Charleston Bound, part 2

Panda, so so sorry!!!! What a bummer! No matter how you try to get it arranged, it seems to fall apart! If I had a date that would work I'd gladly give it to you, but mine is for mid November and I think there is only one Dr scheduled for me anyway!!!

Just a big hug - and hope something comes up that works for you!

HUGS <<<<<>>>>>>>

Can't believe it is Friday....Davy,you know I am thinking of you and hope it is all working out.Pinkheart,that is great of you offering to help her.I am over my pity party and will pick a new date....I just feel badly about the people involved and telling them..ooops,another change,can you adjust your schedules again? Who knows,maybe flights will be cheaper,weather a little cooler,me a little better in shape.....Thank you for understanding and being here.

Panda,



Please don't throw in the towel, you've come so far and the end result is worth it. Although I do know these challenges can get you down. Try to let the little victories (the fee waiver, DH being able to reschedule once already, etc.) bolster you through. What about finding a college student volunteer to feed the animals? Any schools close by. Just a thought.



I'm all through with stage three. I took a little peek and the girls are looking better. In a few weeks I will post pictures of all three stages. Dr. Kline did fat grafting to the upper poles on both sides, filled in the donor sites with fat and removed the dog ears. He used the fat from my saddlebag area. I'm running out of fat though so hopefully I won't need much tweaking for the final surgery later this year. I probably should have waited until after reconstruction to become a vegetarian :-).



Hugs to all still healing and waiting!

Crs319 - glad to hear your last chemo session is fast approaching! I did not have much lipo in stage 2. I had SGAP, so he did a butt lift (which added two vertical incisions less than two inches long), didn't remove the dog ears but instead extended that incision out an inch, removed the skin flaps and sewed up the right IMF. Removing the skin flaps resulted in tightening the wings on the side of the boobs. Now the left side looks normal with no loose skin. The right side, however, still has some looseness. Dr. K said that's normal, but of course I know it's not . So in my final stage I will ask that he correct it if I don't see a vast improvement this time. He said that would involve cutting into that area to remove the skin. I'm fine with that, I just want it gone because it looks very odd to me.



Stage 3 did not involve lipo under the arms - I don't have any fat there, just the skin I mentioned in the right side.



Cheers,



Davy

Panda,

Charleston is ranked as one of the hardest cities in the country to fly into.  It can be a real pain! but its worth it!

Lbrewer,



Hope it doesn't cause problems. How many. CCs were you down to?



I've had 17 drains, and from the beginning was shown by a nurse to tape down the drain tube about an inch or two from the hole. That way the tubing tugs on tape and not stitches.



Keep us posted and take care!

Lbrewer just read your post - would have suggested calling Dr K- now you know though!!!! I too had a similar problem and now know NOT to push it back in. But calling or emailing to ask is the right thing to do for sure!

Of course the drain came out at 10:30 Sunday night on a holiday which is why I waited till the next day.  had to pull it out again and now am on antibiotics.  What happens to the fluid that now can't drain?  I put in a call to Chris but haven't heard back yet.

I'm praying no seroma as well.  I called my BS but his nurse says he usually will not deal with issues resulting from surgery he didn't perform.  And the PS surgeon who did the expander won't see me either.

I'll probably end up at the ER just to get seen!  I know its all about liabilty but this is crazy!  Anyway keep me in your prayers!

Sorry to hear you are having problems.  Seems like "when it rains, it pours" as they say.  By the way, what is a seroma?   As I mentioned before, I am scheduled for Stage 1 early November.  It sounds like these minor to more serious complications are becoming the norm.  Do you think one can always expect some complications???  I certainly hope your issues related to the drain coming out will be kept to a minimum.  You're in my thoughts and prayers.  Unfortunately, with no experience with this yet, I can offer no advice.  Best wishes.  Montrial

Thanks for the tip on compression.  On with the Spanx!

ditto what martyj said.  Compression has really saved me from further complications. 

Montrial...sorry if we are scaring you.  Complications are NOT the norm.  Many ladies have had these surgeries without any.  Just remember that when we do have one we post to see if anyones else had LOL!  You will be in good hands.  Ask anything you like here.  My thoughts have always been hope for the best but prepare for the worst :O

Maggie

Correction- my husband drove home!!

I have appointment tomorrow with Dr K to get measured and talk about BRAVA. I have not been eating enough fried chicken and have lost weight due to divorce nerves .....



My Stage 5 surgery is scheduled November 15. I keep forgetting to PM my surgery info to Jeskachi to post on list at top of this thread.



Anybody else have dates that you wish to be added to list???

Not to worry -- I have a positive outlook -- just a teensy bit nervous.  I did speak with a previous patient of Dr. Craigie's last night who has recently completed her reconstruction process.  She really put my mind at ease, as all went smoothly for her.  I understand the questions about issues being addressed on this site.  It is comforting to know one can reach out to all of you and receive prompt, knowledge through experience responses.  Thanks to all!!  Montrial