MY 36M breast reduction

I wasn’t too confident in doing this but since I’ve set it up already, I reallyhope this works xx

I am a 23-year-old student nurse whose last resort would be through this fundraiser since everything else I have tried has not worked. Through my pictures, you could probably tell that I have extremely large breasts (36 L/M) that has been causing trauma for over the last 12 years of my life.

I was diagnosed with what my GP would refer to as "Hypertrophic Breasts (Gigantomastia)", where my breasts will continue to grow at an alarming rate and no medication provided can prevent this growth that I will continue to have in my life (even when I decide to have children). Being that I am 5ft4 and having breasts that are over 15kg, I struggle to live a normal life with constant pain which will only ever be relieved through surgery.

Throughout my teenage years up until now, I would wear 2 bras and a sports bra just to cover up the spillage because my bras would cost over £50 (per bra) which is extremely expensive for a student nurse who is unable to work all the time. I endured emotional distress and sexual harassment at a young age (and still do), due to my hormonal changes which resulted in individuals shouting sexual comments in public which would place negative impacts on my self-image, confidence in myself and the clothes that I would wear.

I suffered from 3 Psychological disorders (Severe depression, Anxiety and Borderline Personality Disorder) as I attempted everything that I could to fit in people my age at the time and still take medication to control my mental health and wellbeing because of the trauma I've experienced in my life.

I feel like I have exhausted 99.9% of my options as the NHS have flat-out declined to give me any funding because I don’t meet the criteria for a breast reduction but over the course of 5 years have continuously been pumped prescription meds such as Naproxen, Codeine, Co-Codamol, Anti-inflammatory medications to minimise the pain when they can clearly see the issue which is in front of them. Over the past 5 years, I have always left the doctor's office in a flood of tears and suicidal thoughts, as I feel like my cry for help is not being heard by anybody. My breasts have grown so large that it is difficult for me get up in the morning or breathe without hearing my bones crack or the extreme discomfort I get in my lower back. I’ve posted some pictures of red sores I would get because of the extreme pain that I am constantly in and the indented marks where I would have to wear my bra for long periods of time because I do 12 hour shifts on placement or whilst working on the ward.
I have sought physiotherapists, therapists, nutritionists and undertaken mammograms at my age due to an increased risk of breast cancer who have also noted that the breast reduction treatment will reduce the risks of long-term effects this may have on my health and wellbeing. My journey becomes more difficult as I have tried to seek assistance from private doctors who have quoted me the treatment starting from £7000-11,000 and onwards based on the mass and size of my breasts. When I see prices such as these, I think to myself that I will never get to this goal, and my heart shatters each time I hear a quote which is difficult for me to afford alone. Through the loaded case file I have, I pleaded with my local MP to assist me in the support of paying for my breast reduction but has notified me that I should go to the CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group) to seek IFR (Individual Funding Request) but they have also declined to support my matter because they do not fund matters such as my own.

My rapid hormonal imbalance has affected me in ways that I would not wish on my worst enemy. Through what I have endured, experienced and encountered, having a breast reduction for me is not what the NHS sees as "cosmetic" reasons, but for an opportunity at a better life and the ability to at least be able to buy a bra from the UK. My journey during these times have been nothing short of a rollercoaster, but as I have exhausted all my options (NHS, medication, specialists, changes of bras), the only opportunity I have to achieve my goal is by seeking private medical help. I would have ideally liked the surgery to be free, but I have been bearing this pain for the majority of my life that all aspects of my health and wellbeing can longer deal with this pain.

Sorry for rambling on, but this is a sensitive topic to me and all I want is for my dreams to become a reality. I will be very appreciative and thankful for any donation as this is a step in changing my life forever and would mean the world to me if you could help out. But if you can't donate, please inform me of any suggestions, approaches or share this fundraiser with anyone you think aide me through such a difficult time. Even doctors who may see this, please give your inputs and if you can provide live consultations please let me know.

I put some pictures which may seem graphic, but it is important that I get my message out there for young women such myself who may acquire the same support as I do.

(the breakdown of the costs are just a starting cost of how much it would be as I have yet to see this doctor face to face).

 

Thank you for your time

Mel xx