Question on brachioplasty/breast lift

Hi everyone:

I've had to delay getting my arms and boobs done a few times due to various issues.  I was all set to have them done...FINALLY... in April.  Due to work commitments, vacations, my daughter's prom, graduation, college etc. there is really no other time this year that works for me.

Well here is my dilemma.  After babying a bum knee forever it seems like it has finally had enough.  I've torn the meniscus, it's loaded with arthritis and it's becoming damn near intolerable.  I was thinking of trying to get the arthroscopic knee surgery as well as the brachioplasty and breast lift done within a couple of weeks of each other.  This way I could plan to take just 3 or 4 weeks off of work and be done with it all.  Just works better all around.

My question for anyone who has had any of these procedures done....."do you think I'll be able to handle the knee and arms/boobs at the same time...maybe allowing a week or two in between?  Am I being nuts to even think of it?  Just FYI I'm in really good shape...work out religiously ...I weight 140..down from 335 and I have a very high pain tolerance.  I do have some back issues as well though.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much
Chris

I've never had knee surgery but those that I know who have had to use either a walker or crutches to get around.  That would be rather difficult if your arms are out of commisson too.  JMO.

That was my thought, You'll probably be on crutches and I dont see there is anyway. My Dr. didn't want me doing any weight lifting after my surgeries for 6 weeks. Walking using crutches or a walker you'd be supporting your weight and that in my opinion is weight lifting. Also the crutches may rub against the arm incisions especially the ones in your armpit and that is one of the more painful tender spots.

Now that I've gone and said that, if you were going to do the knee first and would be off the crutches or walker before you got the brachio/BL then maybe it would be possible. You'd just need to be sure you were able to walk prior to your other surgery and be steady. You'd hate to fall after getting all that work done on everything.

Sonya

I like Sonya's idea of doing the knee surgery first.  I just had the arms/breasts lifted on Friday and I was up and driving on Sunday.  Even went shopping at Wal-Mart.  I do get tired easily but the pain is hardly there and if it is 400 mg of ibuprofen works.  I do think having to use crutches would not be possible.

Good luck!

I have to agree with everyone else.  There is absolutely no way you could do crutches after a brachioplasty.  I agree to that the Walker would not be doable either.  I think it's best to get your knee done first, heal completely from that and then get your arms and breasts done.  The arms don't hurt much unless you get some lipo like I did, BUT they really limit your ability to do much in the first 2 to 3 weeks.

Thank you so much guys.  Those were my thoughts exactly.  The doctor thinks the most I will be on crutches will be the first week, if at all, as my quads and other leg are very strong.  He thinks I can weight bear on the knee almost immediately as well.  I figured maybe two weeks to rehab for the knee and then get the arms done.  I def. knew using crutches or walker with the arms being cut would be unrealistic to say the least! 

I was just curious as to the pain and disability that would be involved with the breast lift and brachio.   You all seem to not have had major issues with pain and disability past the first week or so post-op.  So I think if I allow two weeks for the knee and then another two weeks for the arms/boobs I'm being pretty realistic.

Now if I can just get the ortho and plastic surgeon to coordinate dates all will be good!

Thanks again for all of your feedback!

Chris