I have been under the plastic surgery department for 15 years from 2001. Following
Bi-Lat breast removal and reconstruction in 2001 things were very satisfactory indeed, I was treated with great respect, and my reconstruction was very good, however after a few years I began to suffer with acute pain and fat necrosis with infections in both breasts, my first surgeon did their utmost to solve the issues, unfortunately they then retired. As things deteriorated
I continued to receive excellent service from a breast specialist at the hospital however following a transfer to another surgeon I spent 3 years undergoing pioneering surgery which did not work, at that time the waiting times at Frenchay hospital for surgery - of which I was meant to undergo every 3 months just did not happen. I eventually called a halt to this surgery & surgeon, I asked to be referred to a surgeon that I had been given excellent information on, this surgeon has literally put me back together again, they have made me feel normal again after nearly 13 years of issues. The team at the plastics department are fantastic, they are caring responsive and articulate at their jobs, always making me feel welcome and at ease, even when i was stood half naked with many eyes peering at me! We have laughed and cried during my lengthy surgeries, I have had my breasts removed and had major bi - lat reconstruction from my tummy to my new breasts. My surgeon has been caring, always listening to my worries and concerns, always able to give a rational for every thing they do and why they do it, the consultant is softly spoken and kind, has empathy towards their patients. I had to fight hard to have some later repair works done, following my previous surgery I was left with bulging inner thighs due to fat transferal surgery that didn't work, my current surgeon once they had finished all of my major work agreed that they could easily fix this issue, and also agreed that they could see what I was talking about as well, however I was not funded under plastics for liposuction as this was only offered to obese patients?? I had to write a long and emotionally personal letter - with PHOTOS of the effected areas to your management board for them to decided whether I had a case or not, it was a very stressful and emotional time for me, I had gone through so very much over the last 15 years and all I wanted was to finally look 'normal' all over, my breast specialist nurse was amazing, they stood up for me and went to the management and explained the whole story and reasons why I should have this surgery, they relented and I was allowed to go ahead and have it done, AND RIGHTLY SO!
Following all of these struggles I can honestly say I am overwhelmed by the team in the plastics department, I would love to name the people who have been there for me, they are marvelous and my current surgeon is just inspirational.
"Plastic surgery - breast reconstruction"
About: Southmead Hospital Southmead Hospital Bristol BS10 5NB
Posted via nhs.uk
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