TEs. A Beginner's Primer
Comments
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I had no idea about the tabs! I even held the expander and examined it but I never even realized them.
I have learned that every PS is way different than others. All the information my PS has told me is different from what others on here have told me there PS said. My PS probably would have done the exchange surgery before June or July if she wasn't pregnant and going on leave and all backed up.
Dont worry..Ill behave and youre right on the sunburn thing!
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For all those going through TE and will have exchange surgery soon -
It is definitely worth it!! Tissue Expanders can be uncomfortable. I never found them downright painful, but definitely uncomfortable. I felt like a super hero with a steel cage around my chest. I felt I could stop a bullet with my boobs.
The exchange recovery time is pretty quick. I had my surgery on a Tuesday, walking around the neighborhood on Wednesday, and taking showers by Friday. I still had to watch lifting, pushing, pulling, etc for a couple of weeks, but all in all it is an easy surgery. But....it still takes a bit for the girls to settle in. I am now three months out and the new girls finally feel like they are part of me and not just visitors
. My PS says we need to do a little lypo and fat grafting to finish the look (I'm flat, flat, flat....BOOBS). There is no natural slope, so we need to fill in via fat grafting. Awww - getting rid of unwanted fat in one part of my body to complete the nature look on my new boobs? I'm in!!0 -
Probably a stupid question, but.... Does the port/metalic thing on TE that they inject into on fills set off the security machines at airports? I am going away for a girlie weekend and don't want nasty sprites involving me stripping!
Thanks
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Previvor101 - They never set it off for me. I don't think there's enough metal in them to do that. But why not get a letter signed by your PS or PCP explaining things and carry it with you, just in case? Have fun!
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from tsa website. A card you can printout and take with you. Other info also available there.
http://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/disability_notification_cards.pdf
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Smaarty - Thanks! I had no idea - and I carried that stupid letter for months! LOL!
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Your doctor should have given you a card for the TE. That should work too. Much love and safe travel!
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globalgal19 - I am 64 years old and had tissue expanders installed on Feb 25. I am hoping to have the gummy implants after expansion because I am less interested in size than having a more natural shape. So far that is the plan but things could change depending on how the fills go!
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I just joined this great group. Thanks for starting this positive board. I just had my first fill today! I left the surgery table on 3/6 with 200 cc in each expander and received an additional 100 cc in each expander today. My dear hubby came with me and was amazed that I am now inflatable! LOL! I am surprised at how good I feel at the moment. Of course, I took a valium prior to the fill. I'm wondering if I feel pretty good because of the excess skin is now being filled and the expanders don't feel so loose anymore? I dunno. I'm just happy to report the first experience wasn't so bad :-)
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Iwannasee, so GLAD to hear that. I found out today I will also have the gummy and the implant that starts with an A__ and the PS nurse said it is the most commonly used and that it works well. I think that's what she said.
Is the TE exchange done in the PS office or another trip to the hospital?
So very pleased one can go thru TSA at the airport. Hadn't thought of that either.
I so appreciate this thread!
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globalgal19 - Exchange surgery is still a surgery in the hospital but it's considered outpatient surgery so you go home the same day. Mine was scheduled at 5 PM (I get all the late slots...) and they called me at 2 PM to see how soon I could be there. (It was the day after Christmas so someone must have gotten sick or cancelled.) I was back home and all done by 6 PM!!
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Tissue expanders are medical devices and you should have a card that lists the type, model, serial number. These are unique identification numbers. If you have a chemo port you have a card for that also. I had two TE and a port, and flew often since I participated in a clinical trial out of town that I had to travel to. I just kept my cards on my person, not in my bags on the conveyer belt. That way if they saw something on the screen I had the cards with me. They often don't let you go get your bags before they pat down, if it is necessary. I had TE for 17 months, and still have my port. I never had any issues, have had more problems with my LE sleeves and gloves - they like to wand those for explosives, lol! You always have the option of a pat down instead of going through the machine, but be sure to request that from the first TSA person you come to - they need to find a female to do it - you can also request that it be done away from the line of people.
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nice that your first one was easy. It's always nerve wacking for the firsts of anything. The rest should be a breeze! If it starts to hurt be sure to ask for a topical numbing cream. That works too.
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thanks guys. Am seeing surgeon tomorrow for my second fill. I am a bit nervous, not quite sure why as like others on this thread, the expansion wasn't too bad. I found the debridement of my necrotic nipple made me feel worse but think that might be just the thought of it rather than any real pain!
I will request the card detailing my TE's while I am there. Have no idea of details as didn't think to ask at the time but have learnt so much from the info on this site. Also have no idea what implants are planned so might start chatting to surgeon about that.
Can't wait for weekend away with friends. Lots of bubbles, fun and walks on the beach. Definately not brave enough for bathers!!!!
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Am all marked up and heading to bed. Feeling much calmed and confident after seeing PS for pre-op visit. Had PS explain the whole procedure to me. this man is so patient and kind.
Will check back in this weekend. Assuming I will be up to it.
Thanks for the support of this website!
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globalgal19 - The very best of luck to you tomorrow! And that squirming in your pocket? That's us coming along to make sure that everything goes well for you! Please let us know how it goes when you're able.....
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global, good luck with your sx tomorrow . A whole bunch of us will be there in your pocket, get big ones! (Pockets, I mean).
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Global-good luck tomorrow!
Babs
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iwannaseeyoubebrave - my DH went to all my fills with me. The first time he could actually see my foob get bigger, he shouted "WHOA, DUDE!" from the corner of the room. This, from a 60 year old man.... LOL The PS was cracking up....
globalgal19 - Exchange surgery takes place in the OR, but as AZ said, it's Outpatient surgery, and the anesthesia is usually much lighter. I, too, got the late slot, so when I woke up in Recovery, the nurse made sure I was awake, sat me up and gave me juice, then sent my DH down to bring the car around. She wheeled me into the bathroom to pee and change... I told her that DH had my bag with my underwear in it, and she kind of yelled "You don't need underwear!" and got my robe snapped up. As she wheeled me out, I realized it was 5 p.m..... someone's dinner break?????
Previvor - my BEST day after BMX and TEs was one day we were at the beach. It was sunny; I was wearing one of those camisoles with a shelf bra. I sat on a rock in the sun, closed my eyes, and listened to the waves and the birds. It felt soooo good! And I felt like a normal person. Hope you have a wonderful time with your friends!!!
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I love, love, love to hear success stories. Like many others here, I was terrified by all the horror stories I read about TEs going bad, infections, necrosis, horrific pain... I have to be honest... they really got to me.
But for all the newbies out there who just got their TEs, or those who will be getting them soon, PLEASE understand that this is a "support forum" where most of the time, women are seeking answers to problems they are having, and comfort when times are hard.
There won't be many cases of "Oh, yeah, I just had a BMX and TEs yesterday, and it was a breeze! In fact, I repainted my living room right after I got home from the hospital - what fun!!!"
Most women who are not having any issues with procedures simply aren't here posting about them. They are just out living their lives.
It's good to be aware that things can happen, and that many challenges may present themselves. (Most docs never cover stuff like that.) But that doesn't mean this will happen to you.
I actually did have a lot of pain, and once I posted about it, found immediate help and suggestions... like, uh, TAKE THE PAIN MEDS! (duh....) And after that, things got better. Fast.
Also - remember that TEs can actually feel better the more fills you have. Occasionally they can rub against sensitive nerves in the chest area, and getting more saline allows them to move into different positions, reducing the friction.
Sending out good wishes to all the newbies!!!
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WHOA, Blessings, now that's funny!
Ooops. I meant what your husband said was funny - not meant to infer that your second post was funny....
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LOL AZ! I think we knew what you meant!
Blessings is right! Our hope for everyone on these boards is no problems in TE or during Exchange. But of course real life keeps bumping into our fantasy! Most times it's just a bit uncomfortable and we just need to know how to help ourselves. But sometimes we need help from others. So we are grateful to all those who are so willing to give of themselves to help all of us.
Sometimes we forget the easy things. It helps when people remind us!
A lot of people take a pain reliever For their fills. It should not hurt when the P'S does it. Occasionally (like mine did) they hit a small blood vessel. That can leave a bruise and hurt a bit more. It's one of those pretty normal things but they usually know right away. My P'S said "oh sorry that gonna leave a bruise". But i actually didn't feel anything til the next day. But it was a bit of an ache and could have been from the fill itself. Although the bruise lasted a good 2 weeks.
My fills were 100 at a time till the last 2. At that point he dropped to 60 and those hurt a lot. I did take pain pills for two days. He was going to do 2 more 50 fills but we did only 1 more because I said that was enough. Remember YOU control the fills. I skipped a week when I was still sore from the last fill.
Just so you know, my P'S said he can tell by the pressure of the syringe how full the TE was. At the end he had trouble putting more saline in.
Much love to all.
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Can someone explain the surgery and recovery for the exchange, nipple reconstruction and tattooing? How long did each procedure take? How long did u have to heal in between each? How long after your last fill did you have the exchange?
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mommy, you're not going to get a set number of days/weeks etc. each is different depending on size, prior treatments, how big you want to be, how many cc at each fill. Each of us can tell you what we did and you'd have a million variations of the same process.
I see you had the TEs put in in January and have probably started your fills. I was told 6-8 weeks after my last fill. I ended up at 4 weeks because he had a cancellation and I think because I wasn't having any issues with the stretching. I only had 50cc at each fill and was going to 500. So it took about 9 weeks to get done. It's been 7 weeks since the exchange and I'm doing good. Still a little cautius about lifting some things, but pretty much back to normal. I've decided to get 3D tattoo nipples and was told I should wait at least 5 months. Hope that helps.
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Thanks Smaarty.
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Chiming in here: please remember that when you are feeling good, don't overdo because that causes problems. Ease back in slowly, yes a lot was put on hold, but many things can wait. And be careful lifting objectives. I had my last surgery (revision) in July, saw my PS earlier this month. We got to talking and she said it could take up to 2 years to completely heal internally! So, I'm staying within a conservation weight lifting limit, yes it sucks, but would be worse if I did damage. Had to buy cat litter today, it's a pain asking for help lifting the 40 pounds (and putting it in my car), but I know it would make my PS happy not to see me to repair damages.
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2nd time around is right!
Ok everyone, say it with me now & repeat the mantra:
JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN, DOESN'T MEAN YOU SHOULD!
You may feel pretty good but remember you are healing inside; now repeat the mantra again, and once more! LOL. Did it stick yet?
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Monica,maybe you could put that in the header and repeat often!
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JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN, DOESN'T MEAN YOU SHOULD! JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN, DOESN'T MEAN YOU SHOULD! JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN, DOESN'T MEAN YOU SHOULD! JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN, DOESN'T MEAN YOU SHOULD! JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN, DOESN'T MEAN YOU SHOULD!
Moon's right - live it and believe it. It may be inconvenient for a while, but it'll pay off in the long run.
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hi mommyathome, re exchange, my surgeon said I will stay in for 1 night and only need 1 week off work! My time from bilateral mastectomy to exchange will be 3 months- booked for 9th May!! I was kind of expecting July sometime but now looking forward to it being earlier. With each fill, rightie looks higher, weirder and aches more.
Smarty, good to be cautious re lifting things. Don't want things moving west!
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