Seven Weeks Out...Major Complications

Jana,
Your story sounds like mine in many ways.  I had lots of complications too.  My insurance covered all my complications because it was a huge medical issue and I could have had severe infecitons or death if they hadn't covered it.  I would appeal any denials at this point.

I also understand the need to let others know and to take seriously the prospect of issues and that only a qualified plastic surgeon can handle them once they happen.

Hang in there, I will be praying for you!  In the long run, I'm still glad that I did it, but towards the end of last September, when I had been down for many months I wasn't sure!  And again, I was wondering again when I had my legs done in January and eneded up with MRSA in May after a revision.  Things happen.  I went ahead and did my arms and flanks - now I'm back in Seroma Land -- hang in there - this too will pass!

I can feel for you Jana.  I did have necrosis on my back after my LBL and had problems for MONTHS including open wounds that my husband had to pack and take care of.  We were able to close it up at one point, but that only lasted for a few weeks and we had to open it backup and start the packing!!  My biggest problem was the tape that kept hurting and I purchased good tape. 

Hang in there, I thought i would NEVER do anything but I am scheduled for my second surgery in 13 days!!

Jana - wow - you have really been through it.  My thoughts and prayers are with you as you continue to heal. 

You have an amazing attitude about the struggles you are going through.  Your openness and this post is important for people to read.  It is MAJOR surgery and while some sail through with seamingly little problems there are definately risks involved. 

Hugs,
Marilyn

OMG...this has got to be the stuff we all sort of know is possible, but hope it wont happen. Sadly, you got the short straw. I am so sorry to hear of all of your complications and am glad you are getting things under control.

I hope when all is said and done, you can say you are thrilled with the results. It would be simply horrible to have gone through all of this nighmarish stuff and NOT be satisfied with the end result.

My thoughts and prayers go out to you while you recuperate.

God bless,
Soapy

Jana, omigosh -- what an ordeal you are going through!!!

Thank you so much for posting all of this.  I think that we all tend to forget what major procedures some of these surgeries are.

Your healing journey is a wonder to read about -- 260 pounds, plus all that skin gone -- wow, you really are amazing!!!

So sorry you're having to go through all this and thank you for sharing. I can see how some people may think it is a cake walk with all the positive stories and fabulous bodies people may see here.  In fact not everyone comes out of PS with a "hot" body, good surgeon or not.  And I totally agree with you.... it is OKAY to have a 44 year old body!!

Congratulations on your weight loss.  What a transformation it must be for you!

Melissa

Thank you all for the kind responses and well wishes.  This morning I wait for the home health nurse to test my blood for clotting time (INR/Protime) and this afternoon we go to see the plastic surgeon for evaluation.

I did have to have an "emergency" home health nurse visit last night as my wound vac lost pressure over my wounds.  When that happens, I have two hours to get it taken care of or the packing could start to grow bacteria.  Not a real big deal, just a pain in the butt (HA! pardon the pun!!)

I thought about my original post a long time before I posted it.  I hesitated because I know what a thrill it is to finally contemplate having the body you've long for after everything what you've gone through to lose weight.  However, in all my time of cruising through this forum I just haven't seen that many "negative" experiences.  My situation is probably pretty far off the chart of the average plastic surgery experience, but it is still my reality and it could and did happen.

A few mentioned my great attitude about this.  Oh please....I've had my share of dark moments.  I've cried my eyes out more times than I can count, I've lashed out at my family, I've spent many sleepless nights playing "what if" games in my head.  I just do my best to pick myself up each day, start all over again, do what I need to do and find something to laugh about.  My joke the other day for the plastic surgeon's office was I asked them if they were going to start calling me "Penny" - no, why would they call me Penny?  I said Penny - like a bad penny that keeps coming back! LOL  I thought it was more funny than they did!  Oh well....

In any event, I wish you all a blessed Thanksgiving....be well and be safe.

Jana

Jana,
Thank you so much for posting. We do sometimes get caught up in what we COULD look like and sometimes tend to ignore what can happen. Thank you!

Dianne from FL

Oh my goodness.  What a terrible ordeal for you.  I'm dealing with some wound issues, but it's nothing compared to what have been going through.

Hope you are on the mend real soon.

 

Thank you so much for posting. This is a good wake-up call that PS is serious and there can major complications associated with it. I think you are a strong person to endure all this.. and come here to post about it. Good luck to you and wishing you smooth sailing going forth.

Tammy