Exchange City
Comments
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Just wanted to wish a very Happy Chanukah to everyone celebrating the holiday! Happy holidays to everyone else! Lisa
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Hi everyone! Tried to catch up a little, would like to wish all of you the best in the process of healing or with upcoming surgeries.
I'd like to give my opinion about the nips. Yes, you can have the flap type done locally, no pain, the area is numbed, if you feel anything, ask for a little more local. Bring an ipod or something to listen to, it takes awhile and will help you relax. I am a huge scaredy cat and I did nip and tattoo this way. I was so happy to leave the hospital without anesthesia brain!
Graft vs flap nip. I've had both! In June I had a local with skin used on my breast to form nip, the areola was tattooed in October. Years ago, I had a grafted areola under anesthesia and I think the nip was used from the breast skin, followed by tattoo later. The earlier side was retattooed in October along with new reconstructed side. I cannot tell the difference between graft and tattooed only areola!
The older nip looks a bit wider, new is very realistic in proportion, older needs a little plucking because graft was taken from inner upper thigh, I have a scar on thigh that I don't like about 3 inches long from the graft. If your doctor is able and you have the skin to do it, I would highly recommend the flap type of nip, followed by tattooing. And if you like to swim, avoid the summer, you need to wait about a month after each process to go in the water (of course showering is okay!). If I didn't have the first nip I would seriously have considered the 3D tattoo, by the right person they are amazing!
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lg300 - thanks for your response. I can't remember her name but there is a woman on here who does them...I'll look around. I think you can also google 3d nipple tattoos. I have seen some amazing pictures. My ps office does do them. I've read that you should wait a year to let your scar line fade.
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VANDERLADY - I also ge tmigraines after anesthesia. I had a great nurse anesthetist who recommended propofol (IV anes) rather than the gas they normally use. This approach has made a big difference. They also give me an antinausea patch for behind my ear. Best of luck. I know how horrible migraines can be (Imitrex is wonderful) and hope you do well.
KAryn
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Kansasmom -- Yes, I'm going in for my revision tomorrow. Thanks so much for your well wishes.... I've been in a bit of a depressed mood today but am feeling better now.
Karyn -- Thanks for the advice..... I'll definitely ask for that tomorrow. I'm bringing my anesthesia records with me. I've been drinking water like crazy and I may stay up all night drinking water too....
Thanks, Pam
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Pam - You're not supposed to drink anything (incl. water) after midnight if you're having general anesthesia. Didn't they tell you that? Good luck with your surgery!
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Hi All thanks again for all the well wishes and sympathetic ears/eyes
I met with another PS today just to get his opinion. I think bottom of line what we all agree on is that my boobs are just too large...I know...I never thought that phrase would pass my lips but that is the case. The 2nd PS (who totally squeezed me in as a favor) said that I actually got great results on the augmented side but due to the size I am thinking they hang too low but he said it was "a beautiful breast" 2nd PS and #1 actually came up with the same game plan. They also know each other very well. The only difference is the use of Alloderm. #1 is totally against using Alloderm due to risk of infection and #2 PS said its the standard of practice to help achieve a more natural look. So my question is 1. Did anyone have reconstruction and NOT use alloderm and are happy with results 2. Did anyone use Alloderm and get infection?? I am really worried about losing my implant. It would seriously send me over the edge if I had to have implant taken out and have nothing for 6 months if infection developed. THEN still run the risk of future infection.
My #1 PS has held my hand through so much of this journey I couldn't imagine not using him. The only reason I would switch at this point is if I want to use Alloderm.
Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.
MBJ I am so jealous of your hair. Mine is like a curly mullet.
I have to wear my wig stocking on it for about an hour to flatten out the top. LOL I think my pets think I am a crazy lady. Di
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LG300 - My surgery is not until 1:30 p.m. so they said I can drink until 6:30 a.m. No food after midnight though..... so I'll be eating a late dinner about 11 p.m. Have to, otherwise, I get a low blood sugar and get even more sick. Hmmm, I should have planned for steak. Oh well. :-)
DiDel -- I have Alloderm and yes, I got an infection.... happened about 3 months after Mx. Had to have the TE exchanged and on home IV antibiotics for 2 weeks. Cleared up with that. I truly think it was because my drain clogged and I had excess fluid in the breast. My infection was staph epi which is common in the case of any prosthetic in the body and the fluid that accummulates around it. Quite common in knee replacements. I had to re-read the words "boobs" and "squeezed" 'cuz I didn't read it right the first time.
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DiDel- My PS used Alloderm when she placed the TE and again during exchange because my skin is so thin. She used a ton of it during exchange. (Kind of shocked insurance agreed to pay for all that.) I had absolutely no problems with infection. I am having issues with rippling which I can only imagine would be much worse if she hadn't have used it. You can check out my pics on the picture forum.
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Thanks all! I am almost done, I never thought I'd get to this point.
mom3band1g - I slept on my side the night I came home from exchange. PS didn't mention anything about not. I do have to wear a supportive bra 24/7 for 3 months though, the implants don't seem to have shifted at all even with the side sleeping. I can't wait for stomach sleeping, haven't slept on my stomach since February!
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I'm looking forward to sleeping on my stomach, too. Can someone tell me how long I need to wait after the exchange before I can sleep on my stomach? My PS didn't mention it, but I asked his nurse and she said months.
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Di, you have been in my thoughts... you sweet dear.
Thank you all for your thoughts on my friend. I inspected her scaring today more ( two weeks out).. I think she can still have a good outcome. I will be working with her closely as she does fills.. and then Deborah has told me she will help her pic an implant for her size. ( she is not an online girl..)
XXXOOO
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Anyone wanting information on 3D tattooing.... please PM me.
I know of two ladies ...one of which is on BCO as a survivor... she just is not on a lot... but I can send you her way... so you can get all the info you need.
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I'm not exactly post exchange, but am hoping that someone here might have some advice for me.... My implant was removed Oct. 26th and then a hematoma developed and was surgically repaired Nov. 9. Now it's just over 3 weeks later and the incision is beginning to heal, but I have a pocket of fluid about as big as the palm of my hand below the incision (bottom half of what would be breast if I had one). It's not a huge amount of fluid, but I can slosh it around so it's definitely visible. There is also a fair amount of swelling under my arm and the whole area, including my upper arm is sort of uncomfortable and achy, but not red or painful. As you all know, I'm not at all eager to be back in touch with my PS unless it is absolutely necessary, so I'm hoping someone here has had this sort of experience and is willing to share or give me some suggestions. I've been wearing a sports bra and massaging every day, but this fluid and the discomfort isn't going away.
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Bonnie -- I know it's not what you want to hear, but I think you should see the PS (or, if you like your BS better, you could call your BS). I think I have read in the past that this sort of fluid should be drawn out with a syringe (but PLEASE see a doctor for a real opinion)!
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Bonnie - It sounds like you should go to your PS and have her check you and possibly drain the fluid. If you don't like your PS, perhaps you should find another doctor you feel more comfortable with. I had fluid and swelling after my last two operations, but I also had redness and pain (which it sounds like you fortunately do not have). I had staph infections both times. It sounds like yours might just be fluid build-up and not an infection, but I think if your body doesn't absorb the fluid, it could actually lead to an infection.
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I had alloderm put in with my TE's and no infection. My ps did have to do a lot of extra work during my exchange on my radiated side but I know it was due to rads. That side is sooo tight it has me a little worried. I've read so much aobut the 'drop and fluff' ...I want my drop and fluff! I am so darn impatient. I am tired of recovering from surgery! Ok, enough whine. I just needed a small pity party for myself.
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Gals - I had first exchange with alloderm however in my case the PS took too much from my right side and shoved a much bigger implant in there, (2007)it only lasted me a year because cc set in and my implant started to poke out on the side, when I had second exchange this past Nov. the alloderm was removed, enough wasn't put in and it casued some problems, but I'm having it done again with an expander come this april after I have fat grating performed in a few weeks..I'll keep you all posted...0
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Mom3/1, Hang in there...every day you are closer to having this all behind you. I've been home mostly by myself for 7 months. I had back surgery 4 weeks after chemo was done and I have a small daily pity party. I keep thinking 2011 will be so much better and just need to wait it out. Just to let you know we feel your pain and frustration!
After 3 months, my foobs are 2 hard rocks high on my chest. I have gobs of Alloderm and am 2 sizes too big, so drop and fluff is a mystery to me, as is the squishee I am supposed to be yippeeing about, lol. The choice is to live with it or dive into surgery again. I've tucked the future surgery option into my brain so I have the illusion of a solution and less stress. Good luck and many sympathetic hugs~
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mfrog - my PS didn't want me to sleep on my side for about 2 weeks and stomach for about 6 weeks. I was always a stomach sleeper, but now with bigger boobs I find that it is more comfortable on my side - after waiting for 6 months to get back to stomach sleeping!!
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Thanks, ladies. I woke up in a puddle and fluid is just dripping from the incision. Guess I'll bite the bullet and call the PS or another of my docs if he's not in. Thanks. --b
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Grrr, Bonnie. I'm so sorry. I'll keep you in my thoughts!
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tnbcRuth -- hope those rock hard foobs soften up for you soon. Did you have rads?
lilah -- I know that you are an absolutely wonderful person (and not just because you said I was nice!)
Bec9861 -- thanks for the good thoughts.
Laura - hope you are doing well and my best to your friend.
I have a call in to my PS, who is in surgery this morning. He will call me back and probably see me this afternoon or this evening. Can't spend all weekend with a dripping faucet on my chest. My PS is a fine doctor -- I'm just one of those patients that has a lot of problems/reactions and right now I just want SOOOO much to be okay. However, I'm not going to stick my head in the sand -- I'll get this taken care of and let you know what's up later today or tomorrow.
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Ok so I talked to my BS and PS this morning and decided to stick with my #1 PS. He said he only likes to use alloderm in extreme cases due to the risk of infection and said he would use it if I wanted. After talking to my BS who also doesnt like the use of Alloderm and since I had a mild infection from a bug bite over the summer I think I am not willing to take the risk. My 2nd revision will be Dec. 27th and I hope this is the last time. I also called the PT peeps to schedule appt. They seemed to say lets evaluate the arm/muscle pain and that they would most likely give me exercises to do at home.
I appreciate everyones input. why don't they just tell you from the beginning to set aside two years of your life to focus on recovery and reconstruction.
Hope everyone is having a good FRIDAY.
Di
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((((Bonnie))): I hope that everything is fine now that your body finally found a way to get rid of excess fluid. We will all be thinking of you today!
Vanderlady: Good luck with your revision today.
The internet was down in California so I couldn't access properly yesterday so anyone having an exchange wishing you the best of luck.
TnbcRuth: I promise that today I will look for your scarf. I haven't had time to do anything since I got home and today is the day! I am assuming since you are here you have had some help from Whippetmom for when you decide to exchange out for new ones? Do you also have access to the picture forum?
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Bonnie -- you are such a sweetie! Glad you are in touch with your doctor. Better safe than sorry!
Didel -- my PS also does not like to use Alloderm due to increased risk of infection.
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Didel: I am starting on my second year of dealing and it just has to get easier!
Wanted to share this: There is a plastic surgeon in Newport Beach who uses cartilage from behind the ears to make a nipple. He cuts a crescent shape that is easily disguised and then makes a very small incision in the breast to place it. He also uses tiny bits of cartilage to get the little bumps. He finishes by tattooing the area for color. Deborah, if you read this I would love to hear your input!
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Hello friends!
I have Alloderm and a lot of it. No infection. It's been great. But, when I lean over, seeing some rippling under my armpit. A little in between my foobs. I can live with it as long as it doesn't get worse.
If you're on the pic forum, Babydoll (I think) had 3D tats. They look awesome!!
Oh Bonnie, hope your appt gives you relief!
Reneemac and Vanderlady all the best to you gals!! Hope you do well.
Di--glad you've made your decision. I had never heard of the possibility of infection due to Alloderm. Guess it's a good thing. Would have just worried myself to death.
Happy weekend ALL!
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Got the usual from my PS in a phone call -- it's actually a good thing that the seroma is leaking so the fluid won't continue to build up. He doesn't think I have an infection because I don't have a fever, but I can call and have him paged if things get worse over the weekend. I'm just totally frustrated with this doctor and have been for quite some time, but will choose to believe him and see what happens over the weekend.
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3D Tattooing:
Hi. For those of you that don't know me, I am a BC survivor, diagnosed in 2008, and a permanent makeup artist who does 3D tattooing. I have been off the boards for a while since I've been fighting an infection from...a hernia operation, for that past month- I'm still fighting but thought I'd respond to the posts here.
What is 3D tattooing? It is a fool-the-eye method that uses multiple colors to achieve the effect of a nipple protrusion--without any protrusion. It is quite an art, and you will not, for the most part, find it done in a PS office. It can be expensive, but there are artists who do it for free, or nearly free as a service to BC patients.
Where do you find a good artist? Contact me. I keep a list of 3D artists from all over the country, and would be happy to give you their names. I do not publish their names on this board, only by PM.
Be back soon, still fighting. JUDY
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