Timing / Additional Surgeries Required?

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VLH
VLH Member Posts: 1,258
edited July 2016 in Breast Reconstruction

I'm scheduled for a mid-July BMX with TE & implants. I know "low and slow" is the logical mantra, but I'm concerned about having to come up with another $5,000 out-of-pocket co-payment when the new insurance year starts. (That figure doesn't include pharmacy bills or any services that sneak in that are denied by insurance or out-of-network.) Absent unexpected complications, the lumpectomy / radiation would ensure competing treatment within this year's maximum.

The plastic surgeon thought we could get all needed fills and the exchange done by year-end, but I've noticed that a number of forum members have had to have additional surgeries beyond the initial BMX / TE placement or had delays related to infection. The TE Troubles forum is obviously skewed toward problematic reconstructions so I'm trying to get a more balanced view on what might reasonably expected by year end. Thanks for any input you can provide!

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  • TrmTab
    TrmTab Member Posts: 832
    edited June 2016

    I am a newbie myself, but I am facing the other side of the calendar debate...I am a teacher so I had my MX in early June to have the summer to recover and want to wait until the December semester break to have my swap surgery.

    I'm currently looking at 12 weeks to full TE "fill-up" and then waiting 3.5 months for the swap surgery.

    Seemed like a good plan to me, but my surgeon is really pushing to rush it along...says 1-2 months is more normal a wait after full fill and swap.

    So...with this minimal experience and everyone is different, unless you hit complications, I would think you would be in a window to swap before the end of the year.

    That said, it does look like most folks have revision procedures (fat grafting for example) in the year or more past initial swap.

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  • VegGal
    VegGal Member Posts: 507
    edited June 2016

    I had a BMX in March and exchange surgery 3 weeks ago. I am hoping to get any finishing touches done this year as well, if they are needed.

    Good luck to you, VLh

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  • VLH
    VLH Member Posts: 1,258
    edited June 2016

    Thank you, Carla! That's promising.

    VLH

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  • VLH
    VLH Member Posts: 1,258
    edited July 2016

    Gosh, that does seem like a long time to wait. TrmTab, but I understand needing to try to schedule around your teaching calendar.

    Based on Marie's experience, a delay may be just fine. I hope that all works out well for you.

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