Exchange City
Comments
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Glad to hear you are having an easy recovery TrmTab. I wish I could say the same. Going to see ps Thursday. Left implant is all squished over toward center causing a lot of pain and discomfort. I think he will need to release some of those deep internal sutures to help the implant down and more lateral. There is a lot of swelling along the whole upper pole all the way into my armpit.
HikingLady my 1st 2 ps gave me the choice between textured anatomical or smooth round. PS3 didn't though. Like Borogirls surgeon, my ps won't use the textured due to Alcl risk. For the record though, my 1st set of smooth rounds were too narrow for the pockets and would flip over backwards when I lay down. They did look mishapen as the flat back was flipped toward the front. The new implants we chose are wider and lower projection...no more flipping.
Good luck with your decision and upcoming exchange. 7 moths in expanders is a long time! Keep us posted!
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while I feel great I am actually at the PS now. I have never stopped bleeding from one spot along the incision...like a small weeping that will stop but then starts again. I have switched to a firmer compression bra and that seems to be helping plus the PS put in 2 stitches. She says it isn't internal bleeding as there is no swelling or bruising...just the two sides of the incision not coming together. Hope the two stitches work.
Shoregirl does that mean a full anesthesia surgery to remove some of the stitches you have? Sounds like those are internal.
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@borogirl - I am having my implant exchanged for that very reason; I have the anatomical and it flips around instantly. My own persona sun dial. The lymphoma risk info came out not long after I had them put in so im doubly happy to be getting rid of them next mlnth.
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my exchange surgery is now scheduled for Jan 18
My surgeon didn't tell me which brand of implant I will have
I'm not happy with TE size now I have 600cc in right side and 500cc in left
He told me he will put implants 650 cc is that normal ???
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hi all! I had my exchange surgery on 12/11 and so far I believe all is going well. I had my first post op visit yesterday and I'm still restricted to lifting no more than 5lbs. and lifting arms to just a little past shoulder height. They removed the bandaids covering the sutures and overall I'm pleased.
I do have a question if there's anyone out there who had an exchange post radiation to one side only- My right side (non radiated ) is looking pretty good , but my left side is looking very bruised -this set in a few days after surgery as I literally had no bruising the first few days. I know he had to break up scar tissue bc this side also had 3 lymph nodes removed but is it normal to have bruising on one side and not other? How long til bruising goes away. Also My PS was pretty straightforward that with having a radiated side and one not they likely won't be perfectly symmetrical which I'm ok with but my ? Is what were the differences people notced as they healed between radiated v. Non radiated? Also is there that much differnence inhow they look now versus when they “settle"? And what does that actually mean (my implants are over the muscle
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HopefulAC I haven't had my exchange yet. However, after my NNS-BMX, the previously-radiated side (15 years before) was 4x as slow for healing, due to that scar tissue. 2 weeks to close incision on left, 8 weeks to close incision completely on the right side. So, I expect that at exchange, same thing. It will be slower to heal.
As for more bruising on the radiated side, that's what I experienced after the BMX. The radiation causes scar tissue in the skin and in the pectoral muscle, and that compromises the blood supply, so it is more challenging to heal. Be vigilant about watching for any signs of infection on that side; that's, unfortunately, also a higher risk after radiation.
My PS has also said that the radiation makes it more likely that there will be contracture, and then a tighter fit and smaller size on that side. Some of this is unknown until healing is complete, he also said.
Keep us posted, thanks--I'll be curious to know how it all goes, because my exchange will be in 12 days.
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TrmTab I hope those 2 stitches resolve the bleeding. It sounds like your ps is confident they will. I went to my ps yesterday. He had me lay down and stood over me and pressed down on the implant with all his weight to try and shift it a bit. Wow, it hurt! Good thing he is a little guy lol!! But it did move it down a little bit. There is still a lot of swelling in the upper pole. He said I have pain on that side because he put stitches in the muscle. He wants to see me again in 3 weeks to see how its doing. Says it is a lot easier to bring an implant down than to raise it up, and he can do it in his office. He has a full surgical suite there so I am assuming I would have general anesthesia if it comes to that. He can do all kind of surgeries right there. The only time he has to put me in the hospital OR is if he is swapping implants or alloderm. But pocket work, fg etc he can do at his office. Supposedly the advantage is less stress for the patient, a more relaxed and private environment.
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I am doing okay no more bleeding
Can't imagine someone pushing on me to brake a stitch
Take care
TT
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HikingLady: to reduce/prevent vomiting after anesthesia: try hydration before surgery.
I've had 5 general anesthesia surgeries in the last few years. I had horrible vomiting or was very nauseous after 2 of the 5. My team and I tried to find out what was the difference. We discovered it was hydration. My Gyn surgeon told me to drink about a gallon of fluids the day before surgery for Ooph/BMX. I thought that was to make the laparoscopic surgery go smoother. Of course for colonoscopy there's all the prep solution. I wasn't hydrated for the other 2. So I made sure I super-hydrated the day before my revision and had no problems with anesthesia.
Yes, I also take a good probiotic when taking antibiotics. I try to time the probiotic so I take it the furthest time away from the antibiotic. If I have a twice-a-day antibiotic at 6:00 am and 6:00 pm, I'll take my probiotic around noon.
Best wishes,
Madelyn
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I drank 3 quart bottles of sparkling water per day for the 2 days before surgery and 3 days after
Hydrated for procedure and then flush system afterwards
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Mominator and
TrmTabThanks! Makes sense. I usually do drink a lot of water, but I'll try super hydrating the day before surgery.
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I hydrated like hell, still woke up puking.
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I have to use Skopolamine patch and I do Total IV Anesthesia (TIVA), no gas.
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Always ask for a scop patch. It makes a magical difference. And yes, talk to the anesthesiologist. I'm not sure if I had TIVA - but whatever concoction I had for the exchange & later ALND surgery meant no nausea - compared to the BMX where I couldn't stop throwing up in ICU for hours.
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For my BMX at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, I was told to drink 20 ounces of Gatorade a few hours before surgery. That was awesome. I didn't have that option for my most recent revision since it was expected to be much shorter. It was almost as long (approx 4 hours) and I was so dehydrated that my blood pressure was dangerously low. Hydration matters a lot.
Can someone remind me why pineapple is recommended before and after surgery?
Ceci
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is the scop patch the thing they stick behind your ear? I had acupuncture patches behind my ears and it seemed to work. I realized they were still on a few days after I got home (after DIEP) and pulled them off. Very pointy.
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Pineapple before and after surgery helps keep bruising down. I ate 1 cup of FRESH pineapple each day for 5 days before and after surgery and it really makes a difference.
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Pineapple had bromelain which is an anti inflammatory enzyme. And it is yummy!!
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pineapple and higher protein for me
I have been very fortunate on anesthesia side effects.... perhaps over hydration or perhaps just me.... I am 5'8" and 175...athletic build so solid not fat dispite those numbers...which are big for many women... I wear a size 12
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14 surgeries in my life, only puked once after my tubal ligation. I mentioned that to my anesthesiologist for this recent surgery. She said gyno surgeries usually DO cause nausea. Something about a big nerve that gets disrupted. I always request a scop patch regardless. I don't ever want to experience puking in surgical recovery again!
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one week post op...actually was in pre-op one week ago at this time. Only one more antibiotic pill to take and then on my own for the longer recovery
Have been feeling good and trying not to do too much... but it is the holidays...on Friday I wrestled a little too much with getting presents out of my closet...
I see the PS January 2, I hope she releases me to do some stretching exercises...I can't wait to get back to my yoga practice even just starting with gentle restorative classes
Happy Christmas Eve
TT
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Hikinglady- thank you for responding! merry Christmas Eve! In terms of healing there is some definite tightness in the radiated side but the biggest difference is bruising in terms of healing. Right after surgery I didn’t have any and now my radiated side is all bruised it began near armpit and now it’s basically all over. My other breast has no bruising at all. I just hope it gets better soon
BEsides the awful bruising I like the way they look as surgeon did really well making them look even. I stayed close to my size big B small C bc doc said that would yield better results since radiation and couldn’t go bigger.
Hikinglady- best to you
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Hopeful
I was horribly bruised after my first exchange. The bruising really appeared a couple of days after exchange and then blossomed and took several months to almost fully resolve. I actually had a shadow of a bruise about the size of a quarter a year afterwards. Not trying to depress...but simply share that it may take a while. TT
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I had the Sientra highly cohesive “gummy bear” implants InAugust 2016. One problem was that the particular implants were too large for my frame, but I absolutely hated them. I agree with another writer that they looked like flat hamburger buns and were very hard. Then, after the lymphoma story broke, my ps devised to quit using them. Five weeks ago I replaced them with the smooth round and am already happier.
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HorseFly - were they anatomically shaped? I didn't realize that Sientra made those. I have the original Allergan 410 anatomical cohesive gel implants. I've had them since 2011 and am very satisfied. They're not much harder than my 'original equipment' and I have good projection - not buns. I know from Whippetmom's thread that you must have a REALLY experienced PS to make the pockets that are exact to fit correctly. Although I've read the press, so far my PS is not indicating any issues I need to be concerned about, and I've had them for 7 years.
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Just back from my 2 week post-op appt...
Had a very good meeting with Dr re my recovery status and progress…had for me a disappointing meeting re removal of restrictions in the weeks ahead.
I see her in 4 weeks, +6 weeks from the surgery, at THAT time I will be lifted to start RE-INTROducing strength/weight issues into upper body as tolerated over a build up of up to a month or so after being away from such activities…yikes!
Her pre-op materials on Post-op procedure was first two week this and then up to 4 weeks that, then free to start building up again.Well, the grammar was off, 2 week this, the NEXT 4 weeks that…
I know it is silly but I am very disappointed and now need to clarify my business trip that is at 5.5 weeks post op…truly thought I would have been okay with that, but my next appt is after my trip to Princeton and my bags exceed the no weight bearing rules.
I can do the non-strength non-balance yoga classes (Yin Yoga) as long as I don't do chest/shoulder straining…ugh…still just a walking machine.
Trying to be grateful for the good medical report...TT0 -
TrnTab,
I had my surgery 3 days after yours. Going tomorrow for my 2 weeks follow-up. I feel you about working out and getting back to your routine. I had signed up for a half marathon on Jan 20. Not sure about running it, but may have to settle for walking.
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Hello All!
Thanks to all of you, for support and encouragement and good vibes, and for sharing all of your experiences and knowledge, and cheering me on through my anxiety about this.
Day One After Exchange: I had my exchange yesterday, January 2, at 12:15 p.m. Home by 4 p.m. Anesthesiologist was very thoughtful about working to reduce my wake-up nausea, which I've usually had; not this time! He said he'd use two meds during anesthesia that would help (Phenergan + Zofran). No guarantees, he said, because everyone's different. But, whatever he put in the cocktail, it really worked. I also super-hydrated the day before surgery, and anesthesiologist agreed with that being a help also for reducing nausea. Surgery was 12:15, and I didn't eat after midnight night before, but I was allowed BLACK coffee + water until 8:45 a.m. which was helpful morning-of.
Anxiety help: I asked for something to keep me calm--they gave me 5 mg Valium as soon as they took me to the pre-surgery prep area, and it was oral, not IV. So, for the next 45 min before surgery, I felt relaxed and much less anxious than I would have been without this nice assist! It's bad enough to go through all this trauma, and I decided that a tiny mood-assist would be appropriate, and both doctors and RN husband totally agreed.
Surgery and size: PS took out TE's and put in the implants. Also took out extra skin on left side to match right side's size. Right side expanded less, because of 2003 radiation, so I asked PS to make left side smaller to match right side. It's expected that, as PS describes it, "they'll be sisters, not twins." He has warned that contracture is more likely on right side than for other people--that's just a post-radiation surgery fact. I'm hoping for a sort-of match. They'll be rather petite; size is not something I can choose. Stretching just was limited on right side, and fills became horribly uncomfortable, so I stopped at that point. Probably will end up a B cup, possibly C.
Nausea: My husband is an RN, and he's guiding all of my med timing. We have Phenergan + Zofran at home, and I did use them for the first 15 hours or so, and now I think I'm past the post-anesthesia nausea. Throwing up + oral pain meds = a terrible plan, right? Anyway, so far, so good.
Bandages: Today I go to PS office for an RN to remove wrapping. After surgery, I was sent home with a huge ACE wrap around foobs. Today, that will be removed, down to steri-strips, I assume, and supposedly I'll be cleared to take showers now. No drains, yay!!! Lots of swelling, of course. I'm trying to sleep in a chest-uphill position, to help with that. Also, to be able to sleep on my back, I'm using small pillows under arms, and a travel pillow around my neck, plus a whole other assortment of possible pillow options!
Meds: There's an antibiotic for 5 days (every 8 hours). I need my Oxycodone for a few days, I'm also taking stool softener (Colace) + also Senna + also a few prunes each day because of that. I'm taking Tylenol every 2-3 hours between Oxy doses. Will eventually taper off Oxy, in 5 days or so is expected. We wrote down a schedule for managing all this, and that includes alarms a couple of times in the night. Not Fun, but that way I'm staying comfortable. Nurse-husband will take care of me for 5 days, then he'll go back to work. I'm up and about today. Still sleepy from anesthesia and a bit groggy because of Oxy on board, but pain level is okay with Oxycodone.
Hydration - I'm drinking as much water as I can get down for a few days. Helps to clear out anesthesia grogginess and helps with healing and helps all meds. be absorbed and work sooner.
Food: first 24 hours after surgery, easy-to-digest things, of course. For me, that was tomato soup + toast, and I had oatmeal for breakfast. Now I'll start adding extra protein + antioxidants for healing, and continue that for a month or so, as per dr. guidelines.
Implants: my PS says they're "smooth round," and although they're the "cohesive" version of Natrelle's smooth rounds, they're not the "textured anatomical," according to my PS and the online Allergan product catalog. The names of the Allergan models are confusing, but this is what I have in me:
Allergan Natrelle Inspiration Cohesive
SCX-400 (volume=400 ccs)
I chose to not have textured anatomical implants, for various reasons. One is (perhaps illogically) the 1/30,000 risk of an associated lymphoma. Obviously, that's practically zero, but not quite zero. The truth is, I listened to my DD. My daughter is a Nurse Practitioner, and she wanted me to choose lowest-possible risk since there was an option. All implants have risks, but that particular one is one I can reduce by having "smooth round." My PS thinks that textured anatomicals have a more "natural look," and that they settle in well. On the other hand, a writer on this forum was more comfortable when she switched from textured to smooth.
Glad to have this surgery behind me, and the new Foobs in front of me. :-)
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I have the Natrelle Inspira SCX as well, but mine are 600 plus cc's. I think you will likely be a C cup as I am a DD!
The risk of ALCL is actually more like 1 in 3000 for those with textured implants. As time goes on the statistics change. You made the right choice.
Hope your recovery continues to go smoothly.
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No VegGal, from what I've read, the risk is NOT that high. The risk depends on your age. From our own BCO site...1 in 35,000 for women age 50. 1 in 12,000 at age 70.
MD Anderson estimates from one in 30,000 to one in 1,000 - but is still calling the risk under 1%. While this does mean there is a risk, I hope we don't start 'scare stories' for those of us who have textured implants or those who are still making decisions. Read the reports. Listen to your doctors. Get a second opinion if you're still undecided. Most of us are in great shape!!!
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