Charleston Bound, part 2

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  • Downey30
    Downey30 Member Posts: 337
    edited August 2014

    Hi PinkHeart,  So glad you are through with this stage of surgery.  You asked about fat grafting to SGAP donor sites.  I had that done last December and I am sad to say that that I don't think any of it stuck around.  I was reading on "ask the Dr" on the Nola site and I guess this is hard place to graft.  I'm going to see what can be done at the end of the month.  My pants are all sliding down into that area.  I find myself continually hiking them up.  Not sure if it is lifted again that I will have much butt left.  We shall see.  Rest easy.

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  • brca35
    brca35 Member Posts: 68
    edited August 2014

    I pulled one of the stitches that was used on the dissolve able mesh that Craigie/Kline use in stage one diep. Has anyone else done this? It makes a constant tugging feeling when I stand and is extremely uncomfortable. 

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  • PinkHeart
    PinkHeart Member Posts: 1,193
    edited August 2014

    Downey,

    It sounds like you had a bottom lift with fat grafting?  

    I hope you and I both get good results. I know that annoying feeling of pants sliding down. At least leggings are comfy that I wear with tops that cover my butt are trendy right now but definitely want to wear pants and jeans, too! 

    I took pictures today for before and after. 

    I almost think this butt lift surgery is harder to do stairs and sit than my SGAP. 

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  • PinkHeart
    PinkHeart Member Posts: 1,193
    edited August 2014

    For those of you who either live locally or are traveling to Charleston and need rides to pre-op/post-op appointments, hospital drop off for surgery, treatments, etc., please know that you can receive rides free of charge through the American Cancer Society.  This is for patients with any kind of cancer.  (The patient must be able to walk.)  I was told that they have provided rides for patients and their caregiver to and from airport, too. 

    Two years ago, I personally used this ACS service, Road to Recovery, when I had to have one month of daily HBOT treatments (due to severe radiation damage to my breast/chest wall) at a hospital 45 minutes from my home, and my friends and family could only drive me to about half of my daily treatments.  I still could not drive because I had just had bilateral SGAP surgery with drains still in, and on oxycodone.  The two volunteer drivers that I had were so nice to chat with on the drive there and back.  I was hesitant at first about using this service and having strangers drive me, but the strangers turned into friends the moment I got in their car. 

    I live in Indianapolis, but can use this service in any city that offers it.  If you are in need of a ride or know of other cancer patients that may, here is the link to the info, and the phone number to call to get registered so the ACS can schedule volunteer drivers.

    http://www.cancer.org/treatment/supportprogramsservices/road-to-recovery

    800-227-2345

    One of my volunteer drivers was a retired doctor that I knew from community activities and as a patient of his.  So he really wasn't a stranger to begin with and surprised when he came to my front door.  He drives cancer patients to appointments in his Bentley when weather is good.  A couple of months ago, our local TV news did a segment on him as a volunteer for Road to Recovery to help get the word out that ACS needs more volunteer drivers to help cancer patients.  Volunteer drivers cannot accept money or gifts, but they can write off on taxes.

    Here is the news clip for Dr. Bob and a patient he is helping with rides to her treatments.  It's only a few minutes long if interested in viewing. 

    http://www.wthr.com/story/26015970/2014/07/14/road-to-recovery

     

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  • Davy
    Davy Member Posts: 114
    edited August 2014

    Downey, thanks for the insight. My donor fat grafting seems to be mostly taking, last surgery last November. I'd guess I still have 85% of the fat because the indentations were pretty obvious before and not so much now. And my pants no longer slide down (that was annoying!). 

    Brca35, I pulled a few stitches that seemed to cause me more pain, too. I don't know that the docs would recommend it though. But I don't think I was any worse for the wear. 

    Pink, slow and steady wins the race, right? You'll be moving around pain free before you know it! Thanks for the tip on the Boost drinks, I'd never thought about that being an easy way to increase calories. Maybe those with decreased activity would get me a few extra pounds. 

    Cheers,

    Davy

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  • lbrewer
    lbrewer Member Posts: 766
    edited August 2014

    when my MIL was ill, we added protein powder to her boost/ensure. It adds a lot more protein and more calories without requiring her to actually consume more. There is also now a clear peach ensure that we mixed with iced tea for high protein peach tea.

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  • brca35
    brca35 Member Posts: 68
    edited August 2014

    Davy 

    Thanks for the comment on stitches. I hope that's all it is. Then it would dissolve. It's still as prominent as it was 2 weeks ago and tugs every time I'm standing or walking.  Now they are thinking it could be scar tissue. I hope not! 

    Good news! I was approved to get my 4th and final drain out tomorrow!!! Yay!! 

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  • PinkHeart
    PinkHeart Member Posts: 1,193
    edited August 2014

    Brca,

    Yay for you getting ALL the drains out!  Another step forward in healing!  

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  • mags20487
    mags20487 Member Posts: 1,591
    edited August 2014


    leaving in 2 weeks for Charleston and round 7 with DR M on the 27th.  Cannot believe how it is sneaking up on me.  Anxious to see what she has in store for me!

    Mags

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  • GointoCarolina
    GointoCarolina Member Posts: 753
    edited August 2014

    Tomorrow is the big day for me.The last two days and nights have been a nightmare...long story...but thanks to a wonderful nurse at East Cooper,I am finally going to get a full...part nights sleep.I loved Dr.Kline....feeling a little lonely here at Comfort Suites,but the peace and quiet is what I need.Will post as soon as I am able.Thank you all,if it was not for you,I would not be here.Good night!!!!!

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  • PinkHeart
    PinkHeart Member Posts: 1,193
    edited August 2014

    Congrats Mags!  I had a 9 month break, too, and def needed it. This last one is great not having drains but am dealing with a lot of pain. Feels like the incisions are incredibly tight and ready to rip. 

    Safe travels and an easy recovery!

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  • MartyJ
    MartyJ Member Posts: 1,859
    edited August 2014

    Mags, when are you coming up?  When is pre-op?  I am pre on 18th and surg eRly morning of 17th.  

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  • PinkHeart
    PinkHeart Member Posts: 1,193
    edited August 2014

    GTC,

    I'm thinking of you right now and sure Dr Kline and Craigie are doing their expert work on your recon and giving great caring care of you. Hope to somehow connect with you!  

    Peace and blessings!

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  • Cherrie
    Cherrie Member Posts: 1,423
    edited August 2014

    Maggie- Finally your time is here again. You will do great. What is Dr. M doing this time? Hope you can meet up with MartyJ. 

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  • mags20487
    mags20487 Member Posts: 1,591
    edited August 2014

    not quite sure what her skilled hands will do to me this time around.  She mentioned lowering the belly scar which will mean drains again for at least 2 weeks...ah well....what's another 2 weeks anyway. 

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  • PinkHeart
    PinkHeart Member Posts: 1,193
    edited August 2014

    Mags,

    Maybe you will get a break and no drains. I just had butt lift, SGAP shark bite removal, and now have incision across my backside from hip to hip. But at least no drains!

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  • GointoCarolina
    GointoCarolina Member Posts: 753
    edited August 2014

    Lost my one flap....was in surgery 14 hours...they did their best....looks like another trip is in the cards.feeling pretty lousy but will update as I can

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  • MartyJ
    MartyJ Member Posts: 1,859
    edited August 2014

    Aw, Goin, so very sorry.  That is incredible hard.  Get some rest and we'll be thinking of you.

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  • philomene
    philomene Member Posts: 45
    edited August 2014

    GoingtoCarolina, I am so sorry! What  happened?

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  • PinkHeart
    PinkHeart Member Posts: 1,193
    edited August 2014

    GTC,

    I am so sorry you had complications. You are in my thoughts and prayers. If I can help you in any way please let me know. 

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  • Catie2013
    Catie2013 Member Posts: 1,023
    edited August 2014

    GTC 

    Been where you are and done that and know how disappointing it can be, but I can also tell you I'm on the other side, all is done and I'm beyond thrilled. The Drs worked hard and long to save mine, but it was one of those things.  The crazy thing is that the new flap they performed on me actually looks better than the one that survived the first go round!  But all in all I'm happy to be done and pray someday yours will be done and you too will be happy with them!

    Sorry you had to go through the loss of the flap though!  

    Hugs

    Catie

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  • mags20487
    mags20487 Member Posts: 1,591
    edited August 2014

    Going...been there done that.  I am so sorry for the loss of your flap.  It is tough to handle.  My Gap replacement looks awesome so I now have a decently matched set again as you will too soon!  Hang in there

    Maggie

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  • brca35
    brca35 Member Posts: 68
    edited August 2014

    goingtocarolina. So sorry! Prayers sent up for you. 

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  • HighBeams-14
    HighBeams-14 Member Posts: 53
    edited August 2014

    GTC so sorry things didn't work out this time.  But optimistic for you that there can and will be a next time.  Be sad for a time, but be strong and plan for the future. Praying blessings for you.

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  • LAstar
    LAstar Member Posts: 1,574
    edited August 2014

    GTC, you must be so exhausted & disappointed.  Rest well for now. You will resolve this soon enough.

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  • cascader
    cascader Member Posts: 599
    edited August 2014


    Oh GTC, I am so sorry. Please take care of yourself and give yourself the time to process all of this and to heal . There are others here that have experienced this and I hope that you reach out to them for support. I hope that the nurses at East Cooper are taking wonderful care of you, they are the best at what they do. Please check in with us when you feel up to it. Thinking of you and sending gentle hugs

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  • Davy
    Davy Member Posts: 114
    edited August 2014

    GTC - I'm sorry about the flap loss. Thinking of you and sending positive healing vibes your way. 

    Davy

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  • Cherrie
    Cherrie Member Posts: 1,423
    edited August 2014

    GTC- So sorry you had to go through this. There is light at the end of the tunnel, it just takes time to get there. (Right Maggie??) Rest and recover. 

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  • PinkHeart
    PinkHeart Member Posts: 1,193
    edited August 2014

    GTC,

    Sending you thoughts, prayers, and hugs to brighten your day!  Hang in there and take it easy. 💗😊🙏🌻🌺🐴

    Hugs to your caregiver, too!

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  • bethcw
    bethcw Member Posts: 98
    edited August 2014

    GTC, add me to the list of those thinking of and praying for your recovery.  Like several other ladies here, I've been where you are.  It's not an easy path, but look for the light at the end of the tunnel.  Please let me know if you need an ear, or anything else I can do.  Take care of yourself!  Beth

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