Need to hear about your experiences with DIEP at NOLA

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mustlovepoodles
mustlovepoodles Member Posts: 2,825
edited July 2016 in Breast Reconstruction

I checked out the old thread, but it doesn't seem to be active or up-to-date. I had my BMX 2/4/16. Originally, I thought I didn't want reconstruction, but I find as time goes on that I really do want it. I have seen my PS and another second opinion PS here in Atlanta, but one wants to put in over-the-pec implants the other wants to do a lat flap. Neither option is acceptable to me. I want a DIEP flap, if at all possible. I've been told that NOLA is the place.

If you had a DIEP recon at NOLA, would you mind sharing with me?

  • How long did it take for you to get a consult?
  • How long after the consult did you have your DIEP?
  • I know here in Atlanta, you go to ICU for several days after a DIEP. I can't find anywhere on the NOLA site that addresses this.
  • I see that they recommend staying in NO for about week, until your follow-up. Do you think I would be able to make the drive (passenger) back to Atlanta after a week? It's about 8 hours.
  • After your one week follow-up, when do you need to go back (1 month, 6 months?)
  • Who follows you when you get back home? I know I do not want my current PS to follow me--I had a TON of complications with her and I am utterly traumatized even going into her office. Can my BS follow? my PCP? Do I need to get another PS here in Atlanta?
  • I will need to have a total hyst sometime this year. How soon after a DIEP do you think I could have the hyst? I think it's going to be done robotically.
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  • besa
    besa Member Posts: 1,088
    edited July 2016

    I had sGAP in NOLA not DIEP but can answer some of your questions. (I am assuming by NOLA you are talking about Drs. Dellacroce and Sullivan's group. )

    NOLA doesnt use an icu for DIEP/sGAP patients. Their nurse/patient ratio is so high and they are so experienced handling flap reconstructions that an icu stay is not needed. (I had a DIEP done locally with an ICU stay and I felt the care in NOLA was a better (more positive experience) without being put in an ICU.

    Once you have your final NOLA post op visit and leave for home you generally don't need to return until stage 2 (usually at least 3 months after stage 1) When you return home after surgery the NOLA staff will keep in close contact with you to make sure things are going smoothly.

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