I had a breast reduction (Cup Sizes from H down to C) just over two years ago.

The D N Z programme (23/9/2002) brought back sharply those things I was starting to forget (thankfully) - The back pain, headaches, rashes, comments and all the other "side effects".

Why that woman (or any other woman for that matter) would even consider an enlargement is beyond me!

I had surgery on "Bert & Ernie" done in Christchurch by Mr. Peter Walker. He was a genuinely sympathetic man, and I am really pleased with the result. I had to have two operations due to the weight, one to reposition the nipples and the other the actual reduction. These were done 21 days apart. The two procedures made the cost a little more than were described in the documentary ( $14,000 ), but this included my air fares to and from Christchurch. Pre-op consultations took place in Queenstown (much closer).

My husband was very supportive, and although he is one of these guys who is a "boob man", he felt that this was my decision and that I had suffered enough. He now realises that it was the right thing for me to do.

I had no bruising at all post op, due I believe, to the use of Arnica drops. These are a homeopathic remedy that I took in a weaker form for two weeks prior to my op. and in a stronger strength the night prior to, the morning of and immediately after the op. I then followed up these with the weaker strength drops for two weeks following the operation. Mr Walker was very interested in this and now I believe recommends this to his patients. There was also very little blood in my drains. I only had one episode of pain, and that was due to a drain pressing on a nerve, and one shot of pain relief sorted that.

I had my operation on the Monday morning, and my daughter-in law went into labour on the Tuesday afternoon with our first grandchild. I was able to be discharged first thing Wednesday morning and make it back for the birth which thankfully waited for me. I started straight back at work, and didn't feel any repercussions at all. I was slightly tired, but as my job entails computer work was not at all taxing. My friends were amazed that I did this, but know that I can't sit still long anyway.

The scars are nicely faded now, although nipple sensation still has a way to go, but these are small prices to have to pay.

My only regret in the whole thing is that I didn't pluck up courage to have this procedure when I was younger. (I am now 54)

I see large-breasted women in the street and want to go up to them and say "go get them done, get a second mortgage, anything, but just get them done - it will make such a difference", but maybe they are happy that way, and hey, perhaps they have had an enlargement!!!