Patient Perspectives: Gina’s Blog
July 17th, 2009
Hello. My name is Gina.
I am a personal trainer and instructor in Minneapolis. I am coming up on my 40th birthday in October. I have been struggling with a fibrocystic breast for the past 7 years. The fibroids are painful when I work out (which is 2-3hrs/day) and they have caused my left breast to become noticeably larger than my right one. As a trainer, symmetry is very important to me, so I set out on a quest to remedy this problem.
I consulted several doctors about a solution and the most common answers were #1-Quit all stimulants, such as caffeine, chocolate, wine, etc. for 6 months and #2-Be happy with my body just the way it is. I am willing to try anything as long as I get my desired end result, so I quit stimulants and gave up my dark chocolate and my white wine for the 6 months. Let’s just say that my husband did not find me pleasurable to around for the first month of this experiment! It was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do, but I thought it would be worth it. Well, it wasn’t. Nothing changed. The fibroids didn’t dissipate, which means I still had one large, painful breast. Needless to say, I am once again enjoying my caffeine!
With the first suggestion checked off of the list, I was left with #2. For the most part, I’m pretty happy with my body and how it looks and also, how it performs on an athletic level. All in all, I’m pretty satisfied. Although, I’m also of the mindset that if you can change something and better yourself physically and mentally, than why not!? Accept what you can’t change and change what you can. So three years ago, I saw Dr. Bashioum for liposuction on my left breast, in hopes that if we took the size down with that procedure, it wouldn’t be so heavy and, therefore, not as painful. Not to mention, the size would maybe match better! It was one of the possible treatments and that approach worked for some time. However, over the past few years, the fibroids have gotten bigger and are pretty much making up almost all of my breast tissue on the affected side. At this point, I am considering additional surgery to correct my asymmetry. I’ll tell you more after my consultation with Dr. Bashioum about my decision whether or not to have a reduction on my left breast.
Top Ten “Before Surgery” Preparations
July 15th, 2009
Preparation for surgery is essential to make the post operative course for patients easier and safer. Both pain and risk of complications can be reduced. I can’t stress more strongly the importance of patience responsibility in regard to these instructions. Following these guidelines can significantly reduce both pain and risk of complications. Here are my Top 10 recommendations for our patients, although it is important for patients to follow whatever instructions their chosen surgeon provides. Surgery by and large is safe. Complications are always an inherent risk, however you can help in reducing post-operative risks by doing these simple recommendations before surgery.
- Stop all aspirin and NSIDs. Both of these drugs affect platelet function in the blood. The result is a reduced ability to clot the blood when tissue is divided in surgery. This can lead to unwanted bleeding and bruising after surgery. These effects last for two weeks. Stop taking these medications two weeks before surgery.
- Take A Shower. Any time you shower, the number of bacteria on the skin is reduced. Taking a shower the night before and the morning before surgery can go a long way in reducing the risk for infection. Regular soap is fine for the task.
- A Dose Of Celebrex. Pain after surgery is inevitable. We do everything we can do to reduce the post operative discomfort. One of the most dramatic changes has been the institution of a single oral dose of Celebrex immediately before surgery. This alone reduced the need for strong pain pills after surgery in my practice by 30%! Of course, this is not a choice if a patient is allergic to the medication or related medications. This must be given by the physician or their staff at the surgical facility. This must not be done yourself.
- Do Not Eat or Drink Before Surgery. Eating solid food before surgery is dangerous. It can lead to vomiting during surgery which can result in aspiration. Aspiration pneumonia is very serious and can result in death. Always know the recommendations regarding how long before surgery you are not supposed to eat or drink. Generally this 8 to 12 hours before surgery.
- Avoid Health Store Medications. Unfortunately, natural medications can be variable in preparation and strength. Some of the lead to unsafe increased blood pressure during surgery. Excess intake of some vitamins can interfere with clotting. For this reason, consider only taking a single multivitamin for two weeks before surgery. Stop taking other over the counter medications as directed by your surgeon. Continue taking prescription pills. Make sure you tell your surgeon and your anesthetist all the drugs you have been taking before anesthesia and surgery.
- Stop All Illicit Drugs. Illicit drugs can be dangerous. Their formulation and content is unknown. Their interaction with anesthetic drugs is serious and can lead to death during and after surgery.
- Stop Smoking and Alcohol. The nicotine in tobacco products and in “stop smoking” aids makes blood vessels smaller as a result of its action on the blood vessel muscle. Many plastic surgery procedures (face lift, tummy tuck, breast reduction) reduced blood flow to the skin. The risk of skin loss and bad scarring is increased ten-fold when these two effects are combined. Smoking tobacco or weed also increases the chance of coughing after surgery. Coughing can lead to unwanted bleeding. It is best to quit all nicotine containing products two to four weeks before surgery.
- Drink A Gallon Of Water. The day before surgery drink a gallon of water. Drink water before you go to bed. This will insure you are well hydrated the morning of surgery. This will make it easier to start your IV if necessary and it will help stabilize your blood pressure during the anesthetic.
- Arrange To Have Someone Stay With You. The first 24 hours after surgery are critical. You may need help to get around at home after surgery. In addition, emergencies can occur and you safety will be assured by having assistance. Home nursing care is also an option. We provide this service for all our face-lift patients.
- Read All Your Materials. Most physicians give written instruction prior to surgery. We provide before surgery instructions, after surgery instructions, a list of medications to avoid, and the surgical consent. Go over these things a couple of times and make sure you understand everything. If you have questions, call and get them answered.
In summary, follow all Before and After Surgery Instructions. This bears repeating! When in doubt or unclear about something, contact your surgeon to check. Surgery by and large is safe. Complications are always an inherent risk, however you can help in reducing post-operative risks by doing these simple recommendations before surgery.
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