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Exchange City

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Comments

  • Vinogal
    Vinogal Member Posts: 114
    edited February 2009

    Hey Exchangees.....so glad  to here that your exchanges went so well......it is encouraging to all of us.

    Jean.....thanks for asking........yes I am on for reinsertion on Monday.......PS thought everything looked great today.......so yippee......6:30 am for me!

    Cheers to all!

    Jax

  • Bukki
    Bukki Member Posts: 103
    edited February 2009

    hello all you lovelies....hope all is going well with each of you....I read these post and find myself both laughing and crying for all that you are going thru. I have another appt to see my oncologist tomorrrow....he wants to dicuss the final path report with me.....I too have copy and am quite confused why he wants to rehash this all again...I am worried and am just trying to keep all the info straight....and I am a nurse....lol....but since I have always workedin critical care area I feel like a fish outta water with all these new terms and tests.....my exchangew is scheduled for 3-4, and I viseted my PS monday and he said all was looking well....I was so concerned about the redness in te left breast ...he said it was just the expander......and I also have three areas on the right breast ...well under it in the previuos suture area that have never healed.....one is about the size of a quarter and still drains this yellow yuk.....since I am nurse XI was questioning all this ....just too worried about infection....anyone else have these kind of isssues??? thanks for listening.....although after reading some of you girls stories I feel I should keep my yap closed. This is a hard thing to go thru....I am glad I found this place......love and prayers to all.....Elaine

  • Bukki
    Bukki Member Posts: 103
    edited February 2009

    also...sorry for all the typos....my cat was helping me...Elaine

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited February 2009

    Dont' have the issues "yet"  Elaine... but wanted to say hi and that you are not alone.... Annie and Yvonne has issues like yours.. I know they will chime in.

    All this stinks and we all yap... :)

  • Dejaboo
    Dejaboo Member Posts: 761
    edited February 2009

    No Internet all last night ...grrr.

    Sure hoping to hear from ladyredlocks & Pinkylee this am.  Hopefully you are both just taking it easy.

    Wow, already March next week!

    Lots of Exchanges happening.  Jax,  good to hear you are a Go!

    Pam

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited February 2009

    Elaine:    So your PS does not see any concerns with the areas you mentioned - i.e. the area which still has drainage?  Hope your oncologist takes a look today and can give you another assessment.  I don't know, I would personally rather wait for healing and defer surgery to a later date.  But if your PS feels it is nothing to worry about, you almost have to trust his judgment.  He certainly has an investment in making sure you have a good cosmetic result.  Let us know what your oncologist states about the final path report. 

  • 2Twentyeight
    2Twentyeight Member Posts: 5
    edited February 2009

    Had my bilateral exchange from TE to silicone 2/25! My original surgery was a year ago but due to radiation the exchange was delayed. Sore but really no pain. Soft but have the hamburger bun look also! PS said looks like I will do OK even with the radiation but will continue to monitor.

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited February 2009

    2Twentyeight - Welcome to Exchange City!  We will get that date posted above soon!!

    Deborah

  • sam1991
    sam1991 Member Posts: 137
    edited February 2009

    Pam...Is your daughter graduating from high school? My son is graduating June 7th. My only baby...yeah still my baby at almost 18!!! Always will be. I have scheduled all my surgeries around his football. He was captain and quarterback! I even scheduled my exchange...still around football even tho the season's over. He was voted into the Shrine bowl so they go the Shriners hospital in their uniforms and meet the children. That's the 15th. Could have had my exchange on the 11th but thought I'd be in a surgical fugue still...don't do well with anesthesia. So I was smiling to know someone else schedules our major events around our childrens!!!!!!!   :-) So here's to the end of June for you! You're a good mom.

    Kathie 

  • lopalermo
    lopalermo Member Posts: 5
    edited February 2009

    Have any of you gotten the high profile natrelle silicone implants and if so do you like them and how do they look?  I heard the gummy bears are coming out soon for everyone. k Is anyone in the study for them and do you lie them?  I have my exchange May 14 and I'm a little disappointed that my PS said I will have less projection than the expanders (and they don't quite fill out my C cup) but, she said she was going to put in the biggest high profile natrelle silicone implants.  I just really need to have an idea of how they will look so I'm not really disappointed.

    Lois 

  • Dejaboo
    Dejaboo Member Posts: 761
    edited February 2009

    Hi Kathie,

      Thanks.  Your a Good Mom Too!

    Sounds Like it was An Exciting Senior Year for Your Son.

    Yes, HS.  My baby too.  Kind of Sad.  'All Grown up Now'

    Lois- I know of a few who have the Natrelle HP (#45)

    I am not sure if they are on this Thread...I know of them from the Dec Surgery Thread.

    Here is the PDF of Allergens/Natrelles Info- Along with Sizes, etc

    http://www.allergan.com/assets/pdf/natrelle_catalog.pdf

    Pam

  • Ladyredlocks
    Ladyredlocks Member Posts: 24
    edited February 2009

    Hi all ... sorry for being slow to check back in ... I've spent the last day going through the grieving process all over again (today I'm in the pissed off stage)! 

    My surgery went well, I didn't get sick in recovery thank goodness and I did get to go home Wednesday night.   I was in at 9 am for an 11 am surgery which was delayed to 12.  Woke up around 3 in recovery felt good enough to go home at 5 and snuck out to my hubby waiting outside in pick up (the wheelchair guy had several rooms ahead of me and I was too impatient to wait - I just wanted to get out of there so I snuck out).

    I'm pissed because I was expanded to 530, asked for 500 cc silicone's - TWICE!!! and got 469's!  469's!!!  How does that happen?  I have said over and over I didn't want to go less than 500 in each check up appointment (I was a full 36DD before my BM, wanted to be a 36C after it was all said and done).  This guy just doesn't listen!  He may be a fabulous surgeon but he is a terrible communicator!

    This has been the theme of my experience with him and I am so frustrated.  When I said I was in pain from the expanders (he only provided pain meds up to 3 weeks post op - even though I had 3 more fills at 60cc each to go without pain meds) he said I couldn't be in pain - his other patients didn't need pain meds though the expander stage and his augmentation patients go through this without pain meds at all.  When I complained about the port jabbing me constantly in one area and making a big constant bruised area just in from my armpit he accused me of messing with it and causing it myself! Hunh? Yeah, I love hurting myself and really enjoy the pain of the port poking me and bruising me.  And now instead of being the size I wanted I get to live with what he ordered (he never said out loud he ordered the wrong size - but when my husband and I asked him in recovery why he didn't put in 500's he said it was "because 469's is what he ordered".  Then as my husband said there was a loooong pregnant silence between all of us then the PS left and I started crying as the reality set in - I get to live with his mistake - no choice - again!!!

    Sorry for venting - I needed an outlet.  My hubby doesn't understand why it is such a big deal to me (he had the audacity to bring me a little medicine cup filled with 30 cc of water to show me that's all that's missing from each breast - nothing like minimizing my feelings!)  So I'm trying to process my feelings of anger and disappointment on my own today.  Thanks for giving me a safe place to vent.

  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 448
    edited February 2009

    Ladyredlocks - First, I am glad that you are well. It is good to hear from you. Second, you have EVERY RIGHT to be mad! You made it clear. It is your body. And you are the one that has had to live w/ all this and the bc too! Why the dickens didn't the PS order what you wanted?? Yes, I would be upset too. That being said, maybe you will like these in the end?? Do you think that is possible? If not, then my dear you should go forward for a second exchange in the future. I know others have done it. And I will do it too if I find that I have to. I am so sorry that you even have to consider it. For now, please rest and try to enjoy a little more comfort in that chest.

    BTW: I had to smile. Your dh was trying, even if it wasn't what you needed at that moment. When I was trying to decide reconstruction or not, BM or not, and all kinds of other things - my dh asked a total stranger waitress what size she would chose. My - oh - my, the waitress almost dropped what she was carrying. But it did help lighten the moment and make us laugh when we wante dto cry. Take care my dear. - Jean

  • Ladyredlocks
    Ladyredlocks Member Posts: 24
    edited February 2009

    MyKidsMom - yeah, thank you, I've been trying to tell myself since yesterday "there must be a reason for this mistake - it must be what is meant to be for me right now" - I'm just not believing it yet - I think I'm just too mad.  I'm not very zen today.

  • Dejaboo
    Dejaboo Member Posts: 761
    edited February 2009

    Ladyredlocks,  Im so sorry!

    What was he thinking?  Ugh.  Im mad for you!

    he sounds like my PS was with my Pain (mine said he had never had anyone in as much pain as me...And then proceded to do a fill)

    Give it a little time...And then see what you might decide to do....Stay as you are or go for the correct size.   No one wants more surgery.  This was supposed to be it!

    Im sorry- But picturing your dh bringing you the glass of water made me laugh.  He was trying to be so helpful & what a good idea... it wouldnt work for me either though.  Did you want to throw the glass at him?

    I dont think there was a reason for his mistake.  That is terrible that he did not use the size planned...Unless the size planned was too big & didnt fit...That would be the only reason.

    Jean- That is funny about your dh askign the waitress that.

    Try to Rest & not think about it too much right now...I know it can be all consuming.

    Pam

  • firstmate
    firstmate Member Posts: 153
    edited February 2009

    Please add me as an bil exchange in Sept 08.  Unfortunately I had a revison in Nov 08 and scheduled for another revision on one side in March 09.  I hope no one else is having the same experience as I am.  I thought the exchange was almost the end and only the nipples remained to be done.  Wrong!

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited February 2009

    Lois:  Pam was right about the Style #45's.  They are the highest profile implants by Allergan.  Here is the link which shows the width and projection for this style.  It states they are "Inamed" but Inamed is now owned by Allergan.   A couple of women on the pictures forum have the Allergan Natrelle Style 45's. 

    http://www.justbreastimplants.com/implants/inamed_specs.htm#45

    Deborah

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited February 2009

    firstmate:  Do you want to be put in as exchange 9/08 [#1 revision 11/08 - #2 revision 3/09]?

    I use these roll call dates as a resource to look back on later for quick reference.  I.E.  I keep forgetting my Oncotype DX score and I just go to moody's Oncotype DX Roll Call thread and there it is....

  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 448
    edited February 2009

    Firstmate - I added you as Deborah listed, let me know if that's not what you want? After the repeated revisions are you happy w/ the results? I surely hope so! Are you done w/ revisions? And getting ready for the nips yet? Is there anything you would suggest for those of us still waiting our exchange? Thanks for posting. I totally understand your frustration!

    Pinklee - How are you doing? We haven't moved you to completed yet, though I expect you are. I hope you are busy just feeling great and relieved the exchange is behind you! 

    Lorraine - I know you were having some problems w/ TE infection. Is that resolved? Are you gonig to be able to move on to your exchange? I have my fingers crossed for you!

    Take care everyone. - Jean

  • firstmate
    firstmate Member Posts: 153
    edited February 2009

    The second revision is not scheduled until March 18.  I'll let you know how it goes. One suggestion I can give is not to have too high of expectations when the dressing is first removed.  My expectations were too high and I was devastated when I saw the implants for the first time.  I went into a deep depression that I still have not come out of fully.   After all this time, the right side now looks OK, but the left still needs some work.  The PS will not do the nips until both sides are finalized (hopefully after this next revision).

  • Monique
    Monique Member Posts: 12
    edited February 2009

    FYI - since I live close to the hospital where PinkLee had surgery on Thursday morning, I stopped by on my way to work and checked on her.  They had just moved her into the chair for the 2nd step of post op and she was looking good.  I only stayed for a minute or two but I just wanted to update everyone that she was fine.

    Monique

  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 448
    edited February 2009

    Thanks Monique. That was so great of you to stop in and see her. I will mark her as completed!

  • Cathee
    Cathee Member Posts: 62
    edited February 2009

    My PS surgeon also said I would have 800cc and a week after my surgery he gave me my card that says I have 752cc ( the largest size for Inamed #15) I had very high expectation and  I was not happy with the results.  I am getting better because I just don't want any more surgeries. I need the large width so maybe that was the best he could have done but I would have liked him to have  consulted me.  I would like more projection but I didn't see a size that would work for me.

    Looks like we have 6 ladies up for their exchange next week.  It's a breeze ladies, & your new foobs will be nice and soft.

    Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!

  • YvonneB
    YvonneB Member Posts: 149
    edited February 2009

    Hello ladies, So much to read!  It is just wonderful!  Does anybody else get those little "you can not tell your story any longer because we heard from you 5 times already today" messages?  LOL  I feel like I am back in grade school and getting reprimanded for talking too much!  The story of my life! 

    Thanks Annie for sharing your pot hole story.  That is a good analogy of what they are like, but much better than the trench that it was. I have the same yellow stuff as you are talking about Elaine...most disgusting but apparently not infection, just necrosis.  Did you have radiation?  I didn't and apparently it is quite odd that this is happening to me.  Nothing like being an odd duck!

    Happy Anniversary Sandy!  Thinking back on that day will be hard but you are so much better off being on this side of things.  A good day to have a cry over what used to be and a margarita for what will be!

    Welcome 2twentyeight! This is a great thread and you'll love it here.

    Oh ladyredlocks!  I can totally understand your frustration.  My PS is very similar to yours by the sounds of things.  I have confidence that he is the best around but he just does whatever he thinks is best and I sure don't seem to have an opinion that matters to him.  They just don't seem to get that our money is buying their BMW's!  I asked mine on Wed what kind of implants he uses (hadn't even thought to ask prior) and he said whatever he decides will look the best. Okay...guess it doesn't really matter what I think... I do want what looks the best so I guess I'll just play along and see.  I am so sorry that you are disappointed though as we have all been through way too much disappointment already.

    Hi Pam, I know what you mean about the pain thing too.  I never did get anything for pain other than OTC stuff during this whole process.  My PS said to "suck it up".  Like I said before, the only thing that keeps me sane is that he is good at what he does.  In my next life I'm going to be the PS and he's going to get testicle expanders and we'll see who sucks up the pain.  ROFLOL.  

  • fairy49
    fairy49 Member Posts: 536
    edited February 2009

    hey ladies! I am on for Tuesday, so far so good, looks like it was an edema 2nd time around not an infection, however they are going to swab the right foob when I am under on Tuesday and if there is any sign of bacteria they will not put an implant in, so I could wake up with  just one.....so lots of prayers please that I wake up with two foobs!!! I honestly don't know if I could handle that at this point!

    Lorraine ox

  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Member Posts: 433
    edited February 2009

    Here's hoping they find nada, nothing, not a bit of infection and you get two boobs!  JUDY

  • Vinogal
    Vinogal Member Posts: 114
    edited February 2009

    I still have my fingers crossed for you Lorraine......made it really hard to clean the house today with my damn fingers crossed........but I really hope you end up with a pair........I am enjoying a nice evening at home and looking forward to a good weekend.......we are going to stay in the city on Sunday night so we can get to the hospital by 6:30 am....regardless of weather........I look forward to having a matching set of expanders again......wish I was getting my exchange already.......but just glad to be making progress again........fingers crossed for all of us........have a great weekend!

    Cheers

    Jax

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited February 2009

     Lopalermo could you ask your PS what type of expander you have and also get the dimension of it and we can check to see if we can find a implant that is close to your size.  Also it might be helpful if you share the size of your rib cage (as in how many inches are you around under your expanders)

    Have you ever sent Timtam a PM to get to the private pix forum?

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited February 2009

    ladyredlock.  Give it a little time but if your not happy ask your PS to do it over or go to a new PS.  Right after my 1st exchange my PS shared she was moving to CA so I knew I had to find a new PS to do my nipple and healthy breast (lift and small implant).  My 1st PS thought nothing was wrong with my 1st implant even though it was hard and smaller than my expander.  When I met my new PS she was great asked how I felt about my new implant and agreed with the things I said and she was able to give me a bigger implant.  I go this Tues to talk nipple : - )

    I highly recomend everyone to ask your PS to have about 3 different size implants available so they can get the best one to fit you.  My  1st PS filled mine to the max because I had so much rippleing before she did that.  Well she should have known it would have been too small and used a bigger size.  I think after they take the expander out they can put some type of sizer in to see which implant would work best because they can only open 1 package from what I was told. 

    It's really sad to hear how some PS won't listen to the patient : (

    whether it about pain or what size they want to be...

    Please everyone vent away that's what we are here for (((HUG)))

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited February 2009

    Cathee if you don't want any more surgeries I hope someday you will love what you got or at least like them better.  Did your PS consider the style 20 800cc which would have been 15.3 by 6.1

    your 15's are 16.2 by 5.2

    I didn't look at the mentor web site to see what they would have close to your other implant...

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