POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS
Horrible, Horrible Results. Thankful to Be Alive.
ORIGINAL POST
This physician was horribly negligent with my case...
$250,000
This physician was horribly negligent with my case. I paid cash. I had been saving for the procedure as a gift to myself. The physician and his receptionist (Lilly) were super accessible and friendly prior to my surgery. Sweet like syrup, in fact. Several days, following my procedure, I began feeling badly. I did tell the doctor this while at my office visit. I explained that I was in such pain and that something must be wrong. I could barely sit or walk. Dr. Aldea would not give me anything for pain or even acknowledge that I was in pain.
The pain only continued to get worse with my husband having to help me to the bathroom, etc. One Saturday, I felt so badly. My skin was turning gray. I am medium tone and African American (ex. Jada Pinkett Smith). My husband and myself both dialed the number printed on the forms for emergencies (answering service), but no one EVER answered. I had our phone records pulled from the phone companies.
When they finally returned our call that following Monday, the receptionist laughed when I explained that we had called their office probably more than 40 times. I explained to her that something was not right and my pain level was off of the chart. Well, she said that she would have to speak with the physician to see if I could come in or not. She called me back shortly and told me that the doctor said to call my Primary Care Physician. My response was that "my PCP did not do my surgery, he did".
I called my PCP and thank goodness that I did. She brought me right in. I showed her the pictures that I had (had) my husband take since the inception of the surgery. There was yellow, nasty drainage around my JP drains. Now, these had been there even the last time I went to the surgeon's office. I came into his office, in fact, with a sanitary napkin across the incision site because it was draining so badly.
Back to my visit with my PCP. She was thoughtful and listened. She also told me that she was not letting me leave the office until she called to have a CT scan done. This doctor is familiar with me and knows what I look like when healthy. Well, as it turns out, something was VERY wrong. The CT scans showed abdominal abscesses everywhere!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My PCP asked for my plastic surgeon's name and number then called him.
Only when she told him the results of the CT scan, did he become concerned. Remember they didn't answer any of my calls before. I had to be rushed to surgery to open the wound and clean the infection out, pack and dress the site. I did return home after this procedure. Shortly thereafter, I became deathly ill. I tried to contact my surgeon, but he and his right hand receptionist didn't seem the least bothered.
So, I drove to another surgeon's office (he is friends with my surgeon). Normally this probably would have been a 20 minute drive. It took me almost an hour to get to this other doctor's office. I didn't have an appointment. I walked in and asked to speak with him. His name is Dr. Samuel Delk. Thankfully, he took one look at me and sent me to the ER. He also called my surgeon and asked him "had he seen his patient because she is grey?"
I don't know what else Dr. Delk told my surgeon, but I am so thankful that he listened to me when I told him that something was very wrong. I had MRSA! It was kind of interesting because while I was lying on the gurney in the ER with husband and family with me, guess who shows up? Dr. Aldea and his wife, who is also a surgeon. They burst right into my room. The wife actually had the nerve to try and rub my hand. This is the same lady that walked past me multiple times at their office and never as much parted her mouth to say "hello".
I ended up with a wound vac, multiple antibiotics, vomiting, diarrhea, KIDNEY FAILURE, a PICC line, Home Health, multiple hospitalizations. It has now been three years, I continue to be under the care of several physicians. My medical bills are over $200, 000. And the cherry on top is that I have been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as a result of this whole situation.
An ER doctor who was working that shift came into my room when I was alone and remembered me from my previous visit. He informed me that my surgeon was a "very arrogant person who thinks that he knows it all". From my perspective this is true. Had listened to me the first time, the results would have been better. My surgeon even altered some of my records and added things that were not true. For example, he added all of these vital signs. It's funny because NO ONE in Dr. Aldea's office has ever taken my vital signs. Another thing that he did to try and explain away the occurrence of MRSA was add that I was a nurse. With the first OP note, it was just "a woman". After I came back positive for Staph, he adjusted it to "a nurse".
All of that is great except for the fact that I do not provide bedside nursing. I work in Corporate America and speak with my patients on the phone. Dr. Aldea also discussed my medical records and situation with a former co-worker who went and told other co-workers. One of my friends was smart enough to record these conversations. I was out of work for 3 months. Thank God that I had a spouse because someone else would have nothing at this point when you think about the bills.
During one of my hospital stays, Dr. Aldea and one of friends who is also a seasoned nurse (30+) years were with me. Dr. Aldea walked right in and opened my dinner tray (no hand washing) then began to tell me how I was going to die if I didn't eat anything. I was on so many medicines including antibiotics that I was vomiting. Dr. Aldea proceeded to use profanity about the food on the hospital tray. He then turned to my husband and asked why he didn't go and get me something different. "There is a Chipotle right down the street". My husband used a tempered voice and explained "if she wanted anything, I would get her anything that she wanted".
I was discharged from the hospital one time and I was so glad to go home. While in the car with my husband, I received a call from Dr. Threlkeld (Infectious Disease) telling me to turn around and go back to the Emergency Room. My kidneys were failing and I needed to be in the hospital. A nephrologist had to be brought in. During these hospital stays, I had multiple CT scans and placement of drains.
Go to whomever you like, certainly it is always your choice. I can only share my experiences with this doctor and his staff. One thing, though, before choosing a surgeon, also learn your state's statutes of limitations for Medical Malpractice/Negligence. I have spoken with high powered attorneys who told my without a doubt, Dr. Aldea had been severely negligent. I mean I had seen the man walk into his office, dripping sweat on his forehead and follow him to an exam room. No where in between there, did hand washing or sanitizing occur.
While I was his patient, he did not have a nurse OR CNA in the office. The receptionist would come into the room with him. She would also touch my skin after leaving her nasty front desk. She also discussed my case with a former co-worker as well as tell me another patient's information. This is all a violation of HIPAA.
Also, while hospitalized I called Dr. Aldea's office to ask for my medical records. Initially, she acted as though I could not have them. So, I questioned her to make sure that she was saying I could NOT get my records. She then changed and called me back and asked if someone coming to get them because they are ready. My husband left the hospital and went right down the block to their office. She sent him back with a copy of Ebony and several other ethnic/urban magazines. At no time that I have visited their office, has there been ONE magazine with a brown or black face on it out on the coffee tables. Apparently, they must keep these behind the counter for special occasions such as mine.
My family has been forever affected by the negligence and untruthfulness of one person. This has affected my marriage, my children, my family and finances as a whole. An aunt later told me that she had been preparing to come here for my funeral. My whole family was and had been alerted that it could go either way. That is how sick I was! My mother had to take a leave of absence from her own career to come and stay with me. My husband also took a great amount of time of from his own office.
I guess for me, it's one thing to be wrong and apologize. I even recall telling Dr. Aldea that he needed to just write me a check and give me a refund. Had he done that, the outcome would not have been different, but at least I would feel that he is an ethical man. The last thing that I told him is that he will always remember my name and think twice when a patient says "something is wrong".
Oh, I forgot to share that I have dog ears on both sides of my waist that can be seen through my clothing whether it is a thin blouse or a sweater. The dog ears make both sides of my panties protrude outward in my clothing. Think of it like this. Do you remember the old magic shows where the person is sawed in half? Well, now it looks like the top of my body doesn't belong with the bottom of my body.
Prior to this surgery, I did not have any marks on my stomach. Now, there is a huge scar from a surgery last summer connected to this. Also, I have had several cysts pop up on my abdomen that have been + for staph. They look like gunshot wounds and have an indentation. Prior to my TT, I only had stretch marks from my pregnancies and very faded punch sites from a cholecystectomy.
Thanks for listening. #TRUTH
I dare anyone (physician, staff or otherwise) to contact me and say that anything that I wrote is not the truth. I will also post pictures since they are after all worth a thousand words.
The pain only continued to get worse with my husband having to help me to the bathroom, etc. One Saturday, I felt so badly. My skin was turning gray. I am medium tone and African American (ex. Jada Pinkett Smith). My husband and myself both dialed the number printed on the forms for emergencies (answering service), but no one EVER answered. I had our phone records pulled from the phone companies.
When they finally returned our call that following Monday, the receptionist laughed when I explained that we had called their office probably more than 40 times. I explained to her that something was not right and my pain level was off of the chart. Well, she said that she would have to speak with the physician to see if I could come in or not. She called me back shortly and told me that the doctor said to call my Primary Care Physician. My response was that "my PCP did not do my surgery, he did".
I called my PCP and thank goodness that I did. She brought me right in. I showed her the pictures that I had (had) my husband take since the inception of the surgery. There was yellow, nasty drainage around my JP drains. Now, these had been there even the last time I went to the surgeon's office. I came into his office, in fact, with a sanitary napkin across the incision site because it was draining so badly.
Back to my visit with my PCP. She was thoughtful and listened. She also told me that she was not letting me leave the office until she called to have a CT scan done. This doctor is familiar with me and knows what I look like when healthy. Well, as it turns out, something was VERY wrong. The CT scans showed abdominal abscesses everywhere!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My PCP asked for my plastic surgeon's name and number then called him.
Only when she told him the results of the CT scan, did he become concerned. Remember they didn't answer any of my calls before. I had to be rushed to surgery to open the wound and clean the infection out, pack and dress the site. I did return home after this procedure. Shortly thereafter, I became deathly ill. I tried to contact my surgeon, but he and his right hand receptionist didn't seem the least bothered.
So, I drove to another surgeon's office (he is friends with my surgeon). Normally this probably would have been a 20 minute drive. It took me almost an hour to get to this other doctor's office. I didn't have an appointment. I walked in and asked to speak with him. His name is Dr. Samuel Delk. Thankfully, he took one look at me and sent me to the ER. He also called my surgeon and asked him "had he seen his patient because she is grey?"
I don't know what else Dr. Delk told my surgeon, but I am so thankful that he listened to me when I told him that something was very wrong. I had MRSA! It was kind of interesting because while I was lying on the gurney in the ER with husband and family with me, guess who shows up? Dr. Aldea and his wife, who is also a surgeon. They burst right into my room. The wife actually had the nerve to try and rub my hand. This is the same lady that walked past me multiple times at their office and never as much parted her mouth to say "hello".
I ended up with a wound vac, multiple antibiotics, vomiting, diarrhea, KIDNEY FAILURE, a PICC line, Home Health, multiple hospitalizations. It has now been three years, I continue to be under the care of several physicians. My medical bills are over $200, 000. And the cherry on top is that I have been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as a result of this whole situation.
An ER doctor who was working that shift came into my room when I was alone and remembered me from my previous visit. He informed me that my surgeon was a "very arrogant person who thinks that he knows it all". From my perspective this is true. Had listened to me the first time, the results would have been better. My surgeon even altered some of my records and added things that were not true. For example, he added all of these vital signs. It's funny because NO ONE in Dr. Aldea's office has ever taken my vital signs. Another thing that he did to try and explain away the occurrence of MRSA was add that I was a nurse. With the first OP note, it was just "a woman". After I came back positive for Staph, he adjusted it to "a nurse".
All of that is great except for the fact that I do not provide bedside nursing. I work in Corporate America and speak with my patients on the phone. Dr. Aldea also discussed my medical records and situation with a former co-worker who went and told other co-workers. One of my friends was smart enough to record these conversations. I was out of work for 3 months. Thank God that I had a spouse because someone else would have nothing at this point when you think about the bills.
During one of my hospital stays, Dr. Aldea and one of friends who is also a seasoned nurse (30+) years were with me. Dr. Aldea walked right in and opened my dinner tray (no hand washing) then began to tell me how I was going to die if I didn't eat anything. I was on so many medicines including antibiotics that I was vomiting. Dr. Aldea proceeded to use profanity about the food on the hospital tray. He then turned to my husband and asked why he didn't go and get me something different. "There is a Chipotle right down the street". My husband used a tempered voice and explained "if she wanted anything, I would get her anything that she wanted".
I was discharged from the hospital one time and I was so glad to go home. While in the car with my husband, I received a call from Dr. Threlkeld (Infectious Disease) telling me to turn around and go back to the Emergency Room. My kidneys were failing and I needed to be in the hospital. A nephrologist had to be brought in. During these hospital stays, I had multiple CT scans and placement of drains.
Go to whomever you like, certainly it is always your choice. I can only share my experiences with this doctor and his staff. One thing, though, before choosing a surgeon, also learn your state's statutes of limitations for Medical Malpractice/Negligence. I have spoken with high powered attorneys who told my without a doubt, Dr. Aldea had been severely negligent. I mean I had seen the man walk into his office, dripping sweat on his forehead and follow him to an exam room. No where in between there, did hand washing or sanitizing occur.
While I was his patient, he did not have a nurse OR CNA in the office. The receptionist would come into the room with him. She would also touch my skin after leaving her nasty front desk. She also discussed my case with a former co-worker as well as tell me another patient's information. This is all a violation of HIPAA.
Also, while hospitalized I called Dr. Aldea's office to ask for my medical records. Initially, she acted as though I could not have them. So, I questioned her to make sure that she was saying I could NOT get my records. She then changed and called me back and asked if someone coming to get them because they are ready. My husband left the hospital and went right down the block to their office. She sent him back with a copy of Ebony and several other ethnic/urban magazines. At no time that I have visited their office, has there been ONE magazine with a brown or black face on it out on the coffee tables. Apparently, they must keep these behind the counter for special occasions such as mine.
My family has been forever affected by the negligence and untruthfulness of one person. This has affected my marriage, my children, my family and finances as a whole. An aunt later told me that she had been preparing to come here for my funeral. My whole family was and had been alerted that it could go either way. That is how sick I was! My mother had to take a leave of absence from her own career to come and stay with me. My husband also took a great amount of time of from his own office.
I guess for me, it's one thing to be wrong and apologize. I even recall telling Dr. Aldea that he needed to just write me a check and give me a refund. Had he done that, the outcome would not have been different, but at least I would feel that he is an ethical man. The last thing that I told him is that he will always remember my name and think twice when a patient says "something is wrong".
Oh, I forgot to share that I have dog ears on both sides of my waist that can be seen through my clothing whether it is a thin blouse or a sweater. The dog ears make both sides of my panties protrude outward in my clothing. Think of it like this. Do you remember the old magic shows where the person is sawed in half? Well, now it looks like the top of my body doesn't belong with the bottom of my body.
Prior to this surgery, I did not have any marks on my stomach. Now, there is a huge scar from a surgery last summer connected to this. Also, I have had several cysts pop up on my abdomen that have been + for staph. They look like gunshot wounds and have an indentation. Prior to my TT, I only had stretch marks from my pregnancies and very faded punch sites from a cholecystectomy.
Thanks for listening. #TRUTH
I dare anyone (physician, staff or otherwise) to contact me and say that anything that I wrote is not the truth. I will also post pictures since they are after all worth a thousand words.
4everAKA's provider
Replies (55)
June 29, 2016
I'm so sorry for whut you have been through .. Please fight for ur rights just don't let him get away with it
June 29, 2016
Thanks so much! I appreciate your support. I am not trying to slander/libel anyone, but I am speaking the complete truth. One thing that I did do is that I always took another person with me to my appointments. Whether it be my husband or my daughter. Someone was always with me that could corroborate my story.
June 29, 2016
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Â I hope you find support here in the community.
June 29, 2016
I apologize that this the paragraphs are not evident. I didn't post it that way.
June 30, 2016
I am sorry that this happened to you. I can certainly attest to his lack of skills and arrogance. He tells other patients business to other patients, if something is wrong it's your fault and Lilly is a snake right along with Dr. Aldea. I was left with a lumpy stomach, pouch, and in order to have a flat stomach I have to wear a corset or spanks to hide the deformed appearance. My husband warned me not to use him because of his attitude but I was suck in because he presents like he is sooo experience and makes you believe you're in good hands. I have the money to do the revisions but afraid of going through the process again for fear of getting another bad surgeon. You are correct he never washed his hands, and listens to Lilly who is not a RN or CNA for advise instead of listening to his patients. Unfortunately we are not his only victims but people just don't talk about it. I tried to warn another lady on here and few months ago but she was singing his praises so I let it go. His work is the same horrible.
June 30, 2016
I am very sorry about your experience. I, too, have a very noticeable pouch, a lumpy stomach and a lot of scar tissue. I have never had anyone steal anything from me. I must admit, though, that in this case, it feels like I was robbed. All of the money in the world is not a trade-off for good character. There are wonderful doctors here in the States as well as abroad. There are great doctors here on this board and in Tennessee.
When I was at Dr. Aldea's office, Lilly would lift her shirt at the desk and show patients her tummy tuck results. They were phenomenal and she said that Dr. Aldea did her surgery. So, she is a great walking billboard, so to speak. Her stomach was as flat as her desk.
I can't speak to anyone else's experiences with this doctor, but I have met other patients of his that have had some issues. There is another office here in Memphis where a lady actually pickets (with signs and all). I don't know. There is just something about taking money from a person when you know you have done wrong. I liken it to stealing.
I just believe that you should always try to treat people well. Regardless. It only makes you a better person and you will be blessed threefold. Thank you again for sharing your experience with myself and others.
Be Blessed!
When I was at Dr. Aldea's office, Lilly would lift her shirt at the desk and show patients her tummy tuck results. They were phenomenal and she said that Dr. Aldea did her surgery. So, she is a great walking billboard, so to speak. Her stomach was as flat as her desk.
I can't speak to anyone else's experiences with this doctor, but I have met other patients of his that have had some issues. There is another office here in Memphis where a lady actually pickets (with signs and all). I don't know. There is just something about taking money from a person when you know you have done wrong. I liken it to stealing.
I just believe that you should always try to treat people well. Regardless. It only makes you a better person and you will be blessed threefold. Thank you again for sharing your experience with myself and others.
Be Blessed!
June 30, 2016
You are correct, I do feel robbed, and violated by Dr. Aldea. I had my surgery back in October 2015. I want to get revision done but I am so afraid of the same thing happening again. He has robbed me of my money and the confidence in my decision making skills. I researched extensively and almost went out of state (my husband's suggestion) but I didn't listen to my gut feelings. His reviews are mostly 5 stars until you read though the entire threads and realize they feel the same as we do. Thank you for having the courage like myself to share. I don't wish my experience on anyone but it's comforting to know I am not along as bad as that may sound.
Be Blessed Sister!
Be Blessed Sister!
June 30, 2016
I am so sorry that this happened to you. I do pray covering over you, any new doctors and their staff and pray for a positive outcome for you. Hang in there, but definitely know that you are not alone. It's important to speak about things and not hold them inside. It may also be cathartic for you to write your feelings down.
I believe that God gives us intuition for a reason. I know that I would have died had I stayed home. No one can tell me differently. Again, maybe someone else has had wonderful results and he was attentive. Just like yourself, we can only speak on our own personal experiences. No one can take that away from you.
Have you actually consulted with any new doctors?
I believe that God gives us intuition for a reason. I know that I would have died had I stayed home. No one can tell me differently. Again, maybe someone else has had wonderful results and he was attentive. Just like yourself, we can only speak on our own personal experiences. No one can take that away from you.
Have you actually consulted with any new doctors?
June 30, 2016
Thank you for your kind words of encouragement and support. I am a licensed professional counselor, that's the reason I spoke out in March on someone else's page who was about to have the same surgery, as my way to heal and release the shame I felt. Now I am working on trust. I am a very strong individual and believe professionals should conduct themselves at the highest ethical standards as I and so many others. I have not met with any new doctors yet, just reviewing profiles and pictures. If you have suggestions I welcome them! You have a beautiful spirit!
Your divine 9 sister "dst"
Your divine 9 sister "dst"
June 30, 2016
I totally agree with everything that you said. It saddens me that not all healthcare providers are this way. It is interesting because often times I believe people forget that medicine is also a business. The way to continue to maintain and grow your business is to provide exceptional service. If people have great experiences, they don't mind telling the next person, the next person and the next...
I just truly believe that a person cannot prosper if they mistreat people. I am not pushing my beliefs off on anyone. They are mine, but I do feel this way regardless of whether the situation is a small one or something more dire like what we have experienced. If I hear of any doctors, I will shoot you a note with the info.
Greek(9)love always!
I just truly believe that a person cannot prosper if they mistreat people. I am not pushing my beliefs off on anyone. They are mine, but I do feel this way regardless of whether the situation is a small one or something more dire like what we have experienced. If I hear of any doctors, I will shoot you a note with the info.
Greek(9)love always!
August 5, 2016
Hey, I don't know if you get on this site or not. I added a profile picture on yesterday. It is actually my abdomen with the wound vac... I like for people to understand and sometimes pictures do a better job of telling the story.
Replies (2)
October 12, 2016
How are you doing? Are you still experiencing complications from surgery 3yrs post op?
October 31, 2016
My prayers are with you.... Always listen to your body only you know it better than anyone. Sad situation Bottom line it pays to listen.....
UPDATED FROM 4everAKA
3 years post
Recent Conversation with a surgeon
Good evening, I am just checking in with an update.
I have met with some very good surgeons here in Memphis and most recently attended an event that another also attended. I showed him my stomach and he actually gasped out loud. At one of the office appointments, another well known surgeon here was nice enough to see me. I mentioned in a previous post that I had these cyst that would pop up every now and again. They start as a red, hard, painful spot that progresses to anywhere from the size of a dime to a quarter. Then, they burst. These areas do not heal well and most recently I have seen blue/green sutures coming up from out of my skin. These areas also resemble gunshot wounds or a hole. The thing is that they all go down the plane down from mid-chest to my TT incision line.
In the last several months, I have had multiple emergency room visits because of this issue and the abdominal pain. In the E.R. alone, I had to ask the physician for my lab results AND ask them to swab the open area for C&S. I think sometimes (No, I know) that some doctors just miss it. Respectfully, this may be nothing about their training or lack thereof. I think that they just miss it. In my case, the other night I wrote down every symptom that I have had and continue to experience. I looked over my list several times and I believe that I know what is wrong. If I am not 100% sure, I believe that I am in the right ballpark.
My question is... what plastic surgeons in Memphis or TN have you had great results from? I just need one person to listen to me and not just look at my case like a "textbook" case. My abdomen is like a bag of rocks. I hate undressing now. It's so hard to disguise these dog ears in clothing.
About a week or so ago, one of the surgeons that I mentioned suggested that I contact Dr. Aldea and give him a chance to make this right. He told me that he believes if Dr. Aldea knew what condition I have been in since he last saw me, he is certain that he would work to correct it. I don't know. Honestly, like I told the other doctor, I have some fear because of how badly the initial surgery went and everything that followed. This physician told me that he understood, but he really believes that my doctor would work to make this situation right. He stressed that he believes that "we (Dr. Aldea and I) need to make-up and fix this situation".
I am NOT a doctor, but I am a pretty darn good nurse. One thing that I thought about the other day is that perhaps all of this goes back to my permanent sutures. This would explain why I am still having issues AND why these areas keep popping up. I have literally had sutures coming out through my abdomen. Has anyone experienced infection related to their permanent sutures?
Thanks so much!
I have met with some very good surgeons here in Memphis and most recently attended an event that another also attended. I showed him my stomach and he actually gasped out loud. At one of the office appointments, another well known surgeon here was nice enough to see me. I mentioned in a previous post that I had these cyst that would pop up every now and again. They start as a red, hard, painful spot that progresses to anywhere from the size of a dime to a quarter. Then, they burst. These areas do not heal well and most recently I have seen blue/green sutures coming up from out of my skin. These areas also resemble gunshot wounds or a hole. The thing is that they all go down the plane down from mid-chest to my TT incision line.
In the last several months, I have had multiple emergency room visits because of this issue and the abdominal pain. In the E.R. alone, I had to ask the physician for my lab results AND ask them to swab the open area for C&S. I think sometimes (No, I know) that some doctors just miss it. Respectfully, this may be nothing about their training or lack thereof. I think that they just miss it. In my case, the other night I wrote down every symptom that I have had and continue to experience. I looked over my list several times and I believe that I know what is wrong. If I am not 100% sure, I believe that I am in the right ballpark.
My question is... what plastic surgeons in Memphis or TN have you had great results from? I just need one person to listen to me and not just look at my case like a "textbook" case. My abdomen is like a bag of rocks. I hate undressing now. It's so hard to disguise these dog ears in clothing.
About a week or so ago, one of the surgeons that I mentioned suggested that I contact Dr. Aldea and give him a chance to make this right. He told me that he believes if Dr. Aldea knew what condition I have been in since he last saw me, he is certain that he would work to correct it. I don't know. Honestly, like I told the other doctor, I have some fear because of how badly the initial surgery went and everything that followed. This physician told me that he understood, but he really believes that my doctor would work to make this situation right. He stressed that he believes that "we (Dr. Aldea and I) need to make-up and fix this situation".
I am NOT a doctor, but I am a pretty darn good nurse. One thing that I thought about the other day is that perhaps all of this goes back to my permanent sutures. This would explain why I am still having issues AND why these areas keep popping up. I have literally had sutures coming out through my abdomen. Has anyone experienced infection related to their permanent sutures?
Thanks so much!
Replies (6)
October 19, 2016
I am soooooooooo sorry for everything that has happened to you. You're alive and here which is the most important thing! Have you ever considered going out of state to consult with board certified PS for revision surgeries. There are some really wonderful top board certified surgeons all across the country. Many of which you can find right here on Realself. I get my surgery done Nov 14th. I found my surgeon on Realself from so many other reviews of patients who all gave him 5 stars. And I don't play with my life so I made sure he is certified In many aspects. And he's local to me. My point is just take your time. Check out some other doctors on this site. Read the actual reviews and before and after photos. Check their credentials (Board certified,Education and Training,Degrees andTop surgical Groups they might be a member of). Make sure it's all up to date and current. I had several consultations little over 2 years ago when I first considered TT. One of the doctors offices I went to was the cheapest in cost and the other cost way more. Most people would consider going with the one that's cheapest to save money. And NO, I'm far from rich but as soon as I walked into the office that was most expensive, both my husband and I looked at each other and said this is the one. It wasn't about the money, but about the feeling we got immediately. The compassion and hospitality and sense of we mattered made all the difference. Even though it took us 2 years to save up the funds for the surgery. I knew that no matter when we saved the money up that he would be the plastic surgeon for me. And he will be doing my surgery next month. You CAN and you WILL find a wonderful Plastic Surgeon who will be able to fix everything!!! Take some pictures and post it as a question on this site to the doctors. Ask is it fixable and safely fixable most importantly? Trust me you will get multiple responses from doctors across the world. Then it will just be in your hands to do your research and choose! Good Luck Sweetie!!!
October 19, 2016
Good afternoon, thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. Did you read my entire post?
I DID check the credentials and experience of the plastic surgeon, Dr. Peter Aldea, who did my surgery. I took my time AND did my research. This was my result and the doctor is on this forum. I even read about him on this site.
I research any person that I or my family may potentially go to. Whether that is an internist, dentist, or even vet for my dog. I did my due diligence as a patient and consumer. Quite frankly, his incessant need to not be wrong almost cost me my life!
I pray that you will have better results, but don't assume because an office has great interior decorating - that your results will be great. I hope that you will not ever be placed in a position where you will see if your doctor is truly compassionate or not.
By the way, I don't know people who would consider going with a cheaper physician to save a buck. There is NOT enough money in the world that would equal my life.
You be blessed and enjoy your day!
I DID check the credentials and experience of the plastic surgeon, Dr. Peter Aldea, who did my surgery. I took my time AND did my research. This was my result and the doctor is on this forum. I even read about him on this site.
I research any person that I or my family may potentially go to. Whether that is an internist, dentist, or even vet for my dog. I did my due diligence as a patient and consumer. Quite frankly, his incessant need to not be wrong almost cost me my life!
I pray that you will have better results, but don't assume because an office has great interior decorating - that your results will be great. I hope that you will not ever be placed in a position where you will see if your doctor is truly compassionate or not.
By the way, I don't know people who would consider going with a cheaper physician to save a buck. There is NOT enough money in the world that would equal my life.
You be blessed and enjoy your day!
October 20, 2016
Oh no, I wasn't saying that I chose my doctor based on the interior decorating of the office. NEVER, that would be foolish! I said the compassion and hospitality of everyone within the office made me feel instantly that it was the one. After reading all the reviews on my doctor and every single person giving him 5 stars and explaining the same since of warmth when walking into the office it only secured my feeling. But that alone would not and should not be enough to make anyone decide to choose a Plastic Surgeon. No, I did my research and read others as well. He is not only Board certified in several institutions but his education is extensive as well as to where he learned his practice and he also was chief surgical resident as a student and earned his BA in biology and a current member of over 6 different Surgical board certified practices. Not to mention he has NEVER had a single complaint or death. He is a Top Doctor and won the Top Doctor award in my state two years in a row 2012 2013 and many other awards like Most Compassionate doctor and Patients choice award. So when I say I did my research or when I kindly suggested the same words to you, that is the type of research I meant.
I never once said I chose a doctor based off of interior decorating of their office. Nor did I say you didn't do any research. I did however mention that if you decided to go further with corrective surgery that maybe look into the doctor a bit more. And I meant that in the nicest and most compassionate way. My heart actually saddened while reading your post. Trust me, their was no cruel intent intended what so ever!!!
Also, once more I said that I have heard some on this site mention they went with the cheaper doctor because it was best for them financially. And a lot of those people still had great results. Cheaper doctor doesn't necessarily mean bad results. But I personally went with the more costly doctor.
My previous and original words were not to cause any frustration but just to simply say I'm sorry that happened to you. And as I mentioned in the original comment I wrote, Thank god you are alive and still here. That's most important!!!
Best wishes!!!!!
I never once said I chose a doctor based off of interior decorating of their office. Nor did I say you didn't do any research. I did however mention that if you decided to go further with corrective surgery that maybe look into the doctor a bit more. And I meant that in the nicest and most compassionate way. My heart actually saddened while reading your post. Trust me, their was no cruel intent intended what so ever!!!
Also, once more I said that I have heard some on this site mention they went with the cheaper doctor because it was best for them financially. And a lot of those people still had great results. Cheaper doctor doesn't necessarily mean bad results. But I personally went with the more costly doctor.
My previous and original words were not to cause any frustration but just to simply say I'm sorry that happened to you. And as I mentioned in the original comment I wrote, Thank god you are alive and still here. That's most important!!!
Best wishes!!!!!
October 28, 2016
I have a horror story too from Louisville, KY. I had an abdominoplasty 9Sep and am still in bed. The first 4.5 weeks the wound opened about 7" and the surgeon said he could manage it but finally admitted it was full thickness. I was weak, shaky, nauseated, increased heart rate, anorexic, purple in color, and going to the office visits was difficult. He, too, only has lay people in the office to take care of skin products. Finally he set me up with a wound care doc and he took me to the OR the next day. I stayed 5 days in the hospital and had 2 debridements and a wound vac dressing. I was so glad to get some care!!! Finally. It is now 2.5 weeks since hospital and the wound is dry and healing slowly, but I have some color in my face and less nausea and can eat. Sooo much better but I wasted 4.5 weeks just trying not to die. I am very disappointed with the surgeon and his lack of care.
November 1, 2016
O.k. I live here too and I specialize in emergency medicine.True, most physicians DO NOT want to go behind another physician's botched job. There are a lot of things to consider when choosing anothee surgeon. Or letting a surgeon 'choose you'. Real talk praying woman. Let's pray that God will guide the surgeon's hands, you will get perfect results, free of charge & that justice will be served.
Also, I am so thankful for my Primary Care Physician. She was/is wonderful and as soon as she saw me, she noticed a difference. Even her CNAs did. When I got to the office, they immediately said "Mrs... you must really not be feeling well. You don't look like yourself, you aren't bubbly, etc".
Be your own advocate! Always. I am not a doctor, true. I am a Registered Nurse, but I have a PhD in "ME". When I tell you that someone is wrong, listen. Had this physician done this from the beginning, likely I would have been prescribed an antibiotic and the Staph would have cleared up. I would dare say that since this surgery, I have had maybe about 10 Cat Scans and Ultrasounds on my abdomen. Add to that, two hernias now. It is interesting because I told this surgeon that the Radiologist in 2013 told me that there was now a hernia present as a result of the surgery. My plastic surgeon told me that I did not have one.
If I could stand outside in the parking lot where this office is with huge pictures of my after surgery results, I would. Of course, I cannot because it is a private property. Just do your research like you said. I can't speak for other people's outcome with my surgeon, but I can speak on my situation. I think it does not speak well of a health care provider when they do not listen to the patient.
I will post pics so you all can see. Good luck with your surgery and I wish you great results!!!!!