Charleston Bound, part 2

That is what I heard. I went for a consult with Dr. Kline in August which went fine but not for me. PRMA is another good one with is in network with most insurances and the the doctors have a range of knowledge. NOLA has not responded yet to insurance but I have just decided to go to PRMA b/c I have family there and will need the support after surgery. I think you just have to call,email and talk then make up your mind. Good luck for whatever you decide but do what is right for you. You will know in your gut. Kat

I'm partial to Dr Kline.

Insurance is NOT a problem with Dr Kline and Craigie. They take ALL insurance and do not balance bill. They only work with breast cancer patients which makes a huge difference in my opin. Very down to earth doc, emails with me all the time, operates in a beautiful regional hospital with all private rooms with nurses trained in their reconstruction of natural breast recon specialty using flaps. They do DIEP, SGAP, PAP. No trams or lat flaps!

Warm wishes with your research and decision.

Does anyone know of an excellent plastic surgeon California or the San Francisco area?

I too had my reconstruction done with Drs Kline and Craigie and had no problem with insurance covering all of my hospital stay (private room, GREAT MATTRESS, and wonderful care) at 100% after I met my deductible - I think it makes a difference what your individual insurance plan covers or not. Mine pays 100% after deductible is met for in network hospitals. I live in GA and the SC hospital was covered.

I am 1000% pleased with my procedures, Drs, and hospitals. So much in fact that I am willing to drive 6 hours to get to them!

Hope all goes well in your search, and Montrial in your upcoming surgery!

Hugs

Catie

I agree with what the others have said about Kline and Craigie, but I am partial as I had a wonderful experience with these two docs, their fun and friendly staff, and East Cooper hospital. I live in Wash state and my insurance like Caties paid everything once I met my deductible. I think you should contact all of the mentioned docs and go with what works best for you , insurance, location , etc ,but most importantly trust your instincts. I don't think you can go wrong with Nola but I ultimately chose Dr Kline because of his down to earth and caring attitude , no ego, no big head. Good luck with your research, once you make a decision don't second guess yourself, it can drive you crazy.

Crs319, about six months ago I became a vegetarian and iron absorption is more difficult to obtain from plant foods. Here's a few tips that I've read. Vitamin C will increase the absorption of heme and non heme iron (the kind found in plants), but calcium and the oxalates found in some foods will inhibit it. Oxalates are in kale, nuts, spinach, beets and a few other foods.

So if you take an iron supplement with orange juice make sure the juice doesn't have added calcium. And make sure you avoid calcium rich foods or drinks and caffeine for an hour and a half. AND avoid eggs after iron intake because they, too, block absorption. AND avoid the oxalate containing foods.

I find it easier to eat, say, a banana between meals and take a vitamin c supplement or drink some oj. Then at night I'll take a couple tbl of molasses with a little oj before going to bed.

It's difficult to remember all this at first, but once you have done it for awhile, like anything else, it becomes second nature. I hope this helps a little.

Cheers,

Davy

Hi rdgc, I had a unilateral Sgap a year ago last June and very happy with results. No regrets. Lots of info on these boards but feel free to PM me if you would like. I am not on here as much as I used to be but check in every so often and would be happy to answer any questions.

Thank you Davy, I appreciate reading about your experience! Also, I am wondering if anyone ever has to do surgery for any reason after the SGAP. I wonder if there is ever any kind of complication...

thanks lbrewer, pink heart, and Davy I will try the iron suggestions and see how fast I can push this up.

Hope you are all doing well and having a good fall.

I'm definetly a Klinette-drive 8 hours for him and he's worth every mile:). Would be fun if he had a yearly bash for his patients.

Wonder if they've ever considered that?

I have had 2 procedures at Roper. It was fabulous. The surgery center is in the Heart & Vascular tower and the same day surgery center staff is wonderful. The facility is only a few years older than East Cooper. Private rooms are nice, nursing staff is terrific on the floor I was on. I will be there again on December 5th!

Kline & Craigie are in the Roper system, but did they offer you Roper downtown or St. Francis or Mount Pleasant Hospital? They are all part of the Roper/St. Francis system. My husband just had spinal surgery at St. Francis. Mount Pleasant Hospital is our very newest. Be sure you ask which facility they are using. I am happy to share any info I can.

CRS - trying to organize a "reunion " next autumn - Sewannee Girl's idea too - to combine with annual checkup with Dr K and Dr B!!!! Hoping it works out!!!

Has anyone had any success in getting their insurance to cover going to Charleston?

Thank you. Were you able to go to them because your regular provider does not perform the surgeries you needed?

My surgeries have all been covered in network as well, deductible and co-insurance only (BC/BS PPO). I never called my insurance beforehand, I let Dr. Kline's office handle that part. Of course it is plan specific. I don't think it had anything to do with what local doctors can or cannot do. Whichever doctor you are considering you can ask them to prequalify you with your ins company, so you'll know what you're facing financially.