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Removal of entire abdominal mesh

Posted , 4 users are following.

linda41419
linda41419

I had Plastic Surgery done in 07 . Double mastectomy & then breast reconstructive surgery using my stomach muscles to build my breasts . an entire mesh was placed in my abdomen to replace all the muscle that was taken . It was an 8 hour botched surgery in which my left breast necrotized during surgery ! I had 2 hernia surgies following that surgery & because of it .Now I need a bowel resection surgery done to fix a Fistula & to remove diseased bowel caused from Diverticulitus . 2 surgiacal specialists have attempted to help , one surgery was stopped during a procedure because the surgeon couldn't get around the mesh . I now need a team of doctors to perform a mesh removal surgery of my entire abdomen . Very high risk to my life . I was told i should hold off as long as possible due to the chances of complications .

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • clarice34348
    clarice34348 linda41419

    Posted

    I am so sorry to read your story. I am not sure if you live in California. But UCLA

    is the place you probably should be seen.

    Or atleast call them, they have a toll free line, and they can refer you to a local group in your area. God Bless you!

    • linda41419
      linda41419 clarice34348

      Posted

      Hi Clarice , I have really been having difficulty with this server ,I responded , but it didn't go through . sorry. I'll try again after i see that this goes through .....Linda
    • clarice34348
      clarice34348 linda41419

      Posted

      I received this Linda. If you don't mind. I will put you on my prayer list. Not trying to force any religion on you, but I believe in prayer and we all need prayer. Don't give up and keep on doing everything you can to find the Doctors who can help you. I found the best in my area. Each doctor takes time to talk, very thorough, very caring. I had many people praying for me to get the best doctors. I have an GI SPECIALIST, GI SURGEON, ENT SPECIALIST, LUNG SPECIALIST, and EYE SPECIALIST. These doctors are the best of the best in each field in the area I live in. I know some people say, well why can't God just heal you? I do not have these answers, but we are healed in many different forms. I have encountered Angels in human form, and I am 70 yr old lady, who believes in God and the power of prayer. Everyone is different, but we all want to feel good. I expect a miracle everyday, and any form. So don't get discouraged. It took me Two years to finally get these good doctors. And remember God loves you. Your friend Clarice
    • linda41419
      linda41419 clarice34348

      Posted

      Thank You So much Clarice ! I really appreciate your concern & prayers . I have been referred to a Boston , Ma. hospital to a team of specialists . With that said , it is still really scary to consider . I will investigate further on this . Thank You again , Linda
  • adele_89294
    adele_89294 linda41419

    Posted

    Sorry to hear of your complex health issues. Such major and risky surgeries you have had. Do you have a group of compitent surgeons working with you now? Does the mesh need to be removed to perform laparotomy to do the bowel resection and if so will a new mesh be put in place? I feel for you and my thoughts are with you to get the correct health care and come through this. I have had a bowel resection due to a twisted bowel and two inguinal hernia repairs thereafter, the second hernia op two weeks ago to remove the mesh due to it causing problems. I hope you can find the specialsed medical care you require. Do you have health insurance? I know in the US without it it is difficult. In Australia our health care system is better, I do have insurance because you still need it for specialised care or are put on a waiting list in the public system for any elective surgery.
    • linda41419
      linda41419 adele_89294

      Posted

      Hi Adele , I have been referred to a team of specialists in Boston , Ma. I was informed by the specialist I saw that my abdominal mesh would have to be removed before the bowel resection because the plastic mesh holds bacteria . It is scary to consider that the mesh goes as high up as my heart...in fact very close to my heart . the mesh continues to below my bikini line . This part of the surgery will be more complicated than the bowel resection . So , this is what I have to deal with . Thank God I do have insurance . The new mesh will be organic material . I understand about mesh causing pain . I am in pain all of the time . Thank You for your consideration , Linda
  • shirley133
    shirley133 linda41419

    Posted

    Dear Linda I have had 5 abdominal ops 3 c sections. a laprotomy following a bowel perforation 3 years ago to re-section my bowel, perforation caused by adhesions from c section, my fallopian tube was removed at same time as resectioning, as adhesions had wrapped around this too.  18 months after the first op I had a hernia repair to mend incisional hernia caused by laprotomy bowel resection and I had abdominoplasty to repair my entire abdmen.  I understand at least some of what you are going through,  my thoughts and prayers are with you.  I live in England where this kind of stuff is free on our NHS, but apart from financial considerations it does not make it any easier.
    • linda41419
      linda41419 shirley133

      Posted

      Dear Shirley , Thank you so much for your consideration & prayers . I am very sorry to hear what you have endured . I appreciate hearing from someone who has gone through the procedure of abdomnioplasty . How long did it take for you to heal from the operation ? How bad was the recovery pain if you don't mind me asking ? Here in America there is an issue with receiving pain medications , even after surgery . You may receive a pain prescription , but it will be a far lower dose than required to relieve the pain . I must say that the fear of pain during recovery also stops me in my tracks from receiving much needed care . I will keep you in my thoughts & prayers as well . Sincerely , Linda
  • shirley133
    shirley133 linda41419

    Posted

    Dear Linda Unfortunately I was unable to take pain medication as it made me sick, I appreciate that this is unusual and probably rare, but after the first few days when I did take paracetamol, I did not take anymore painkillers and made the recovery without the aid of painkillers.  I don't want to lie to you and neither do I want to scare you but it is a painful procedure,  however, I have come through it and I am sure you will too and even if you only take a small amount of painkillers, I am sure that it will help.  I had been assured that I would be fully recovered within 5 weeks  and able to go back to work,providing I took things carefully (I am 70 years old and still teach ballet.)  I did get back to work, but the recovery took much longer than 5 weeks.  If you go ahead with the surgery, you must rest afterwards and take things very carefully,  do get the best advice you possibly can, to help you make the best decision.  You are not in an easy place, I hope and pray that you will get the guidance you need.  lots of love from your English sister 
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