# 56

Posted: 18/11/2009 20:32

Hi gals,

Met with Dylan Murray on monday. He seemed very nice and professional. Went through all the things that can go wrong etc. showed me pics which was good cos on public I didnt get to see them. His work looked pretty darn good. I would be more than happy if I turn out as well. So anyway he has said that if date comes up before 18th dec he will call me. That apparently is the last day theatres re open for scheduled surgery. He said it would suit him to try and do me before that too as he is on call over christmas but off for a bit after that.

Anyway thats the story girls. Time will now tell all xxx

# 55

Posted: 13/11/2009 20:03

trish and Lacie, thanks so much for your replies

Yes, I don't want to spend money on bras that may not fit, and don't want the expense.... the bras I wear now are expensive enough!

I will ask my PS when my appointment comes next month, its just that I wondered where do we women buy the post op ones! trish thanks for telling me about M&S in Henry St... I might just go there to have a look to see what they look like!! And its great to know about that shop in Limerick, I googled that bra and they look absolutely great. I did hear that its better to go up a band size after op for comfort while the swelling is there!

# 54

Posted: 12/11/2009 17:36

New Pear,

you will not have to worry about a bra for a least a few months, thats what i was told anyway, so dont go spending money on expensive bras if you are waiting to have your surgery done!!

it can be quite costly and you dont know what your new breasts are going to settle like!!

the could be a C or D when initial healing is done then 6 mths later they mite have shrunk or enlarged (hopefully not enlarged) not that soon anyway.

if you have your surgeons email, drop him a line as he will know by your size and can recomend the best for you....

# 53

Posted: 12/11/2009 14:32

Hi My surgeon gave me one bra to start with.  It is a compression bra and the brand was Anita Care.  I needed a 2nd one and googled it and a shop in Limerick stock Anita Care and specialise in post surgical bras.  They posted it to me.  That was for the first weeks till my incissions healed a bit. 

But M & S in Henry St  M & S Dublin do a post surgical range.  It is the only M & S to do it in Dublin.  But my surgeon said I should stick with sports bras initially. 

The only advice I can offer is that I found bras with an extra wide band were more comfortable for me.

# 52

Posted: 11/11/2009 22:02

Hi girls,

I was wondering what type of bra is recommended for after surgery, I looked in M&S and two lingerie shops for front-closing bras or post op bras and they dont have them, so where in Dublin (or any city) can I buy some?

Best wishes to all of you!

# 51

Posted: 09/11/2009 12:26

Hello Ladies,

Well Dr. Kevin Cronin was very nice and very straight talking.

he showed me all the pictures the good and bad.... i.e. infections, results of ppl who lie to him (smoking) etc etc.

he was telling me that because of my skin type (white) there would most likely always be the thin red scarline turning white over the yrs... he said that people with darkish skin tend to hide them better.

so that was pretty much it, he examined my brests and said i would have a new lease of life when this surgery is done, but its up to me to look after them, which i intend to....

great to see the comments from the ladies that have already had the surgery... fair play girls, and i will be reporting my experience too,

good luck to those who are waiting.

# 50

Posted: 07/11/2009 12:33

hi everyone, i am a year post -op , and it was the best thing i ever ever did,  I put it off for years and at 44 had it done , no more pain, and i was back in college after a week, drivingwas no problem, my clothes all fit so much better, and  i am only sorry i did not do it years ago ! I went to the Mater Private under Mr. Early . still a little red under the scars but i am a bit neglectful at times with the bio-oil, so its my own fault really. For anyone who is considering getting the procedure - GO For IT !!!

# 49

Posted: 07/11/2009 01:06

Hi Sydney, with regard to the pain and scaring my sister had a breast reduction about 6 years ago in Scotland, the pain whilst uncomfortable was bearable, and the scaring is not noticeable at all.  She is so much more confident in herself (went down from a 36FF to a 34C), she no longer has severe back pain.  She has since had 2 children and has had not problems.  Good luck, hope all goes well for you.

# 48

Posted: 07/11/2009 00:09

Hi!

Just over  a reduction too!  Over it 3.5 weeks now.  I got it covered on my health insurance thank god!  The main reason for it was back problems.  Honestly they were a nightmare! 

Just wanted to say that I agree it was no where near as bad as I expected.  My nipples however have been hypersensitive since the op and are painful with a bra touching them or a tshirt.  Left boob healing a lot quicker than right!!!  Didn't expect that!  Right one is still  swollen and bruised.  But really well back to work and lifting by now. 

I am loving the results so far!  Incissions are healing slowly.  I find Aveeno cream great.  It is available in the chemist and is oat based.  I still have pain on and off in right breast.  Sleeping is still uncomfortable.  But it is no where near as bad as I expected.  I would call the initial few days "sore" rather than very painful.  Weeks 1 & 2 after were easy but week 3 I got the nerve "zingers" which is apparently the nerves reattaching and can be sharp and make you hold your breast for a 2nd but they pass.  None of them so far this week.

Anyway, dont be put off the surgery.  The relief from the weight on my chest was apparent from when I sat up after the surgery!

Loving it!

# 47

Posted: 06/11/2009 18:59

Lacie- how'd it go today?

New Pear that is brilliant news.  Who is your  consultation with? I think once you have been given a date you will be fine.

Sorry its such a short one. Suzieboo if you get a chance let us know how you are doing?

mini xx

# 46

Posted: 05/11/2009 22:58

Hi Girls,

Delighted for you Mini and Lacie....I so hope that I can get mine done with ntpf, I have a consultation with PS in early Dec. 

# 45

Posted: 05/11/2009 17:12

Hi Lacie,

Good luck tomorrow - I know its just a matter of form but best wishes anyway, I hope he is nice and that you like him. As I said I have heard very good things about him.

Susieboo - hope all is continuing well with you.

Hi everyone else - mater phoned me and they are going to try and get me in before the 18th December - to be honest while that would be the icing on the cake I'm just happy and relieved to be in!!!

Will keep you all posted xx

# 44

Posted: 05/11/2009 17:05

Hi All,

Well, I got my confirmation that my surgery is on the 14th December with Dr. Kevin Cronin... Aparantly the NTPF have been told to issue dates for those awaiting surgeries. seems they are definately removing the NTPF from January it will no longer exist..

Anyways im in the Matter private tomarrow for my last consultation before my surgery.

I would like to thank you all for all your advice in the past as it has me well prepared and I am no longer scared of the pain that is yet to come, and I will be keeping you all informed on how I get on myself.

Thanks again

Lacie.

# 43

Posted: 04/11/2009 20:42

Hello all!

I have just stumbled across this forum & am delighted!! I am in the middle of researching breast reduction, I have been to James's for a consultation but see like a lot of you that I am considered overweight to get it covered by the VHI so am thinking of paying for it myself. Has anyone any advice on wher to go? I hear Clane Hospital is good.

I REALLY REALLY want to get this done, my only main concern is the pain afterwards & just how bad is that scarring?!

Sydney

# 42

Posted: 30/10/2009 17:33

hey girls great to hear all the good news, all round, ive to ring bk on the 5th nov as i heard from the receptionist that i have surgeon kevin cronin, so wil have my date on the 5th please god.

# 41

Posted: 30/10/2009 13:10

Hi Suzie, Hi girls,

Your healing is going sooo well please god the rest of us will be the same. My surgeon is going to be Dylan Murray and my op date is 18th Dec.

Not very sexy but silcox base or Aqueous cream both from chemists might be good for your itchy skin. I've used both on the babies when they had really dry skin. There is also vit C oil from herbal shops that might be good too.

Let us know what you try! Hope something works xxxx

# 40

Posted: 28/10/2009 18:44

Hi Suzie,

Glad you are doing well in your recovery.  Just wondering if you could try aloe vera plant, (the real thing) or the aloe vera gel for the dry, itchy, stingy feeling.   Or baking soda is something I would use for any dry, itchy bits. Or cocoa butter might be good.  Also if you eat seeds and nuts or take oil capsules like omega 3 and 6, or evening primrose.

Anyone else have any ideas for Suzie

# 39

Posted: 28/10/2009 13:23

Hi Girls!

Well my healing is still going well. I am 5 weeks post op now. The junction of the 2 incisions under each breast is still taking its time in healing. They are both still slightly open and weeping but nothing too bad. I am sleeping without wearing a bra every night to let the air at them to dry them up which is working. I am still wearing my post op bra most of the time but I also bought some soft non wired sports bras from marks and spencer to wear. They are fine to wear but still not as comfy as the post op one! I am massaging my breasts everyday with E45 cream and once I am all healed I intend on using Bio-oil as I used it before when I had a breast tumour removed an it did wonders on the scar!

I have no pain now, my nipples still have no feeling but they are not as numb as they used to be if that makes sense! They do get hard when exposed to cold or sometimes for no reason at all! According to my surgeon, this is a sign that the feeling will return in them as the sensors are working in them! My scars are very red but I am very happy with them.

My main problem at the minute is my skin on my breasts is extremely dry and stingy/itchy at times. It feels like extrememly bad sunburn! Even when I cover them in E45 they still sting and itch but I think my skin was stretched so much after surgery that i should expect this!

I hope you are all getting on ok with getting your appointment and that. It really is the best thing I have done. NO REGRETS!!!

Best of luck to everyone! Will be in touch again! Feel free to ask questions ;)

# 38

Posted: 28/10/2009 12:04

I have wanted breast reduction for a long time cause t feels like am carrying two bags of spuds around all the time.  I went to the plastic surgeon in the a Dublin hospital and i was quite annoyed because the woman doctor on the team who seemed to be a size 8 told me i had to lose weight in order to get this done.  It's my body and i should be allowed to get it done, was all about the body being out of proportion but i just wanted it done and we all know how hard it is to loose weight if your a cadbury's fan. Leaving the hospitall i knew then i would have to spend a lot of money to get this done but at least they wouldnt tell me i had to loose weight, so first i tried one clinic and the price was expensive and the pictures i seen of the aftermath of this op also quite scared me.  So on i continued looking on google for places, and i came across one thats only 1800euro, its abroad but is legit and have years experience.  They do these surgeries abroad because ireland is crazy expensive, i was shocked to read that some people here paid 5000 euro for this.  I cant wait to get this done so instead of carrying two bag of spuds 24 /7 perhaps i will be carrying to small bags of sugar :p

# 37

Posted: 27/10/2009 19:05

Mini, I am delighted for you.

I am new here and I am awaiting a PS appointment for a long time now, and also hoping to get this done with the ntpf.  I hope this scheme will not be scrapped before I am called for op.  I am 36G and I would wish to be a B but I don't know if one can ask for this? Please let me know if PS's tell you what they will take out, or do they ask you what size you'd like to be, or do they decide for you.  I am tired of all the pain and physiotherapy that is so expensive and not doing me any good. Also I just don't buy clothes any more for myself but for all my family and friends too! 

# 36

Posted: 21/10/2009 11:35

Well got the letter from the nptf and mater private today!!!! Yippie. So now just have to wait for an appointment to see surgeon - yahoooooooooooo

# 35

Posted: 20/10/2009 22:30

Hi Girls,

I have no news just checking in really. Suzieboo how is the healing going? I hope all is going well for you.

Flynn hang in there. When I initially went I had to lose some weight too. I had a bmi of 30.5 and they said I should be below 30. Although I know it can be hard enough to lose weight without anyother complications. Best of luck to you.

Mini

# 34

Posted: 19/10/2009 12:06

hi everyone im new to this but not new to the breast reduction thing have been waiting for nearly 3 1-2 year to get rid of mine waited a year to get an a appointment have been seen in st vincents there the doct told me i had to lose weight having problem geting this weight down as i suffer from pcos it just wont move have beem suffering with my neck and back for years i am a size44g have been sent to hospital so many times because i thaught i was having a heart attack with the pains in my chest have been offered to go private on the ntlf but no doct wants to touch me this is getting me down got married 2 year ago was ment to have it done then so i had to make do with a dress that i didnt like just to cover my ugly body so i need friends to talk to becaues no one here understands

---

liz

# 33

Posted: 15/10/2009 17:54

Ohhh Lacie - how exciting so literally the next time you hear from them you will be getting a date for the op!!!! Fantastic. Its great to get news from Suzieboo isnt it especially as its where we are going to end up!!! Do keep us posted on how you get on.

My GP letter went to the mater public and I waited about 6 months for an appointment and then about 6 months for my date originally.  But yes you can apply to ntpf after 12 weeks.

# 32

Posted: 14/10/2009 22:10

hi shar, all the stories are accurate on here, gp letter will go to st james if your a public patient... not to the mater private!! if you are a succesfull candidate st james will put you on a waiting list but the chances of you having your surgery there are quite small as they have a huge waiting list but... if your over 12 weeks on the waiting list then you can contact the ntpf... they will then recommend a private hospital not necessarily the mater, but a private none the less, i should have my own date this month as i recieved my letter from the matter private to say they will be contacting me soon.

my first hospital app at st james was in may this yr after a yr and a half waiting for that.

best of luck, and i hear its well worth it, there hasnt been 1 person that i have heard from or met that did regret it.

so go for it!

# 31

Posted: 14/10/2009 13:44

hi girls, new to this thread, looking for information on breast reduction, i started the ball in motion on monday, went to my gp, she writing a letter to mater private... how long is the wait for this first appt approx? and what can i expect after that? would i be rite in thinking that with the help of the nptf i should have op within a year and half? also what is the criteria for ntpf?? i have always had big boobs, i was just about coping with them being 34f, but i gave birth in April and have now been left with 38g of pure saggy-ness.... i do have baby weight to lose yet but my boobs never get any smaller wen i lose weight. they really effect my confidence, and you'd think with big boobs, you'd feel feminine... im the opposite, they just do my head in, and trying on clothes is a nite mare!! glaad to read some of your stories and see that there is light at the end of the (boob) tunnel!!

# 30

Posted: 13/10/2009 12:34

Im glad I am of some help to ye! If any of you have any questions just let me know. The best thing so far is that the muscle spasms I used to get in my chest have disappeared! I was worried I would still have them as I was told I would probably need to exercise for a good while to build up my chest muscles before I noticed a difference in them, but I haven't had one since the op! I'll let you all know how the healing is going.

# 29

Posted: 12/10/2009 22:18

Hi Suzieboo, congratulations and hope you are still doing well, you were very good to post your experience, and you have also put alot of questions i have been having to rest, thanks so much,

stay well and keep us posted

# 28

Posted: 12/10/2009 21:31

Oh my God Suzieboo CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!

Your experience sounds so positive - thank you so much for posting. I decided to go with the NPTF in the end for the mater private so your story is very inspiring. Would you mind very much emailing me with the name of your surgeon? I would very much appreciate it if you would. joanne.finegan@hotmail.com.

So 2 days and no drains!! I have a terrible reaction to Morphine just makes me so sick cant even open my eyes with it lol hope they have something else good eeeekkkkkk!!!

Suzieboo a H to a b/c how bloody fantastic!! I hope to go from a G to a c/d.

Hopefully I will get 'done' in November!! Please keep posting with any tips you may have. What did you put on after the op bra wise?? And I would love to know your surgon just in case i get the same one - it would be great to have a direct positive referral.

Keep up the good healing xxxxx

# 27

Posted: 12/10/2009 12:00

hi girls,

well i had my breast reduction surgery 2 and a half weeks ago! and thankfully everything went great. the mater private is a brilliant hospital compared to any other i have been in. I went in the wednesday morning and got my bed at 12.30. i was then given the gown and stockings to put on. i did a urine test and had the usual health screening done. then my surgeon came in and measured and marked me up. i asked him all of my last minute questions and he put my mind at ease. i went into theatre at half 2. the surgery took 4 and a half hours. When I came to in the recovery ward i was feeling pretty lousy as i always have bad reactions to anesthetic. i had a morphine pump in IV form and was told to press the button anytime i needed pain relief. It was the next morning before i properly came to. To my suprise, i had no drains! I was delighted with that as I had heard they were the most unpleasant bit! The change was dramatic. I went from being a H cup to being a B/C cup! im still trying to get used to it! I have to say, the pain was nothing like i thought it would be. I would describe it as being more uncomfortable than painful. the most pain i had was a few sharp darts of pain which i was told was my nerve endings healing. i was kept in hospital for 2 days. The journey home was a bit tough, and i recommend anyone who is travelling home to make sure you get some form of painkiller before you leave the hospital as bumpy roads dont help!

I had my post op 2 weeks after the surgery where my dressings were removed. I do have a small open wound under each breast at the t junction of the vertical and horizontal scar but i am managing it with regular dressing changes and putting a medicated talcumpowder on it to dry it up. i have had very little drainage of blood or fluid, nothing that a sterile dressing couldnt manage!

I was absolutely terrified about this operation, but it has been the best decision of my life. a weight has literally been lifted off my sholders! I would recommend it to anyone. the pain is nowhere near as bad as what you think it will be! The NTPF scheme was brilliant and i could not be happier! If anyone has any questions feel free to ask. Best of luck to all of ye!

# 26

Posted: 16/09/2009 19:28

Hi Mini

Can you post a list of the names of the doctors for the matter private, also are they General surgeons or are they plastic surgeons?

if you cant post their names here would you email deladylacey@hotmail.com

thanks

Lisa

# 25

Posted: 15/09/2009 21:54

hi guys, well i phoned today and asked to be put on the mater private nptf list. So that's it-now just have to wait for a date. The lady did say that the chances of being cancelled are very slim. Was given a few names by the contact in Mater Private and was able to ask around about them and got very positive responses.

Wonder what surgeon I will get???? I will post and let you know how I get on.

Bummer that site won't let you post - good to be at least able to read it. The other good one is breast health online. Its an american site but there is a UK thread on it and its interesting to read the experiences.

Take care. Mini

# 24

Posted: 11/09/2009 22:30

Hi Mini

I have seen that discussion on the vhi forum but i can't leave a comment as it wont let me register because I dont have a vhi policy!

With regards the ntpf scheme, i cant fault it so far! I saw my GP last feb (08) and he set the ball rolling. I then saw the first plastic sugeon in st. james this feb. he informed me that i qualified for the ntpf scheme but that he didnt know how long i would be waiting. I thought it would be 2010 or 2011 before i heard anything but this june i got the phonecall to say my surgery would be done in 4 to 6 weeks! however, my file was lost in transit from st james to the mater so that was the only delay i have experienced! I met the surgeon who will do my surgery on the 26th aug and i am very happy with him. I have good faith in him! I will be kept in hospital after the surgery for 3/4 days which is longer than my friend who had it done privately was kept in (1 night). Fingers crossed everything will go smoothly from here on but i would definitely recommend the ntpf scheme!

# 23

Posted: 11/09/2009 17:58

Hi, Suzieboo, i like yourself am now going through the ntpf "national treatment purchase fund" i am awaiting my date now from the matter private which is where they have now advised thats there the operation will be done.... from reading over your ailments i now no that the pain in my chest is obviously from the muscles, thank you for that....

Also i have to say ladies, They were so quick to get back to me, i will keep you all posted as to how im getting on, im excited like so many of you who have gotten it done, and also a little scared of how much pain i may be in...

June 07 - gp visit

May 09 - St james visit

July 09 - St james visit, cooling off period to decide if i defo wanted the surgery

Sep 09 - rang nptf, and they rang bk the same day.

im now awaiting my date, was told probably oct 09.....

This is a great thread...

Lisa

# 22

Posted: 10/09/2009 21:43

Hi Suzieboo and others,

This is mini here from 08! I have been on the public list in the mater for 9 months now - i got cancelled the day before my op date in July. I have been offered the mater private under the ntpf scheme. My only panic is that I dont know anything about the surgeons. The consultant I was referred to was highly praised by my gp and I also personally know 4 other girls he operated on. So my dilemma is should i take this leap into the (highly qualified lol) dark or stick with the public list and just hope i get another date!!!!

There is a discussion board in the vhi website and it might be worth checking re ntpf.

Mini.

# 21

Posted: 09/09/2009 23:15

hi everyone. I am 21 years old, size 12 and have 36H breasts. I suffered for years with neck and back pain but my main problem is muscle spasms which i get in my chest on the left side. It is only recently (after being told many times by GPs that i was imagining it) that i found a dr who could explain it to me. Due to the size of my breasts, my muscles cannot cope with the weight and go into spasm which compresses the ulnar nerve and causes severe pain in my chest and down into my arm. Such a relief to know im not crazy! anyway, i am going for a breast reduction in 2 weeks under the NTPF scheme (national treatment purchase fund) as it is for medical reasons. I am having my surgery in the mater private in dublin and all costs are covered by the scheme. i am terrified and excited all rolled into one! just wondering if anyone else has had a reduction done under the NTPF?

# 20

Posted: 02/09/2009 16:33

Hi just reading over some of your comments I am desperate for a reduction but does anyone know how much of a reduction I can get? Prior to having my baby (now 15months) I was a 32A and now am still a 32E. They drive me insane as I am only a size 8 and I thought they would have shrunk even a little bit by now am desperate to get to size they once were or is this going to be seen as too big a change

# 19

Posted: 16/08/2009 21:46

HI All, Well I had my surgery last August 08 and have not looked back it was fantastic and has been to be normal again. I was a 36G nightmare material. It was awful I was constantly in agony with back and neck pain and taking pain relief that came with their side effedts of course. The surgery went off great no complications or infection which is common enough you have a lot of wound. But it was great, highly recommended. I was not too bad after either once i took pain relief for the first few days i was grand after it. back driving after a few days. take things easy lifting and stuff of course. But i've my life back and its great. I used to have to buy size 20 tops etc spent a fortune on large size bras and they looked so big. Now i'm able to pick size 14 and not even try them on its wonderful. I'm a lovely 36D now. Best of luck to anyone considering this. It's life changing for the better. I told no one I was having this op done as felt it was my own business, i lost 2 stone prior to op and it looked like i just lost the weight everywhere.

Regards

Dolly

# 18

Posted: 01/03/2009 23:40

Hi, I was just wondering if any of you have had and experience with finding it a little hard to breathe with the weight on the chest/ribs... I have to lift mine sometimes just to get a deep breath in also I cannot sleep on my back anymore. Im 36GG only 34 yrs old. Cannot workout properly cannot run, constantly feel burdened by these 2 big weights on my front. I did visit my GP and got a refferal to the hospital/Plastics section, thats not till End of May this year though. I first went about it in June 08. So Im praying they will pass my surgery. I have all the same symptoms Back/neck Pain etc, confidence is totally shattered. i never go out anymore because its just not worth the effort. im a 16/18 on top and only a 12 on bottoms so clothes is a big issue too. so depressing, but would love to find out if you ladies have issue's with the breathing end of things?

thanks

Lacie

# 17

Posted: 14/08/2008 20:59

Hi I have had 5 children and my breasts have increased every time. Am now a 36 GG - so depressing. Also the neck, shoulder and back pain is constant. I have been considering a reduction for a long time but who do you go to! I would like to go to an Irish surgeon and would be grateful for any information on surgeons.