Exchange City
Comments
-
Layla- Yes you can switch your PS at any time. you don't have to stay with the same one if you aren't happy with the results. If you think the implants are crooked, i would definitely see a new PS. Ultimately, you have to be happy with the results, not your PS.
Iron bra topic- I am almost 9 mos post exchange, the only time i feel the iron bra is right after i take my bra off at night, but it lasts only 10-15 mins. The great thing about these boards is that we can all agree to disagree. I had put A LOT of thought into having the TRAM (I have a ton of extra tissue to use). But at the time i was already disappointed in my body for turning against me with the BC diagnosis. I chose to do implants only and am happy i did. I love my PS and think he has done an EXCELLENT job with "restoring" me to what I can be happy with. We are planning on one more surgery in October for some "tweaking" on my cleavage area as well as nips. The "tweaking" is lipo in the cleavage area and "pinning" down the area to give more definition of a cleavage.
None of us are wrong in our decision whether its implants/tram/lat flap. It is a decision that we ultimately have to be ok with. If one surgery doesn't work or give us the results we want we have other options. I can't remember who posted but said that the one's who have had a successful surgery doesn't come back to give updates. I agree with them, i come on and read what's been said but never an update. I have asked Whippetmom for extra advice on another possible revision with different implants. But after speaking with her, I am happy to have what I have and like my new breasts, with the exception of the cleavage area. That will be taken care of soon.
Di- good luck with your upcoming surgery and hopefully you can win your appeals with your insurance company.
0 -
Trina-----> They tape the eyes shut during surgery so it was just removing the tape when you were done, that probably took your eye lashes too.
Post BMX I woke up and the nurses were asking why are my eyes and cheeks so red.....I told then I was allergic to tape, especially tagaderm, (I requested prior to surgery but if they had to tape my eyes shut to just use a small piece)....I even had a RED arm band on that had my allergies on it, including TAPE! My red eyes-red cheeks REACTION due to tape was noted on my medical records when I requested & received them)
0 -
Lisa Jayne, you said it best! So glad you didn't shut up! Lol!
I had written a bunch about iron bra feeling, touched something on this iPad and it all disappeared. Rats! Gotta wake up and then recall what all I wrote!0 -
Hi Di2012, so happy positive actions and events in your life right now! You are long over-do! You have every right to feel upset about events in your life, the battle with insurance just plain sucks., at least your Dr's office are on your side trying to help. Best news about surgery morning, yay! I've often thought about the possibility of minor heart attacks (have heard of other people having minor ones without realizing since there weren't major after effects), at least in your case you now know.
I have nothing (good) to say about your cardiologist's rotten attitude, or any other medical professional's attititxe except that we're all entitled to a bad day now and then BUT if its habitual, they're clearly not in a profession they should be! (In fact, yesterday DD asked me to go to PCP about tummy/GERD problems. We could hear her arguing with a patient who apparently thought the office visit messed up because the staff didn't drop everything to get an expired prescription renewed immediately when the patient called after hours Thursday because they had run out and it was 9:00 am Friday even though the voice mail message clearly says they need 72 hours or more over weekend to respond! This poor doctor kept saying to the patient there were patients in the office with scheduled appts, like us, that a doctor or staff member just can't drop everything anytime anyone calls in, this went on for 15 minutes just outside our door. Then, she's ends the call, less than a minute passes, and she walks in all smiles and happy. DD and I look at one another, like how'd she do that? I don't think I could have pulled that off, much less most people. Goes to show we operate on different levels, and I'd dare say most people aren't like this.) If you don't treated with respect, can you see someone else?0 -
Just chiming in on a few recent discussions here. I am another one who had no difficulties with TEs and am doing fine with implants - no pain, no "iron bra".
I am not an expert on flap reconstruction - I considered it, but my PS didn't feel I had enough tissue to create breasts of the same size as my natural ones. I opted for implant reconstruction and it was the right choice for me.
As I said, I'm not an expert on flaps, but I feel I should address some comments made above. There are different types of flap surgeries. All plastic reconstructive surgeons are NOT trained to perform all types of flap surgeries. Great advances have been made in flap surgery that only a PS trained in vascular microsurgery can perform.
The first flap surgeries were performed by removing fat and muscle (with blood vessels left attached) and moving up to the chest to reconstruct the breast. A vascular microsurgeon can leave the abdominal muscles intact. He/she then performs a vascular bypass in the chest to provide the tissue with circulation.
If anyone truly interested in flap surgery has a PS who only offers surgery that involves removing muscle please consider getting another opinion with someone who specializes in DIEP and other types of microsurgical reconstruction. Your surgeon might not be offering all the viable options because he/she is not trained in all the options.
Sorry if this is old news to all - just wanted newbies to know that not all plastic/reconstructive surgeons are created equal. Many on these threads have gone for second and even third opinions.
Thanks for listening!
0 -
I had the iron bra for a few months after my BMX, but it was gone by the time I began radiation 2 months later. Since the exchange, I feel it a little bit, but maybe that's the surgical bra and not iron bra.
To those who have had their exchange, when did your PS have you begin massaging? I had my exchange July 10, and won't see the PS again till the 23rd, cause he's out of town. I figure there probably has to be a bit of a healing period before massaging, is that right?0 -
Andrea, my PS never told me to massage. When I asked her about it, she said there was no need. Not sure if she meant no need for me, no need with these implants, or what. It seems to be an individual thing.
0 -
My PS asked me to massage with Bio oil from the day after surgery, but to avoid the incisions. Then after two weeks, to start massaging the incisions as well and to pay special attention to the implant side to keep the implant moving within the capsule that forms around it.
0 -
I wonder if the difference here is radiation vs. no radiation? Rads are more likely to cause capsular contraction.
0 -
I had radiation on my right side and had some contracture on the side before my exchange. How do you massage? And what is bio oil?
0 -
You find BioOil in the first aid section of a pharmacy. I first heard of it on this site and started using it a couple of months after BMX. It's made with all sorts of natural plant based oils. It's habit with me now every time I bathe to massage my boobs with it. I rub it in and also do some poking, prodding, and pushing around to keep the TEs somewhat mobile. Not really sure if a cheap body or baby oil would do the same thing, but I keep using the BioOil.
0 -
Thanks! I'll pick some up next time I'm at Walgreens. But I'll wait till my PS gives me the go ahead to use it. I like using natural products, especially those without parabens, so it sounds great!
0 -
My PS said there is no need to massage. He said there is no study that says it makes a difference. I have been doing a little massaging anyway. I figure it cant hurt. My PT said to massage the scars.........
0 -
Isn't it funny how different surgeons give different advice? Massage, don't massage. Underwire bra, no underwires. I wonder how much of a difference it all makes in the end?
0 -
My PS said no need for massage either. When I told her I needed to in order to bond with foobs, she didn't see a problem but no recommendations how to do it either. She did say I needed to avoid any product with vitamin E for scars (am on pain meds now, can't remember the exact reason though), I asked about coconut oil and she said that would be fine too. She also recommended products with silicone (like Scar-Away sheets) for scars.
0 -
My PS didn't tell me to massage but when I asked him about it he didn't have a problem with it, and when I asked at subsequent appointments he said to keep doing it. I didn't start until after I got my pain under control from the BMX and initial rapid fills. Couldn't imagine manhandling myself before I got things under control with Neurontin, no f'ing way!!!
Part of the reason I started using it was just that I felt it would be common sense to keep the skin soft and supple for stretching. Secondarily, it seemed logical to me that massaging and keeping the TEs somewhat mobile could aid in keeping capsular contraction at bay. It also just helps me feel that I'm doing something proactive to help the process be successful.
0 -
2nd_time, I laughed at "bond with the foobs"! I think my PS would give me a very puzzled look if I said that. His sense of humor isn't the same as mine!
Lisa Jayne, I wouldn't be able to massage with pain either. I took neurontin after my BMX, due to a lot of burning pain, and it felt like someone rubbing sandpaper across raw skin. I couldn't stand anything touching me. Neurontin was a lifesaver! I'm hoping I won't need it again. I agree that keeping the skin soft and supple probably will help. Looks like your date is coming up soon, then it's goodbye TEs forever!0 -
Hi sisters,
my revision surgery is OVER AND AM HOME IN BED. I g0t home arund 1:30 and went right to bed and took a nap....just took my first pain pills and antibiotic pill. hubby brought me dinner in bed and i am just about ready to take a nap....a bit painful, but no drains.....I just hope Z boob and. shar pei boob are gone.
hugs, Di0 -
Di,
Glad to here you are ok..rest up0 -
Di, glad to hear everything went well. Get some rest and keep us updated!
0 -
Di-Wishing you well, rest and heal. Many HUGS!
0 -
Di, thanks for checking in!! Now, rest up and allow yourself to be pampered! Hugs!!!
0 -
Andrea, I'm having a hard time accepting my "new" body. 16 years with only one breast does that for me. All these scars, no nipple/areola, not only do I look weird, I feel it (plus it doesn't help that "D"H feels repulsed by the sight of me shirt-less). For me, the results of the scars of my C-section are a wonderful young lady, but I still, at times, I have a difficult time accepting me as I am. So, that why I told PS (who, along with her staff are sooo very compassionate and understanding) I need to find some way to "bond" with the foobs, to make them like a part of me. It was the funniest way I can think of to express the hurt I'm feeling inside.
0 -
Oh 2nd_time, I'm so sorry you're struggling with these feelings
. Know that you're in my prayers for peace, comfort and acceptance. I can only imagine how hard it would be to lose one breast to BC and then 16 years later have to give up the other one too. The mind is a complex thing, huh? We're all so grateful for the reconstruction options that are available today, but the fact remains that the primary visual aspect of our womanhood was taken away through no fault of our own and it's damn hard to deal with no matter your circumstances.And shame on that "D"H of yours! He needs some help (I'm thinking a good knock upside the head with a frying pan, but a good therapist would be more socially acceptable) getting past his hangups about your body. If he were more accepting of you right now it would do wonders for your state of mind!
Give it time sweetie, and for goodness sake if you need some professional help don't be afraid to do it, k?
(((((((HUGS)))))))
0 -
2nd_time, I am so sorry if I sounded like I was laughing at you! It was not my intention to bring you any pain, or bring up a subject which is sensitive. I honestly thought you were just trying to inject some humor when you said you needed to bond with the foobs.
Your "D"H's attitude is heartbreaking. We have been through so much and the scars we bear are those of battle with a cruel, vicious enemy. And we prevailed. Your DH needs to keep that in mind. We are more than our outward appearance. I do understand what it's like to have a difficult time accepting your own body. I had a hard enough time before cancer invaded my life (an earlier eating disorder messed with my head), but I've been fortunate my DH has never treated me any differently than before. If your DH is having trouble accepting this new reality, he should seek help. It would be good for him, for you, and your family.
Please know I'm praying for you, and sending a big, but gentle (((hug))).0 -
Andrea, I didn't think you were laughing at me at all. I was trying to laugh at myself (thru the tears). The months since dx haven't been easy, I try not to let them show thru, just yesterday was a particularly difficult day. DH (and I'm reminded "D" doesn't have to mean Dear or Darling but D*ck) was "sick" all weekend, maybe the alcohol catching up with him, took yesterday off again (he's taken over 6 days off since he started in Feb., only 2 were for my surgeries) and was angry because he was expecting me to wait on HIM! Other than taking me to the hospital the 3 times, he's taken me to a handful of dr appts (for which I'm grateful, he's also missed a whole lot when he was unemployed so no excuse for him) but I've done ALL the laundry, housework, and HIS ironing, most of the cooking, cleaning, dishwashing. I asked him to pick up pain med refill since Sat morning but it was too much for him. Yesterday, he went out for fast food (which I hate) and couldn't go the extra mile for meds. Because of this, I didn't take my pain meds for over 14 hours and was really hurting by the time I did. Thanks for letting me blow off steam! So glad I'm back on the meds today!
0 -
I want to come right to southern california and give you a great big old bear hug 2nd_time! Has DH always been this way or is it maybe a result of him not being able to handle the stress of the medical issues? If it's out of character for him I'd say he needs a therapist and hopefully it will get better. If it's normal behavior for him I'd still say he needs a therapist but odds of him changing probably aren't that great. Know that you're cared for here by many many friends who pray for you. I wish I could make it better for you!
0 -
2nd_time, I'm going to be on that flight to So. Cal with sweetandspecial to give you that hug. I'm so sorry you have to deal with an insensitive husband on top of everything else. Vent anytime you need it. We're all here for you.
0 -
Di, so happy you are home and doing well.
2nd time, virtual hug to you and I boarding that flight as well but it's to give your DH a big kick in the ... So sorry he is so insensitive to your needs.0 -
Hi everyone, I am not new to this site but I am fairly new to this topic. I just had my last fill today and am waiting for the office to send me my exchange date. I have been on here reading the comments and gathering information as to what I might can expect after my exchange. There is so much to learn.
2nd time: I am so sorry for all that you are going through. I think all of us ladies need to get on that flight to So. Cal. and take our hard rock TEs and beat some sense into that DH of yours. There is enough stress dealing with this D*** bc, you don't need anymore added to it. We are all here for you and you are in our prayers. If we all pray together maybe the good Lord will open your DH's eyes. I hope I haven't intruded on you. (Hugs to you)0
