARRIOR, Sister in PINK
Vicki Sam
You will both, Dawne and Vicki, make the right choice for you! I wish you the best of luck in whatever you decide to do.
Hugs, Diane0 -
Hi Dawn
I know how you feel, although I don't have the added anxiety of losing my insurance. I am a year out this month, from tram-flap recon. I am very happy with my little foobies and would like nipples, but I get all anxious and upset when I think about another procedure. My wonderfull husband is looking forward to the nips and that adds some pressure. If it were just me, I think I'd wait a couple more years. I don't feel like everything is conpletely settled yet. My scars are still rather tight...Thank you for bring this up. It has helped me address some of it.....God bless you, say a prayer about it, I'm sure you'll come to the decision that is right for you...hugs alison0
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