Exchange City
Comments
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Good thoughts going out to those dealing with difficult exchanges. It's not easy no matter what, but it's especially unfair to end up dealing with chronic pain and disappointing results after making the physical and emotional investment that reconstruction requires. Gentle hugs to all...
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Got my pre register call from the hospital this afternoon- and I now have to get blood work and an ekg done. Wish theyd told me a week or two ago! Now I have to set that up for tomorrow, with my exchange on Friday. Sheesh.
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Aviva, your day is almost here!! I to had to get blood test (CBC) before exchange but didn't get an EKG. Do you need to go to hospital or just your regular Dr to have it done?
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It has been 10 days since my exchange which did not include fat-grafting which I know it is painful. My breasts look normal and by that I mean less than perfect
I am happy with results, so far no pain, no issues, am back driving to work and using my arms for everything - although I avoid heavy lifting and exercising as per PS instructions. The space in between my foobs however remains quite swollen. How long before that space returns to normal? Thanks! Nisa 0 -
Aviva, both tests are pretty standard pre-surgery providers. They want to make sure your heart is working ok and the CBC is to make sure you are not anemic. I forgot my appt to get those done 2 days before surgery. So I called and asked if they could be done right before the surgery. They did. It took no more than 5 minutes. Maybe you can ask if they will accommodate your request? Good luck Friday!!
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Sorry, I meant "procedure" not " providers"
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Thank you for all the encouragement and kind words. It means a lot.
Nissa, my swelling lasted about two weeks and my fat grafting disappeared in about 3...lol. What a waste of pain, except for I have slightly thinner inner thighs...lol. You sound pretty happy with your results thought, which is great.
Aviva, the hosp and docs think we can drop everything for them, but God forbid we need them to drop something for us....
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Ahhh, tomorrow is my exchange day.... my stomach is starting to turn. I am excited and nervous both. My last fill was August 15th so it has been a long wait. I am having a lift and reduction of my right native breast and exchange to 410 on my left. I will be so glad when this is behind me!!
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It have been forever since I have posted here and forgive me for just looking for some advice. I had my bmx 7/11 and exchange 10/29. b4 my exchange my skin on my left breast was getting thin and my ps moved up my exchange because he thought this would help. Well I am now 2 months post exchange and the thin skin has scabbed over however it has since cracked and you can see my implant (about the size of an eraser). My ps put in what he called "extra skin" and that has since gone MIA. His suggestion is to cut out the scab (about 3" in length) take out the implant suture me up and wait at least a month before starting back up with a TE. My question is why can't he just cut the scab out and suture it up and save the implant? there is currently no infection. A little background.. before my exchange he had the other doctor form the practice look at it (he is a little more seasoned with this) and he said he could just cut it away the sore at the exchange and suture it but my ps did not want to do that. Anywho... I am thinking this may warrant a 2nd opinion and if so I would need this ASAP my PS wanted me to have this procedure done yesterday while I was in his office I declined because I had commitments at work I need to follow thru with this week as well as I am NOT mentally prepared for this. Any suggestions? Do you think a 2nd opinion would be warranted? If so any PS suggestions in Kane or Lake county?
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Aviva-I'm sure it will go great on Friday!
Meyers-I'd def get a 2nd opinion. I go to Northwestern docs. Love my PS. PM me if you want more info.
Also, I posted pics on the pic forum for advice for my exchange. Would love input if you have any. Thanks much!
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I had forgotten about needing the tests pre op before, otherwise Id have been calling them to get them done last week. She did say if I had to I could do it before surgery Friday, but I go in an hour right down the street to my pcp office, so itll be fine. I just hate last minute things. Im a planner!! If the ekg is less than 6 months old I wont need a new one, Ill have her check when I get there.
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myers. You might just get the surgery done and then go see a PS for a consult. I think if your implant shows and the skin is too thin it might be too late to save the implant. I would about infection. You might lose more skin if that happens. Good luck Much love.
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step mic and aviva, wishing you both a smooth surgery and quick healing. Nissa and goldie, Hang in there. Much love.
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Just posted a few pics on a new thread on the picture board. Its me with my te filled pre exchange Friday. Will post more post exchange.
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I am not going to the 2nd Dr. today I think I will save the copay and call my PS. It is now swollen and just doesn't feel like it should stay in. Thanks for the support and feedback
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Well, I have fought nine weeks since my exchange to implants with infections/cellulitis, leaking, surgeries and pain. I am having my implants removed to give my body time to heal. I had issues with the TE as well. The chemo did wonders to kill the cancer, but messed up my immune system as well. I have been on antibiotics numerous times and as soon as I go off of them the infection comes right back. I just want to feel better and I think this is the only way at this point. I will definitely try again but just need time for my body to heal. Feeling discouraged since I did not meet my final goal.
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I'm sorry togetherness... Hang in there.
Good luck Myers!
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Starting to get nervous!!! One week from today is my exchange. YIKES!!! More concerned about the stomach pain from the fat grafting. Really looking forward to losing these rocks from my chest and SO hoping the implants feel and look good. I posted a current pic on the picture forum. I am filled to 800 cc and will have 800 implants.
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Well... After a not so pleasant phone call with my ps who basically said I told you so we should have taken it out when I wanted to (on Tues) and he couldn't cancel 3 surgeries that he has scheduled today to take care of me. I decided to go to Dr. Madry (my 2nd opinion) Conclusion... It is not infected he thinks he can save the process of starting over by switching out the implant with a smaller size, so surgery for me tomorrow 5pm. Now... I have to find the courage to call my original ps and tell him......
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Amy, what a roller coaster ride! Sounds like doctor #2 can pull off the home run you are hoping for. Who cares if the implants will be smaller. You will get some relief now and can look towards switching them for something bigger if you still want it in a year or so. I'll be in your pocket tomorrow, watching to make sure they do everything right. Hugs, sweetie.
Together, you have made a wise decision. Just let your body heal for awhile and don't worry about the future. If you want to try again later, you can and it doesn't mean the same thing will happen. You've been through way too much and must have relief. When is your surgery? Keep your pocket open so I can jump in it to be with you as soon as Amy's surgery is over. Gotta take care of my girls.
CJC, it's completely normal to feel really apprehensive before the exchange surgery. I was a wreck, not sleeping or having nightmares when I did sleep. But it will be here soon and you can move on to the rest of your life. Please be prepared...your new implants will look much smaller than your TE's, even though they are the same cc's. Mine are probably close to half the size of the TE...not width-wise, that is the same, but the projection will be less and you won't look like you have half a coconut stuck on each side anymore.
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Goldie - I will find out if I need fat grafting at my next visit but I might decline if. I do. Inot looking for perfection here!
Aviva and CJC - Good luck with transfer. Life without TEs is so good!
Amy - Wait for PS # 1 to call you. No need to apologize for having found peace of mind.
Togetherness - I'm sorry this is happening to you.
Moon - you doing well 4 weeks post? Lingering anything? I am still swollen in between but everything else looks decent.
Love, Nisa
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Had postoperative visit with PS PA. RIght before leaving for the office my left incision opened. I was like oh no I'm going to lose my implant. I had radiation on that side. The PA said it was to the side and she couldn't see the implant. She feels we will be okay. Just going to baby that side until fup in 2 weeks. She said not to stress that side...it sits a little higher with the swelling and she had me doing some massaging. Will hold on this for now. On antibiotics already.
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Oh dear Elsie. Fingers crossed for you.
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Amy we should pass in the pre/post op area tomorrow! Im scheduled for 1230, so should be in recovery while you are going in! Waiting for the day before phone call to firm up the time.
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Sending wishes out to both Amy and Aviva for tomorrow. Amy I'm thrilled to here Dr Madry believes he can save you the trauma of having to start back at square one. If I remember correctly but in a much larger implant than you were expanded to and maybe that had a negative healing issue for you. Please Pm me thru Facebook when you can, are you going to Good Sheppard or Alexian Brothers?
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Meyers421....in your pocket for your surgery tomorrow....good luck Amy!
Hugs,
Di
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Elsie....they are making you wait 2 weeks? why?......seem like a long time with an open incision!
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Amy & Avia.....you both will be in my thoughts tomorrow....are you at the same hospital?....ARE
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Avia I got the phone call and I will be going in at 6:30 pm. Good Luck and now don't you wear out the Dr ; )
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Thanks Ladies for the support I'm praying this will do the trick!
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