Hi
I haven’t been on this forum for a while, (I don’t like the new layout), anyway back to topic. I am having a DIEP and augmentation next week. I am travelling 80 miles for the OP. I am really worried about after care, has anyone else travelled for their OP and had to go back to their surgeon for problems that may arise (i.e. Sermona) or have they seen a local surgeon.
I know Ruby had her op with the same surgeon and also travelled(Elaine Sassoon) but I dont know how to send a private message, and I was wondering how she got on post op.
First of all Pancake all the best for next week I really hope all goes well.
Try the link below it will take you to a thread that might be useful, I think that is the ruby that you are talking about.
If it is, then click on her name below the head and shoulder image and you will be able to send her a pm.
There is a support group set up in Norwich to support people having or thinking about reconstruction. We are all fans of the wonderful Elaine. They may be able to put you in touch with some of the women who have traveled here for their surgery some of whom have been helped by the group.
In fact if you contact one of the committee, they will probably offer you lots of support and may meet you at the hospital. Anna and Bev who are 2 of the main committee members are lovely and am sure they could help.
All I can say is I am sure the care and expertise you’ll receive here is second to none.
I live near Norwich; if there is anything I can do or information you would like just pm me. I have some involvement with Keepingabreast but am not a committee member.
Good luck
Kelley
Elaine did my DIEP in April 2007 when I was living in Norwich - I had no problems with my recovery. Elaine has also just performed an IGAP reconstruction on me (using my bottom for the flap) and I now live in London. I travelled up the day before, was in hospital for a week and then stayed at my mother’s house for another week. I know 1966ruby stayed at a rented house in Norwich for a week after she came out of hospital.
I saw Elaine in the outpatient’s dressing clinic during the week I was at my mother’s. We agreed that as I didn’t have any problems at all I didn’t need to see anyone else once I got home - however, she was she was quite happy to arrange for me to be seen at St. Thomas’ hospital here in London if I had had any complications.
As Kelley says, we’re all huge fans of Elaine’s and you’re certainly in the best of hands. My DIEP reconstruction was really good - apparently it has been “presented” to surgeons in Beijing - even if I haven’t!!
Best of luck with your recovery! I’m coming up for a DIEP reconstruction at the Marsden - am meeting the surgeon tomorrow. I’m hoping for the end of April beginning of May.
I shall be so interested to hear how you are getting on!
I wish you the very best of results and a speedy recovery.
I’m seeing the surgeons at the Marsden about a risk-reducing mastectomy on my remaining breast and a bilateral DIEP, as it can’t be done at my local hospital in Exeter, but I haven’t been given a date yet.
I’ve just discovered a book, “The Boudicca Within”, put together by Elaine Sassoon, the consultant plastic surgeon at the Norwich and Norfolk. Basically it’s photographs of some of Miss Sassoon’s patients, after reconstruction, showing what their breasts look like post surgery and speking about their respective experiences. I found the photographs most encouraging and would recommend anyone about to undergo that type of procedure. Difficult to avoid erring towards either Page 3 type of glamour photos or scary medical textbook illustrations, but the book achieves a good balance, I think. As coffee table books go , it’s quite unique! If you haven’t already come across it, I think you might find it interesting.
Gill, I’ll be thinking positive thoughts for you. Pancake, I hope you are mending fast.