POZ Community Forums
Main Forums => Pre-HAART Long-Term Survivors => Topic started by: aztecan on June 28, 2012, 01:03:19 am
-
Well, I finally saw the surgeon today.
He was actually very upbeat about the whole thing. He photographed all the offending growths, felt them a bit and said he would recommend going with liposuction, if that is possible.
Sometimes, he said, the material in the hump, etc., is too fibrous for liposuction, and if it should turn out that way, he would then just slice me open and carve it out.
He also wants to try liposuction first because it is less likely to cause any serious nerve damage to the nerves running up the back of my neck. If there is damage, I most likely would lose some of the feeling in my scalp, which he jokingly called becoming a numbskull. ;)
He will be submitting it to my insurance to find out whether it will pay for the surgery. He said he would include a letter explaining they pain and back problems the humpettes are causing.
He also said some insurance companies reject prior authorizations from plastic surgeons out of hand, but he would then appeal it if need be.
Seems like a nice doctor. Kinda cute too, in a very white, blond and excruciatingly straight way.
Just thought I would update ya'll.
HUGS,
Mark
-
Keeping fingers crossed it will go through without any issue, Mark.
-
Good luck with all of this, Mark!
-
Mark, I hope your Ins. company sees this as a Long Term health problem that needs correction, and that it all works out in your favor ;)
the slicing & carving part sounds a little risky to me, let's hope this will only be a last ditch effort ;)
and make sure you get ample pain management post-op :)
-
Wishing you the best of luck Mark .
-
Hey Mark
Thats no small undertaking.....but try to think of it as cosmetic surgery.
Big HUGS
Joel
-
Wishing you all the best for this Mark , am glad to here your Doc is willing to persue the Insurance company too.
love
m
-
hope you are able to get insurance's go-ahead....keep us posted
hugs Alan
-
The surgeon's office called today, asking me to come in on July 11 to see him again.
I don't know if it is good news or bad news.
Keep your fingers crossed.
HUGS,
Mark
-
I want to see pic & videos of all the carving & slicing of them Buffalo humps ;D
but all joking aside, I hope the doc has some good news next week for you Mark ;)
Hang in there you'll find out soon enough ;)
HUGS
Dennis
-
Good luck Mark on the surgery. Keeping my fingers crossed for you too!
Hugs back to you,
Jeff
-
I hope your insurance isnt going to be a pain.
-
Yay! I'm happy to hear you are making progress with this, Mark, and that you've found a doctor that is willing to work with you and your insurance company. I hope your insurance concurs, or you'll have to open a can of whoop'ass on them!
-
Aztecan...even if it's good news...make sure you ask about what bills you still might be liable for. I'm getting hit by medical bills from my unfortunate extended stay at the hospital. Of course, I was unconscious for the first three days so I couldn't ask if those attending me took my insurance. Apparently none do...just got a new one today for $3,000. The guy saw me three times in the ICU. Being unconscious I'll have to take his word for it.
That goes for the hospital too. That's $30,000 right now. I try not to think about it...doing my best Scarlett O'Hara...
-
Aztecan...even if it's good news...make sure you ask about what bills you still might be liable for.
That is also a concern for me. I recently found that my deductible with my health plan jumped from $1,000 to $2,000. I would have to pay that up front and then a percentage of the total bill as well. That is assuming the insurance will pay for anything.
I find this not knowing very irritating, but I guess I have to wait and see.
HUGS,
Mark
-
Mark, here's wishing you the best! I've been + since 1992 and have lipodystrophy, both kinds, the loss and the gain of fat in certain areas. My buffalo hump has been a big discomfort for me for over 10 years and causes me neck and back pain. I don't have insurance, at least any that would cover "preexisting" condition. So, I feel that I'm stuck but want the best for you.
-
Best wishes with the insurance Mark. Sending positive thoughts your way.
hugs Deiby
-
Good luck mate, sounds like it's all moving in the right direction. Hugs
-
Further update:
I saw the surgeon this morning. My health insurance approved the surgery. I am amazed.
So, I am scheduled to go under the knife on Aug. 16.
EEP!
I will keep y'all posted.
HUGS,
Mark
-
That is great news for you!
-
Good to hear your insurance company approved the surgery. You'll be a new man. Well, sort of new.
Don't know if you've had surgery before but it's a breeze. The hard part is the after. I always try to see if I can catch when I'm hit with the stuff. Never can...one minute I'm trying to sense it, next I'm becoming conscious and then open my eyes with it being hours or in that recent case, days, later.
In any case, keep updating what's going on. Good luck.
-
Wow Mark , well , I'm glad it was approved, hope the Ins. deductible isn't that big ;)
Hugs
Dennis :)
-
Great news Mark !
-
Hi Mark
Great news that the proceedure was approved. I am wishing you all the best.
Joel
-
Good news Mark!
-
Best of luck Buddy! See you in 2 weeks.
-
I just read through the packet the surgeon gave me to prepare for the event.
I will have to stop all of my supplements, or at least most of them. I will have to ask about the fish oil.
I also will have to stop the daily aspirin and the Naproxen I take for my joint aches.
It's only for three weeks or so, which shouldn't be that bad.
But I also am required to have someone stay with me the first 24 hours after the surgery.
That could be a problem.
Most of my friends work, so they can't stay with me. My family lives hundreds of miles away.
I really don't know who I could ask.
i think the requirement is overkill, especially since it is not that major a surgery.
Harumph!
HUGS,
Mark
-
the 24 hour period i think is to serve two purposes, the first is to make sure that you don't have any problems after anesthesia, throwing up while asleep, heart issues, etc. and i think that the second one is preventative on the doc/anesthesiologist part so they don't get sued if something does happen. i've had several surgeries and had to be under and every time they said that same thing, finally asked one cooperative doc and he indicated the above two reasons. made sense to me. but i also found that after about 4 to 6 hours after surgery i was feeling fairly normal and sent my "caretaker" home. one time i did use a service that provides short term babysitting for people in this situation and if i remember right it wasn't cheap but not expensive either.
-
ps forgot to tell you good luck with the surgery i hope that it will do what you want it to.
-
the 24 hour period i think is to serve two purposes, the first is to make sure that you don't have any problems after anesthesia, throwing up while asleep, heart issues, etc. and i think that the second one is preventative on the doc/anesthesiologist part so they don't get sued if something does happen. i've had several surgeries and had to be under and every time they said that same thing, finally asked one cooperative doc and he indicated the above two reasons. made sense to me. but i also found that after about 4 to 6 hours after surgery i was feeling fairly normal and sent my "caretaker" home. one time i did use a service that provides short term babysitting for people in this situation and if i remember right it wasn't cheap but not expensive either.
ps forgot to tell you good luck with the surgery i hope that it will do what you want it to.
Nixsmail, I understand you meant well, but as someone who was only diagnosed in 2007, you are not permitted to post in the Long Term Survivor's forum. Only members who were diagnosed before 1996 are permitted to post here.
Please make sure you read this forum's Welcome Thread (http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=11166.0). Please also read any other Welcome threads - they appear stickied at the top of some forum's index pages. They often contain posting guidelines that pertain to that particular forum. Also read the main Welcome Thread (http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=277.0) in the Living forum - it governs the whole forum.
Please do not post in the LTS forum again, and thank you for your cooperation. :)
Ann
-
Hey Mark,
Best to you on your surgery.
I recently had a precancerous lesion removed from my back and there was a quite a lot of bleeding. The doc asked if I was on fish oil...which I am. He said it can cause more bleeding so please check with your surgeon on his thoughts.
-
The reason for 24 hours is something can go wrong after they've cleared you. That was my case. All the doctors had signed off that I was good to go. I was at the point where all I had to do was wake up, have my friend come pick me up and go home...but...I didn't wake up, I stopped breathing because my vocal cords spasmed shut. If friends can stay with you, great, otherwise look into a visiting nurse service...the hospital or your doctor might know about that...or maybe find out what it would cost you to stay at the hospital. Can't hurt to ask.
Anyway, good luck, and follow instructions. I've had friends go in for surgery only to have it be canceled because they took something everyone forget to tell them not to take. Let them know everything you take to make sure it passes muster.
-
Dear Mark, congratulations.
24 hour support post op, will make that time not only a lot safer but a lot less unpleasant. Don't try to fudge on this... I'd hate for comments around a casket along the lines of "Mark looks so peacefull without his lumps and bumps, a pity that it was for only 20 hours."
Don't forget that it doesn't need to be the same person doing the whole 24 hours. Most folks will be happy to help out, but give them plenty of notice.
Hugs from down under
-
Gosh ,after all that worry they just agreed , great news. The complexities off the insurence world continues to amaze me. Am v.pleased for you dear Mark.
michael
-
Great news honey! I hope you can find someone to stay with you...if only I were closer!
I am hoping that everything goes WELL with this procedure.
HUGS, Alan
-
OK, it is one week and counting until I go under the knife.
I am both excited and nervous, which I guess is pretty normal.
A friend has insisted I stay with him after the surgery so he can keep an eye on me. I don't know how long I'll stay, mayby a couple of days, depending on how I feel.
I have been off my pain meds since Sunday, which my HIV doc said is probably overkill, but that is what the surgeon wanted.
I forgot how well they work. I have been creaking and groaning for a few days.
I broke down and bought some acetomenaphen, or however its spelled. It doesn't work as well, but it will do until I can go back on the Naproxen.
Anyway, it looks like its all go from here.
HUGS,
Mark
-
I'm wishing you the best and its great to know you will have somebody looking after you .
Please keep us updated . Big Hugs ! .
-
Good luck Mark. We"ll be keeping you in our thoughts and wishing you a very speedy recovery.
(((HUGS))) Ray
-
Good luck, Mark -- the days before surgery can be nerve-wracking. Treat yourself to something special.
-
Oh just have a few scotch neat or on rocks...............right ;)
I forget how you like them, you showed this @ the meet & greet
but, sadly I already forgot :-[
anywho they give good drugs, I'm sure 8)
hope it all go's well, keep us posted & updated PLEASE ......
Hugs
DEN
-
Oh Mark,
I am thinking about you and sending you fiercely good vibes for a successful operation and flawless recovery with a very minimal dip into your pinch money. ;D
Take care.
-
Mark,
Wishing you all the best with the op, the recovery, and the finances. Its good to hear your staying with a friend afterwards. Will be checking in for your first post op post.
Lots off love to you
michael
-
Best wishes, Mark. {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
-
You should really have some fun with this...
Find an old version of "Operation" and give it to the doctor to ask him to practice before he works on you.
Or get a magic marker and mark on parts of your body..."Nope, this ain't where you're suppose to be."
Even better work up some good operating room jokes..."You know now many surgeons it takes to screw in a light bulb?..."
You'll have them rolling in the aisles and, at the same time, alleviate any pre-surgery fears you might have. Frankly, I've never worried about going under the knife. I'm out, if something goes wrong I won't know it. Besides you can only collected from suing if you die.
Hope everything goes well.
Lots of love...big hugs...
LTS
-
OK, the anesthesiologist called and asked to meet with me.
Saw him this morning. His exact words were: "You looked bad on paper, but in p erson you look fine."
It was the whole lung thing and my being on an inhaler. Damn cigs.
Anyway,EKG was fine and all is good.
They are going to intubate me, though. Oh joy.
Makes me nervous, but I will be fine.
Just an update.
HUGS,
Mark
-
I'll be thinking of you, Mark. I hope everything goes well. And we're looking forward to the "after" photos. :)
-
I admire your incredible courage for doing this Surgery ;)
I know for a fact that I couldn't do it :-[
I have never been intubated before (never had to be put that far under)
they would never do this with all of the medications that I'm currently taking
or so anesthesiologist told me this, just last week :-[
Mark I'm thinking of you, and I Know everything will go well ;)
Hugs
DEN
-
You will be fine Mark and I am not surprised you feel nervous I think all off us can understand that , have you got a planned period off time off work? Hope its a good enough amount , all the best from the Orkney,s.
michael
-
Best wishes Mark. Sending prayers your way.
Hugs deiby :)
-
Take care buddy. Sending special energy your way.
Greg
-
I can understand your hesitation about being intubated but I wouldn't worry a lot about it. In the first place, you'll be out long before they insert the tubes and the tubes will be gone long before you wake up. What you have more to worry about is a lot of people throw up after coming out from under anesthesia.
Plus, your intubation will more than likely go through your mouth. Less chance of damage to your sinuses which was what put me on a ventilator for three days. And, heaven forbid, even then you're sedated if it came to that. Not that you have to worry about that...
Strange as it may sound...try to enjoy the situation. Think of some jokes to tell while they're setting up. Say things like "now, you're not just going to move my hump around like in 'Young Frankenstein' are you?" It's interesting to watch the whole process of the surgery team getting set up. That's another topic for joking. Ask if the surgery tools "are from a top-notch medical device maker and not some designer sh*t from Target."
Okay...I'll stop. Look forward to hearing from you when you wake back up. That is...if you can tear yourself away from admiring the humpless spot in the mirror afterward.
-
Strange as it may sound...try to enjoy the situation. Think of some jokes to tell while they're setting up. Say things like "now, you're not just going to move my hump around like in 'Young Frankenstein' are you?" It's interesting to watch the whole process of the surgery team getting set up. That's another topic for joking. Ask if the surgery tools "are from a top-notch medical device maker and not some designer sh*t from Target."
Okay...I'll stop. Look forward to hearing from you when you wake back up. That is...if you can tear yourself away from admiring the humpless spot in the mirror afterward.
However do not try this if you happen to be in a Aberdeen operating theatre presided over by a very dour Scot.
Nothing like stony silence after a light hearted quip about cocaine champagne and heart attacks.
-
Oh laddie...tough audience those Scots...
-
Mark,
Thinking of you -- hope it all went well, and you are resting comfortably.
Henry
-
Hey one and all,
I have one word for this: SUCCESS!
The doc was able to do the liposuction procedure and didn't have to excise anything. So, no slicing and dicing, just six, or was it seven, small incisions.
I am somewhat sore, but nothing to really shout about. I am using ice packs on the spots behind my ears, which seem to be the most sensitive.
The back, where my humpette once resided, really has caused me no pain whatsoever.
I have a slight sore throat, mostly in the soft palate at the back of my mouth. I was worried how I would feel after being intubated.
I guess being an old queen with no gag reflex has its benefits.
I have taken a few pain pills, Lortab, 325 mgs, I think. But they make me sick to my stomach.
The doctor gave me permission to go back on my Naproxen today, so that is what I did. So far, so good.
I think the ice packs help as much as anything. I am still staying at a friends today. I will probably go home tomorrow.
I am really surprised at how smoothly it went. My surgeon looked very good in scrubs. Oh, if only I were 10 years younger and he wasn't terminally straight. :)
Oh, and LTS, I took you advice and had the nurses roaring prior to my going under.
I think it was after I donned my gown and cutsie surgical shorts, that it started. After donning a paper surgical cap, which I said was unnecessary because I have no hair, I told them I felt like one of the Golden Girls.
They asked which one, and I said, "Blanche, of coure!"
I will keep you all posted, but for right now, everything looks pretty good.
HUGS,
Mark
-
Glad it was a SUCCESS! ;) you still look marvelous darling @ least to me :-*
Hugs
DEN :)
-
I'm happy to hear you are in good spirits and healing , Blanche :-* .
-
So glad everything went well and your recovery is underway. When do we get to see the new and improved pics? Take care buddy.
Greg
-
MARK's_QUOTE: They asked which one, and I said, "Blanche, of coure!"
______
Two snaps and a twirl! You go "Blanche"!
:D
-
Good to hear it all went well...glad they enjoyed your jokes...loosens them up.
Now go back and admire yourself in the mirror...you deserve it...
-
MARK's_QUOTE: They asked which one, and I said, "Blanche, of coure!"
______
Two snaps and a twirl! You go "Blanche"!
:D
If Mark is "Blanche"! then I must be Dorothy Zbornak (Bea Arthur) I'm tall enough ;D
-
great news Mark hope it all clears a way quickly now, and none of the "hump" returns
def need pics..... with a collared shirt.... buttoned..
Nick
-
vundarbar darlink
-
Glad it all went well. :)
-
I'm so happy for you, Mark
-
Mark,
Glad to hear that everything was a success. Now rest up, and have a speedy recovery.
Ray 8)
-
That's great news Mark. Hope your recovery continues uneventfully.
-
Okay...it's been ten days...how's it going...
-
Hey LTS,
I'm doing pretty well. I think the area that was affected by the surgery is healing. It is itching from time to time and I have to remind myself not to scratch because it is somewhat painful.
The area behind my ears continues to be the most tender.
I also find myself tiring out more easily. Its probably just being overly dramatic, but by the end of the day, I am pooped.
But, all in all, I am doing just fine. Thanks for asking.
HUGS,
Mark
-
Glad everything is progressing well. Take care of yourself. You still haven't updated your profile pic. ;D
Greg
-
Not overly dramatic...
Surgery takes a lot out of you. Also it takes about six weeks for your body to get the anesthesia out of your body. All of that combines to knock you for a loop. I'm still not back to normal...a lot better...but not where I was before my operation.
Glad you're doing so great. Bet you look fantastic...
-
Yup...what he said.
Expecting too much from your body, Mark. Slow and easy will do it.
-
Mark, I hope you are feeling better each day....I know you're glad to have this one in the "rear-view mirror". Onward and upward from here, my friend...
Love, Alan
-
A little early...only nine days since we heard from you...
When are you going to post a new pic?!
I mean, I updated my pic...
Hope you're doing better and better...