Updating progress

[Midi8]

My name is Kathy and I originally posted under Kit713 back in August. I forgit what my info was and had to start over. At that time I was grappling with a TRAM flap surgery that had necessitated a need for more surgeries for repeated problems. I finally saw a different plastic surgeon for a consult in September. I went back to him last month . He operated 16 days ago.  I love the results! He ended up removing the flap altogether. I regret the initial surgery but atleast I like what I see in the mirror. This was an agonizing 8yr "journey" but it is all over for me now. I would recommend to any women in my position to thoroughly research all reconstruction options before deciding. I started reconstruction with my mastectomy but now realize that it could have waited until I was really ready for it.

[Midi8]

Most of my issues had to do with encapsulation where the flap gets scar tissue tightly wrapped aroud it. A little encapsulation is normal but I kept forming lots of it. Also my pediculed flap shrunk requiring me to get an implant for balance which I did not ever want. After I think, 3 surgeries, I had breast augmentation on my healthy breast and a bigger implant on the other side in hopes of stopping the recurring encapsulation. I foolishly went back to the ps I had been using, last May.  The implant in my healthy breast dropped very low and I had developed what is called "coconut breast" which is when the reconstructed breast gets hard and misshapened. Anyway, I was not pleased with results of the surgery to "fix" this so saw another ps who removed my flap(I was originally an A cup but had  gotten an implant that was a D cup I think). He did a great job and 3 wks later I love the results. I am now a B cup. I hope this helps. I deeply regret having the TRAM but I have finally gotten my problems solved. I hope you can too.

[Hvala]

can you tell me more about your tram flap issues and what has been done to resolve the issues?  How is the tram flap removed? Did you have a pedicled tram?  I am searching for help and answers/suggestions/comments...anything!  thanks.

[japdip]

Hi Kathy, thanks for posting ... I hope that the fairly recent poster will read your post about the tramflap issues. I'm so glad that you did find some measure of comfort and satisfaction. I agree that women don't do enough research such as speaking with others in person who have had the procedure. It is true of course that no two people have the same experience with the same procedure but the more you can learn is always helpful. Thanks again ....