The Big Day
It was Friday, June 30th at 9:30am and I had just arrived at Illiana Surgery center in Munster, IN. I felt as if I was almost removed from everything that was about to be happening. When I got there I was asked to check in and finalize my payment. At registration I would verify all of my personal information and my Mother was also present to sign that she would be driving me home after the procedure.
I waited a few moments and then was taken back into the outpatient prep room. I was first taken into a small locker room. Here I would change out of my own clothes into the surgical gown, robe, booties, and I would never forget to mention the hair cap. Let me tell you I was looking pretty HOT!
While waiting the nurses did all the prepping required for my surgery. They took my blood pressure, asked me a zillion questions in regards to my health or previous health issues. I sort of felt like I was signing my life away. Shortly after this the anesthesiologist came in and spoke with me, he also asked questions that were necessary before administering the anesthesia. Soon after, the nurses inserted my IV.
Since you are not allowed to have anything to eat or drink after midnight prior to your surgery, I was dehydrated and the nurses found it difficult to find a vein in my left hand. They finally hooked me up in my right hand and I was good to go. My parents were called in to see me off before I left for surgery. I remember seeing them for a brief period of time and the rest is history.
About two hours later I woke up with large swollen bumps on my chest that were very uncomfortable to say the least. I also had a terrible reaction to the anesthesia and my oxygenation levels were very low. I was given numerous breathing treatments to try and cure this problem. Prior to surgery I was at 100% and after I started in the mid-70s. This caused a bit of panic, but does not happen to everyone. People react differently to the treatment and therefore, makes it all the more important to honestly answer all the questions the doctors and nurses ask prior to your surgery.
No one in my family or myself had had a reaction to anesthesia, but sometimes one's body acts differently. My surgery began at about 11am and I was finally able to leave around 6pm. This is not typical, but possible depending on how each person handles the anesthesia.
Besides my personal difficulties, I had a wonderful team of Nurses and Doctors looking over me constantly, making sure that I was as comfortable as I could be. Even though this was a bit scary for a small time, Dr. Galante said he was positive that I would be fine and I believed him. Everything turned out beautifully and I am well on my way to recovery!
posted by Sabrina @ 7/05/2006 11:37:00 AM
8 Comments:
I am very glad to hear that you are okay girl! =) That would be pretty scary to wake up hoping to be happy and have a scare like that. I've been under before like a few minor surgeries, not plastic surgery, but necessary ones like removal of wisdom teeth. That sort of thing. If you don't mind me asking, how much was your full total of the operation and after everything was said and done, how much did you end up spending? I've heard that mostly it's about $4,000.00. I'm okay with that. I've been wanting this operation for years. I was 17, presently 20, when I went in for an consultation and canceled the date for operation b/c my dad DID NOT approve and I chose to purchase a new car instead. So everyone was happy. But now I'm serious and I've talked my dad into it and I'm going through with it in the next couple of months. One more question. If I were to get the operation done on a Friday, would I be able to return to work(office) on that Monday? That is, if healing and everything goes well? Hope to hear from ya bye girl =)
Hello Lana,
After everything was said and done I paid $5,233. But, I think the costs vary from Doctor to Doctor as well as, state to state. I have also heard of people spending around $4,000, but I'm not to sure the reasons for the additional expense or lack of.
After your surgery I think to be on the safe side you shoud take at least one full week off work. I had my surgery on a Friday and I found my self very uncomfortable and not very coherent the following Monday. Take your time, but also keep in mind everyone is different and heals differently. Good Luck and Congrats be sure to keep me posted on the outcome!= )
Hi, my name is Wendy and I've spent HOURS searching for info on the web about breat implants, I've wanted them for a long time, I'm 21, and my surgery is scheduled for August 3, at 7:30am! I'm scared and nervous but it is really comforting to read your story since ur soo happy with the outcome! I have a question, is it VERY painful? were you under general anesthesia?
Hello Wendy,
Congrats on your decision. First of all, if the breast augmentation procedure was that bad(painful)I do not think so many women would be having it done. The pain is easy to deal with, the discomfort is a completely different ball game. I am not a patient person so it was hard for me not to be able to lift or reach for something I needed. Now that a month has gone by; I feel GREAT, but there are still some things I cannot do. For example, I still cannot do any upper body workouts for three more weeks... (and if you know me I live for my weights!). I am very anxious to get back in the gym, but I would not change a thing. I feel so feminine and happy that the sacrifice has be more than worth it!
As for the anesthetic, the last thing I rember prior to my procedure was when the nurses gave me the IV. It went extremely well.
Don't worry everything will turn out great!
Sheesh! Glad to hear that because some people say its so painful that it makes me nervous! I asked you about the anesthesia because they aren't putting me under general, but under the so called "twilight" anesthesia which is through an IV, and Im just kind of scared of being able to feel something or wake up in the middle of it, but I've heard its becoming pretty common for this procedure these days! Well good for you, thats what matters, that you feel GREAT!!!! congratulations to you too! Wendy.
hello there, I had my surgery exactly 2 weeks ago today and have had minimum pain and discomfort - up until today! Wow! I have been in a lot of discomfort and have had to call the hospital for some advice. What I didn't realise was that occasionally, some women experience very strong burning pains as the nerve endings in the breasts are starting to heal. This is exactly what I am suffering with. I have been advised to not wear my sports bra for 24 hrs and take some analgesics. Just wondered if anyone else has had a similar experience. My scars are fab and I have little or no swelling and I am 101% delighted with the result to date. That is apart from the fact that I feel as if I am having my nipples severed with a rusty saw!!!
Hello. Congrats on a Fabulous outcome! I actually wrote about a similiar experience a few weeks back - I'm not sure if you saw that blog. The difference is that my experience was not painful, but it was rather unusual. I remember it to be a pain-less electrical charge like experience. Just remember it is only temporary - it goes away in no time. Take care of yourself and ENJOY! =)
Thank you so much for the info. on your surgery. I read it everyday to remind myself that the way I am feeling is OK! I had my surgery 6 days ago and to tell the truth the first 3 were not so fun. Very scary to try and sit up in the bed or just try and get comfortable for resting. They still look REALLY large to me and I seem to have my breast on my mind 24/7( of course its because they feel like mellons just hanging around on my chest)I really didnt think I went that big.. A B to a full C but it looks like it to me! How long did it take for the swelling to go down and for you to have a good example of what your breast would really look like? Help I am also so careful about every movement I make..like I may "pop"them if I'm not careful..I am staring to feel like I may have made a big mistake! Is this all natural?
Post a Comment
<< Home