TEs. A Beginner's Primer

OK I know you ladies are right. I am just scared when something is pointed out to me by a professional...but in all honesty if my permanent implants look as good as the TEs I will be happy! The PT also mentioned how her friend's had "dropped" which scared the heck out of me!

It's like my husband just said...."your originals weren't symmetrical either"....

thanks moonflower, that does make sense.  i'm glad i brought it up to the ps when i was there.

Char - I am trying to avoid having another colonoscopy like the plague. (I got one of those simple take-your-own-poop-sample kit that I can mail in.) It never occurred to me to ask about prophylactic antibiotics prior to a colonoscopy.

Even though my PS said not to worry about it, my dentist is extremely germ-conscious. He prescribed me an antibiotic, of which I take two, an hour before I have a procedure or even have my teeth cleaned.

He says he's treating my breast implants just like he would any other foreign object in the body like a hip or knee replacement!

Thanks for asking that question... now I'm going to ask the Colonoscopy doc!

I'm having dental work next week and in 3 weeks, then having exchange surgery 2 weeks after that.  I'm getting a crown and 2 fillings replaced.  My PS prescribed amoxicillin that I take the day before to the day after.  I hope I don't have any issues!   After my BMX, I was on Keflex.  She does this with all of her surgery patients,

hi ladies,

Weird question. I start chemo next Friday and my center has recommended I go have teeth cleaned first.

I've just remembered PS said I should have antibiotics when having teeth cleaned w TE in.

Does anyone know if I need these before or after cleaning? (Or as Julie suggests - both?)

I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with all the to-dos!

Thanks!

Hi all, so glad to find this post too, this whole forum actually . I had TEs with 100 cc each after BMX 4/29/14. I had drains for 14 days, and didn't do a THING for 5 weeks.  We started expanding at 2 weeks once drains were out and expanded to approx 450 cc because I am going for a healthy B cup. Expansion was 80 cc weekly which was tight for a day or so and then no pain.  More painful when we got up closer to 400 but again tolerable. I imagine with more volume would be much more painful.  At 5 weeks started slow jog which was uncomfortable but tolerable.  At 6 wks could run fine.  Today, just over 8 weeks out I have no pain or tenderness whatsoever, can run, climb, bike, swim; and forget I even have TEs except when I look in the mirror.  We expanded fast because we thought I wouldn't need chemo and because we were moving and insurance was going to run out.  Maybe I forget about the TEs because I am now in chemo . Anyhow, will do swap out in October/November once chemo is long gone.  Just wanted to share my experience in case it helps someone with theirs.  Attitude is everything, and rest is just as important!

Smaaty, sounds like potential for an interesting thread with an easily understood positive Title.

There are so many options, chest shapes, form shapes, TE types, implant types and size depends upon considering so many aspects that a focussed thread may be very useful to those investigating questions to ask and understanding options. Hope it can stay on track, so set guidelines carefully as possible.

Cheers, The Mods

thanks AZ8 and stepangel.

Makes sense! Will put in a call to PS office Monday morning.

Happy 4th!

Rain

My exchange surgery is coming up, and I would love to see a "Living with Implants" thread!

Nothing specific (yet!). I'm sure I will have questions after the exchange surgery though.

Any suggestions for flying with TEs in? I will have to cancel my fill tues and need to fly (5-6 hours) to be with my daughter who is having some problems. I do not think I will be able to get to my PS for this card everyone talks about for the TEs. Also suggestions on handling bags? I need to carry a very heavy textbook too! Thanks.

I had to fly when I had the TE in.  I set off the machine and they wanded me.  When I told them what it was they were very nice.  I never thought of getting a note from my doctor - it probably would have made things a bit easier, but it wasn't really an issue anyway.

I eventually chose to have a DIEP rather than an implant. 

Scary- it is my understanding that increased activity equals increased fluids in the drains. My occupational therapist said exercise is great but not using your arms. Walking but not power walking with arms pumping is ideal. And gentle... Don't overdo! Check with your doc, but that's what I was told.