DIEP Reconstuction - NOLA or Chicago?

hi Mary-yes I’m happy with my DIEP-actually more than happy, I’m thrilled with my results. I personally feel DIEP is a better option than implants- yes it was a longer/bigger surgery but my breasts feel pretty much like my old ones. They are soft and warm, they don’t have funny bulges and ripples, my chest doesn’t contort into a strange shape if my pec muscles are activated/flexed while exercising or doing any other activity that involves the pec muscle, they move with me, they will age naturally with me, they never have to be replaced and there is nothing foreign in my body. I would do DIEP again in a heartbeat.

As you know I went to NOLA. You don’t have to travel back on day 7, you can stay a little longer in the area. Navigating the airport on the way back is no problem even with your DH because you will request skycap wheelchair service from the airline you’re flying and they will handle the navigation for you from check in at NOLA airport thru any connections and all the way to baggage claim and the curb at your home airport. If need be, he can skycap wheelchair too. It’s part of the service and it does not cost extra. You may want to bring a 2nd companion with you if you’re that worried or have someone other than DH go with you. Whoever goes with you will need to be able to help you in/out of bed/chair, help you to the bathroom, help you in the shower, assist with dressing changes, keep up with your pain med schedule, etc. I’ve done it both ways: first stage was DH and Mom, second stage was just Mom.

Everyone worries about what if there’s a problem once I’m home. With NOLA, problems are minimal and when they do have them they tend to be minor and able to be handled over the phone or via email with pics - very similar to e-visits. Whatever they would see in person on exam is the same as what they’d see in a photo. If there is a major complication, it usually happens before you leave. If something major happens after you leave, NOLA will refer you to someone local (ie wound care center, ER for emergency situation). It’s not like you’re discharged and left hanging with no support. NOLA followsup with you via nurse calls every week and you can contact them anytime. They also make sure you and your DH are educated on how to care for the surgical sites, what to watch for, etc before you are discharged. You will typically have at least 2 days of the nurses at the hospital showing you how/helping you to care for your incisions, how to shower, etc. The vast majority of the ladies who go to NOLA travel there from out of state and even from overseas. NOLA has the process down pat.