Anyone go direct from implant to DIEP?

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patty101014
patty101014 Member Posts: 53
edited May 2016 in Breast Reconstruction
I had my exchange to implants on 3/10/16. I had pretty severe capsular contracture on the radiated side, so my foob was pretty red and tender but seemed to be healing very well.

I woke up on 5/8 to a black incision, angry-looking skin and some fluid leaking out. I was hospitalized for IV antibiotics with suspicion of cellulitis. The soonest I could get into surgery was on 5/10. Because there was no sign of infection inside, my surgeon removed the implant and replaced it with a slightly smaller one in hopes that it will be OK.

I had my follow up with him today and he is not optimistic that this implant is going to fare any better. I now need to decide between a LD flap or a DIEP. I'm not crazy about the idea of sacrificing my Lat muscle. However, for DIEP, I'll need to have the implant removed and wait 6 months before we do the DIEP surgery (assuming I'm a candidate for DIEP).

I'm so disappointed. I truly felt I was on the home stretch. Three weeks ago, I stupidly raked stones in my landscaping which created a bit of swelling. But, I had no pain. I feel like I've screwed myself...

I'm surprised by the six month wait considering I didn't have evidence of infection... has anyone else gone direct from implant to DIEP? Or did you need to have the implant removed and wait?
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  • I_Spy
    I_Spy Member Posts: 507
    edited May 2016

    I hope you get an answer from someone soon. I didn't have those problems but I was AFRAID of those problems, so I am so sorry you are going through this. I would like to say this: I did "more than I should" and I didn't get an infection -- so don't beat yourself up. Some people get infections, and some people don't; it isn't because of something you did. At two months from exchange surgery I was doing all KINDS of stuff, so if doing too much was going to give you an infection I woulda gotten several. So stop on the beating yourself up and work on the research of what to do next, which is good you're posting your question.

    I think there is a DIEP board somewhere on here. You could send a message to the moderators, or search in the search bar. I bet you will find people there who have had this exact same situation; believe me, you are not the first person to go through this, and there will be people who have come before you and tried various approaches.

    In any event, you are never alone on bco, that's for sure. I think your question might be in the wrong spot, which is why you haven't gotten any answers so far.

    Keep your chin up and we are all cheering for you.

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  • patty101014
    patty101014 Member Posts: 53
    edited May 2016

    Oh, ispy. Thank you for your kind response. You are such an angel.

    I will post on the DIEP thread.

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  • Fe_Princess
    Fe_Princess Member Posts: 245
    edited May 2016

    Hi Patty, I had SGAP from implant surgery about month ago. There is not sgap forum so I would post in DIEP. I have not heard a lot of good things about LatFlap. I did not have to wait but I did not have any radiation or chemo. I did however just get out of the hospital for an infection at me donor site. I am still glad I got rid of the implants. They were horrible. Why are you being asked to wait?

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  • patty101014
    patty101014 Member Posts: 53
    edited May 2016

    Hi Fe_princess. Thank you for sharing your experience. My doctor said I need to wait because it takes that long for everything to "settle down," heal and "soften up."

    I am seeking a second opinion. Unfortunately, I can't see the other surgeon until June 7th. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and praying that I make it that long without issue that will force me to take action sooner.

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  • Fe_Princess
    Fe_Princess Member Posts: 245
    edited May 2016

    Ugh, cancer sucks!!!! That being said, if life permits you to wait that would be great. I had nothing but trouble with that implant. I was quite healed too before I got this staph infection. My breast feels natural and how I feel matters the most of all. Please let me know what the doctor says of the 7th. I'll be thinking of you.


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