Reconstruction

Hi, PMerlo

Hope you're feeling well.  I can tell you about my reconstruction experience and hope it helps.  I had bilateral risk reducing mastectomies in August 2010 in the public hospital system.  The plastic surgeon recommended the expanders followed by implants.  The other method where they use your own tissue from somewhere else on your body would have been a longer operation and longer recovery period.  (But I didn't have enough fat for that according to him).  The operation was okay, not better or worse than I expected,  When you come round you have no pain but feel as if someone has parked a truck on your chest. But try to be patient because all that does pass. I was back at work after two weeks, but I admit I did not feel completely okay until the 8 week mark.   I did not have private insurance and probably would not have been able to pay the gap fees even if I had.  I am going to have my expanders exchanged for implants on Feb 16th which according to our Chris here is a bit of a doddle compared to the mastectomy!. Relieved to hear!  I was happy with my experience in the public hospital.  It was a little bizarre finding myself on the gynaecological cancer ward (the only above the waist patient in the place) - my surgeon's private breast patients were on another ward several floors above!)  My only problems have been that one expander rotated almost straight away but looks okay with clothes on, both expanders are uncomfortable to sleep on but you just get used to it.  Minor itches and mild pains and blotchy skin underneath (no explanation).  But nothing too bad.  Any questions just ask. Love Sarah