How can I make my calves smaller?
- Thread starter kahk3000
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@amici1992 congrats for taking that big step. Thank you in advance for keeping us updated on your surgery and progress.
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.
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.
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 $$ in my purse. My surgery will be the next day at 3pm.
After checking in, I spent the rest of the night trying to find a Citibank atm that would dispense that much cash for me. No luck. I was still upset at the $500~ loss I would have by paying via card. I did not buy food that night. Instead, I ate some cheese bread with peanut butter that came free in the guesthouse at around 7pm, as I was supposed to fast by midnight.
Lessons from my mistakes on this day:
Day -1 - Arrival
I arrived at noon on Thursday and my appointment was at 3pm. My guesthouse called Gold Hill Guesthouse should be a 5-8min walk from the Oz Clinic so I used the directions my host provided. The airport limousine 6009 cost around $13 and was an ok ride. Except I got down two further stops so I had to walk under the heat with all my luggage for a while. A man actually sensed my confusion and I showed him the printed paper I had with the clinic's address and telephone number. He called them for me and I made it there in another 10min or so.
When I arrived, they had me change into a robe. She took my blood then I finally met Dr. Park as he took pictures of my calves from some angles. Then we sat down and he talked me through many things that I have already heard over and over from reading this forum lol. But of course I had to pay attention. Then he said it costs more because the pictures I sent are of course a little different from real life. I then paid a cash deposit to get ride of the risky $$ 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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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