Surgery

[aztecan]

I had my hump and the two large lumps on the back of my head removed one week ago today.

The plastic surgeon did it using liposuction. I was lucky and the adipose tissue wasn't too fiberous, and therefore didn't require any excising.

I have experienced very little pain, in fact I only took four pain pills and then used only Naproxen.

So, I am hump free for the first time in years.

Now, all I have to do is wait to see if they will grow back. There is a 50-50 chance they will.

Cross your fingers for me.

HUGS,

Mark

[WillyWump]

I am beyond ecstatic for you! Cant wait to see some pics of you and your sexy self.

Maybe I've missed a thread or 2 covering this, but why would they potentially grow back? Weren't they a direct result of the early meds such as AZT, etc..? Of which you are not on now?

Congrats Mark!!

-Will

[aztecan]

Hey Will,

Good to hear from you! 

The potential for them to grow back stems from the mitochondrial damage done at the cellular level.

In my case, I took Crixivan for 11 years, which was most likely the culprit. I also took AZT for 13 years, so, maybe it was also involved.

Anyway, some doctors have the theory that once the damage is done, it is irreversible and the adipose tissue that is deposited will just grow back once removed.

I have known people who have had it done and never had a problem from then on.

Others, well, they saw their bulges return.

I guess I will just have to wait and see.

HUGS,

Mark

[frenchpat]

Mark,

I am very happy it worked for you (so far) and hope the effect will be a lasting one. It also encourages me to look into the procedure as the lump I inherited from Zerit is still there even though I dropped the drug years ago.

thanks for keeping us informed

Pat

[wolfter]

Great news buddy.  Still waiting on the hot, sexy new photos.

Take care and I hope the recovery is well underway.

[Ann]

Mark, I've got everything crossed - including my eyes - so please forgive any tpyos.

I'm so happy for you that everything went well and you've been pain-free. Long may it continue!

I hope the lumps and humps stay away for good. Begone!

(((((((Mark))))))

More hugs,
Ann
xxx

[GSOgymrat]

I'm so glad the surgery went well! I hope the hump is gone for good. Keep us posted.

Ford
 

[scotty54]

Hello all,
I had my hump liposuctioned nearly 2 months ago.  Depressing, but I have seen some return.  Hopefully the fat pad will not be as extensive.  For me I believe the culprits were Zerit/Videx/Retrovir (for nearly 9 yrs).  Also thinking of changing meds from Atripla (since 2006) to possibly more lipo friendly Isentress/Truvada.  Any input from all is a appreciated/current labs VL///undetectable     CD4//about 600.  Been blessed with much subcutaneous fat loss/redistribution for about a decade.  Not making any quick decisions but may consider hump excision.  Also may consider PMMA in future.
May you all be blessed....we are all warriors.

[thunter34]

WOW!  I just saw this!  YAY!  Congratulations, Mark!  I'm with Ann...I've got everything crossed.  Well....except my eyes because I can't see to post if I do.

But my legs are crossed, and as you can imagine, that almost never happens.

[aztecan]

Thanks all for the well wishes. It has been quite an interesting experience for me.

Hey Scotty,

As it happens, I take Isentress/Truvada. I find in incredibly easy to take.

I am sorry to hear you may have had some regrowth of your fat pad. I also hope it isn't too substantial.

If it comes back, I probably could be OK with the hump, but the lumps on the back of my head were something with which I really had a problem.

Interestingly, that is the area that produced the most pain. The lumps were located right behind my ears, and now that area is very tender.

i am still hopeful I will not see regrowth there.

HUGS,

Mark

[scotty54]

Hello Aztecan,
So sorry you had to deal with that hump and pain, especially right behind your ears. Hope you have said good bye for good.

The doctor that did my laser-assisted lipo said that my fat pad was quite fibrous.  It had also been there for nearly a decade.  It would increase when my weight increased/and also when I ate more starchy food.  Needless to say I eat little in the way of potatoes/pastas/rice (which I loved in the past). Seems that fat from face/arms/legs/buttocks migrated to upper back/neck and a little to stomach.

The doctor concentrated on the upper neck as most visible.  Have seen about 20-30% re-growth......but it is still alot better than before.  A little furthur down my back....probably 30-40% re-growth.  So it is still much better than before.
Will keep you posting....if it completely returns I will consider going under the knife.

I am thrilled that you had so much success...your hump may not have been as fibrous.  I also hope the tenderness subsides for you.  Glad to hear the Isentress/Truvada is good regime for you. Best to you...

[hoosier69]

Mark!   Congrat's on the success of your surgery.  I know it's been quite a struggle for you.   And I hope the fat never returns.   Keep us posted!   

[phost86]

Great news and good luck:)

[Wade]

Hi Mark,  Congratulations !!! Have fun picking out your new wardrobe,I know I did !Enjoy Every Minute & Be Well,Wade

[weasel]

  Howdy Mark ,
                        How are you !!!! 

    I am very excited to see you had the hump removed .

                                I hoping all is in it's right place now .

                                                                Carl