Anything else I can do? breast reduction

[Joto]

This morning, after being referred by my GP to the Cosmetic Appeals panel for a reduction in December 06, I have been told that the Leeds PCT will not fund as they have no money. I had to undergo a two hour psychiatric assessment in January because of the impact it has on my self esteem. I am 38, weigh 11st 4lb and am 5ft 2inch, my BMI is within acceptable levels, my bra size is 34G and I feel like a freak as my waist is small. I have not had a relationship in 3 years and do not like going out due to being stared at by men. I try to wear things that are not tight so as not to attract attention so end up looking pregnant which is not a good look. I take paracetamol daily which I am sure is no good for me, but is better than the pain. I am active, cycle daily and swim, I wear a proper fitting bra and do the things I should do to try and help. I have just been into the toilet at work sat down and cried my heart out at the thought of having to feel like this. I cant walk anywhere without sweating to the point where I get rashes, I went potholing with my son last year (not bad for someone who used to suffer panic attacks!) but had to turn back as my chest wouldnt let me go where he wanted to get to. I try so hard to accept my breasts but it isnt happening at the moment. Has anyone out there got any ideas of what I can do - I am a hard working single mum so private is not an option??

[Fee]

Hi Joto

Have you contacted the Patient Advisory Liaison Service (PALS) at your local hospital.

They can give you some advice. Tell them exactly what you are feeling and how can you appeal the decision.

They should be able to help you.

I really feel for you.

Hugs

Fee

[Joto]

Thank you for your advice and i will get in touch with them very soon

Jo
x

[ontheup]

I hope you will not object to a male replying to you.
Obviously, I cannot begin to understand what it is like for you or how it makes you feel. What I will say to you though is this! The size of your breasts does not make you a lesser person than anyone else on the planet. yes, I understand that some men stare at you and that is because they probably would like their partners to have the assets that you have. My wife is quite big and I know how much she wishes she were smaller. I really think you should seriously consider whether breast reduction is the right thing to do. I would imagine that nearly everyone would like to change something about themselves, I know I would as I also get very depressed about it at times.

It is easy for me to say make he most of what you have but think very seriously about the reasons for why you want to have them reduced.

[Fee]

HI

It doesn't matter what you look like it is how you feel about yourself. If you can be happy with how you are then others around you can be.

I have learnt this following a mastectomy (I am lopsided). My partner is great about it because I am.

I can't wear my false one as yesterday I was diagnosed with lymphodema of the chest not arm.

I hope you do manage to get things sorted out for you.

Best wishes.

Fee

[Joto]

Thank you for your comments - it was not until after a great deal of thought, counselling and consideration that I decided to apply for a breast reduction. This is not a decision I have taken lightly and working with a number of counsellors and studying psychology and counselling myself , I have looked at ways to increase my self esteem and in many areas of my life I feel good - except this. It is not a few men who stare I assure you and I guess you will not appreciate this unless you are a woman with large breasts, and I am fully aware that it is these men who have a problem - mainly rudeness - but that does not make me nor any other female being gawped feel any more comfortable.

I certainly do not object to a man responding and in fact it is a welcome to get a balanced view - however I would not change my decision and as and when I am able to go ahead I certainly will do so.

Fee - my thoughts are with you - thank you for your words - Jo x

[wakefieldrose]

Hi Joto,

Just read your message regarding Leeds PCT's refusal to fund your breast reduction surgery. I can fully understand how you feel. In January this year I had to fund my own breast reduction surgery as Leeds PCT refused funding on grounds of my BMI. My GP sent an appeal note but they lost it, then my GP forgot to follow this up. I'd been suffering from breathing problems for 2 years prior to my op and was treated for asthma. I could scarcely hold a conversation without gasping for breath and had to get down on my hands and knees so my breasts would fall away from my chest and allow air into my lungs.

My pre-op tests showed I had peak flow of a 78 year old. I had to see a lung consultant and a cardiologist just so I could be passed fit to have surgery. The lung specialist said I definitely wasn't asthmatic. My surgery revealed my breast weight had been causing serious lung compression and this was the cause of my breathing problems. My surgeon removed 1.9kgs from EACH of my breasts and as soon as he'd removed that my ventilator shot straight to the top. My peak flow was tested 6 weeks post-op and showed 450. It had been 300 prior to surgery. When I discovered how badly my breast weight had affected my health, I decided to write to my MP to complain about Leeds PCT's refusal to fund my surgery, particularly as they didn't even see me. I don't feel anyone can be judged accurately by a figure on a piece of paper. I also want to stop what happened to me happening to any other woman. I'm currently using my MP to appeal against Leeds PCT decision and my case has now gone to Healthcare Commission for an independent review. If you log onto their website you can download information that tells you how to appeal and make a formal complaint. Basically there are 3 stages, first PALS to resolve it at local level (contact Leeds PCT), Healthcare Commission if you aren't happy with the way PCT deals with it, then you can take it up with your Ombudsman if you aren't happy with Healthcare Commission.

I've started a campaign on Facebook called 'Help stop PCT's refusing women breast reduction surgery'. It isn't vanity that drives women to seeking this major surgery, it is desperation to be rid of their breast-related symptoms. My story will be appearing in Real People magazine on 25th September, I hope I can encourage other women like you to fight their cases. My own daughter's 23 and currently takes a 36HH cup. She's asthmatic and if she was refused funding I dread to think what could happen if she gets breast-related lung compression on top of her asthma. I have dealt with both Wakefield and Leeds PCT's. Wakefield PCT have been very helpful and they have taken measures to improve their BR funding criteria and have now set up an exceptions panel. Leeds PCT have been thoroughly unhelpful. Despite what my surgeon Mr Leroux Fourie has written regarding my pre-op and post-op condition, Leeds PCT are still insisting my breathing problems were caused by my BMI not my breast weight. My plastic surgeon has given me his full support. I know BMI wasn't the reason you were rejected, but wanted you to know Leeds PCT have a reputation for doing this.
Good luck
Pat Reed

[dorset girl]

Joto

Just lurking around this site as I used to contribute regularly.

I had my breast reduction two years ago and it is honestly the best thing I have ever done. I was 59 when I had the operation and had wanted all my adult life to get rid of them. My wonderful surgeon reduced me from an E cup (at least) to a D cup and I can never thank him enough. It has made such a difference to my self-esteem.

I did not go down the NHS route as I could not face all the questions and examinations. I was lucky enough to finally have money to go privately and I have never regretted it. If you cannot get NHS funding, then try and go privately even if you have to beg, borrow or steal. You will not regret it. My only regret is that I did not have this done years ago.

All the very best in your quest.