Re: Lab testing on explants?

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

It's a hard call when $$ is in the way.

I think you have to weigh the price of the knowledge of what kind of organisms

might be in your implants with respect to your healing approach, i.e., are you

going to need to know if it is fungal in nature, or bacterial? In this respect,

knowing that beforehand makes the followup care much easier.

I would agree with Dr. Feng's office in that for most women with implants, the

primary concern may be the silicone sloughing off of the implant shell wreaking

havoc with our body.

However, there are some concerns that we've been exposed to some kind of

pathogen as well...again, whether it is fungal in nature, or bacterial is what

needs to be determined.

I know I am not making this decision any easier. It is something only you can

put a price tag on regarding your peace of mind. If you are OK with taking an

approach to healing that involves addressing BOTH fungal and bacterial

possibilities, and not knowing for certain, what, if anything, is affecting your

health, then you can go forward without it.

I will say this about my experience with the pathologist at my explant (not Dr.

Feng's office)....I paid an extra $200 at the time, and the pathologist did NOT

do the analysis that I requested, but simply looked at the scar tissue and made

some comments about its appearance. I was very disappointed and felt it was a

waste of money. However, IF the correct analysis had been done, I would have

liked to know what infection I had in my chest, because I did have one!

So, if you choose to go forward with it, just confirm exactly what they will do

so you can be certain you will be getting what you think you are paying for.

Best wishes,

Patty

>

> Hi,

>

> I have surgery scheduled with Dr. Feng this week. I was told that the lab

testing for the explants (to look for fungus, mold, etc.) is not included in the

price of the surgery (and could come out to up to an additional $500). I can't

afford that on top of the surgery.

>

> The representative from their office knew I was struggling to pay for the

surgery and reassured me by saying that few explants test positive for that, and

that more likely than anything, it is the silicone sloughing off the implant

shells that is wreaking the havoc with our bodies.

>

> Has anyone else in this group foregone the explant lab analysis? I always

wanted to know what the results of mine would be and I don't want to feel like I

am making a huge mistake, but really I just can't afford it.

>

> Thanks,

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you Patty. That's a great idea, to ask specifically what will be commented

on in the report. I'd like to get the lab analysis done no matter what,

personally, but am trying to respect my husband's end of it because he has to

figure out a way to pay for it.

But ultimately it is my decision and I am leaning on getting them analyzed.

Maybe if I do go for that option I can figure out some crazy fund-raising

scheme...

Wish me luck! Surgery is tomorrow at 9 AM. Dr. Feng, by the way, is very

comforting and has a very healing presence. Her staff is excellent. We're off on

the right foot so far

> >

> > Hi,

> >

> > I have surgery scheduled with Dr. Feng this week. I was told that the lab

testing for the explants (to look for fungus, mold, etc.) is not included in the

price of the surgery (and could come out to up to an additional $500). I can't

afford that on top of the surgery.

> >

> > The representative from their office knew I was struggling to pay for the

surgery and reassured me by saying that few explants test positive for that, and

that more likely than anything, it is the silicone sloughing off the implant

shells that is wreaking the havoc with our bodies.

> >

> > Has anyone else in this group foregone the explant lab analysis? I always

wanted to know what the results of mine would be and I don't want to feel like I

am making a huge mistake, but really I just can't afford it.

> >

> > Thanks,

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Girls ~

On a personal note, I would have them handle the implants

as if they were going to the pathologist, and put them in

special containers with fixative, and let you know how long it will be good for.

Then keep them in a safe place until you see how you are.....

and can decide weather or not you need analysis in order to

get well.

This way......your bases will be covered......

Hope you have a speedy recovery !

Hugs N Prayers

Dede

Re: Lab testing on explants?

Hi ,

It's a hard call when $$ is in the way.

I think you have to weigh the price of the knowledge of what kind of organisms might be in your implants with respect to your healing approach, i.e., are you going to need to know if it is fungal in nature, or bacterial? In this respect, knowing that beforehand makes the followup care much easier.

I would agree with Dr. Feng's office in that for most women with implants, the primary concern may be the silicone sloughing off of the implant shell wreaking havoc with our body.

However, there are some concerns that we've been exposed to some kind of pathogen as well...again, whether it is fungal in nature, or bacterial is what needs to be determined.

I know I am not making this decision any easier. It is something only you can put a price tag on regarding your peace of mind. If you are OK with taking an approach to healing that involves addressing BOTH fungal and bacterial possibilities, and not knowing for certain, what, if anything, is affecting your health, then you can go forward without it.

I will say this about my experience with the pathologist at my explant (not Dr. Feng's office)....I paid an extra $200 at the time, and the pathologist did NOT do the analysis that I requested, but simply looked at the scar tissue and made some comments about its appearance. I was very disappointed and felt it was a waste of money. However, IF the correct analysis had been done, I would have liked to know what infection I had in my chest, because I did have one!

So, if you choose to go forward with it, just confirm exactly what they will do so you can be certain you will be getting what you think you are paying for.

Best wishes,

Patty

>

> Hi,

>

> I have surgery scheduled with Dr. Feng this week. I was told that the lab testing for the explants (to look for fungus, mold, etc.) is not included in the price of the surgery (and could come out to up to an additional $500). I can't afford that on top of the surgery.

>

> The representative from their office knew I was struggling to pay for the surgery and reassured me by saying that few explants test positive for that, and that more likely than anything, it is the silicone sloughing off the implant shells that is wreaking the havoc with our bodies.

>

> Has anyone else in this group foregone the explant lab analysis? I always wanted to know what the results of mine would be and I don't want to feel like I am making a huge mistake, but really I just can't afford it.

>

> Thanks,

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

You are in excellent hands with Dr. Feng, probably the best you could hope for!

You will have a successful surgery, I'm sure.

God bless you! Now your healing can get underway!

Patty

> > >

> > > Hi,

> > >

> > > I have surgery scheduled with Dr. Feng this week. I was told that the lab

testing for the explants (to look for fungus, mold, etc.) is not included in the

price of the surgery (and could come out to up to an additional $500). I can't

afford that on top of the surgery.

> > >

> > > The representative from their office knew I was struggling to pay for the

surgery and reassured me by saying that few explants test positive for that, and

that more likely than anything, it is the silicone sloughing off the implant

shells that is wreaking the havoc with our bodies.

> > >

> > > Has anyone else in this group foregone the explant lab analysis? I always

wanted to know what the results of mine would be and I don't want to feel like I

am making a huge mistake, but really I just can't afford it.

> > >

> > > Thanks,

> > >

> > >

> >

>