Charleston Bound, part 2

Bogie,

The two hospitals in charleston are east cooper (brand new in mt pleasant) or roper downtown. My insurance covered both 100 percent as well as all surgeon fees, MRI scans, labs, anesthesia--so don't owe a dime since met oop n deductibles n no copy's by may 1. Will have stage two before end of year. I am at east cooper which is nice and quiet. We didn't get in to hope lodge so staying at Hampton patriots point for $89 per night. Which is close to ec hospital and beaches. First four nights in hospital, them four more nights at hotel or ACS hope lodge. I flew down a week earlier to have time to enjoy beaches and relax before surgery. Pl x pm me if u would like

Pink heart...Simply awesome that you are posting already. You sound like you are really pleased!! Thrilled for you, as I know your journey as been long, stressful and full of disappointment. I had my stage 2 in December in Charleston. Enjoyed it, even in winter and got some Christmas shopping done as well!! Give me a call when you are home and rested! Gentle hugs!!

Wow, Sherry, that is right around the corner.  My best to your for a great out come and recovery.  We'll be thinking of you.  Give us a shot when you get home are feeling good.

Linda 

Hi slh, not many of us uni's . I live quite rural so just had my local nurse practitioner as my helper doc if I needed. I did not want my earlier PS involved(failed implant). I was a little worried about that but luckily did not need to use anyone once I arrived home. My drains were pulled while i was still in CHS.Dr Kline is always available and encourages you to send pics once you are home. If something arises, he will help guide you as what to do next. If needed I was going to call my BS, so maybe he/she can be your helper?

When is your surgery? Who is your doc?

I plan on using my pcp as he has followed me for 13 years and is great doc. Dr Kline said I could pull hip drains if I wanted. I'll wait and see.



I'm still heavy on pain meds but getting up to potty on own. I tried to decline pain meds earlier--big mistake. Will get ambien to sleep.



I've had a difficult day emotionally. I called my husband during his drive here expecting him to be here halfway. He said he had just left and would explain why he couldn't get here till midnight. I insisted he tell me because I felt like my kids and him had been keeping something from me.

The reason he left late is because he and my kids went to funeral this morning. A good friend of mine died unexpectedly the night before my surgery and they and her family did not want me to know.

A nurse caseworker came to talk with me after nurse told her what happened. I was goin to talk to a priest but he wasn't available. My dh should be here by midnight. The nurses have all been so caring.

Pink heart,

I am so sorry about the loss of your dear friend.   Saying a prayer for healing of your body and peace and comfort for your heart. 

ugh just posted a long reply and it went bye bye...

Sherry...all compression garments will be provided by Dr Massey/Roper. I woke up from Stage 2 in the full length ( breast to knee) Veronique garment ... Zips up the side. I actually loved it and the tightness it provided after lipo. I am also long waisted so it fit me great. I am not sure if she still uses that or something different. I stayed in it for 2 1/2 months. At the time she said ideally, 6 months would be great, but realistically she knows most won't wear it that long.

Roper Hospital is over 150 years old. But I found I loved it. Since I was there for Stage 2B last October, Dr.Massey has moved her patients to a different wing with a staff dedicated to recon. She is constantly in the training mode when the nurses are in your room. Rooms are private. Her OR staff have been with her for years and love her and will sing her praises as well. I lost over 25 lbs the week of my Stage 1, and never ate a meal the entire time I was at Roper. Had nausea and no appetite. I think the food was standard hospital fare....DH ate mine. Stage 2's....I think I had breakfast and that was about it. DH was able to use wireless in the hospital and always seemed to have a Starbucks.....so must be something close. I love the southern hospitality of all the Roper employees I dealt with. Very polite and gracious , even billing and admitting personnel I dealt with on the phone.

My Stage 2 was 5 hours and Stage 2 B was 7 hours. I can't remember, but I am thinking you kept your nipples, is that right? So,no nipple recon?

Do you have scarring from the infection you had....and did that resolve quickly? I will always remember your pics of that, as I saw them as I was just starting this journey.

Sorry about your DH and his crummy behavior:(

Having a girlfriend will be nice, and the Hope Lodge is right near Roper. You will think you have known Dr. M your whole life.....she has been an angel to me!

If I can help with any other info, don't hesitate to ask. Joni

Im looking forward to the lipo.  How bad does that sound?  I just want to look balanced.  Thanks for the input!  I do have some scarring from the infection and none of my last surgery scars healed as nice so I hope this time they heal better.  Where did you get the arnica from?  I think I need to get some before.

Jacee. I'm goin to ask dr k about arrival gel. Like your analogy about elephant ride. I will be having lipo when I come back. Sweetheart nurses abound and dr k so nice I'm almost speechless because of past arrogance from other ps. Just got this iPhone need my teens here to help. Husband at the beach--lucky him.

Sherry good u got in at hope lodge.

Pink sorry about your friend.  ((HUGS))

Picked up arnica pills and gel.  Got my bag started. 

I am planning the DIEP with Kline in late January (provided I lose 30 lbs., which I am working on). I've seen the sandpiper village mentioned several times. Can someone tell me about it?

Ketch, I stayed at sandpiper vlg for a month . I wanted a place I could afford for a long term stay and this place worked perfectly. I rented a 2 bdrm 2 bath place, full kitchen laundry . Bathrooms are handicapped accessible so really help, higher toliet seats, walk in showers with seat and bar. It is a senior living community so you have to be ok with that. It is quiet, has a pool, people super nice. If you are alone they have a car service that will take you to dr appts. Also a restaurant and beauty salon , library for senior residents but you are welcome there. Kind of a funny little place, mothing fancy but clean and 5 minutes from hospital. Look at pics online . Feel free to PM me.

Thanks for thought everyone. Dr kept me xtra day. Having a case of barfs. Had to change some meds n blood thinners. Am walkin but still rubbery legs.

Sent dh to hampton inn. Just easier for me and him to relax n he can watch olympics.

Drugs r kickin n but tn if pm me i found a cute tiny cottage on sullivans island for $50 night but is a monthly rental if u want to check that out with sandpiper. I was not able to get in hope lodge.

Dr k so nice n brought his cute little ones with to c me. Cant wait to come back here when recovered n go to beach before stage two. Peace

Pink heart, my daughter pulled the drains with Dr Kline on his cell phone telling her what to do. Pretty easy I could have done it but glad she volunteered. She is an adult, by the way.



The big thing is embrace the drains, they really are your friends. Right now I'm dealing with Seroma on each side, the drains probably could have stayed in longer, but the one started coming way out and the other did the same. I must sleep funny. Anyway, the seromas are more of a pain in the butt ( that's where they are LOL than the drains ever were, so lesson learned the hard way).



You are probably out of ECRMC. I loved that hospital, best nurses ever. Hope all is going well for you.



My stage 2 will come after I have the left breast redone. I have to heal ( radiated skin on my flap is in the process of healing) first. Thinking about the beginning of the year.



Hugs to all