physiatrist post mastectomy

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esk
esk Member Posts: 2
edited June 2014 in Working on Your Fitness

does anyone recommend a physiatrist who has experience helping women with breast cancer post bilateral mastectomy w/ axillary node removal post surgery? I really like to work out and want to recover in the best, safest and fastest way. I am in Miami and am treating at Sylvester. Thanks

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  • Jorf
    Jorf Member Posts: 498
    edited August 2009

    I can't help you with a specific recommendation. Would suggest stretching your search to include physical therapists tho. I've had better luck with most of my various injuries with the PT than the physiatrist. The PT I saw after surgery did a lot of hands on work helping to loosen muscles as well as teaching me stretching, strengthening, etc. I'd suggest asking your surgeon for a recommendation. Good luck - it's wonderful that you're pursuing this. I'm always amazed at how few women are told about the options available.

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  • LisaAlissa
    LisaAlissa Member Posts: 1,092
    edited August 2009

    Athena, esk is looking for a physiatrist, not a psychiatrist.  The American Adademy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation says:

    "Physiatrists, or rehabilitation physicians, are medical doctors who are:

    • Experts at diagnosing and treating pain

    • Restore maximum function lost through injury,
      illness or disabling conditions

    • Treat the whole person, not just the problem area

    • Lead a team of medical professionals

    • Provide non-surgical treatments

    • Explain your medical problems and treatment plan

    • Work not only on treatment but also prevention

    Rehabilitation physicians are nerve, muscle, and bone experts who treat injuries or illnesses that affect how you move. Rehabilitation physicians have completed training in the medical specialty physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R)."

    I don't know any physiatrists, but there is an "FAQ" on their site, that includes info on accessing their member directory. 

    I've always thought this sounded like a very useful specialty...particularly for people w/ multiple medical issues.  Good luck finding a practitioner, esk.

    LisaAlissa 

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  • esk
    esk Member Posts: 2
    edited August 2009

    thank you all so much.

     When (and it will be when) I find someone in Miami I will let everyone know. It boggles my mind that there are not several who specialize in this area. I keep hearing the bionic woman stuff in my head....you will be better, stronger, etc.....

     By the way Athena204, you gave me my biggest laugh for the day. thanks. I knew that someone would  think it was a typo and refer me to a mental health expert. fortunately, my sister is a psychologist and former oncology nurse. So, I am covered in both areas. Aren't I the lucky one?  :-) 

     esk

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  • Erica3681
    Erica3681 Member Posts: 1,916
    edited August 2009

    esk,

    I was told by a PT who works with breast cancer patients that there's someone who specializes in PT for breast cancer patients at the Baptist Hospital in Miami. I think this is the link: http://www.baptisthealth.net/en/facilities/baptist-hospital-miami/Pages/default.aspx. If you call the PT department there, perhaps they can direct you to the right person. 

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  • jasonborn68
    jasonborn68 Member Posts: 5
    edited March 2010
    r. Hofer took over my care after Dr. Neligan left. He is an exceptional surgeon, and I would trust his judgement. I had an IGAP due to insufficient stomach fat. I had a lot of problems post surgery, but it finally all resolved. I have a really good result, no pain anymore, and although my reconstructed breast does not look much like my real one, it looks pretty good with my clothes on. I had same day reconstruction because it was my second bout with breast cancer in the same breast, and the radiation had happened 12 years previously. the second surgery was a mastectomy, and I wanted it all done at the same time. Mastectomy is more an emotional recovery than a physical one, so I went for the reconstruction at the same time to get it over with.
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  • shej
    shej Member Posts: 2
    edited April 2010

    Thank you so much for this topic.  It is the nudge I needed to make the call to a local physiatrist who had been recommended to me by the woman heading the breast cancer support center.  I am primarily going in the hopes that I will finally find a solution to the tamoxifen pain side effects.  I have tried all the aromatase inhibitors, and they were worse than tamoxifen.  The medical breast cancer community locally is at the very beginning stages of building a cancer survivor treatment network and the physiatrist is a participant.  His first open appointment is July (!), but it feels good to know that I am heading in a new direction which might ultimately bring me a return to good quality of life.    

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