Multiple failed revision/reconstruction procedures

1. I had a bilateral nipple sparing mastectomy with immediate expander placement, then bilateral exchange to implants several months later, where an immediate infection set in. (R) breast with implant was opened and closed several times to drain, but it could not be saved so now there was another operation needed with a long term course of I.V. antibiotics through a pic line and P.O. course which lead to my stomach being destroyed to the level of needing a fecal transplant. Still more infection set in and both (L) and (R) breast implants were removed and replaced with smaller implants with the (R) needing a Latissimus Dorsi procedure that also led to further infection, several open and closings procedures to drain and still another pic line course of I.V. and P.O. antibiotics, with yet still more opening and closing procedures to drain and then my (R) nipple was taken, without my knowledge or permission, during yet another opening and closing procedure to drain. When I asked my surgeon what we could do next to get rid of pain and discomfort in various problematic areas, how can we make me better, he said that of any and every patient he has ever worked with, I am the worst. I am ungrateful, body dysmorphic and depressed. I should seek immediate Pyscological help. Months later I still have terrible stomach issues and need more revisions, but my surgeon, with no notice, has told me he no longer wants to take care of me. It's too hard. I'm devastated, lost and do not know where or who to turn to. Please let me know if anyone has been or is where I am now and how do we get better. Thank yo

I just wanted to say how sorry I am that you have gone through this. I've had my share of reconstruction difficulty with a persistent infection after my one TE was switched to an implant, several PICC lines and debridement surgeries, etc.. We are finishing up a wound vac and I will use a muscle flap to close my chest wall and skin graft of need be. The main thing I think that has been immensely helpful is I'm so fortunate to have an extremely empathetic and understanding PS. I would of been very down had they not been so supportive throughout the process. Perhaps a different PS as others have mentioned may make a world of difference in making the journey a tad better. At the end of the day I won't have the reconstruction I hoped for, but I'm so happy we survived the infection, and although I do feel down at times...it does get easier as time passes. I think I rely heavily on the support of my husband, family, friends and a supportive PS. I'm thinking of you and we are here for you!

In such a short period of time, since my first post anywhere, just knowing now that you all are out there for me, and my family, knowing you care and understand has been such a relief. Thank you, thank you. Even my rock, my husband of 45 yrs and still dating, smiled. I have two new appointments within the next few weeks to talk to two new reconstruction/revision Surgeons. With just their short introduction they thought I should have never had as many implant replacements after so many rejections, that I should have gone the DIEP/FLAP with no implant. It was madding to have them present that to me in a matter of minutes, when I never heard that from my most trusted and liked PS. I feel stupid that I was so trusting and when I finally did question anything, just to get shut down and put down and me allowing that at that time, geeze what does that make me. I hate that I allowed that. It’s going to be very hard to let that go. But thank you for letting me vent. I know there is always someone in worse shape and I am lucky. You all have been through so much too. No matter what never never ever let them see ya cry. We’ve got this. We will be ok.

xo

It's very sad that at such a vulnerable time in your life - you end up feeling worse because you dared to put your trust in your PS. He sounds like such a jerk. Probably cutting his losses before someone catches on. It's possible that this is really a malpractice situation.

I would definitely shop around and research any and all options. You really want to minimize any further complications and that may mean waiting a bit. I wish you the best!

Meow, I was like your SIL.  Expanders were like nails of death every time I tried to breathe... out they went within a week. So happy to be done. 

Well kickin, I was happy with mine. Still in need of tattoo.