Documenting my journey on insta ❤️ @breastreduction_diary

Hi, I’m Mary.

For over a decade, I’ve lived with chronic pain caused by the weight of my breasts. I’m small-framed, wearing a 34GG bra (likely even larger in volume), and the constant strain has left me with severe spine, neck, and shoulder pain, along with lasting posture problems that affect me every day of my life.

I’ve tried countless treatments to help manage and reduce the pain - physiotherapy, osteopathy, specialist bras, weight loss (from a size 18 to a 12), and a deeply holistic lifestyle that supports healing: minimal dairy, gluten, or refined sugar, low inflammation diet, gentle movement, nervous system care, and nurturing rest but despite all of this, my pain has become debilitating and worse over time.

This not only affects my physical health, but is having a negative impact on my mental health.

My mobility and capacity to function has gradually decreased and I need to lay flat for several hours every day to reduce the pressure and strain. Movement, standing and sitting causes the pain to increase. I experience extreme burning sensations and pain flare-ups lasting several days where it's so intense that my partner has to care for me completely. I never know what level of pain I’ll wake up to, which has made it impossible to work consistently.

I'm scared of the generational pattern that came before me - both my birth mum and grandma became disabled and in wheelchairs due to chronic back problems. I've seen firsthand how these health issues take away mobility and independence, both of which have begun happening in my life. I'm now in my mid 30s and I can feel and observe my own body and back following the same generational pattern and it petrifies me. I am determined to break this cycle and regain my health, mobility and independence and I need financial support to do so.

The structural impact on my spine has been documented by my physiotherapist and osteopath.

I spent the last 9 months in a battle with the NHS after applying twice for NHS funding for breast reduction surgery, but both applications were refused due to policy changes in 2024 that meant I no longer meet the criteria.

The NHS response stated:

“Your Individual Funding Request for breast surgery has not been successful. Applications are only considered in exceptional circumstances where ALL current policy criteria are fully met… As you do not have documented evidence of intertrigo or ulceration unresponsive to treatment, your application is declined. Even with your physio report, as you do not meet this criteria, we are unable to approve your request.”

I feel completely let down by the system and all they can offer me is opiod medication and physiotherapy.

It’s heartbreaking because I meet all the criteria apart from specific skin conditions that have nothing to do with the severity of my pain or the structural damage occurring through my neck, spine and shoulders.

I was approved for surgery in 2013 when my symptoms were far less severe and the policy criteria was different but it wasn’t carried out because I was overweight and a smoker (both now not the case).

12 years later, my symptoms are significantly worse and have become debilitating, but because the policy criteria has changed, it leaves me without NHS support and the only option is to go private.

I have also been referred to a Rheumatologist to investigate and understand the extent of the damage to my body and recieve an MRI scan but have been waiting 6 months and I'm led to believe it could be much longer. I am therefore also raising money for a private MRI scan to better understand the extent of the problems before surgery.

After researching private options in the UK, the total cost of the surgery including the operation, consultations, aftercare and a private MRI, is £9,500. Money I simply cannot afford myself nor have the capacity to earn because of the debilitating nature of the condition.

I’ve spent over 20 years working in healthcare, caring deeply for others in their most vulnerable moments. For those who know me, supporting and caring for people has always been at the heart of who I am, and now I’m realising I'm at a chapter in my life when I need support and care.

Asking for financial support doesn't come easily to me but with kind words from my friends, they've helped me realise that receiving is a reflection of my worth and that I, too, deserve support, care and relief from suffering.

Every donation, no matter the size, helps me move closer to living pain-free and regain my independence.

If you can’t donate, simply sharing my story helps more than you know.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading and caring.

With love and gratitude,

Mary