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Showing posts with the label breast reconstruction

Plastic Surgeon Consultation

 Today was my first appointment with one of the plastic surgeons that was chosen for me by my breast surgeon based on my other medical issues. This surgeon was Dr. Michael Beckenstein in Birmingham, AL. First, and one of the most annoying things about this trip actually had nothing to do with the doctor, and everything to do with our recent move and insurance.              Unfortunately my Blue Cross insurance decided that it could just do whatever it wanted (as if its a living entity) and they didn't notify us that our policy was changed and we now needed to have a referral not from my breast surgeon but from a primary care doctor. For everything. So even if one specialist refers me to another, I STILL have to go back to a primary doctor in order to get that referral. That was stressful.  Aside from the insurance headaches, when we first got to the office, it was very homey and comfortable. Andrew and I were taken in to watch a video...

A Plastic Surgeon Appointment- Finally!

Today I got the call from my breast surgeon with her recommendation on who would be best not only for my reconstruction but also for my particular set of medical issues. On April 20th I'll be going in to see Dr. Michael Beckenstein at St. Vincent's Hospital in Birmingham to discuss my options for my reconstruction. At this point I'm just trying not to completely obsess over what's going on soon. But it's hard to do because I really just want to get this over with and deal with it.  I've started to compose some questions to ask my plastic surgeon. Maybe they could help you. - How long will my surgery take? - What are my best options/choices for reconstruction? - Where will my scars be? - Will there be sutures to remove after surgery? - How long will my hospital stay be? - How long until I can work, drive, have sex? - What kind of anesthesia will be used? - What is the percentage of infection? - How many drains will I have? - How long will I have the drains? - How...