How can I make my calves smaller?

[PrincessAF]

Day 17, 18, 19, 20 - Post-op, updates on walking
So if you are wondering why it seems like I am tracking my progress on walking instead of the circumference of my calves, well my reason is this: I am already very happy with shape. Right now its still imperfect as you guys saw so much swelling in my ankles that its hard to see myself in shorts, skirts and dresses just yet. However, I already know BY HEART what my old calves look like and it is already a 1000% improvement. It's amazing how much it has helped my self-esteem, which apparently cost ~7,500 USD to regain lol.
Anyway, so I am more concerned with recovering with the walking because I'm an active person and I would love to go back to my active life. I'm a regular at my gym and people are looking for me lol. My next mission is to go on a healthy diet and workout plan so I can lose maybe 5-10lbs. The difference this time is it will be easier to commit because I will not feel hopeless seeing my stomach shrink but my calves still the same! Before, I was so obsessed with working out and running (I used to do 4-6 miles A DAY) to feel good about myself, and I did, but I still hated my body because of my calves. I just felt fat.

Thanks for updating us on your progress. But the above is everything. Highlighted parts for emphasis.

I thought of this the other day. This surgery seemed like a huge thing but how much have I spent all my life and will continue to do so to hide my problem or disguise it in some ways.

 

[PrincessAF]

Day 5 Post Op

Um my legs are starting to itch like hell. Also, the stitches hurt. Even being pushed in a wheelchair all day tired my legs and feet out and made me super swollen but thank god for my angel (slave he called it) of a BF for patiently pushing me around all the bumpy half made roads of Taipei.

Ok the itching. Like last night, it itched so much I thought I was going to scratch the skin off and I did a bit

I was 42cm pre op - the photo is a relaxed calf look compared to its actual form and you can see where it hung so low like some kind of meat for sale at the market, with flies buzzing around eating it up.

Umm my hand is still swollen from the catheter that got take out days ago so no doubt my legs are having a field day. I’m a very swelly person.

I read back to the beginning of this thread out of boredom and depression lol and someone said something about going to those traditional acupuncture places in your city and that’s what alleviated her buildup of fluid and blood. If that’s something to consider. The idea of drawing blood out of my calves makes me want to throw up even to consider. It’s so weird coz when I thought of amici92’s post saying she can’t do it, I think “aww it won’t be that bad you can do it” then I think of me doing it to myself and yep nope I think I will subconsciously not even be able to if I tried.

 

[dianna22]

I thought of this the other day. This surgery seemed like a huge thing but how much have I spent all my life and will continue to do so to hide my problem or disguise it in some ways.[/QUOTE]

This does seem drastic but if I dont do it I will continue to let it rule my life : (

 

[PrincessAF]

Oh good lord! What in the world has happened? It is Day 6 and I am in more pain than I’ve ever been combined!

Is this the day 5-6 pushback that the body is doing that some people have mentioned?

I went to the Dr today (left his clinics care 2 days ago). He unwrapped everything and looked at the muscles with the ultrasound.

He seemed pleased and said that there was minimal smelling, I was caring for it quite well and the wound is very dry. So he decided it is good to waterproof it so I can take a proper shower and not worry about it. The ultra sound showed very minimal bleeding, which hopefully means less aspiration.

Then he got me to show him how I did the bandages and said I was doing it too loose and there’d be no point if it is too too loose. At this point, he made me go tighter which I was fine with.

We got back to the apartment where bf helped me take a full body shower. It would be one of the clumsiest, sloppiest, least sexy thing we’ve ever done together. I would describe it as him trying to help me from being drowned by nothing. Like he had to hold me up and my legs were starting to buckle for some reason and it was the longest it’s ever been completely exposed. Then he noticed how much it’s swollen up since everything was taken off. We tried our best to put everything back on but still took quite a bit of time due to some random untimely interruption.

Since then, the swelling began to take serious form and only increased as the hours went by. And then the pain. Oh god. I feel like I finally understand what you guys are going through when speaking about pain level 9 and also discomfort level 9.

Bf had to go out and buy ice bags for me to put my feet and the extremely painful part of the leg on. It hurt like hell but did help a bit. Now the pain is back.

Reading back really helps when people have mentioned it and I don’t feel like I severely messed up somewhere to cause this upon myself after 6 days of being relatively lucky. Hopefully it is just that phase the body likes to go through and push back against all this that has happened to it.

Thank you to those.

 

[Julia A]

Thanks for all who contributed and posted their surgery recovery process here. I want to share my journey with those who are interested in this surgery too. Hope it helps

Day 0
Touched down in Seoul today morning and met with Dr Park in the afternoon. The clinic was simply and chic, and the nurses were efficient and professional. My first meeting with Dr Park was great, He explained all my questions clearly and thoroughly. After measuring my calves, He explained that my calves muscle are really pretty big, and he will probably take off roughly 70% of the muscle. He mentioned that because of my big muscle, I could probably expect an obvious big change after my surgery. So excited for this chance. I have been anticipating this since I was maybe 15. Paid for the surgery in cash after the consultation, and got a 10% discount which was great.
The surgery is 10am tomorrow morning. Excited and yet frightful. Wish me luck girls

My height : 152 cm
circumference: unsure, but definitely big !

-Julia

 

[Julia A]

Day1 - Surgery Day



Reached the clinic at 9.40am today , and my surgery is scheduled at 10am.

After changing into the hospital gown and a final consultation with Dr Park, its time to prep for the surgery. The nurse led me to a cozy room, with 2 hospital bed and inserted the IV line onto my left wrist area. I lied on the comfy bed with the IV drip for roughly 30-40 mins, before walking into the surgery room. The surgery room was beautiful, with huge glass window and sparking white walls. The nurses helped me into a fatal position, before the friendly anaesthesiology inject me from my lower back. The injection was quick and it left a warm feeling in the injected area after the injection. I was then helped onto my back, where the 2 nurses clean and sterile my entire leg and feet. Word of warning to all the ladies who are planning to undergo this surgery, wear appropriate undergarments, because everyone in the room will see your underwear ! During this cleaning and sterilising procedure, my legs were starting to feel numb, which was great. I was then instructed to lay face down, and the nurse put a towel over my face. I soon fell asleep, but unfortunately woke up before the surgery ended. I could feel the doctor working on my right leg, but rest assured, you will not feel any pain. It was just a weird sensation. After Dr Park finished the surgery, he wrapped both my legs and the nurses roll me into the ward. At this time, I could feel that my right leg was less numb then my left, and there was a dull ache in my calves. It felt like I have ran 20 kilometres straight. The feeling was irritating but tolerable. After resting a while, one of the nurse asked me how I feeling and wanted me to walk to the toilet to pee before she was able to give me anything to drink. I was anticipating a sharp pain when I place my feet on the floor to stand, but there was none. However, i felt dizzy because of the general anaesthesia, and pain quickly shot up after a few steps, forcing me stop and rest on the sofa outside the toilet. The nurse gave me a shot of pain killer through the IV, and gave me 10mins to rest before we proceed back to walking to the toilet. In total, I was given 3 pain killer shots and was made to walk out from the ward to the reception desk 2 times. After a while, I could walk on my own without the nurse assistance, but I was gripping and holding on to the IV line stand for support while I walk. In the afternoon, I was discharged after given my meds and a check by Dr Park.

Right now, the right leg felt swollen and numb when I lay on the bed for too long, but there isn’t any pain right at this moment. I will continue to update my journey tomorrow, after my first follow-up tomorrow morning.



-Julia A

 

[amici1992]

Day 21.5 & 22 - Post-op, visit to the gym
That night, I slept over boyfriend's place. I reflect again on my recovery (that week and overall) and realize how sometimes day-to-day I don't feel any real quantifiable progress, but I have been sleeping over my bf's once a week since returning; there is definitely a clear and semi-drastic difference in how I am and how I feel each time. After upping my stretch game for five days during the work week, my limp has now gone down to only 30%. I don't need to hide under leggings and socks now because the bruises have faded and he's used to the bandages by now. Mornings still catch me off guard but everything else is so managable.
Next morning I return to the gym but knew I will only really stretch. My rubber shoes can fit me now but I can't tie the laces lol. I do modified stretching, bodyweight squats and core stuff for maybe 45mins then leave. Dr. Park's official advice is to resume exercise at 6 weeks, but I plan on using gym equipment for hard stretches every morning as soon as my shoes fit more comfortably.

Day 23 - Post-op
Not much to report that day except I was walking so much quicker in my platform shoes. I also rode the train to boyfriend, the first time since day 10 and it was so different lol. I did it alone, at a normal person's pace. Progress! No pain, just tightness. I finally get to say that lol some people have been reporting that since day 1 and I just can't imagine.

Day 24 & 25 - Post-op
I managed a routine now: whenever I rebandage after I shower, I first massage with argan oil. I've been watching out for any rippling as a sign that I need to try harder to aspirate but there is none so far. I am dreading trying again just because the poking is not pleasant. I don't mind needles in any other context but with aspirating, the having to poke in and out repeatedly to find right spot is horrible. Anyway, while I do look forward to going bandage-free, right now it feels uncomfortable NOT to be compressed. It feels like there is a tight lump floating in my calves and I instantly feel better when I rebandage. In about a month, summer will arrive. I don't think I'm ready to expose them naked, but I feel much better that my calves are not enormous anymore. I don't mind hiding behind pants, I've been doing that for years and years now lol. I don't get cramps anymore, and my heels don't dig into shoes anymore. Going downstairs improves incrementally. Rubber shoes now fit although the ankles are tight and can rub shoe.
I will reduce updates for now from daily to weekly but will be happy to respond to any questions!

 

[Julia A]

Day2 - first night after surgery and first day post op

Last night after the surgery in the afternoon, I started experiencing a burning, needle pricking experience in my right leg. The intensity of the pain intensified throughout the night and make it difficult to get much sleep. I tried elevating my legs when I am in bed, but this only seem to worsen the swollen feeling in my feet, weird. After many attempts in trying to find a better position to sleep in, I have decided that sitting at the edge of my bed, with my feet touching the floors, while I lay sideways on the bed, is the only acceptable position that I was able to fall asleep in. But this position contributed to a ever more swollen feet that is so tight and painful the next morning. As amici mentioned in her post-op journey, there is really no way to get much sleep at all. Waking up every 2 hours and feeling impossible to fall asleep again afterwards. I took one of the pain killer med that Dr Park gave me so to cope with the burning sensation, but the pain still persist on.

when I woke up the next day, i was expecting excruciating pain from my legs, But there was none. The burning sensation on my right leg was gone, and my left leg feels perfectly normal. The only uncomfortableness that i felt was due to the tight wrapping, my heavily swollen feet and a deep soreness in the calves when I stand and walk. At this time, there is a persistent dull headache that won't go away, even with the head massage that my aunt gave me. I was also developing a fever and my spirits was just so down that it was frightening.

We had to travel down to Dr Park clinic for my first post op consultation in the afternoon. Where the gloomy Seoul weather, heavy downpour, crazy Seoul traffic, fever and most importantly my headache, makes this 15mins car ride felt like an eternity. I honestly thought that I was dying and my aunt was reallyq nervous and kept massaging my hands and head.

After arriving at the clinic, the pretty nurse unwrap the thick wrapping and replace it with a tight bandage. Dr Park gave me pills for the fever and my headache and explained to me that I should be lying down more. After I reached home, I googled and found that the headache was caused by the regional anaesthetic in the spinal cord which led to some fluid leaking. When standing or sitting down, this leaking will cause pressure and lead to my headache.

Called my parents and boyfriend that night and it really help improve my spirits. Started on the stretching exercise as instructed by Dr Park, and which left me panting and worsening my headache.

Hope everything will turn for a better tomorrow

- Julia

 

[Julia A]

Day 3
Had a restful and long sleep last night. The weather here in Seoul is still gloomy and has been raining pretty much the entire day, much like how I am feeling inside. My headache is still here and doesn't seem to be going away any time sooner. Causing my poor appetitide and lousy mood.

On a more positive note, I have been doing the calf stretching exercise regularly and my walking really did improve, which is great. I have yet to venture out of the airbnb apartment yet, but plan to do so soon. Maybe it will help improve my mood.

Right now, there is no pain from my calves or my swollen feet. I just wish that this damn headache will go away.

- Julia

 

[PrincessAF]

Day 3
Had a restful and long sleep last night. The weather here in Seoul is still gloomy and has been raining pretty much the entire day, much like how I am feeling inside. My headache is still here and doesn't seem to be going away any time sooner. Causing my poor appetitide and lousy mood.

On a more positive note, I have been doing the calf stretching exercise regularly and my walking really did improve, which is great. I have yet to venture out of the airbnb apartment yet, but plan to do so soon. Maybe it will help improve my mood.

Right now, there is no pain from my calves or my swollen feet. I just wish that this damn headache will go away.

- Julia

Hey Julia,

Your results look dramatic indeed and very happy for you that it is!

Hope your recovery journey is well as it could be. I am day 9 now post op and it gets better every day. Some days it felt like it got worse over this time but mood and mentality are really big determining factors on these for me.

Good luck!

 

[Julia A]

Day 4

Looking back at what happened yesterday ( currently writing this in Day 5), I could honestly say that Day 4 was the worst I have felt in these short 4 days. I woke up feeling alright after a long sleep, and gave my mum a call to report my progress. The frequent stretching from Day3 has really paid off and I was able to stretch easier and walk better when I woke up, YAY!. Everything was as per usual until lunch. Where I have decided to take a small walk in the neighbourhood with my aunt, so to get some fresh air. Prior to leaving the house, I asked my aunt to get me a big umbrella to use as a cane, as Amici mentioned that it was helpful. So armed with the big umbrella on my right hand and my aunt holding me steady on the left, I walked out of the airbnb apartment with confidence and excitement. Maybe it was my overconfidence in my walking ability or that I wasn't dressed warm enough for the windy weather, I soon felt tired after 10mins of walking and we had to turn back to the house ( which is another 10 mins of walk) . I could feel my headache and nausea building up around then, my legs were also very sore and felt much like the aftermath of an intensity gymming session. After I reached home, I was immediately on bed rest for the rest of the day, but that did not help how sick and nausea I felt.
During my call with my boyfriend that night, I had to suppress my tears because I was afraid that he could hear me cry when I hear his voice. I didn't dare call my parents that night, in fear of making them more worried than they already are. After the call, I have decided to stick a finger down my throat and make myself puke. It worked and I vomited 3 times before I could stop. Well, this really helped stop the nauseaness that I was feeling since afternoon. I am not proud of having to force myself to throw up, but I was glad I did.

Mistakes that I have made today was to let my confidence get over my head and over-exerting myself too much too soon. Most importantly, dress warmly to protect yourself against the wind.

I have a second post op check up with Dr. PARK tomorrow ( Saturday ), and I am planning to layer a jumper over my tee-shirt and wear my thick jacket over them, coupled with 2 pairs of socks ! All in this 16 degree and windy Seoul temperature.

Sorry, I didn't managed to take any clear picture today, Will do so in tomorrow's update

- Julia

P.s Thank you princessAF and Dianna for your kind words and messages. I appreciate all your encouragement and kind words

 

[Julia A]

Day 5

Today was just fantastic ! After having such a difficult time yesterday, my condition has finally taken a turn for a better today. My headache has subsided by 99% !!! I am so glad that it is gone, after being tormented by it for 3 days straight. The past 3 days were so unbearable and I could only eat standing up, or my headache will go out of control every time i sit and there goes all my appetitide. I am so relief that it's gone.

Went for my second post op check up today. The nurse was pleased with my stretching and taught me how to up my stretching game. The bruising on my right calf has spreaded to my right thigh the day before, and made my right thigh bigger. Dr Park and the nurse assured me that this is normal, which is great to hear. We took the train back to the apartment instead of taking the cab, and it was the longest 30mins walk I have ever taken. Throughout the journey, I was worried that my headache will come back and I will revert back to the sick and nausea condition like yesterday. Thank God, apart from being worn out from the walking and soreness in my calves, there was no other pain and discomforts.

Today afternoon, i took a look at the backview of my calves for the first time post op, and I was AMAZED and excited at how much smaller my calves look from the back. ( I will insert pictures of my before and a picture I took today)

This is the first good day after the surgery. Hopefully tomorrow will be great too !

- Julia

 

[Julia A]

Day 6

It was difficult to stand today, where pain shoots up from the lower thigh of my right leg, every time i stand after lying/sitting for too long. I was also unable to keep my right leg ( The problematic leg ) straight when i stand, where my right knee will also bulge out in comparison to my left knee. The pain feels as if i am splitting apart 2 tightly wound muscle, but the pain only lingers for maybe 10 seconds before dying down and my body got used to the motion of standing up. This caused me to think and look back at my sleeping/ resting/ sitting position, where i will always bend my legs inwards every time. This habit of not keeping my legs straight, probably caused the pain when i stand. As my muscles are kept in a position that are bend for a long while before i straighten them when standing. After this realization and testing the theory out, i found out that the awful pain was greatly alleviated. Now i sleep, lay in bed, even sit, with my legs kept as straight as possible and never bending them.

The bruises that spread from my calves to my thighs are really painful too. I tried applying ice pack on them but it only intensified the pain afterwards. I am really glad that i have my big heating pad with me, which i place on my bed. Really helps a lot.

- Julia

 

[amici1992]

Dear @Julia A it's so amazing how much of our experiences are the same. Maybe except the calf pain (which I had a substantial amount of even upon returning). But yes, the headache etc etc. Your results are so dramatic I'm so over the moon happy for you! Keep updating. And keep your spirits high. Remember how long you wanted this, and now it's yours, you just need to ride this recovery out with flying colors.

 

[Julia A]

Day 7

Thank you amici ! I have read through your updates many times and they are really helpful in reassuring me and inspiring me to push forward with my own recovery !

Amici you are right, stepping out of the house to get some fresh air and exercise is really important. If i lay in bed the whole day and only stand up and walk when i need to do my stretching or to use the washroom, my calves feel tighter during the stretching and there is more pain. However, if i step out of the house to take a short walk around the neighbourhood and do my stretching afterwards, it is easier and my legs feel lighter.

Walking up any slope, even the gentle ones, is difficult and tiring. A walk up a small slope, which took me 1 minute before the surgery, now takes 5 minute. Leaving me lightly sweating and out of breath. But any form of walking is welcomed, just dont over it.

My thighs are starting to get smaller and less swollen which is great !
I need to clarify that the reason why my left calf looks smaller, straighter and less problematic than my right, is because Dr Park took out more from the right. As my right calf was originally bulkier and more muscular than the left. Hence there are more swelling, bruises and pain from my right.

- julia