I have personally not had any more problems with the MCTD from surgery other than taking longer to recover. But I havent had anything where I have had to miss meds for more than a day!
Good luck with your surgery!
Mary Ann

I don't know about particular operations like breast-reductions etc.
But I do know that whenever I had an operation,
(i.e. operation on fractured leg etc),
I was in a big flare-up afterwards.
I could not tell what was worse:
the recovery from the operation, my leg in plaster, the pain etc.
or the flare-up triggered by the operation.
But that's me. Perhaps you are different ?
I don't know.
Good luck from Kristina.

I seen the doctor yesterday and he told me that I am a good candidate for the breast reduction and because I have MCTD it will be paid for by OHIP, but because I have MCTD I need approval from my specialist because he has concerns with the scars healing. So the journey continues until I can get into the specialist and talk to her. I kinda figured our recover and healing was going to be an issue with any surgery. Thanks for the input and I'll keep you posted.. Terry

Good luck with the surgery......I am about to be assessed for a lung transplant and I have been wondering about the recovery.....it will be traumatic enough without the mctd rearing its ugly head too. But all my doctors k now about my condition.

Please let us know how things go.

Take care
Beth

Beth-
People who have lung transplants have them because they are not healthy. Please tell them your concerns and then have faith. I will pray for you to truely get well!
Mary Ann

tifj, please do lots of research before you even consider such a potentially dangerous and disfiguring surgery in your condition. Here are a couple of web sites that have facts your doctor may not have mentioned.

http://www.realself.com/review/breast-reduction-worst-experience-lifepermanently-numb-disfigured

http://www.whatsonxiamen.com/news13489.html

Also, are you aware that 80% of women wear incorrectly size bras which can add greatly to back pain? And lets' not forget that 50% of the people in this country with back/neck pain are men (including myself); breast size is not necessarily the culprit in such pain. Have you explored alternatives such as core strengthening and weight loss? I have two friends who underwent such surgery; both ended up with lots of scarring and no change in their back problems. Not to mention the cost...

Breast reduction surgery is a HUGE money maker for doctors; Google it and you'll quickly see this fact. Very few can be objective with so much money involved.

Whatever you decide, best of luck to you.

Is your MCTD well controlled? I ask because neck and back were where most of my pain initially was and after being on alot of meds, most of that pain went away. Of course you are correct though, large breasts can and often do cause the pains you are describing and the surgery has helped countless women. Best of luck!

This surgery is not something I will do if it will cause me more problems. I appreciate the input and I will check out the websites Tony provided. Believe me this is not something I just woke up and decided to do. I have had back pain for most of my life. I talked to the doctor 5 years ago about this surgery but chickened out. Then I hurt my back at work and shortly after that I was diagnosed with MCTD. All of this has added a great deal of strain on my back, shoulders and neck, I feel if I can eliminate one of them it might help. I do core training 3 times a week, it is part of my exercise program and weight is not an issue. I feel I'm trying to do what I can to get back to some kind of normal... Thanks again for your advice, it means alot.. Terry

As much as any surgery has it problems, our illnesses open us up to so many different things that so called normal people don't get.
Your courage to have the surgery is fantastic not because you are putting yourself in harms way, No because you are doing something that I can't. I can't even talk to my Doc about breast reduction or even more useful weight loss surgery (there I have said it) .
I have try several times to tell you how brilliant you are for doing this and how proud i am that you have the courage to take that step.
My fears are not the surgery it the fact they will say NO.
So well done they would not do it if I was not safe.

Tiggy, thanks for the words of encouragement, they mean alot. I have struggled with this decision for a long time. I'm glad you understand. Its nice to know that I have people in my corner. I will keep you posted with the outcome. Terry

Has anyone actually went through with the breast reduction surgery that has MCTD? I am scheduled this week and am nervous.

Hi Alexi,
I had my breast reduction on May 25th and I'm doing great. My surgeon was surprised at how fast I healed with no complications. You will do fine. I have not had any shoulder, neck or migraines since the surgery. Keep me posted. Terry