Recon. fail, infection, 2nd opinion from which type of doctor?

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happyteacher
happyteacher Member Posts: 118
edited June 2016 in Breast Reconstruction

Hello,

Last week I had both implants removed due to another failed attempt. My left side on the last two surgeries came back positive for a strain of bacterial infection that is drug resistant. I feel like it was not treated appropriately when first diagnosed, and in turn led to the failure of the most recent attempt of redoing the implant. Now, results again indicate this same strain is present. I am on the same antibiotic as last time, and anticipate my doc will say that at the end of the course it will be taken care of. I am wondering what type of doctor should I see for a second opinion? I am not comfortable with my current doctor simply declaring that it is taken care of without evidence that it is other than my completing 10 days of antibiotics. I do get that one does not want to unnecessarily take antibiotics so I don't want to push the doctor into prescribing either. I just want to confirm that this infection is taken care of. Am I looking for a hemotologist, my regular pcp, or something different?

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  • dtad
    dtad Member Posts: 2,323
    edited June 2016

    Sorry you are going through this. How about an infectious disease doc? Hope this helps and good luck...

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  • downdog
    downdog Member Posts: 1,432
    edited June 2016

    Agree with dtad. An infectious disease doc is an internal medicine doc with an additional 2-3 years training. Don't just see an internist and this is definitely beyond the scope of your PCP's expertise. You have experienced complications and haven't responded to treatment. I wouldn't risk another recon attempt without consulting an ID specialist. Sorry you are dealing with this.

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  • happyteacher
    happyteacher Member Posts: 118
    edited June 2016

    Thank you dtad and downdog, I appreciate your response. I will check in with an infectious disease doc. This was failed attempt number 5, so I had both taken out and will not be attempting anymore reconstruction. I am a little ticked now that the PS reused the pig/cow tissue (can't remember the name) from an earlier attempt and i can't help but wonder if that set me up for a doomed attempt again. I just want to ensure this infection doesn't cause me issues, as during the period from July of last year until this week I have dealt with this infection without being terribly symptomatic other than the swelling/scarring/inflammation of the left side. On the bright side, I am happy that I don't have future surgeries to contend with regarding the implants, and keeping my fingers crossed that the infection can be dealt with reasonably easy. Thank you again for your input, it was helpful!

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