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the_Foxs_lady's avatar
the_Foxs_lady
Member
12 years ago

Expander in and out

The quick story is that my expander ruptured and I got a serious infection.

I was on my fourth (oral) and fifth (injection) lot of antibiotics when I had a PET scan.

Blood tests said heavy inflammation throughout my body was either from infections or malignancies.

I found out that there is a difference between being unwell and being sick.

I got very sick.

The PET scan identified that the expander had ruptured.

The expander has been removed.

The infection was a fungal infection under the expander.

There has been no acknowledgement by the surgeon that the expander even ruptured.

Apparently my immune system is so flat that I should never have had surgery and the surgeon will not contemplate starting the reconstruction process again for at least 6 months but preferably 12 months.

In the interim, the stretched skin has been saved.  There is a bigger gouge in my chest than there was before.

What I am left with now is ugly..........

But I live to fight another day..............

2 Replies

  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    12 years ago
    So very sorry this has happened. It must be so hard after thinking you were on your way. It might not seem like it now but as you say you will live to fight another day. I am 3 1/2 weeks post tram flap reconstruction. I had my surgery cancelled on several occaisions due to my blood counts being too low. It was devastating at the time, however the wait was worth it. I lived with a prosthesis for two years. It became part of me and my daily routine. Not that I loved it, but I learned to live with it for a time. Good luck and get well soon. Paula
  • Chris's avatar
    Chris
    Member
    12 years ago
    Hi Lyn, What a bugger that is! To be so far down the path of reconstruction, and back to square one is very sad. Having been down that path myself, I know that all you really want is to have the process finished so you can get on with your life. I had a major bleed 3 weeks out of surgery, which required a trip to theatre and the removal, wash out and replacement of the expander. I remember being terrified that they wouldn't be able to get the expander back in, or it would cause issues down the track. I was lucky, and it healed well, and caused no long term problems. I wish you well, and hope you can recover quickly from the infection, and will have success next time. Love Chris xx