Re: PREPARING FOR EXPLANT

December 7, 2004

muff

I had my implants about the same time as you- I prepared by thinking of getting those horrible life ruining things out of my body... Sounds weird but I was sooooo happy the day of my surgery to get them removed. Of course I had nerves as anyone will before going under but I wanted them out so badly that I focused on that. I also prepared by thinking of how nice if was going to feel to feel normal boobs again and not those rocks. Of course I had two additional operations after getting implanted in 96 due to capsular contracture in 97 and a deflation in 99 so I was pretty ready to get them out after all of that mess.

I hope this helps a little - it will all be over soon and you can get on the road to healing!

shari

February 16, 2007

Patty,

I added a couple in color.

Rogene

Preparing for explant

Okay girls! I need your help with the following file that I just spent my evening creating. Please go over this and help me with anything I missed! Your ideas and contributions are welcome! Sis, thanks for your contributions! Patty

PREPARING FOR EXPLANT SURGERY

Medications to Avoid Prior to SurgeryMany plastic surgeons give their patients a list of medications and supplements they would like their patients to avoid 2 weeks before surgery, as well as 2 weeks after surgery. These medications and supplements increase the risk of bleeding and may put you at risk during surgery, as well as afterwards. Review this list below and compare it to the list your own plastic surgeon has given you. If your plastic surgeon has not given you a list of medications and supplements to avoid immediately before and after surgery, be sure to ask for one. You also should not consume alcohol during this time frame, for the same reason. Two weeks prior to surgery:Vitamin E, Nutritional Supplements, Aspirin, or Aspirin products and medications containing Ibuprofen should be discontinued because they promote bleeding. This will help you avoid bleeding complications

during your surgery. Products containing Aspirin:Alka-Seltzer, Anacin, Analgestine, A.P.C or A.S.A, Ascriptin, Asperbuf, Aspercin, Aspergum, Aspirin, Aspirin Suppositories, Aspir-phen, Aspirtab, Bayer, Buffdyne, Buffaprin, Congespirin, Coricidin, Darvon, Darvon Compound, Dristan, Duragesic, Ecotrin, Equagesic Tabs, Excedrin, Feldene, Fiogesic, Fiorinal, 4 Way Cold Tabs, Gelprin, Indocin, Liquiprin, Lortab ASA tabs, Meprobamate, Midol, Motrin, Norgesic, Norwich Aspirin, Percobarb, Percodan, Robaxisl, Sine-aid, Sine-off, SomaCompTabs, St. ph Products, Talwin Compound, Tolectin, Triaminicin, Trigesic, Vanquish, Zorprin.Products Containing Ibuprofen:Advil, Haltran, Medipren, Midol 200, Motrin, PeptoBismol, Nuprin, Rufen. Nutritional Supplements:Bilberry, Cayenne, Echinacea, Feverfew, Fish oil caps, Garlic, Ginger, Ginkgo Biloba, Ginseng, Kava Kava, Valerian, Licorice Root, Ma Huang, Melatonin,

St. 's Wort, Vitamin E, Yohimbe.If you need to take something for headache, menstrual cramps or other aches and pains, you may take Tylenol (acetaminophen) as directed for the time prior to surgery. Check the labels on any medicines or supplements you plan to take in pill, capsule or liquid form. Do not take anything containing acetylsalycetic acid or salicylates.

Quit smoking two weeks prior to your procedure, as it interferes with healing. Better yet, quit altogether, as it interferes with living!

SUPPLEMENTS TO TAKE PRIOR TO SURGERY

Transfer Factor Plus for the immune system,

Inositol for detoxification,

Super Malic for magnesium supplementation,

Milk Thistle for liver detoxification,

Acidophilus for yeast along with Diflucan or Nystatin,

Lipoic acid for an antioxidant and to help protect the liver while on Diflucan, and

Flaxseed capsules or flaxseed oil for Omega-3 fatty acids to help the immune system

A general good quality vitamin-mineral supplement.

PREPARATIONS FOR EXPLANT TO MAKE AHEAD OF TIME

Ask for any prescriptions the explanting doctor will be giving you ahead of time and fill them. Also purchase any healing ointments or salves that you will be applying to your scars. Purchase a laxative to have on hand in case your bowel movements become sluggish, and other medication that will help with nausea.

Make arrangements for a ride to and from the hospital, since any surgery requiring anesthesia will render you unable to drive yourself home. Line up a few helpers to be available during your first few days after surgery.

Shop for comfortable bras to wear post explant, such as stretchy sport bras that have front closures.

Make sure you have several pairs of comfortable pajamas, washed, cleaned and ready for your recovery period. If you intend to dress in street clothes, have easy front closure tops (buttons or zippers) and pull on elastic band sweatpants available.

Also include a stash of warm socks to keep feet warm, and gloves to keep hands warm, if necessary (due to Raynaud's).

Stock up on healthy snack foods that require little preparation, and which you can have close by your bed for easy access. Some examples of these items would include yogurt, nuts, beef jerky, protein bars, carrots and celery sticks, fruits, cheese and crackers, tuna salad, and bottled water or teas. Also include paper plates and disposable silverware so you don't have to wash dishes.

Arrange your recovery area ahead of time so that everything you will need will be in close reach, such as a lamp, the TV remote, TV Guide, a bed-side stand with your reading materials, glasses, writing materials, a place for your foods, snacks and drinks, kleenex, a waste-basket, mirror, etc.

Keep your telephone or cell phone handy, along with a list of phone numbers you may need, including after-hours phone numbers for your explanting surgeon.

If your surgery is in wintertime, make sure you have enough warm blankets on your bed. If in summertime, make sure you have a fan or other cooling device handy.

IF YOU ARE TRAVELING FOR EXPLANT

Make all arrangements for hotel accomodations as close to the clinic as possible. You may be able to get a discount by telling the hotel you are there for medical purposes.

Ask at the hotel, ahead of surgery, what businesses are located nearby so you have an idea of what restaurants and foods might be available for mealtimes and if they deliver, and/or drug stores for any needed medical aids.

Bring favorite pajamas, sweat pants and other comfortable clothing for spending time in the hotel room.

Bring zip up hooded sweatshirts, other front closure button or zip tops for easy off, easy on dressing.

Bring things to do while in the hotel room to stay occupied, such as books, puzzles, magazines, laptop, IPOD.

Make sure you have your cellphone and your phone numbers for family, friends, and the medical provider.

Bring some cash to pay for foods and drinks and small incidentals.

Bring an adequate supply of bottled water and other drinks if possible, as well as snack foods and meals that require little preparation unless these can be purchased conveniently near your hotel.

May want to bring Ice packs to keep in refrigerator in case they are needed.

Bring all medications usually taken - but ask doctor before taking them.

A journal in case you want to write down what you have just been through.

Need Mail bonding?Go to the Q & A for great tips from Answers users.

February 16, 2007

Thanks Rogene,

I'll be posting the final version in our folder on explant as soon as we decide it is complete.

Patty