Accolate and Capsular Contracture. When is the ideal time to start it?

[Xiola]

I suspect CC might be developing in my lefty. It had two hematomas (aren't I lucky?) and the last evacuation was 2 & 1/2 weeks ago. I realize that is kind of too soon to tell for certain but it is distinctly harder than the right and I know I have the worst luck on the f***ing planet. (as I believe my right may be bottoming out ) so I am trying to prepare.

Anyway, I know the sooner the better when it comes to taking Accolate for CC but when is it considered 'too late'? (or too early?)
I have an appointment in a month. I worry about having a probable CC breast for 6 weeks.
I don't even know if my plastic surgeon will give me that drug, he's a bit of a stubborn prick. You bet your arse I'll try though and if not him, maybe my GP will take pity on me.

<sigh>

What do you think? Ideal time for starting it?

[Slinky]

No, no, no, Blue!! You can't be having more problems. It's not right. Could you maybe be just extra paranoid since you've been through so much already? Maybe leftie is harder because it's still healing? I hope so!!! I am not sure, but I think the sooner you start Accolate, the more effective it is. Are you taking Vitamin E? I think that's supposed to help with CC, too.

Why do you think you're bottoming out? What signs do you have?

Now I'm going to be worrying about you, girl. Keep a close watch on things and get in sooner to your plastic surgeon if you need to.

Slinky

[Xiola]

I hope it is that I am paranoid.

The nipples used to look quite symmetrical and even, now the right seems to be higher than the left. It is just a tiiiiiiiiny bit high on the breast (where slightly more breast is at the bottom vs. the top) so if it stayed exactly like this it would be fine, but it not evening up with the left is what tipped me off something might be wrong.

I'm watching it and taking frequent photos.
Problem is, my right was always slightly lower than my left but it was evened up after the first surgery so this seems to be a developing problem. Because of that (the right being lower pre-op) I might have a fight on my hands to get them to fix it IF it is indeed bottoming out.

GOD I hope I am wrong about all of this.

edit: oh yeah, I am not taking vitamin E just yet because I am paranoid about the blood thinning. Maybe in a couple of weeks.

[Slinky]

Originally Posted by Blue

GOD I hope I am wrong about all of this.

I hope so, too! And I hope you know I didn't mean the "paranoid" comment as a criticism! Not at all! I would be feeling just like that if I'd been through all you've been through.

Slinky

[Xiola]

oh no, I know what you mean.

hell, I call myself paranoid all the time anyway.

[Nanny66]

Originally Posted by Blue

I hope it is that I am paranoid.

The nipples used to look quite symmetrical and even, now the right seems to be higher than the left. It is just a tiiiiiiiiny bit high on the breast (where slightly more breast is at the bottom vs. the top) so if it stayed exactly like this it would be fine, but it not evening up with the left is what tipped me off something might be wrong.

If it is any help to know, I too have this 'problem' . I didn't notice it until I went braless more (around 8 weeks post op) sometimes, braless and especially in a light coloured top, I have to position my left nipple to be in line with the right, 14 months on, and the 'uneveness' is still the same...let's hope it's not bottoming out, and just a touch of one dropped slightly more than the other, like mine x

[ElizaMoon]

First, I hope hope HOPE that everything is fine, Blue!

Second, I don't know too much about Accolate, but I'm not sure I would take it yet. Isn't Accolate supposed to prevent scar tissue formation? If you suspect your righty might be bottoming out, then I think you actually want a little scar tissue to form along your crease to prevent any further dropping. I would be worried that the Accolate could help with your left breast but make things worse for your right.

Correct me if I'm wrong about this... but I could have sworn I read somewhere that inadequate scar tissue formation along the crease can be a cause of bottoming out.

???

[Slinky]

Originally Posted by ElizaMoon

First, I hope hope HOPE that everything is fine, Blue!

Second, I don't know too much about Accolate, but I'm not sure I would take it yet. Isn't Accolate supposed to prevent scar tissue formation? If you suspect your righty might be bottoming out, then I think you actually want a little scar tissue to form along your crease to prevent any further dropping. I would be worried that the Accolate could help with your left breast but make things worse for your right.

Correct me if I'm wrong about this... but I could have sworn I read somewhere that inadequate scar tissue formation along the crease can be a cause of bottoming out.

???

Nothing to correct, Eliza. Accolate IS supposed to prevent scar formation, and yes, you DO want scar tissue to form, to some extent, around your implant to prevent bottoming out. I've been down this road and discussed this scenario with my plastic surgeon. It is a fine balancing between the two! In Blue's case, I believe, her rightie has been post-op long enough that Accolate is not going to make any difference. Leftie is still relatively young, post-op, so might be aided by Accolate if there is evidence of CC. Accolate is a 'scrip med anyway, so will only be given if the doc in charge feels it is needed.

BTW, my nips are level, but my creases are not. At one point, I was very worried that I was bottoming out! I am not. I guess I can't have both even nips and even creases. No perfection. One or the other. I am now quite happy, but at first, I was very worried and upset! Just 'KNEW' I had a complication. I was wrong, and very relieved to be wrong.

All I'm saying is give it more time. Too soon to tell, yet.

Slinky

[KickenDiva]

My leftie is still NOT as soft as my rightie is yet and I am only 2 weeks PO but still, I have heard so many stories about each one doing their own thing for the first few months, I wouldn't jump the gun and worry yourself into a frenzy. I have been doing my massages for quite sometime now but the leftie doesnt wanna soften like my rightie yet. I'm given her time though.

[Xiola]

My GP agreed to prescribe it (as Singulair) but I don't know what dose is typically used for CC. Anyone know? It seems like Accolate is given at the normal dose which it is for Asthma so I am assuming it's the same thing with Singulair. (?)

[mama2twingirls]

Blue, I do no know if this will help you or not, but I was given my RX for accolate yesterday. I knew plastic surgeon would be starting it very soon post op. I am to take 20MG 2 times daily, either 1 hour before food or 2-3 hours after food.
Basically when I brush my teeth in the morning and then again at bedtime is what plastic surgeon suggested for me.

I had that crazy nipple thing when I had CC. plastic surgeon just spoke to me yesterday about how happy he was and how happy I am about my symmetry now. There was apparently a lot of work for him to get my nipples even this go round. Poor guy, but he did a fantatstic job. I'm in love.
Let us know how the accolate/singular works for you
Mesha

[Xiola]

So it's a typical dose, like how they give to asthma patients. OK cool. My doctor is quite conservative and it wouldn't be easy to get her to write a prescription at higher than normal dose.



When prescribed for asthma, Singulair (which is very similar to accolate, but different) is a once daily and usually 10mg - so I am hoping that is good enough.


The good news is, I don't think I am bottoming out anymore. They're not perrrrrfectly even but it's not even remotely obvious to anyone but me. My left just needed to drop more, and it did.

[mama2twingirls]

Originally Posted by Blue

So it's a typical dose, like how they give to asthma patients. OK cool. My doctor is quite conservative and it wouldn't be easy to get her to write a prescription at higher than normal dose.



When prescribed for asthma, Singulair (which is very similar to accolate, but different) is a once daily and usually 10mg - so I am hoping that is good enough.


The good news is, I don't think I am bottoming out anymore. They're not perrrrrfectly even but it's not even remotely obvious to anyone but me. My left just needed to drop more, and it did.

Hey Blue, it is WONDERFUL to here you use the words "GOOD NEWS". You are such a trooper, and such a source of inspiration as well as honesty and information. You are a gem, and such an awesome part of this forum.
Mesha

[Xiola]

^ I wish my "thanks" button had an "oh my god that was so sweet, thanks SO much" option. What a sweet thing to say!

this is such a brilliant site, if I'm any sort of help or inspiration it's only because of the company here.

[elie96]

Blue - I sure hope everything turns out fine.
Know that I will be praying that it is not CC!!
I hope your breast softens up like the other one.
WE DIFF DO NOT NEED ANY MORE COMPLICATIONS.
PLEASE KEEP ME INFORM......

BTW...Knowing my luck - I will probably be fighting that soon too...I hate to be a downer... but it sure seems that Im that 2%

Your friend
Elie

[CAINAZ]

I have no advice for you, but I wanted to give you my support. I hope and pray that nothing is wrong. It just isn't fair. You've been through so much already. (((HUGS)))