Lost Implant from Infection--Starting Over with TEs

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marketingmama
marketingmama Member Posts: 161
edited December 2015 in Breast Reconstruction

Hi Ladies,

I had my BMX in June. TEs placed. At Exchange there was some questionable fluid around my right TE. PS did a full "clean up" and then placed the implant. He also had the fluid cultured. Culture was unusual but PS didn't believe there was active infection. Well about 2 weeks after Exchange my right breast started showing signs of infection (redness on the lower half, warm to touch, etc). PS started me on antibiotics and wound up removing it surgically. The culture showed nothing in that case--and my PS believes that was because I'd already begun antibiotic treatment.

It's now about 8 weeks later and I'm going back in to have a TE put in and essentially start the reconstruction process again. I've been flat on the right side for a few months. The surgery is outpatient and relatively simple but I'm concerned that I might have discomfort like I did post-BMX---since the muscles and skin need to be stretched again. Wondering if anyone who had to "start over" can share experiences similar to this and how much discomfort they might have had. Taking a week off of work but want to be prepared emotionally. The Exchange surgery was so easy and I don't want to fool myself into thinking this might be similar in terms of pain and recovery.

If I'm better off posting this in the Exchange thread or elsewhere, I'd appreciate the advice

Thanks in advance!

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Comments

  • hummingbirdlover
    hummingbirdlover Member Posts: 421
    edited November 2015

    Hi there,

    First, I'm SO sorry you're having to do this again!

    I didn't have to "start over" but I had delayed reconstruction, so I lived totally flat for 5 months between BMX and TE placement. I honestly woke up in a little more pain after the TE surgery but it was because it was sitting on a nerve but as far as recovery goes, it was a breeze compared to the BMX surgery. I took 3 weeks off work but didn't need that much time. My range of motion came back really quickly and I felt pretty good after a week. I laid around for 2 or 3 days and that was it. I wish you all the best!

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  • hummingbirdlover
    hummingbirdlover Member Posts: 421
    edited November 2015

    Oh, I thought of one more thing. I did have those pesky drains again and couldn't shower until they came out but I think I only had them for four days and they were much lower maintenance than the BMX drains were for some reason. Good luck on your surgery and one more step forward

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  • marketingmama
    marketingmama Member Posts: 161
    edited November 2015

    Thank you so much Hummingbird. I really appreciate your input. You've definitely given me hope that the discomfort won't be too bad! Not sure if he'll use drains or not but I've always been able to shower with them --- thus, if I have them, it'll be bearable.

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited November 2015

    marketing - I lost my left TE a bit more than two months after BMX and it was out for seven months. The replacement surgery went well, I also had some nerve discomfort for several days until some of the swelling went down and then I was fine. Definitely good by a week in, but I was also recovering from having done chemo and was still receiving Herceptin. I filled slowly and exchanged with no issues. I am about to have a new TE on Dec 10th due to implant loss after skin issues related to allograft repair, so weekly be experiencing this together. I will definitely have one drain, possibly two.I would recommend having muscle relaxers on hand but the good news is that is that you will not be recovering from MX this time, and because of the prior surgeries your pain sensation may not be as acute. Hope things go perfectly for you!

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  • marketingmama
    marketingmama Member Posts: 161
    edited November 2015

    Thanks SpecialK! As always, you're a wealth of information and encouragement!

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  • Gardnergirls
    Gardnergirls Member Posts: 89
    edited November 2015

    I just had to have my expander removed due to cellulitis on Friday. They treated me for over a month with antibiotics and had to be hospitalized for about three days for IV antibiotics as well. Saw an infectious control dr and his recommendation was to have the expander removed and clean out the area and wait 6-8 was and put the expander back in. I was expecting to be having my exchange by the time it looks like I will be having my expander replaced. It's been a rough month and I'm really looking forward to getting it over with. Dealing with another drain but thankfully the pain and recovery from this surgery wasn't anywhere as painful as the bmx. Hang in there and I'm thankful I founD this group. Happy Thanksgivings!!!

    Debbie

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  • marketingmama
    marketingmama Member Posts: 161
    edited November 2015

    Debbie, so sorry you went through this. Sounds similar to my issue. I was hospitalized for two days with IV antibiotics. I wasn't clear from your message if you have to wait 6-8 weeks or 6-8 months. Big difference!

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  • Gardnergirls
    Gardnergirls Member Posts: 89
    edited November 2015

    Sorry marketingma , 6-8 weeks yes a big difference. Hopefully not 6-8 months.

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  • PMR53
    PMR53 Member Posts: 452
    edited November 2015

    Gardnergirl and Marketing Mamma, I am so sorry to hear you both lost your TEs. You seem calm or maybe resigned. I had UNI MX on right from OCT 7. I got 300 cc on table and since 2 fills. My problem is I have a lot of fluid collecting behind TE. It was drained once by a radiologist and 30cc was taken out. I felt immediate relief. But I believe it has continued. It's uncomfortable under my arm and the whole foob feels swollen. No temp or redness. Is this normal?. I am not to happy with this part of the process. The only silverlining is I can put my Cooby Bra on and it looks normal. It still aches and is painful. Is this normal too? Thank you for any advice!!

    PMR53

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  • Gardnergirls
    Gardnergirls Member Posts: 89
    edited November 2015

    pmr53, not sure you should be having fluid collecting behind the expander or having that much pain at this point. Have you talked with the plastic surgeon?

    Debbie

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  • marketingmama
    marketingmama Member Posts: 161
    edited December 2015

    Had my new expander placed yesterday. I think all went well but boy does it hurt! Filled on the table to 225cc. Can barely lift the arm on the surgical side without pain and ongoing achey feeling right behind nipple area. I'm keeping up the Dilaudid and muscle relaxers but the latter has me so sleepy (or maybe the combo?). Off from work this week so I guess it's ok.

    In post-op instructions I was told to rest for two weeks--absolutely no strain, lifting, bending. Not sure what means in regard to return to work. Also not sure how long until pain subsides. Plan to phone PS later.

    Meantime, PS noticed when he was marking me up that my lefty ("good side") has bottomed out. Already?! In just 3 months? When we go back for exchange he'll have a lot of work to do.Also new implants on both sidesas I'm very rippled. Would like to try the Inspira if PS is comfortable with them. He doesn't do fat grafting at exchange so if I need it, yet another procedure.


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  • Gardnergirls
    Gardnergirls Member Posts: 89
    edited December 2015

    Marketingma,what does bottomed out mean?

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