Charleston Bound, part 2

I've never heard either Dr Kline or Dr Craigie say anything negative about any doctor anywhere! And I had a doozie of one who every time I went to him to have my Seroma drained he would say that I would always be deformed (bunny tail and dog ears) at my SGAP site, and I told Dr K this. So, I cannot imagine him saying anything about the NOLA microsurgeons - did I miss something?

Think maybe I missed something also. I am a happy and satisfied patient of Dr K and C, so I may be a bit partial. I talked with all of the 3 named offices and of course each and everyone is different just as we all are. I ultimately chose this office because of the compassion , concern and laid back no ego feeling I got. I always got to talk to the Dr , not his support staff and I liked that. But that is just me.

God knows there are way too many of us out there needing help , so find a doc that feels right to you.

I remember when I first started reading these boards on recon, I momentarily thought that these women must be paid advertisements! I think I may have unintentionally offended someone by mentioning this. But what I quickly learned that we all love our chosen docs for making us whole again and a million other reasons. Some want to shout it from the rooftops, but all because they want to help another going thru this, maybe help them learn from some of our not so great experiences too.

From my perspective, I don't see any competition, they are very different in their approaches, it is a business after all. Some people like United Airlines, others American. We have our various reasons, but both will get you there.

Catie and Pink,



Thanks so much for the info and the encouragement. I told my sister that although this is serious business one benefit has been the kind people I have met. Sort of "fox-hole friends."



This has all happened very fast for me. I found in May I had a 1:2 chance of getting BC even tho I don't have the gene. Then I found a local surgeon and PS and was scheduled for Pbmx/TE for Jan 23. Then quite by chance (was looking for just another pbmx person to talk to and current doctor never suggested anyone) I stumbled across the FORCE website and someone actually called to talk to me. While I was shopping for Thanksgiving.



The FORCE person had had a DIEP with Dr. Kline and it sounded so incredible that something like that could be done right here in SC (I am in the up-state) ... I decided to check out their website. My prior PS had told me tissue replacement "wasn't possible" for me since I didn't have enough belly fat.



I already know how great Dr. Kline's group is because (and this nearly makes me cry whenever I think of it) I sent a note to the "ask the doctor" site and Dr. Kline actually wrote me a personal note back ... on Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend. (I couldn't ever get my prior doctor's office to call me back in less than 4 or 5 days ... And certainly not on a weekend.) By that Monday I had reserved Jan 23 (my same surgery date as before) with Dr Kline and had an appointment for my exam.



They made the transition so smooth, it was almost a non-event. And they volunteered to put me in touch with someone who had had a GAP flap procedure. In short, I consider them an answer to prayer and although I hate needles, pain, and hospitals I feel this is the right choice for me. I feel truly fortunate.



I also say "amen" to Catie and Cascader's comments. NOLA, Dr. Kline, etc. - these highly-trained micro-surgical doctors who take broken lives and put them back together again ... I stand in awe of you and just say "I am so glad you're here."

BTW I will spend my post-op week at Wild Dunes. I plan to drag myself to the porch and watch the boats at the marina!

Sewanee - just in case you need it, the marina store is really well stocked now.  And Morgan Creek Grill will prepare to go meals.  Kind of like eating out, but not.  It is at the marina, too.  I live in WD so let me know if you need any info or assistance.

Thanks, Marty. My mom will be there with me and it will be good for her to know there's a store close by. It is great to know you'll be close by. Thanks for the offer.

Sewannee and Ketch, I am in isle of Palms, just down the Blvd from Wild Dunes and will be here until 2/7/2013 - we will be watching the same waves! If you both are up to it, we might have coffee or lunch? Depending on your recouping. Marty is in Wild Dunes as well, maybe it might work out with all of us? Again depending on how you are feeling.



When I had my SGAP in the Spring I was able to have short lunches shortly after my surgery, but we all are different in our recoveries.



My initial experience with Dr Kline was the same. I wrote a question into the website and was surprised to have an answer from the Dr on a Friday night (as I remember it). I too had problems with Drs not ever responding via phone but only days later by nurses. That totally impressed me. After my surgery I was given Dr Klines cell phone number as well as his nurse. And they encouraged me to call with any questions or problems. I used it sparingly but did use email quite a bit with various questions getting quick responses.



The weather was beautiful today. Went to the Battery and Market and walked all Markets then went to Papa Zuzu's for a gyro. Slept very well this afternoon - 9 days after surgery! Sure needed that pain med though.



Who knew upper 70's in January? Marty you truly live in Paradise!



Hugs



Catie

For those recovering on IoP, I am happy to offer car service for a little get together.

Ditto

Beth, So glad you are on the other side of it! The getting in and out of bed with the SGAP gets better, just make sure you stay on top of the meds especially at the beginning. I would love to put a face to the name and meet for coffee or tea if Marty is up to it when you are able. Hoping that works out. I can't drive so would be great if Marty is able to. Perhaps there is a coffee shop or something near your Homewood Suites? Lets stay in touch, I'll pm you my cell phone. I have an appointment with Dr Kline on Friday morning, other than that my week is open (smile).



They give you the softer pillows from the hospital, when I had my SGAP I used them to put one under my butt, one semi rolled behind my back/SGAP area and one protecting my chest when I was driven home from the hospital and in general sitting at the beginning. It may or may not work for you?



So happy you are on the other side!



Hugs



Catie

Good to hear from you Beth. I agree , use lots of pillows, I created a nest. I too stayed at homewood for stage 2, great location, everything right there. It does get better , a. little bit each and every day. I slept tons after stage 1. You are going to feel so much better after your shower tomorrow. Keep us posted on how you are doing.

Beth,

Sounds like you're making great progress.   I have to agree that sliding out of bed was a little painful.   After I had my shower, I felt so much better.   EC food service is really good.   I loved and ate everything they brought me.   Anything I don't have to prepare is always better.    Take care!

Marty, that sounds good with me, hope it works for Beth too!

Catie,



Did you have any fat grafting this time?

Catie-

Doing really well as far as healing of incisions and LNT flap. My left flap was lifted and rotated so much that we have to wait til surgery #3 for it to settle again to start on symetry and fat grafting of breasts. I will need a #4 for more FG.



I asked about FG to see if you personally experienced much pain.



Doc did do a liitle bit of lipo from outer top of thigh to FG and fill in a "pothole" in spot over pec muscle by armpit from rads and failed implant damage. Just that little bit of lipo/FG at donor site still bites even though bruising gone and one month post op.



Next surgery is when the FG really begins! If I have a job by then I can't imagine working 8-10 hours with more pain. Need to check on how long they typically write off work notice for this. I think i will need some scar revision too. I used to turn down pain meds years ago for small surgeries but now i feel like such a wimp since BC surgeries. I've had six surgeries so far so I ought to be used to pain by now but guess pain different for each type of surgery and each patient.

Hi all,

Apparently I was just doing too well last night as I ended up back in OR at 2 am.  My left flap (the cancer, radiated side) developed a blood clot, and they were not able to save it.  So instead of being discharged today, it looks like I might be hanging around a bit.  I'm not sure of the plan yet,  I just woke up.  My nurse told me that Dr. Craige would be in later to discuss what's next.

Take care everyone,

Beth