FrankTalk.org

Hello all,
I underwent a revision this morning performed by Dr. Hakky and an impressive surgical team at Gwinnett Medical Center. So far I feel great And have been entirely coherent and largely comfortable since being discharged. We just had dinner at Applebee’s.

Dr Hakky replaced my leaking 3year old 22cm Titan with a 24cm Titan XL. The pump bulb is different; I now have the One-touch, replacing the classic. I left the hospital with NO catheter. Overall, a very positive experience.

I had read here that revisions are easier on the patient. Hakky echoed that info, but he said I’d be under longer because the removal process demands more time and it can be trick for the surgeon.

I can tell you that for this patient, it is so far been a walk in the park. I’ll let you know if I am still walking or crawling in a few days.

Regards,
Mike

Best of luck and heal fast.

Thanks mike. Carry on bro

Good luck Mike! Wish you a fast recovery.
The good news is you are getting a 2cm longer implant.
What was the reason of the tube leak? was it a manufacturer issue? And did the insurance cover the replacement?

As we're all under the Revision threat, keep the updates coming. Great to hear about Dr. Hakky and his Team.

Rest and get back in the "Saddle" soon.

LUp

Thanks to all.
AST, the leak occurred at the base of the pump bulb. Dr. Hakky took pictures as he pulled it out of me and I saw them this morning. The bulb's construction is accordion-like and I guess the peaks and valleys of the folds are weak points. Considering that the pump probably get the most rigorous action of the system components, I guess this makes sense. I initially discussed with the doc my perspective (as an electrical and reliability engineering type) that the connector would be the point of failure. He suspected otherwise and was right.
I believe Coloplast covers the cost of the replacement hardware under warranty, but fees for the doc, the anesthesiologist and the surgical center are ours to bear. In my case, I have really good insurance and I am still trying to wrap my head around how little I have shelled out. Mine is a unique case, I believe, and has nothing to do with the fact the original hardware failed.
Up to this morning, I had only taken two Percocets and was really feeling no pain. In fact, I only took the second Percocet to help me brace for the drain removal performed this morning. (Hakky took the catheter out before I woke up from the surgical anesthesia.) But I was cautioned by the office nurse that the good doc makes liberal use of strong local numbing agents that would only start wearing off later tonight. She suggested I begin following the prescribed dosage, which I have. We get the frozen peas from the Publix tomorrow. Still walking in the park, almost skipping. We'll see what tomorrow holds.

Mike

Hey Mike, congrats on the revision. I am looking forward to scheduling with Dr. Hakky in late April.