Re: For Rogene S

[Guest guest]

Kim,

I'm afraid I'm not that fast this time!

En bloc and capsulectomy are not the same . . .

En bloc means removing the capsule with the implant

still inside. Capsulectomy may or may not be en bloc.

Capsulectomy means removing the capsule that grows

around the implant.

Many doctors see no harm in leaving the capsule

behind. WRONG! The capsule can harbor many dangerous

organisms. While your body may be able to overcome the

infectious material there, it may not, and you may

have to have further surgery. Best to remove it all at

once.

Sometimes surgeons feel a capsule is so thin that it

won't cause a problem. . . Those of us who have

watched women in their attempt to recover believe it's

best to remove ALL the capsule, if at all possible.

Occasionally the capsule will be attached to a blood

vessel or nerve that, if damaged could cause further

damage. At that point, the surgeon has to decide if

it's worth the risk.

Drains are used to prevent fluid build-up. This may

mean avoiding a blood clot building, and will help

drain away any contaminated fluids that may be

released by explanting. Here again, you may not need

the drains . . . They are a nusiance, but, if you do

need them, you will avoid much discomfort and possibly

more surgery. The drains remain in as long as there is

signficant drainage.

There are always exceptions when it comes to surgery.

However, since your doctor is working for YOU . . .

he/she should do everything possible to ensure the

outcome you expect. If you get a negative feeling

about a doctor, act on it. It doesn't take much to

know if they're poo-pooing your symptoms or requests.

If they tell you that you won't be happy without your

implants, that you will be disfigured, etc., etc.,

etc. . . consider they are speaking of their own

skills . .

There is always another doctor.

Hugs and prayers,

Rogene