I’m sure I’m not alone in having a history of being trigger-happy when it comes to pressing the mute button of my body. But what happens when we turn up the volume?
Sometimes listening to other people close to us may help us tune into our bodies!
Last summer my acupuncturist was in the process of moving toward bilateral breast reduction surgery and suggested I might want to consider it myself. When I got home I mentioned it to my 27yo daughter. Raising her, I was very careful not to let my body image issues leak out — in this society she’d have enough of her own to contend with without my unfinished business complicating things. So I was surprised when she immediately said, “Yes! I think you should do it.”
While I never lamented my breasts to her, I hadn’t added up the frequent small (to me) complaints about neck + back pain, and she had. Her response was a welcome perspective that nudged me out of my complacency with my discomfort. Which, I’m happy to say, is largely gone.
For anyone considering breast reduction surgery:
* Your first request will probably be turned down as a matter of course (US healthcare, need I say more?). Persist.
* Surgeons will confirm that no one regrets reduction, while a significant percentage regret enhancement. Your mileage may vary.
Thanks for sharing your experience. It's so helpful to have people in our lives who can be 'mirrors' and help us see ourselves. I love that there are different 'doorways' to access this part of us. And I'm glad to hear your surgery experience was positive too. x
May you heal fully and smoothly. Rest and nourish yourself.
Thank you 💖
Sometimes listening to other people close to us may help us tune into our bodies!
Last summer my acupuncturist was in the process of moving toward bilateral breast reduction surgery and suggested I might want to consider it myself. When I got home I mentioned it to my 27yo daughter. Raising her, I was very careful not to let my body image issues leak out — in this society she’d have enough of her own to contend with without my unfinished business complicating things. So I was surprised when she immediately said, “Yes! I think you should do it.”
While I never lamented my breasts to her, I hadn’t added up the frequent small (to me) complaints about neck + back pain, and she had. Her response was a welcome perspective that nudged me out of my complacency with my discomfort. Which, I’m happy to say, is largely gone.
For anyone considering breast reduction surgery:
* Your first request will probably be turned down as a matter of course (US healthcare, need I say more?). Persist.
* Surgeons will confirm that no one regrets reduction, while a significant percentage regret enhancement. Your mileage may vary.
Thanks for sharing your experience. It's so helpful to have people in our lives who can be 'mirrors' and help us see ourselves. I love that there are different 'doorways' to access this part of us. And I'm glad to hear your surgery experience was positive too. x