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Archives for August 2014

Ask The Doctor – I am not happy with the results of my DIEP Flap surgery – Should I get an implant?

August 29, 2014 by

<alt="orange flowers"/>This week, Dr. James Craigie of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.

QUESTION: Hi, in May 2013, I had my transfer done at the same time as my DIEP flap. In that surgery, I also had a reduction on my left breast. The doctor that did my surgery left and moved somewhere else, so I’ve seen another doctor since. My new doctor tried to fix it, but it’s still messed up. He said he really doesn’t know what to do. As far as the transfer is concerned, I’m not sure it worked. I had another procedure done that helped it at first, but my cancer came back again on my pelvis bone and the chemo has made it worse. I am no longer on chemo, but I will take Herceptin for the rest of my life. Is it possible to remove the fat and put an implant in my breast?

ANSWER: Hi, if you had radiation on the reconstructed side, an implant might not be the best option. It is possible to add an implant to a DIEP to increase the size in order to match the other breast. I personally prefer to perform fat grafting to add more volume when possible. It is harder to match a normal opposite breast with an implant breast reconstruction. Removing fat normally is not the answer to revising the shape unless the fat is not living. This is called fat necrosis and feels hard not soft like normal fat. Also, if you went with an implant on that side the results would be more natural if you had more of your own fat to cover the implant. Otherwise the new breast has no natural tissue to cover it and the end result looks less natural.

James E. Craigie MD

Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

Have a question about breast reconstruction or post-surgical care you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask us!

Filed Under: Ask the Doctor Tagged With: , , , ,

Play Ball: Charleston Sporting Events for Every Season

August 27, 2014 by

<alt="Balls"/>Do you love sports? We do!

In Charleston, you have plenty of places to enjoy a sporting event, no matter what season or what sports you prefer.

Here are some of our favorite sporting events you can attend in our great city:

Baseball with The RiverDogs

Every Charleston resident knows where to find family-friendly, affordable (tickets start at $6), and fun entertainment: Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, home of the Charleston RiverDogs. The Charleston RiverDogs are a professional minor league baseball team and Class-A affiliate of the New York Yankees.

Wondering what a RiverDog is? The name says it all. A RiverDog is a dog that lives within a half-mile radius of a river. Makes perfect sense for team in Charleston, right?

Hockey With the Stingrays

Enjoy hockey? Then you’ll love spending time watching the three-time Kelly Cup Champion South Carolina Stingrays play a game. Their home stadium is the Ice Palace, which probably is the coolest name for a hockey stadium—ever.

Family Circle Tennis Center

The Family Circle Tennis Center provides public tennis courts year-round. Owned by the City of Charleston, and operated by Meredith Corporation, it’s also the location of the Family Circle Cup: the largest women-only event in tennis.

Charleston Sports and Social Club

It is possible to get in shape, crave your competitive hunger, and make friends — all at the same time — thanks to the Charleston Sports and Social Club. You don’t need to be a professional to have fun playing sports. There are thousands of active people and professionals in the CSSC who participate in actives like kickball, basketball, flag football, softball, volleyball, dodgeball, bowling, and cornhole. Yes—we said cornhole!

College Sports in Charleston

If you’re a fan of college sports, you can enjoy events of all types with the University of Charleston and the College of Charleston Athletics. Each college has over 20 different varsity-level teams, so you can enjoy watching sports like baseball, soccer, dodgeball.

Always a Place to Play Ball

Some people like to watch sports. Others like to play them. Perhaps you like to do both! In Charleston, there’s a place for you to do it all.

Who’s your favorite Charleston team? What’s your favorite sport to watch or play in our great city? Share with us below.

Filed Under: All Things Charleston Tagged With: , ,

September: Charleston Events Roundup

August 25, 2014 by

<alt="arial act"/>The year is almost over! Time goes by quickly when you’re having fun, right? Thanks to these exciting Charleston events for September, it will be October before you know it. Don’t miss these opportunities to have some fun!

 

September 1: Beating the Surf

Join Capt. Ben Floyd at 6:30 p.m. at the Mt. Pleasant shop, as he covers everything from rod & reel selection, to bait and tackle, to which tides work in your favor. Surf Fishing is a great way to get anglers of all ages catching fish. Whether it’s bull redfish or bull sharks, the surf has it all.

Come enjoy a few drinks, learn some new skills and enjoy 10% off everything during the night of the seminar.

To register, please e-mail jj@thecharlestonangler.com. For more information, please visit this website.  

 

September 2, 7, 9, 14, 17, 21, 26, 30: Sherlock Holmes and the Charleston History Mystery

Join Sherlock Holmes for an Historical City Tour truly for everyone — where without ever leaving your theatre seat you will explore Charleston’s past, present, and … other worlds. Should you choose to volunteer, you may actually participate and play a victim, villain, or vile vision in The Case of Sherlock Holmes and the Charleston History Mystery!

$24 Adults, $22 College/Military, $15 Children 12 and Under.

Please see the website for showtimes and to purchase tickets.

 

September – Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday: Evenings in the Market

The weekly event, designed to showcase local artists, food vendors and designers, is from 6:30-10:30 p.m. every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from March through December.

For additional information, please visit this website.  

 

September 6: Downward Facing RiverDog

Come and enjoy some yoga at the Joe! International Yoga Instructor, Kathryn Budig, will be at the Joe teaching some yoga moves on the field. Gates open at 9 a.m. Yoga on the field is from 10-11 a.m. There will be free parking, live music by Estee Gabay and a cash bar featuring mimosas and bloody marys. All levels are welcome. The class will be playful and enjoyable for all. $10 in advance, $15 at the door.

For more information, please visit the website.  

 

September – Every Wednesday: Fall Wine Strolls

Sip and stroll in a different garden location each week while sampling old and new world wines. The season ends with a Masquerade Wine Stroll Finale on October 29!

Time: 6 – 8 p.m.

Cost: $20/online, $25/gate ($5 off for Foundation members).

For more information, please visit the website.

 

September 14: Dance with Dragons

The 2nd Annual Dance with Dragons offers a beautiful evening of outdoor circus arts performances including hooping, acroyoga, serial silks, slacklining, and juggling playshops. Spectate, play, perform, gawk, share, and make new friends. You might be tempted to run away to the circus afterwards!

This year’s even benefits Dragon Boat Charleston, a non-profit that promotes physical and mental wellness among local cancer survivors and their community.

4:00 p.m .- 8:00 p.m.

$5 for adults, kids attend free.

For more information, please visit the website.

 

September 20: 2014 Walk to End Alzheimer’s

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Held annually in more than 650 communities nationwide, this inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to reclaim the future for millions. The Charleston walk will take place at the Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina.

Registration at 8:00 a.m. | Ceremony at 8:45 a. m. | Walk at 9:00 a.m.

Route Length: 3 miles.

To register, please visit the website.

 

September 19-21: 7th Annual Autumn on the Ashley

The Tri-County Master Gardeners will host the 7th Annual Autumn on the Ashley open-air craft fair Sept. 19-21 at Magnolia. More than 50 vendors are expected to exhibit wood cravings, paintings, textiles, pottery, jewelry, culinary oils, and photographs. The Philip Simmons Artists Blacksmith Guild will demonstrate their craft while dancers entertain the crowd.

Autumn on the Ashley, which is free to the public, opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. A $100 vendor fee will be charged for a vendor booth space to display handcrafted items. No retail items will be allowed. Vendors are responsible for their own pop-up tent, tables and chairs. Vendors who require electricity are encouraged to register early. Eight spaces with electricity are available.

The Master Gardeners will answer gardening questions and provide soil samples. The cost for a soil analysis is $6 each. Call 843-722-5940 to get tips on how to collect a sample. Plants and gardening books will be on sale.

For information and to reserve a booth, call Magnolia’s operations manager Mary Ann Johnson at 843-571-1266, extension 229. You can also visit this website.

Filed Under: All Things Charleston Tagged With: , , , ,

Ask The Doctor – Will My Weight Impact My Breast Reconstruction Surgery Goal?

August 22, 2014 by

<alt="pink rose"/>This week, Dr. Richard M. Kline of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.

QUESTION: Hello, I’m a breast cancer survivor. My doctors will not do a reconstruction because they say I have to lose weight. The medicine I’m taking causes me to have body aches and pains, and I’ve gained weight because of it. I’m also afraid that my cancer will return. I’m financially strained and really feel left behind when it comes to improving my body; I want to feel whole again and wanted. I just turned 50 and have been cancer free since June 2011. I’m excited to have another chance to live, but I want to feel like a whole woman again with complete confidence. What are my options? Thank you for your time.

ANSWER: Hi there, I’m sorry you’re having these problems, but we will help if we can. We have learned from hard experiences that it can be dangerous to do reconstruction with your own tissue (we do not do implant reconstruction, as a rule) in patients who are significantly overweight. That being said, the guidelines for using tissue are not strictly rigid, and it depends to some extent on how the extra fat is distributed in your body. If you would like to investigate further, we could have our nurse Chris or PA Kim call and chat with you. Thanks again for your inquiry. Have a great day!

Dr. Richard Kline

Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

Have a question about breast reconstruction or post-surgical care you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask us!

Filed Under: Ask the Doctor Tagged With: , , , , , ,

How to Get Ready for Your 5K Race Day

August 20, 2014 by

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5K races are a great way to raise money and support causes you care about, like breast cancer research. Not only do you help non-profits financially, but you benefit from participating in a healthy and fun exercise.

If you’ve ever done a 5K, you know preparation is key to making sure the race goes smoothly and successfully. If you haven’t done a 5K before and you’re training for your first race, read below to get some helpful tips to run your best on race day.

 Prepare for your run the day before.

Before going to bed, prepare your 5K outfit and have it ready to go when you wake up. The last thing you want to have happen when you’re ready to leave for your race is to lose your lucky socks or find out that your favorite sports bra is still in the washing machine. When you wake up in the morning, you’ll likely feel some anxiety about the upcoming race. This is normal. Preparing in advance keeps you on time, even in a state of panic. The less you have to worry about, the more relaxed you’ll be.

Eat a healthy, balanced dinner the night before. It’s best to prepare something you’re used to eating so you can ensure you won’t get sick and your body will react normally. Don’t get too adventurous before your race. Make sure you’re eating substantial complex carbs in your meal so you can be properly fueled up and ready to run the next morning.

Use appropriate racing gear.

Similar to how you shouldn’t eat new food before your race – don’t do anything else that takes you out of your regular running routine. This means you don’t want to wear new shoes, new clothes, or anything else you’re not used to wearing while running.

Why?

Because running a 5K is just as much a mental activity as it is a physical one. The more you change your behaviors, the more your body won’t recognize how to optimize your peak performance. Plus – when you wear new gear for your race, you put yourself at higher risk for injury, chafing, skin irritation, and more.

Imagine you’re a racecar driver who practices the same track, day after day. After a while, you know every inch of the track, and you perform much better on it than you would a brand new track. This is how your body works. The more familiar you are with it and how it reacts to gear and your regular routine, the better.

Arrive early!

Get to your race very early so you get a good parking spot and have plenty of time to warm up before the 5K. It’s better to leave yourself enough time to run a light run than it is to arrive without free time, so you end up stretching cold muscles. Give yourself some room to jog around a little, stretch your legs, grab a snack and water, and mentally prepare for the race.

When the race starts, it’s okay to be nervous. It’s a natural reaction you’ll probably have, especially if it’s your first one. You probably also aren’t used to running around so many people at the same time. Just remember: it’s all in your head. Running is a mental race. As long as you have a great experience and get a good workout in, that’s all that matters. Relax!

Pace yourself, and have fun!

It’s important to pace yourself throughout the run. Don’t worry about being first or letting your adrenaline take over. A 5K is about stamina. You may even want to think of the first 10-15 minutes of your 5K as a warm-up. It’ll help the race go by more quickly!

As you run, breathe from your inner stomach. Doing so allows you to have deeper breaths and sustained energy. It’s important to conserve your energy for the final mile, because that’s when you will get your second wind. The finish line is your goal. When you see it, keep your eyes on it and run like a cheetah!

5K runs are both fun and beneficial to your community. Be sure to replenish your workout with a healthy carb and protein-based meal, so you can stay healthy for your next 5K – and be sure to keep spreading the word about the 5K charity, foundation, or cause you supported.

Photo Credit: jacsonquerubin

Filed Under: Health and Wellness Tagged With: , , ,

Charleston Spas to Refresh Your Mind and Body

August 18, 2014 by

Spa

Feeling stressed in your day-to-day routine? Muscles tightening up to the point where you feel “locked up” in certain positions? Wish to simply do nothing and get treated like a Queen (or King) for a long period of time?

Sometimes you just want to scream: “I CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE!”

We know how it feels. You mustn’t let yourself get to the point where the pain is unbearable. There’s something you can do to “reset” your body and mind: visit the spa. If you’re in the Charleston area, here are the places you need to check out:

 

Earthling Day Spa

Located in Downtown Charleston, Earthling Day Spa offers massage therapy, facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing, and wedding packages. To make this place even better, reviews report you get tea, snacks, and everything else required (a robe, soap, towels, etc.) to bathe before and after a massage.

Sweet185

Sweet185 is a sugaring studio and organic boutique. Their website offers many esthetic services, like natural hair removal, facials, and body treatments. They compliment each treatment with sea sponges and other natural skin-care products, so you can enjoy nature’s organically grown gifts during your treatment.

Urban Nirvana

Urban Nirvana is a small, but very relaxing, day spa and salon with Asian-inspired decor. The moment you walk in the door, you will get a warm welcoming. During your treatment, you will likely receive more than you came for. Reviews tell stories of how they received extra tips and advice for their health during treatment. This doesn’t surprise us considering their blog is very active and full of helpful health suggestions and tricks.

Seeking Indigo

Seeking Indigo is a wellness center and urban oasis that invites you to explore, heal, and awaken yourself. You can connect with local vendors, businesses, and artisans; you’ll also find Charleston’s treasures, art, food, and more here. Healing treatments and routines include Pilates, yoga, detoxing, and massaging. Experience meditation, workshops, and more when you visit Seeking Indigo.

The Spa at Belmond Charleston Place

Even though Belmond is primarily a hotel, it offers all the benefits of a day spa. Guests can walk in and use the spa services without booking a room. The Spa at Belmond offers deep tissue massages of all types — including Swedish, deep tissue, and warm stone. Belmond also offers skin care nourishments, like oxygen treatments, facials, and detoxifications.

Take Care in Charleston

Even though the world can be a stressful place, you can find comfort and peace in Charleston. The day spas here provide a place for you to unwind, so you can settle down and enjoy the moment.

Take a spa break in Charleston. You deserve it. What’s your favorite place to relax and recharge in the city?

Filed Under: All Things Charleston Tagged With: , , ,

Ask The Doctor – Are There Any Tests To See if My Implants Are Causing My Health Problems?

August 15, 2014 by

<alt="Pink Flowers in a Field"/>

This week, Dr. Richard M. Kline of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.

QUESTION: I had a bilateral mastectomy back in 2000 because of numerous precancerous lumps in my breasts. I had Stage 3 melanoma 8 years prior, and they operated numerous times on me. I decided to have latissimus reconstruction surgery, and since then have had numerous problems. I’m allergic to latex, numerous adhesives, sulfa, and penicillin. I’ve been suffering from fibromyalgia, severe edema throughout my body, and itchiness within the area of my chest wall and breasts. After getting this issue checked out, I was told this was not an implant problem and was sent home. Are there any tests that can check to see if the problems relate to my implants? I had a CT scan done at Mayo Clinic, and they said I had an allergic reaction to what they thought was an antibiotic. Have you seen this before in your patients? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

ANSWER: I’m not aware of a test to see if your implants are causing any problems. To my knowledge, there has been no firm connection established between implants and symptoms such as yours, but you should check with your rheumatologist to be sure.

Having said that, we do see many patients who have implant reconstructions along with various complaints such as discomfort, tightness, pain, etc. Although it is obviously difficult to objectively quantify, many of them seem to get significant relief from their symptoms if their implants are removed, and their breasts reconstructed with their own tissue. In all fairness, most of these patients have what would be considered unacceptable reconstructions anyway (hardness and asymmetry being common issues), so it is usually pretty easy for them to decide to have their implants removed and replaced with natural tissue. If your reconstruction is presently aesthetically acceptable to you (other symptoms notwithstanding), then the issue of what to do is significantly less clear-cut.

Best of luck, and let me know if we can be of any further assistance.

Dr. Richard M. Kline, Jr.

Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

Have a question about breast reconstruction or post-surgical care you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask us!

Filed Under: Ask the Doctor Tagged With: , , , , ,

5 Places to Golf in Lowcountry Charleston

August 13, 2014 by

<alt="Golf Course"/>One of the pleasures of golfing in Charleston is enjoying iconic sites while spending time on the course. Between holes, you may find yourself drifting off into the majestic horizon, as it really is that beautiful here. From the views of the harbor to the USS Yorktown to the Bridge—there’s a golf course in Charleston for everyone.

Some of the best places to golf in Charleston include the fine courses on our list below.

Get your clubs ready…
 

1. Patriots Point Golf Course

 
Patriots Point Golf Course places you right on the edge of the Charleston Harbor. This means you can enjoy ocean views while playing a round or two! Here’s a tip if you’re planning to visit this course: be ready to move up a club to deal with the windy conditions.
 

2. Wrenwoods Golf Course

 
Designed within Joint Base Charleston – Air Base, Wrenwoods Golf Course gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “take flight.” As you drive the ball across the green, or gently tap it into the hole, you’ll be surrounded with southern nature and all the beautiful wildlife that lives within it.
 

3. Daniel Island Golf Club

 
Experienced golfers may want to check out Daniel Island Golf Club. The course resembles one you’d see on the US Open, expect with a much lower slope rating. Located on Daniel Island, a historic island town within historic Charleston, this club features dining and amenities  like tennis, fitness, aquatics, and resort-style cottages.
 

4. Turtle Point Golf Course

 
Turtle Point Golf Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, is a course you’ll enjoy, even if you have your worst game ever. Charming Southern traditions and hospitality surround you on every hole. Did you know this course is one of only four courses in the US to have hosted every major PGA event in the country? Now you do.
 

5. Charleston National

 
Charleston National is a championship course open to the public all year long. The course carves itself out of an intracoastal waterway, so you can take in the natural wetlands and pine and oak tree forest between shots. This 18-hole course is the only Rees Jones design in Charleston open to the public.
 

Unparalleled Views and History

 
The beautiful thing about golfing in Charleston is that every location provides a new experience. Golfers can take in the culture, beauty, charm, and rich history of the city no matter where they go.
 
Whether you visit the courses we recommend, or you play on one of the many we didn’t mention, we’re sure you’ll find what you’re looking for Charleston.
 
What’s your favorite golf course to play in Charleston?

Filed Under: All Things Charleston Tagged With: , , , , ,

Produce Tips to Save Money and Maximize Freshness

August 11, 2014 by

<alt="Peppers"/>You need fresh produce in your diet. Many of the vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals keep your body healthy, growing, and healing. The vital nutrients in fruits and vegetables help you ward off heart disease, stroke, and even vision loss. A produce-rich diet also lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, and helps you maintain a healthy weight.

Eating produce is important. But what about buying it? How much do you know about what to buy and how to find the freshest of the fresh vegetables and fruits?

After reading this post, you’ll have a (lettuce) head’s up on produce shopping habits.

General Produce Buying

Stay clear of anything damaged or bruised; however, a small bruise or dent is okay. Fruits and vegetables are just like us — a little flaw here and there doesn’t mean we’re bad apples!

Another general tip is to choose items surrounded by or near ice if it’s freshly cut, such as half a watermelon or seasonal vegetables. The ice cold temperature maintains the freshness of the produce.

Another tip: bag your fruits and vegetables separately from meat, poultry, and seafood. These foods have different expiration dates and contaminants, and you don’t want them mixed up.

Lastly: buy fruits and vegetables when they’re in season so you can take advantage of lower prices. If you have access to a local farmers’ market, you should go! The foods are fresher and you’ll find more variations in what to buy.

5 Specific Produce Tips

Now, let’s get into some more specific tips for buying produce:

  • Apples: Fresh apples have firm skin. Test the firmness of the apple by balancing on the palm of your hand. The heavier it feels, the healthier the apple! If it feels soft and light, it’s not a good apple. Store your apples in a cool dark place or in a bag in your fridge.
  • Blueberries: Look for blueberries plump in size and color that have a firm look. If the blueberries look withered or dull colored, they are going bad. When storing blueberries, throw out the bad ones first. Store in your fridge and don’t wash them until it’s time to eat.
  • Broccoli: Good broccoli is dark green to almost blue in color on the flowers with small buds. Avoid limp broccoli with soft flowered ends. Keep broccoli in your fridge in a plastic bag, unwashed until it’s time to use it.
  • Carrots: Quality carrots are smooth and firm. Look for carrots straight in shape with no blemishes, too. The deeper the orange color, the better the carrots’ nutritional content. Store carrots in a plastic bag away from fruits. Remove the leafy top and loose dirt before storing.
  • Tomatoes: Like most fruits and vegetables, look for firm skin and little to no discoloration. Also look for slightly pink coloring. Tomatoes that are partially green will ripen if left out in the open for a day or two. Avoid soft tomatoes or tomatoes with wrinkled skin. Store in a cool place away from the sun. Store sliced tomatoes in the refrigerator.

Now that you’re a little savvier about buying fresh produce, here’s how to prepare your purchases:

Produce Preparation Tips

  1. Keep your vegetable bins as clean as possible. Fragments of old fruit or vegetables may attract germs and other unwanted bacteria.
  2. Rinse fruits and vegetables before eating, but not before storage.
  3. Do not use soaps, detergents or other cleaning solutions on your produce.
  4. Before washing or cutting produce, wash your hands and utensils with warm water.
  5. Use a vegetable brush under running water to clean tougher-skinned produce like potatoes, carrots, and melons.
  6. Wash large amounts of leafy greens by placing them in a water-filled sink. Let them fully soak and let the dirt and other sediments fall off. Then, drain the water and re-wash each leafy green again.
  7. Do not store bruised items. Instead, cut off the damaged area. If the area has spread to most of the fruit, discard it completely.
  8. Always dry your fruits and vegetables before storing. Damp, cool, and dark places are where bacteria thrive.

Got a produce tip to share? Leave it below!

Photo Credit: Martin LaBar

Filed Under: Health and Wellness Tagged With: , , , ,

Ask the Doctor – Will Insurance Cover the Reconstruction of My Breasts?

August 8, 2014 by

<alt="pink flower"/>This week, Dr. James Craigie of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.

QUESTION: When I had breast cancer in 2010, I didn’t have any insurance. Now, I have great insurance and I want to undergo breast reconstruction. Will insurance cover the reconstruction of my breasts?

ANSWER:  Hi there. Thank you for your question. If you have had a mastectomy for breast cancer reasons and now have insurance, then you should be covered. There is no time limit between having a mastectomy and undergoing breast reconstruction. You should be covered, but make sure you call your insurance company and check what procedures your insurance will take care of.

Dr. James Craigie

Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

Have a question about breast reconstruction or post-surgical care you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask us!

Filed Under: Ask the Doctor Tagged With: , , , ,
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