[Margerie]

Hi Joanne, I am sorry you are having implant problems. It seems no reconstruction is guaranteed problem-free. Sometimes it seems the surgery creates more problems than it solves! I am wondering if you are having problems besides the contracture with your implants- your pain, fatigue and fevers. Maybe a subacute infection or allergy to implant materials? Especially since it seems your pain and fevers started right after your exchange procedure.

I am somewhat skeptical of implants. I had successful DIEP reconstruction- so am a big fan of microsurgical reconstruction.I had a friend that had her expander leak, then 2 sets of saline implants leak (non-irradiated side, go figure) all in under a 2 year period. She just had both implants removed and DIEP reconstruction and she has never felt better. I can't even imagine going thru all of that reconstruction with the implants and then starting over. She said she would do it again. I know of several women who flew across the country (one gal from Michigan) to New Orleans or SF for the DIEP procedure. Of course- this is a huge surgery and recovery, so not to be taken lightly.

I guess I would ask the plastic surgeon some hard questions. Is there some kind of test to see if the implant is leaking? Or if there is a blood-bourne infection or some kind of allergic reaction, how can we tell? And if there is- what are my options? Is there any way to reverse the contracture?

Even if I was not up to redoing the recon, I would seriously consider removing the implants if I was having problems. Of course, I know there are many successful implants walking around! I hope I haven't upset anyone with these suggestions, just blabbing.

And Sheila, I hope you can get out of your vice grip!!