How can I make my calves smaller?

[camber]

Hi Choc

Yes I had it done at the same time as you and ankles still numb. I read it takes around 1 year for feeling to come back. Dr P had said one month but I did not quite believe that at the time. Sometimes I feel sensation and hope it is good sign but skin still numb. Are you happy with results. I think mine are going up and down. Not sure if I am having compensatory hyperatropy or it is swelling from the days activity. Anyway think will have to give it at least six months for the situation to stablise.

 

[camber]

Hi Amici

Did you have it done. You have not updated. If you are like me you will be in a room trying to deal with pain and stretching as much as you can. Would be good to hear.

Pilates do not work when genetics are involved.

 

[amici1992]

Hi everyone! I am finally in a good enough psychological place to share.

Day -1 - Arrival
I arrived at noon on Thursday and my appointment was at 3pm. My guesthouse called Gold Hill Guesthouse should be a 5-8min walk from the Oz Clinic so I used the directions my host provided. The airport limousine 6009 cost around $13 and was an ok ride. Except I got down two further stops so I had to walk under the heat with all my luggage for a while. A man actually sensed my confusion and I showed him the printed paper I had with the clinic's address and telephone number. He called them for me and I made it there in another 10min or so.
When I arrived, they had me change into a robe. She took my blood then I finally met Dr. Park as he took pictures of my calves from some angles. Then we sat down and he talked me through many things that I have already heard over and over from reading this forum lol. But of course I had to pay attention. Then he said it costs more because the pictures I sent are of course a little different from real life. I then paid a cash deposit to get ride of the risky $$ in my purse. My surgery will be the next day at 3pm.
After checking in, I spent the rest of the night trying to find a Citibank atm that would dispense that much cash for me. No luck. I was still upset at the $500~ loss I would have by paying via card. I did not buy food that night. Instead, I ate some cheese bread with peanut butter that came free in the guesthouse at around 7pm, as I was supposed to fast by midnight.

Lessons from my mistakes on this day:

• Get off at SINSA bus station if you arrive via airport limousine
• Having a wifi egg is worth the extra expense
• Withdraw the full amount before traveling because even though ATMs are everywhere, they dispense a limited amount.
• Stock up on food before surgery.

 

[amici1992]

Day 0 - Surgery
I arrived at the clinic at 10, and immediately after getting in a robe was asked to pay. I wanted to ask if Dr. Park can give me until Monday but it didn't seem like an option just with how sternly the nurse asked for it. Now I understand from backreading why another patient found the vibe to be rude at some point lol. Dr. Park took pictures again and sat me down again. I'll be honest, we never discussed the actual cm shrinkage because I guess we both understood that any shape improvement will be good for me. My calves are muscular like a soccer player's, and I am also short at 5'0. Over the years of my athleticism, it has gotten less presentable in skirts or shorts or dresses.
Then came the prep. The anesthesiologist had me in fetal position and despite not being scared with needles, I still flinched at his poke. He then rubbed we cold cotton ball on my upper body and lower body to compare sensation and make sure it kicked in. They flipped me and asked if I wanted to sleep and I said yes. However, I still woke up maybe few minutes before it was over. I didn't think it was creepy, I just felt light tugging at my calf. I was not fully awake at this point, just barely conscious.
In the recovery room I fell asleep and woke up now at 2pm. Yes there was pain and tightness, but the overwhelming feeling was loss of circulation on my feet. The nurses had me walk to the bathroom so so clumsily and urged me to really try to pee. Nothing came out first try. Second try a little. Then coming back, I finally spoke up against all their sternness and said my right leg needed to be loosened up just for one frickin minute because the tightness was extreme. The nurses obliged and immediately, the blood flowed to my feet and I felt better, albeit still in pain. Also I was allowed to drink only around 3:30pm. At 5pm, I was discharged. Since my hotel is close and no taxi will agree to take me, so Dr. Park drove me. Honestly don't know how I made it to my room.
That night was the worst night in my life. Easily 10/10 pain, 10/10 discomfort. I had to pee in my garbage can because I couldn't walk to the bathroom. Thankfully, the guesthouse was private enough since only one other mother-daughter team was next door. I wanted to cry but no tears were really coming out. It was just pure excruciating pain. I was still conscious about my painkiller intake (I brought advil with me, plus the 3 that Dr. Park provided) because I was scared of overdoing it. I still slept about 6-7 hours but definitely not continuous. I never slept more than 2hrs at a time.

Lessons from today:

• SPEAK UP!
• BE BRAVE!
• Bring Ibuprofen just in case.

 

[amici1992]

Day 1 - Post-op
My host brought me pumpkin soup and hard boiled eggs for breakfast. I then realised I had my first 36hr fast in my life since my last meal was 7pm of Day -1. I then had her help me get a cab to my appointment that afternoon, but again she said no cabs will take me so I had to wait for Dr. Park to fetch me. Pain I would say is still 8.5-9. Walking is a huge ordeal. I took an umbrella from the lobby to use as a cane, and even then I walked like a 90 year old witch.
During my first visit, the nurse got a little upset because I loosened my bandages. Well, I had to otherwise I couldn't sleep but I understand why they are very stern. I then did my first stretching which was as painful as anybody on this thread had described. My ears felt hot from all the pain but I still tried my best. After that, Dr. brought me back to guesthouse.
The rest of the day I just watched Netflix while keeping my feet elevated. Pain did not change all day from 8.5-9. I borrowed a bunch of other pillows, but my bed was becoming to be very uncomfortable. It was a guesthouse after all, and looking back I think it was the right decision for the first couple days because the host can attend to you so much more personally.

Day 2 - Post-op
My spirits were completely down starting that morning. It had started to rain all day so everything was gloomy. I felt so low because I was so different from my normal self: very active, social, self-sufficient, etc. I wanted and needed fresh air, but couldn't go out. Also my room was basement level so very little sunlight peeking in. It was soul crushing to experience pain doing the most basic thing--walking! I wasn't (and will never) feel regret over undergoing the surgery but more of fear that I will have a hard time going back to my life. I did not tell anyone except for two friends. It worried me to not experience Seoul at all, to come back with a limp and people will ask, to have to hide my bruises from my mom, and also from the person I'm dating. I was really at my most vulnerable. I re-read a lot of posts here and was shocked at how others were able to walk/tour as early as day 3, while I kept dreading having to go to the bathroom.
During the afternoon, I had my host order Mcdonald's for me. I ate my first real-ish meal, then went back to sleep. Pain was 8-8.5.

Lessons from today:

• Bring anything and everything that will help you keep busy and in a better mood during your downtime.
• Establish at least a two-person support system before you leave, ESPECIALLY if you are going alone. I consider myself very strong-footed but it is a very heavy mental ordeal.

 

[amici1992]

Taking a break guys, I will write again later

 

[camber]

Hi Amici
Stay strong it is all so familiar. Just concentrate on your stretches, bandages and follow up. Just buy some post cards but do not stress out too much about Seoul. The buses are cheap and you can buy a card at the newsagents, put money on and take a look around on the buses. I could not actually find the tour bus but I believe there are touristy tours. When I was there it was very cold and overcast which added to the soul destroying experience. In my guesthouse there was underfloor heating and that just made my stay so much better and I looked forward to it on a cold night. I did go out but it was not pleasant and very difficult. Loads of odd looks. Are you staying for two weeks. You need that for follow ups and to be close to the Dr in case anything goes wrong. I agree on the reception but who cares she is not doing the surgery and we did not go to see her - I know the receptionist you are talking about. Not a charmer but give me the money and fast.

 

[amici1992]

camber said: ↑

Hi Amici
Stay strong it is all so familiar. Just concentrate on your stretches, bandages and follow up. Just buy some post cards but do not stress out too much about Seoul. The buses are cheap and you can buy a card at the newsagents, put money on and take a look around on the buses. I could not actually find the tour bus but I believe there are touristy tours. When I was there it was very cold and overcast which added to the soul destroying experience. In my guesthouse there was underfloor heating and that just made my stay so much better and I looked forward to it on a cold night. I did go out but it was not pleasant and very difficult. Loads of odd looks. Are you staying for two weeks. You need that for follow ups and to be close to the Dr in case anything goes wrong. I agree on the reception but who cares she is not doing the surgery and we did not go to see her - I know the receptionist you are talking about. Not a charmer but give me the money and fast.

Click to expand...

Thank you for your kind words! This happens to be the most challenging ordeal of my life and it means a lot that you still reach out to us in the process. I myself will do my part in sharing as much as i can, and also keeping in touch with any activity in this thread. I've undergone arm, thigh and knee liposuction last year in September but the recovery process was so different! Anyway, I will write again in a while. Again @camber I really really appreciate you. For all the lurkers, past and current patients in this forum, you can rely on me to answer questions I promise to be there with you in spirit.

 

[parachute333]

Hello Amici,

Congrats on being so brave!
The first 10 days will be horrible and you’ll probably think you’re never gonna get better. Don’t worry, you will. It gets better by the day. I was so upset that I was crying the first few days thinking what have I done to myself.

Stretching really helps. So do your stretches because dr and the nurses will not hesitate to push you against the wall. That is going to hurt so bad.

I hope you get well soon! Things will get better

 

[amici1992]

Thank you so much!!! You are all instantly sisters to me. I am thriving on your kind words and concern

 

[amici1992]

Day 3 - Post-op
I was in better spirits. I chose to walk to the clinic in the rain. A walk that would normally take 8-10mins. became a full 35min walk. The nurses changed my bandages and again reprimanded me for loosening it up. But I explained it was really a problem when I sleep. Then after, I met up with a person in this forum at the mall. I was fine because I used the umbrella as a cane. But after we had dinner, walking became increasingly unbearable so I had to call it a night. I was so happy we met up, and we did make plans to see each other again but I knew the moment I got home that it would be very difficult to keep those plans. My feet got so swollen after all the walking, I can’t imagine going anywhere having to keep up.
I woke up that night extremely uncomfortable. The worst part is that I was getting brain fog as well. When I got home 5pm, I crashed in bed and woke up around 8:30, feeling drunk with a migraine. I couldn’t find a comfortable position to sleep at all. I made a snap decision to move to a fancier hotel for the rest of my trip. It really had to be done. I spent the night spacing out my ibuprofen intake just to manage the pain in both my feet, calves and head. Another bad night.

Day 4 - Post-op
My only plan for the day was to move hotel. I notice a pattern in me: waking up in the morning and walking around my own room and the guesthouse, I feel immense pain and discomfort that I can’t imagine leaving for anywhere. However after a few hours, it gets more bearable. It’s not painless to walk, but I can manage. My pace is slower than a grandma for sure. But I keep my head up so even if people look, they just think I have a sprain or something.
Also, it’s hard to find a balance with stretching and pain management. I feel like I am making my headache worse when I stretch, because every stretch is so painful that my ears feel hot and my heart rate speeds up. It aggravates the brain fog and my whole mood. But I must do it. I stayed in my new hotel the rest of the day, feeling very pleased with my decision. Even though my trip already had unexpected expenses with being upcharged, and having to pay with card, I still felt I should be kind to myself and put my comfort as priority. Pain is now at 8, and I still sleep in increments of 2-3hrs.


Lessons from today:

• If you can go outside, do it. Even just for a while. Even if you are walking 1 step per 30 seconds. It is worth it to get fresh air. However, don’t overdo. Be mindful that you will pay for consequence that night.
• Brain fog/tension headache may happen. This is what I found super debilitating, like I was getting sick. Get sunlight, stay hydrated and take naps.

 

[amici1992]

Day 5 - Post-op
I had another check-up at 1:30. Throughout the morning, I still had a migraine but it went away when I stepped outside. So maybe it had to do with just not getting fresh air or any physical activity lol. I was late because of traffic, and my host from guesthouse messaged me on Whatsapp saying the clinic called her. It feels nice to be looked after like that. My first aspiration, and right calf stung. I then felt instantly lighter and put me in better mood. Nurse helped me get a cab to Myeongdong so I can do some shopping. My heels were killing me the whole time but I powered through. Looking back, I really can't imagine the distances I walked at such a snail pace. And every step was uncomfortable. I went home after 2.5hrs walking.
Tip for cabs: always have Hangul spelling of destinations at hand. My hotel has a free device you can take that you can use maps with, call and browse web so I survived without wifi egg. I went home to swollen feet again, but better than Monday. Pain 7.5-8.5.

Day 6 - Post-op
I had one goal that day which is to buy nice souvenir for new boyfriend (who knows nothing about this, and I'm dreading having to meet with bruises and a limp still). Another point of discussion is my appetite: I have only had the willpower to eat one meal or one meal and some snacks during the day. Of course this has to do with activity level but I'm sure if I had a friend with me, I should have eaten better like bananas, eggs, etc.
First time to wear my Adidas, so I spent 2-5pm walking in flat rubber shoes extremely slowly. My heel felt much better, but I went home to painful jabs at back of knee. It felt like my calf was going to explode out of the bandages. The moment I set my heel to the floor to try to get to the toilet, an electric pain would jolt up til my knee. It was horrible. I don't know if this is the day 5-6 regeneration people talk about, or just an effect of walking in flat shoes for first time post-op. I also thought I was bandaging it wrong because maybe it was hitting incision site too tightly, causing the jabs. In any case, I made it through the night back to crouching to the toilet and taking painkiller.
With my headaches gone, pain concentrated again at legs now back at 8.5-9. I had bought Tylenol 500 the day before at Boots but realized Ibuprofen is better because it helps with swelling. Anyway, I had to take twice because the pain was bad enough to wake me up.

Lessons from today:

• My surgery is not obvious if not for my walking. My calf is shapelier even with bandages under the stretchy leggings I brought. I was not shy about stretching in random places or putting my feet up in restaurant (discreetly as I can, but still obvious) because nobody knows me anyway lol
• Pack Ibuprofen, not Tylenol
• Get a hotel with premium bedding (duvet). At first the expense seems silly, but during this challenging couple days you do deserve to be comfortable.

 

[camber]

Sounds like you are getting over it or at last used to it. I went to Myeogdong as well but it was just another shopping street. I had brought Ibuprofen but ran out and had to use Tylenol.

 

[dianna22]

Thanks for your day by day diary, where are you from? Im from the UK and hoping to get this. I just think it sounds so mentally draining. My calves is all i think about but I dont know how i'd ever get through the process!!!!! camber how are your legs doing!?? It is reassuring to know that nobody would know you've had the surgery if it werent for slow walking though.

xxxxx

 

[amici1992]

Day 7 - Post-op, last day in Seoul
What a bittersweet day! I woke up thinking I cannot effin walk. I might have to call Dr. Park, have the team take a cab to me, because really pain was back up to solid 9. Nevertheless, I took it one breath at a time, took a shower, dressed up, took meds, blow-dried my hair and by the time I went outside I was feeling better. The power of the mind really is important. I got to clinic very early because I was trying to beat traffic.
Dr. Park showed me how to aspirate and I got nauseous while watching. I felt the need to throw up and got lightheaded to the point of almost fainting so I lied down. When I got back up I asked, did that happen because of liquid loss? And he said, no it's because you saw the blood. We both laughed lol. He finally mentioned measurements: 39 initial, down to 36.5, and potentially lower. But again, I'm not going to obsess over numbers because like I said, things fit better now even with bandages so I can only imagine getting more pleased as swelling goes down and eventually gone completely.
On my way out there was a girl getting ready for surgery and she was Korean. I held her hand before she went in and told her be strong. I'm not sure how I would do if I did this with a buddy... I think the pain and emotional labor I felt was a private affair. Anyway, pain was at a stable 7.5 but I asked for more painkillers because I was scared of getting extreme pain during long flight home. We said our goodbyes at the elevator. Pain stable at 7, down from 9 that morning.

Day 7.5 - Post-op, travel day
Oh my lord. Brace yourself if you are going home early as I did. I requested wheelchair service, and it was good to be priority everywhere but the seat itself is not that comfortable. My legs jutted at a 90 degree angle, when I feel much better elevated. It really sucked. I counted down every hour of my 2hr and 13hr flight. In China, they started asking tips so I was able to rid my remaining KRW. Then when I hung out at the lounge during my 5hr layover I was told by staff there is a bed I can elevate my legs. But she also asked for tip lol. So I stayed there then. Beijing airport did not have aircondition at the time so it was very uncomfortable.
My 13hr flight I had an empty seat beside me. I spent most of the time with my legs on the tray of that empty seat, with pillows under my knees lol. Lady on other side is caucasian so it was nice we can talk. I told her the surgery and she was impressed, even offering me Ambien. I decided on tylenol PM instead, and that gave me like 3hrs of sleep. I got up as often as I could to stretch, but just being in a wildly uncomfortable position made pain go up to 8. In any case, I made it. I can't believe I was able to get home.
Walking is still slow and hella obvious limp, so I hope for next two days before I get back to work, swelling will go down. I don't know if I can fit into rubber shoes even. My feet have been like elephants since day 1, and fluctuates but never back to normal.
Another thing, my bruises are starting to get ripe meaning they are sore. I experienced same when I had liposuction but I had less swelling then. Now what adds to my discomfort besides the tight bandages is that my feet are ballooned up and my bruises are sore. Pain is now 7, discomfort 7.

Lessons from today:

• Prepare for upcoming flight by packing painkillers, having comfortable shoes, somethign to sleep with
• Ask for wheelchair service and extra pillows, and seat next to an empty one if possible
• You might think you are not squeamish around blood, but you won't know for sure until it is in front of you! I can watch a lot of gore but the reaction to seeing aspiration was so involuntary. I now understand in movies and shows why cops will vomit after seeing a crime scene lol.
• Dr. Park said best if a friend will do it for me
• Have sinecch, bromelain, and lots of water for your recovery