worried

[songbird68]

Just a quick update - I had surgery on saturday to clean and restitch, wound debridement, I think. Keeping implant and am on antibiotics for 2 weeks. Stitches out in ten days.

I am posting this because most of the info I read was that the implant gets removed and you have to wait a few months to get a new one when the infection has cleared properly. Hopefully all will be well, and good luck to anyone else going through this.

Sorry for jumping on your thread Story. Hope all is well with you:)

x x x

[songbird68]

Wow Jilly:) How are you? I thought your DIEP was going to be end of this year.

Heal well and fast.

x x

[jillybee]

Will reply,just back from DIEP.

[songbird68]

Hi Story I hope you have got that infection well and truly gone!

Me on the other hand, will probably be losing my implant grr. mx 19 June. incision never looked right in one place when they took the dressing off first time - red patch around a black scab. Move on two weeks and i got really ill with fever, swelling hot red and leaking from the incision. yuk.

They swabbed and came back with staph infection. The antibiotics have worked but I can see a black hole now, the nurses say the implant is exposed. I agree, cos if that is what my body looks like under the skin it can't be good! Implants go black when exposed to air or something. I am really grossed out by this. I'm also really upset.

I go to see surgeon tomorrow.

take care

x x

[story_so_far]

Saw surgeon yesterday and took off dressing and wound is clearing up now and don't need to go back now until next year in July, not unless anything else flares up.

[story_so_far]

Went to see surgeon but saw someone else, don't know whats happened to my one, wound is still open and not healing yet. Have been told infection has gone but it still looks abit green to me (sorry). Keep having to go back each week. How long do you think it will take to mend? I know its a daft question but getting a lot fed up with it!

[jillybee]

Usually A/B kick in within 24/48hours.Your surgeon will advice.The wound can still be leaking and look unpleasant,but it need not necessarily mean there is an infection.Continue to take them though.

[story_so_far]

Hi jilly

Went to see gp nurse today she says that wound looks just the same as on friday and keep taking antibios. Starting to feel like a medical pill chest, so many pills to take  now.How long does it take to kill an infection? Have to see surgeon on thurs.

[jillybee]

Never worry about moaning.See my post???had 2 infections,one each side.Did the dressings myself in the main,but popped down to Practice Nurse every now and then.just rest up, infections can knock you sideways.

[story_so_far]

Thanks jilly

I have now been to see surgeon and guess what, I have an infection. The nurse took a swab and senting away to see what it is, meanwhile now I have a course of antibios and going back to gp nurse to renew dressing and get results. When will it ever stop? Sorry for moaning

[jillybee]

I was fine, just put yourself in their care.... and no, did not ask for forceps and swabs, not like on TV!!

If you do go for all this, they may give you a little tranquilser.

The ODA was my sons best friend, so we chatted about him, and  his dog.

All the team were fantastic, they are doing it all day, everyday. Just place you self in their hands, you will be fine. Not many people can see inside a theatre. I did my nurse training at that hospital, so bought back memories for me, remember biung being bored!!!

Take care, and let us know what does happen. may not be any of this!!!

[story_so_far]

Hi jilly, what is it like going into theatre when not asleep? I don't think that I could cope with it!  especially if they start saying things like "fourscepts" or "swabs" !!

[jillybee]

You may be required to go back into theatres,a sterile environment.I had similar problems,and just had a local anaesthetic .....if you do,just go with it.I need up having several operations,and just thought I am under the best care.

[story_so_far]

Went to see surgeon and told that stitches may need redoing as a couple are opening causing leakage. How will they do this? Does this mean more surgery, I have to go back next week again!! I am just a bit fed up now

[story_so_far]

Sorry that I have not been on for a while. I had reduction just over a fortnight ago. When I came round was in great pain, felt like I had fallen over and grazed my boob, quite horrendous! Had so much pain killer was nearly knocked out. Managed to just do over night stay and get home. Am much better now and just odd twinge now. Have to see surgeon next week again so hope that now my life will be able to carry on as normal whatever that will be. Thanks for asking after me. x

[jillybee]

Hello story and songbird!lymph gland surgery is painful,I found.However,all further surgery has been fine.Just required the odd dose of paracetamol.....

[jillybee]

The lymph node involvement is the most painful part,for me.I have had several operations,and most times did not require paracetamol after.However,there will be some discomfort,and take analgesics,if offered to you!!!

[songbird68]

Hi Story:) How are you? I haven't been on these boards for a while, so have only just read your post.

I'm glad you got the mammo sorted - did everything go ok? 

I have read that the reduction surgery is not as painful, so I hope it goes well for you. I'm sure you will recover quickly.

x x

[story_so_far]

Have spoken to Breast Nurses about mammos and have now managed to get an appointment for mammograms in two weeks time. This is such a relief!!  Only thing I now worry about is how much will my reduction hurt. Will it be as bad as having the original surgery lump out and lymph glands out too?

[story_so_far]

Thanks very much for that, I am still worried about mammo as it really hurts when op boob is done. Can not even think what it will be like when other is reducted.

[kitten_mad]

I had my first one sided mammo last week, it was strange only getting one side done. The radiographer took special care to keep the reconstructed boob out of the equation and unless you have stitches very close to your cleavage area it should be ok. My mammo was for my yearly check up and I had just had nipple surgery, so my surgeon delayed the original appt by a couple of weeks. Worth a phone call though to give you peace of mind. I am busy stressing about my result which has yet to arrive.

K M x

[Gadgetgirl]

I suggest you talk to your BCN or surgeon about it. To me, it would make sense to do the mammogram just before the surgery then it's done for another year, and they would know before the op that the breast was clear - you could suggest this to them? I'm sure your nurse doesn't mind you asking her stuff, and this is important to sort out. They probably haven't realised you are due a mammogram so soon after surgery and may well be grateful to you for telling them. All the best x

[story_so_far]

I have sent you a PM

[songbird68]

Hi Story. Good question! I expect they will hold off on the mammo if there is any chance it could mess up your boob, or maybe have it a week before surgery?

Hope all goes well, and as pain free as poss:)

x x

[story_so_far]

I am having reduction on good side to match operated side but am due a mamogram one month after it. What will happen about this? I am worried sick about it as don't like keep asking Breast Nurses all the time. Will it flatten new surgery,  or burst stitches. Please help me