Exchange City

I started upping protein 2-3 weeks before surgery (and after for 2 weeks). I started the 1 cup of fresh pineapple starting 5 days ahead and continued for 4-5 days after. I also did a lot of extra hydration 4 days before and for at least 5 days after. My PS has each of his MX patients have a catheter for that first night, as a "courtesy" so the patient doesn't have to worry about getting up and going to the bathroom during that first afternoon and night after surgery. I took full advantage of that and drank water constantly those first 24 hours, partly to rehydrate in general but also to help clear my system of the anesthesia. I figured why not go for it, since I didn't have to get up to pee. Nurse asst. was surprised how "well my kidneys and bladder were working" LOL.

Wow, that is quite a list. Thank you.

I have been told no Vit E for two weeks prior...have you found a multivitamin without E? Mine has E so I go without a multivit for a couple of weeks which has also seemed like a poor move as I approach a surgery...TT

I'm 4 weeks from my surgery (it will be January 2, 2019) and 2 weeks from my pre-op appointment, so I'll check w/ my PS then about his current restrictions and recommendations. If he puts me on an antibiotic after surgery, I WILL start myself on a really good (= expensive) probiotic at that point; it keeps me from suffering from diarrhea!

For my previous surgeries, my naturopath and surgeons have said: no NSAIDS (of course; they interfere with clotting) and no nutritional supplements at all for 5 days before surgery, and really they're not fond of them in general. There's better absorption usually by eating whole foods, restricting simple carbs, and eating lots of colors of plants. That's my usual diet anyway (similar to The Zone Diet) and it's how they've recommended that I always eat to protect against future bc recurrence. I do take Ca and Vit D, so I'll find out when to stop them at my pre-op appointment. My doctors recommend 80-100 g protein daily for healing after surgery (not before; protein isn't stored) for 4 weeks or so, and food with lots of antioxidants are good also for healing. So, some frozen blueberries & yogurt & whey protein smoothies are in my future.

I've read a lot of anecdotal and commercial information about the benefits of eating pineapple after surgery, but I have not seen any evidence-based science research backing it up. I might ask my surgeon about that one, and I also might just eat fresh pineapple after surgery because WHY NOT, it's delicious!

HikingLady

I agree with you. Eating nutrional foods , vegetables and fruits is best. My doctors tell me to stay away from herbal supplements and excessive dosages of vitamins. The body only absorbs what it needs and the rest is wasted. Best advice is to always check with your doctor!

Re: Vitamedica...

I plan to ingest only what my surgeon recommends. There's too much of a whiff of snake oil about it for me. If all of the contents and their potency is disclosed, a doctor can then assess its role in aiding recovery. For me, the stakes are very high. I'm being treated with best evidence-based medicine, and will stick with that, and with medications that are monitored by the FDA for potency, purity, and efficacy.

TT...I asked my ps about the Vit E restriction. He said the amount found in multivitamins (up to 400IU) is fine before surgery. It is the megadoses that are off limits. The 3 surgeons I have had have all specified in their written pre-op instructions to start a multivitamin 2 weeks before surgery.

Hikinglady.....your exchange will be here before you know it!! I agree with you that it is best to get vitamins and minerals from a well balanced diet. I am with you on the pineapple, blueberries and yogurt. My fave is plain greek yogurt with pomegranate, banana and pineapple, sprinkled with ground flax and chia! My father, a holistic MD and nutritionist stresses the importance of a clean diet of colorful fruit and veg, lean, unprocessed protein sources, and limit sugar to under 10g per serving. He is also a proponent for supplementation for certain people at certain times. Especially Vitamin C for wound healing, Vitamin D3 with K2 as many people are deficient (confirm with blood test) and probiotics spaced a few hours apart from antibiotics to replenish the guts good bacteria that may be impacted by the antibiotics.

TT...the Arnica I am not supposed to use, even topically. My nephrologist told me it acts like an nsaid in the body and nsaids are a no-no for kidney patients. I did use it once though on a nasty bruise and was amazed at how rapidly it healed vs not using it!!

So funny...just like the instructions on bra wearing....the ps are all over the place with their advice! Hooray for pineapple!!

Jsbells, best wishes for your EX tomorrow!! Yes, that is called pocket work. almost everyone can expect some pocket work during the exchange due to the TEs being filled and moving around. They are so different than the implants because they have a hard flat backing on them to hold them flat to the chest wall. That is where you would have pain after your EX, but nothing like the MX.

Remember to adhere to your PS instructions to the T. "just because you can, doesn't mean you should". And, "Step away from the mirror". You will go through many changes and it can take up to 6 months or more, so you must be patient.

Robin

Best wishes Jsbells!! Listen to Robinblessed's words of wisdom! Its easy to overdo activities after the exchange because it is so much less painful of a recovery than msx. But please take it easy and you should be fine!!

Ok, I confess. I had my exchange surgery Wednesday and I peaked today. I know everyone says you shouldn't look, but I couldn't wait. I love my new boobs already! So much nicer than the TEs.

I'm still pretty uncomfortable since I had a revision to pre pectoral, but I was expecting this discomfort.

It's all downhill now!

Wishing you the very best TT! Keep us posted. Becky

Hi TrmTab,

Just wondering why they advised you to stop Arimidex. In my case they did not ask me to go off before exchange. Curious as I have another surgery scheduled for the spring.

Thanks!

TT, I just read your siggy. You have been through a lot!! Hoping all goes well with your upcoming exchange!! Just had my revision yesterday. My 3rd set of implants. More pain then 1st two, but we did downsize and had to add alloderm to one side and do pocket work. PS said I had capsular contracture both sides, maybe that contributes to the pain IDK. Go for my f/u Friday, praying he can take the drain out!!!

drains at 3rd exchange, ouch. I will have some side boob removed so fear I will be more sore than at first exchange, but PS said no drains...hope that is what happens. TT

Thanks for the well wishes Mominator!! Best wishes LinnyG!! I hope all goes well with your exchange.

TT I had to have a drain on just one side because he had to add alloderm. Went to my F/U today, he said I have to keep the drain in and he will see me back Monday. He told me today the big linear mass I had in the upper pole of the other side was a bunch of alloderm all bunched up beneath my collar bone!! Thankfully it hadn't become infected and he was able to remove it all. Now that side is soft, smooth and pain free! It feels so nice and squishy now like a natural breast I can't stop squeezing it lol!!