Exchange City

Orchidgal--Oh yes, I had the brain fog really bad after my mastectomy.  It wasn't as bad with my exchange, because it was a short surgery.  I mentioned it in my pre-op for my third surgery (nip on cancer side, lift & augment on natural side) because I still didn't feel right, and I was scared a third surgery would make me even foggier.  When I met the anesthesia doctor before surgery, he told me that some people are very sensitive to anesthetics given through a facial mask. So, he said he would give all my anesthesia by IV, and only give me oxygen through the facial mask.  It really made a difference! After maybe a week, my brain felt pretty much like it had before that surgery! I'm so glad he read my file, because he really helped me. But according to him, there's no way a doctor can know whether you have this sensitivity ahead of time.

My last surgery was in June 2009,and I think I'm 99% back to normal.  It just takes a while. My favorite weapon against brain fog was crossword puzzles! I'm addicted to them now.  I felt that I had to subject my brain to daily workouts to get it back.

Best of luck to you!

NVDiane:  Thank you so much for mentioning the mask & brain fog!  I have my last (hopefully) surgery on Tuesday and I can now (if I remember, lol) ask the anesthesiologist about this.  From what I have read on these boards, we all have brain fog after surgery. 

Amos:  The "hat" is a protective cover for a nipple after reconstruction.  I will be able to tell you more after next week.

Orchidgal:  I had such a great visual of you dancing in your home.  What a great thing to do!

Arlene, hope your recovery is quick and you get to enjoy your new boobs and eyes.  I think you are smart to schedule any other cosmetic procedures during this time - in fact, I keep looking over my bod wondering what I would like fixed once I'm under again!

good for you Arlene to get it done at the same time! Might as well!! I've been thinking about the little bit of extra skin I have at the base of my abdomen. Dont' think I need or want a full tummy tuck but that little bit of skin removed and tightened up would be nice.

Glad you got a good result!

Talking about the anesthesia....I have no clue what kind I got. I'm thinking the one at the hospital was heavy duty because took me a while to come out of that and I felt out of it for a week or so. The other two I had at my PS surgery center and I came right out of it...mostly. The first time at my PS I did tell the anesthiologist I was sensative to meds and she lightened the amount she used on me. Afterwards she told me, wow, you really are a lightweight! Didn't even take half a cocktail. So, when I went back in this last time (I requested her and thought I was getting her but had a different one)....so I told him what she had said and he said he was glad I told him so he could adjust the anethesia. I didn't come out feeling as good though. But that first time they weren't lifting me up, just had to cut some bad skin off and then stitch back up. Felt good and relaxed coming out. This time had a headache up the back of my neck and nauseous. Lasted until I could get home and lay still. Then I was fine. 

So, I've had 3 procedures (under anesthesia) in 5 months. How many is too many in an amount of time?? Anyone know if there is some protocol on that?

Question: Looking for advice. After exchange what is everyone using to minimize scarring???

Exchange will be in June for me so I am gearing up. Can't wait to be done....Currently I am using coca butter on my MX scars. Looking good so far.

Thanks Deary I bookmarked it....

orchidgal-I am so thankful you asked about brain fog I had 12 hours of general in the past eight months and my brain is so different for sure.  I feel a bit better but it is so slow that I often fear I will never be the same.  If I need another surgery I would want to be awake and just numbed up lol. 

Deborah-Did it take you one yr after your last surgery to feel better?  I heard for every hour your under you need a month for your body to get back to normal.

Marie, Are you having problems at your suture line?  I am having some reaction to the sutures.  My PS removed some stitches from an area that would not heal and ended up putting in another stitch in the office while I was there.  That side is looking better to me.  I now have an area on the other breast that looks like a large blister.  It looks like there will be a big hole when it blows.  I was told we will watch it until next week.  I have had other surgeries on my breast and this is the first time that I have had suture issues.  My infection seems to be better.  I am still on antibiotics and have more energy.  Could these suture issues be caused by the infection?  My last surgeries were on Feb 9th for one and the 15th on the other because of problems.  They should be healed by now, right?  Also the scar tissue seems to be pulling the way it was before my revision and I am not allowed to massage them yet.  The PS told me tuesday that I was walking the fine line to losing one of the implants.  So even if I heal, I may look like I did before my revision.  This is all so heart breaking and I am beating myself up for doing it.  I thought revisions were supposed to be easy.

Patricia:  In order to gain access to the picture site, you need to establish yourself as a member here first.  Just keep participating and posting and sharing and then ask again.  As a new member, you will be limited to how many posts you can have here, once you can post freely, please ask again and we can get you there.  Also, if you need help with your own, I privately sent my pictures to Whippetmom and received so much great advice until I was able to get on to the picture forum.  Good luck to you!

MBJ- I hope to have my exchange in May.  I will finish rads on 3/24.  Is Whippetmom the reigning expert?  (c:  I would like to be able to see the picture thread too.  Thanks!

MBJ -- oops!  I will adjust the prayer schedule to Tuesday

Jan - that is great to hear you got your exchange, I know it was a wonderful relief to get it done.

I went today for a look-see (that is what I call it)  This is day 7 post exchange and my PS wanted to check and make sure everything looked ok.  He said that he will be taking the stitches out next Wednesday.  I was given the ok to shower, whoo hoo.  And that I am to get sports bras to help with a little support, gravity is only good if I walked on my hands.

I am really happy with the results, the last 2 days have been the first time in 4 months, that I have not felt like I have been wearing an under size bra with a steel plate against my ribs.  My hub asked me how I felt last night and I just fell apart and starting crying because of the relief.  I still have a little ways to go, but I am starting to feel more like me again.

I am taking the new foobs shopping tomorrow to adorn them with pretty!!   

Hi e eryone. I am on the last leg of my reconstruction. May 6 is my exchange date. Anyone know if there is another 6-week ban on lifting afterwards?

Jorja i was told no lifting 10lbs and over for 6 weeks, no swimming, intense exercise.

Thats great Debbie!

Congrats on the exchange Letlet!! Lots of us getting them this month it seems.