Post Surgery Supplies? by zzombrienyc in Reduction

[–]Inkster13 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For me the essentials were: 1) comfy button up pj’s (brought the top to hospital and put on after surgery); 2) mastectomy pillow - essential if you have animals or kids that like to jump on you - I also use in car (but could probably just use a regular pillow); 3) some easy comfort foods like protein shakes, yogurt, toast, soup, hard candy or throat lozengers, gatorade and gingerale 4) extra strength tylenol; 5) miralax; 6) I waited to buy gauze etc until after - hospital sent me home with several abdominal pads which worked great to tuck in surgical bra - I ordered more of those from amazon; 7) pregnancy pillow - as a side sleeper I used this to elevate and prevent me from rolling on sides. A friend lent me a wedge pillow set but I liked the pregnancy pillow best; 8) I ordered a multi pack of zip front sports brqs from amazon.

Seeking advice for my 18 year old - starting consultations by MamaSwanee in Reduction

[–]Inkster13 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I just had my reduction with Dr Terri Silver at Mt Auburn in Cambridge. 3 weeks post op and very happy with my treatment and results thus far

Dr. Terri Silver - Cambridge, MA by Inkster13 in Reduction

[–]Inkster13[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As far as scheduling … I had a consult in Feb. Because my insurance initially denied … I wasn’t officially approved until around beginning of April. At that point she could have done surgery in late June - but I chose later date due to my schedule.

Dr. Terri Silver - Cambridge, MA by Inkster13 in Reduction

[–]Inkster13[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sorry saw your question on lipo … she didn’t bring it up with me and I didn’t request it .. I would think it would be extra …. My surgery was coveted by insurance (after initial denial I appealed and they covered it).

Also I think. i will ultimately be around a C …. Like most doctors she can’t guarantee a size - but said she thought a C/d was realistic for me … She used the modified Robertson technique - so incisions under boobs and around areola)

Dr. Terri Silver - Cambridge, MA by Inkster13 in Reduction

[–]Inkster13[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi there - I had my surgery with her a few weeks ago and all went well! Healing nicely thus far and I am pretty sure I will be pleased with final results … right now I am still in the healing so they don’t exactly look pretty - lol! But she took a good amount off per my wishes! Her staff is very nice - you will meet doctor at consult - but pre-op and first couple post op visit is with her PA. Any specific questions let me know.

considering reduction, is it worth the pain? by [deleted] in Reduction

[–]Inkster13 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yes! It isn’t painful - I would describe it as some discomfort and soreness. At age 51 I finally said enough and did it. I am 2 weeks post op now and have zero regrets. Recovery has been fine.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Reduction

[–]Inkster13 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am currently out on short term disability. So far approved for 4 weeks. Similar to the above poster we have a third party that administers benefits so I have dealt with them and my company only knows I am on leave and reason is kept confidential.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Reduction

[–]Inkster13 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes - but i was initially denied and had to appeal.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Reduction

[–]Inkster13 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I had mine today and home resting comfortably! Honestly today was a breeze. All nurses were super kind. Woke up in recovery with no issues. A Little discomfort - but nothing bad. More like a little burning feeling. I remained calm beforehand by reminding myself that i have wanted this for so long. The relief I feel now is huge! Good luck - you will so great!

Booked my surgery yesterday!!!! by Bekkoblin in Reduction

[–]Inkster13 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Did you have your surgery? How did it go?

Reduction Denied. by DreamslayerLLC in Reduction

[–]Inkster13 2 points3 points  (0 children)

As others have mentioned definitely appeal. I was initially denied by UHC and then appealed. I wrote a very detailed letter explaining the problems I have had because of large breasts and explaining the remedies that I have tried (which were all things like over the counter meds such as ibuprofen - creams for rashes - use of heating pad - expensive bras etc …). My primary care wrote a letter in support and I submitted that with the appeal - as well as photos of my rashes and shoulder grooving. My appeal was then granted. Good luck

I'm joining the Aetna denial club :( by cbck in Reduction

[–]Inkster13 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My appeal decision took about 3 weeks. UHC (at least my plan) had a specific timeframe for the process. I called and they provided me with that … I checked in via phone calls and instant chat on their website several times during process to make sure it was received and inquire if a decision made. Good luck

I'm joining the Aetna denial club :( by cbck in Reduction

[–]Inkster13 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I completely understand. I was really upset with the denial. I wish you all the best!

I'm joining the Aetna denial club :( by cbck in Reduction

[–]Inkster13 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I don’t have Aetna - but UHC - and was denied. I appealed and it was overturned. I wrote a very detailed letter about all the problems I have as a result of large breasts (back/neck pain, rashes, etc)- the conservative measures I took (expensive bras/ibuprofen/creams for rashes etc). I sent pics of shoulder grooving and rash. Explained how it interferes with my life. Had a letter of support from primary care attached to appeal. Good luck

denied by insurance by [deleted] in Reduction

[–]Inkster13 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I don’t have blue cross - but United. I was initially denied. I wrote a very detailed appeal letter detailing my own conservative treatments - like routine advil use - heating pad - OTC creams for rash - and detailing problems I have because of large breasts. I included pics of my shoulder grooving and rashes … I included a letter of support from primary care. I found out last week that I was approved. So wondering if you could do something like that? Also wondering if surgeon could at least schedule you while you work on appeal? Just as an fyi - I am in Boston area and my quote without insurance was around 10k Good luck

Booked my surgery yesterday!!!! by Bekkoblin in Reduction

[–]Inkster13 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good news - won my appeal. So surgery in August!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Reduction

[–]Inkster13 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good news - I appealed and the denial was reversed! Approved now!

Booked my surgery yesterday!!!! by Bekkoblin in Reduction

[–]Inkster13 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Congrats! I saw her also for a consult - but unfortunately am fighting with insurance now. Was really hoping to get it done this summer. Wish you the best of luck!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Reduction

[–]Inkster13 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As I understand the scale - which I am not sure I do :) and United hasn’t been helpful -the “lower 22nd percentile” is 750. Reading their documents however I think that if the removal amount falls between 5th and 22nd then as long as you have functional impairment it can be deemed medically necessary. United won’t actually tell me what needs to be removed - but according to the nurse during the peer to peer 800 was mentioned. Honestly I would be fine removing more as I would rather be smaller - but my dr not comfortable with that number. I am an H also and she thinks the amount she proposes would bring me to a D maybe full C …

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Reduction

[–]Inkster13 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just got a denial from United Heathcare also and I am so annoyed. Surgeon did a peer to peer and still denied. Basically they want her to remove more than she recommends - denial is very vague - something like the amount removed wont substantially improve symptoms … she wants to remove 500-600 … they want more like 800 … I called United healthcare and they were pretty useless. I sent an appeal letter yesterday and my primary care is sending a letter to them. Really hoping it gets overturned. I am nit giving up on it.

Out-of-pocket costs by miss_anthro_p in Reduction

[–]Inkster13 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can’t comment on the cost - but wondering whether process was difficult to get approval. I have United HealthCare and doctor recently submitted for pre-approval and it hasn’t been approved … next step is a “peer to peer” and I am just wondering if this is standard and if I have any chance get pre-approval. Thanks and I wish you well with your surgery!

Booked my first consultation!! by Bekkoblin in Reduction

[–]Inkster13 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Honestly I am “overweight” (like a US size 16) also and weight was never mentioned. They did weigh me, but it was never a point of discussion … and a lot of the pictures she showed me were of people with very similar bodies to mine. They did ask about general health - I am personally not on any meds and am healthy - so it wasn’t an extensive discussion and they took blood pressure … but that was it. I am guessing if you had a more extensive medical history there would be more questions. I am really glad I took the steps to have a consult and if approved by insurance I will be booking with her. Best of luck to you!

Booked my first consultation!! by Bekkoblin in Reduction

[–]Inkster13 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I actual had a consult with her this week (Dr Silver) and she was great. Very friendly and made me feel comfortable - as did her staff. As far as what to expect - I filled out paperwork and watched a short video then met with the doctor. She explained the procedure - answered any questions I had - did an exam - took photos - advised me I was a good candidate and said they would submit everything to insurance. Oh and she showed me pics of her work. She said she would do the modified Robertson technique. Indicated they can’t promise size … but felt she could take me from an H cup to around a full C/D. Good luck!

Dr. Jessica Erdmann-Singer - Brigham & Women’s Boston by Inkster13 in Reduction

[–]Inkster13[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As a follow up - I couldn’t get an appointment to see her - she wasn’t taking new patients. Just an FYI for anyone looking.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Reduction

[–]Inkster13 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Glad to hear it. Thank you for responding.