Possible Infection long after DIEP

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JWoo
JWoo Member Posts: 1,171
edited November 2020 in Breast Reconstruction

i had DIEP in 2016, and the last 2 months I've noticed a spot on my foob close to my sternum that is warm and red consistently. My armpit on that side started being red and irritated, with several pimples yesterday. I don't feel unwell otherwise.
Has anyone else had an infection or issues that resemble this?

I'm not sure what to do next.

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited September 2020

    JWoo - Sorry, I haven't. Usual wisdom is wait two weeks, but I think in your case I'd go ahead and call the doc. Maybe start with your PCP if you have a good relationship. Or maybe just go directly to your MO.

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  • OnTarget
    OnTarget Member Posts: 447
    edited September 2020

    I got an infection in my right implant about 1.5 mos after surgery.

    It started as two very red bumps that looked like angry zits.

    My PA said spitting stitches, don't worry.

    Then I got a fever over 102. At this point they said they usually bring you in, but because it was early during COVID, they called in a prescription instead. My breast was bright red all over.

    The next day 104 fever and seroma leakage. They said, come in to the ER to get the implant removed.

    All of this happened in the span of about 4-5 days.

    I would start taking your temperature regularly as this seems to be a big indicator. The color of my bumps were dark red and purple-ish red. They looked infected.

    Definitely call! They may not have you come in, but at least you can get it on their radar.


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  • Mwgirlintx
    Mwgirlintx Member Posts: 9
    edited November 2020

    Sorry to Hijack your post, but I found it while searching for anyone that has experience with an infected implant reconstruction. I hope you are doing better now, JWoo.

    OnTarget, your experience sounds exactly like mine. I was admitted into the hospital for IV antibiotics and then discharged on 3weeks of antibiotics, which I just completed yesterday. My implant became really stiff and hard immediately after the infection started. It sorta feels like my TE’s did. Did this happen to you? And did it eventually resolve and soften up again? I’m so worried that it will need to be removed. My PS said that it seems because of swelling and my lack of lymph nodes isn’t not draining the the area but will resolve over the next few months. May I ask how’s you are doing now?

    Thanks so much!

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