Nancy's story

Date: Thu, 27 Sep 2001 22:53:50 -0700 (PDT)

Hello,

I am a victim of tram flap surgery. It was the most horrifying experience of my life. The initial surgery took 13 hours and they lost my blood pressure twice during that time.

I did not heal properly and had to be packed with gauze soaked in diluted bleach for 7 months. The pain was incredible. I was bed-ridden for 7 months and had to have several follow-up surgeries after the initial tram flap.

I did not heal from the internal wounds, so they used a technique used in Viet Nam War on soldiers who had deep puncture wounds and who were in danger of developing gangrene.

Twice a day, I was given demerol shots and another pain med, then the gauze was ripped from the inside of me and I was re-packed. I cannot find the words to tell you how horrific was the pain. And let me add that I have a very high tolerance for pain and am a tough lady.

I lost the use of one shoulder and had to go through extensive physical therapy. During the 7 months, I received 15 units of blood. The initial tram flap involved incisions measuring 81 inches - yes eighty-one.

I was left numb from my chest to my knees, although some of that feeling has returned but certainly not all. After I underwent my final surgery two years later, my husband of 27 years decided he had seen enough and he left.

I remain totally disabled, 6 years after the initial surgery. I never want to see any other person have to go through what I have gone through and to have her life destroyed.

And that is part of my story.....

Nancy St. Louis