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Archives for February 2016

Ask The Doctor-Does Medicare Cover the Cost of Surgery?

February 26, 2016 by

This week, James E. Craigie, MD, of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.

Question: I had breast surgery in 2014- one breast removed but the Dr. left enough flesh to reconstruct. I hate surgery and afraid of the length first of all. Second, I have heard there are SEVERAL operations and most of all does Medicare cover the cost. I pay for the best you can get and I am 66 yr old. Thanks.

Answer: Thanks for your question. You are correct that breast reconstruction does require more than one surgery. Depending on several factors such as what technique is used the surgery can also take a long time. Using your own tissue to remake a natural permanent new breast is what we specialize in but we also use implants if our patients choose that option.

Medicare does cover breast reconstruction but no matter how much you are willing to pay for the expertise Medicare will only pay the surgeons a set, very low fee. Fortunately that’s ok because we are physicians and our mission is to provide the best for all our patients. At this time we do accept Medicare and will as long as we can continue to fulfill our mission. Please let us know if you have any other specific questions.

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

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Simple Charleston-Area Recipes

February 23, 2016 by

 

Lowcountry cuisine is one of the many things that make Charleston, South Carolina, one of the most wonderful places to live (and visit).

If you’re new to cooking Lowcountry food (or to cooking in general) and have wanted to try it out, you’re in luck! The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction has compiled a list of easy and authentic Low Country recipes that cooks of any skill level will be comfortable taking on.

Enjoy!

Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and Grits is a Lowcountry staple that is much easier than you might think to pull off. This recipe calls for some simple ingredients that you can easily find at the grocery store, and takes just 30 minutes of prep time. Simply cook your grits, fry your bacon and sausage, then cook the vegetables and shrimp together. Serve on a bed of cheesy grits, and enjoy.

Red Rice

Red Rice is another delicious Lowcountry dish that requires very little culinary expertise to make, and all of the ingredients are probably already in your pantry. To make Red Rice, boil 2 cups of long grain white rice until tender, then cook your bacon in a skillet until browned. Cook your onion and tomatoes in the bacon drippings, and mix in the rice. That’s it!

Seafood Muddle

The Seafood Muddle is a hearty seafood stew that calls for clams, fish, shrimp, and mussels cooked together with potatoes and other vegetables in a fish stock broth. This is a must-try for seafood lovers! The recipe should only take 15 minutes to prep, but you’ll want to make sure that your shellfish are properly scrubbed, shelled, and de-veined ahead of time.

Frogmore Stew

Frogmore Stew is a traditional Lowcountry seafood boil that is perfect for serving at large gatherings. The amount of ingredients can easily be adjusted for more or fewer servings. So get some of your favorite people together, and get your largest pot ready. To make Frogmore Stew, boil 5 quarts of water with some Old Bay seasoning, and add potatoes, sausage, corn, and shrimp. Simply boil everything together, and drain before serving. Add more seasoning and cocktail sauce to taste.

African Peanut Soup

This recipe combines some very unlikely ingredients, including peanut butter, rice, and chili powder, into an irresistible dish that will have you coming back for seconds. It requires little prep time, and surprisingly little effort—if you can chop vegetables, you can make this recipe!

We hope you have fun in the kitchen cooking up one of these delicious Lowcountry recipes. Do you have a classic Charleston area staple that we missed? Share it with us in the comments!

Filed Under: All Things Charleston, Health and Wellness Tagged With: , , ,

Ask The Doctor-Will My Wife Have Her Reconstruction Along With Her Double Mastectomy?

February 19, 2016 by

 

 

This week, James E. Craigie, MD, of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.

Question:  My wife is currently taking chemo for breast cancer and will be done in March. Then she will have a double mastectomy.  Will she have her reconstruction at the same time or will she have to wait until after radiation. We are hoping for it to all be done at one time. What is the best recommendation? We are look for her best options and best doctors we live in North Carolina. Thanks.

Answer:  The questions you have are very good questions but I feel they should be directed to her breast doctors (surgeon, oncologists). As a plastic surgeon I rebuild the breasts after the mastectomy and do not perform the cancer surgery or other treatments.

Because my expertise is in breast reconstruction I work closely with the breast surgeons and oncologists in the treatment of my patients but defer the questions about the cancer treatments to them. In general the treatment of breast cancer requires removing the cancer from the body and breast (mastectomy) and the chemotherapy and hormonal manipulation addresses the possible spread of cancer from the breast to elsewhere.

The radiation is used to help treat the breast after the cancer has been removed and is necessary to keep the cancer from returning in the breast after surgery has been performed to remove the cancer. Chemo therapy and hormone treatment/blocking can shrink breast cancer but in my non expert knowledge the chemo cannot completely treat the cancer without it being removed with surgery. I hope I have helped point you in the right direction to get your questions answered.

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

 

 

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Post-Surgical Animal Therapy

February 16, 2016 by

 

Most people love playing with pets, but did you know that spending time with animals could have therapeutic benefits as well? For post-surgical patients, animal-assisted therapy can offer benefits ranging from lowered blood pressure to reduced anxiety.

We here at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction think that animal-assisted therapy can be a beneficial part of our patients’ holistic care regimens. Anything that reduces stress and promotes wellness sounds like a good idea to us!

So exactly what is animal-assisted therapy?

According to the Mayo Clinic, pet therapy “uses dogs or other animals to help people recover from or better cope with health problems.” Patients spend some quality time with trained animals, and are encouraged to pet or play with the animals and interact with their handlers. Animal-assisted therapy is recommended for patients receiving chemotherapy or physical therapy, and also for patients dealing with mental health issues.

Some benefits of animal therapy include:

  • Decreased feelings of depression and loneliness
  • Decreased stress levels
  • Decreased blood pressure
  • Lowered heart rate

Not to mention, anecdotal evidence strongly suggests that interacting and playing with animals promotes general wellbeing in patients. It’s easy to see how a friendly, furry face could help melt some cares away just by being a comforting and affectionate friend to lean on in tough times.

Animal-Assisted Therapy Resources in Charleston, SC

Pet therapy usually takes place in hospital or group meet-and-greet settings. If you are interested in enlisting the help of a furry friend to help you on your way to recovery, there are several resources for animal-assisted therapy in the Charleston, South Carolina, area.

  • Love on a Leash is an organization of therapy dogs and workers with chapters across the U.S. Contact your local chapter to see if they will be visiting a facility near you soon.
  • Paws 2 Care is a volunteer organization that brings therapy dogs to locations throughout South Carolina.
  • Pet Therapy in Columbia is a resource that connects people to therapy teams in the Columbia, SC area.
  • Here is a list of several doctors and programs that offer animal-assisted therapy in South Carolina.
  • SC Dogs is a volunteer organization that regularly visits facilities such as rehab centers and mental health programs.

Even if you don’t take part in an organized therapy session, you might find the same positive health benefits by spending more time with animals in your daily life.

Whether you adopt a new best friend, start spending more quality time with your dog at the park, or volunteer at a local pet shelter, you might find that these activities have a positive impact on your moods.

If you feel as if you could benefit from animal-assisted therapy, why not give it a try?

Contact your doctor or insurance provider to see if there are any other animal-assisted therapy services available in your area! And let us know in the comments how your furry friend has helped you heal.

Filed Under: All Things Charleston, Health and Wellness Tagged With: , , , ,

Ask the Doctor- Are My Symptoms From My Saline Implants?

February 12, 2016 by

This week, James E. Craigie, MD, of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.

Question: Hello I am from NY and am having a very difficult time and I believe it is from my Saline Implants. I came across your site and am hoping you can advise. Since my implants in 1998, I’ve had severe hives, and now chronic eczema. Over the last 2 years I’ve had severe skin rashes, non-stop and an elevated white blood count for approx 15 years. I have always felt sick etc. Dr’s are not sure why, and chalk up to allergies etc.

I believe I am having low grade infection and sensitive to the implant and the chemicals attached to the silicone shell. I cannot find a Dr who is experienced with an explanation with an En Bloc in my area (I live far from city etc) My question is, is there any symptoms or literature that you know of that could correlate with what I am experiencing. Or is there any test to pinpoint that it could be from a mold or bacterial infection coming from implant.

I do not have any fevers…just feeling generally unwell, high IGE count, and ALWAYS elevated WBC. I am desperate for any help. Thank you.

Answer:  I’m sorry you are having problems. If your symptoms began when your implants were placed the best option may be to have your implants removed. If you begin to feel better then you know. Taking your implants out doesn’t mean you couldn’t have them placed again later if your problems are found to not be related.

Many women need to have their implants removed and are pleasantly surprised that their breasts look better than they thought after the implants are removed. Thanks for your question.

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

 

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All Things Charleston: The Perfect Valentine’s Day Celebration

February 9, 2016 by

restaurant

 

It’s that time of year again…whether you love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is fast approaching.

For you single ladies, we here at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction have the perfect V-Day pick-me-up for you. It’s called Galentine’s Day, and it’s all about celebrating love and friendship with your closest gal pals.

For couples, we’ve selected some of Charleston’s most romantic restaurants for you to wine and dine with your sweetie.

Whether you surprise your special someone with a reservation at one of the best restaurants in Charleston, or you spend the afternoon at the spa with the girls, we’ve got you covered.

Here are our top romantic restaurant picks that are sure to make the day special:

Charleston Grill

Charleston Grill is the perfect setting for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner with your special someone. From the luxurious jazz lounge atmosphere and live music to the delectable food, everything about Charleston Grill is indulgent. Their ever-changing menu is divided into four distinct sections, so whether you’re in the mood for southern comfort, exotic flavors, simple classics, or something more decadent, this unique restaurant has a little bit of everything.

Peninsula Grill

Located in Charleston’s Historic District, Peninsula Grill proudly emanates the charm and class of an era gone by. Every detail, from the wrought iron gate that borders the restaurant to the candlelit tables and stunning courtyard, exudes elegance and sophistication. And of course, the food is unforgettable as well. It is prepared under the direction of Executive Chef Graham Dailey, who has studied at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, and has been featured on several national news programs. Having dinner here with your favorite person sounds like the perfect Valentine’s Day plan.

Fulton Five

Fulton Five is a charming Italian bistro that has been voted “Most Romantic Restaurant” from 1998-2014 by the Charleston City Paper. With its ivy-covered storefront, candlelit tables, and an impressive selection of fine wines and Italian cuisine, it’s easy to see why. If you’re struggling to come up with Valentine’s Day date ideas, you can’t go wrong with a reservation for Fulton Five.

Circa 1886 Restaurant

Circa 1886 is the place to go for a modern spin on Southern classics. Using whole grains, seasonal ingredients, and less butter and cream than you’d expect, Circa 1886s Chef Marc Collins has created a unique menu that has become a staple of the Charleston dining scene. Circa 1886 has been rated among the best in both local and national publications, including USA Today, Forbes, and Country Living. It will make the perfect location for your Valentine’s Day date or girls’ night out.

For the single ladies looking to start a new Galentine’s Day tradition, spend the day with your closest girlfriends at one of these locations in Charleston:

Cooking Classes at Charleston Cooks

Brush up on your culinary skills at Charleston Cooks! More than just a kitchen retail store, Charleston Cooks offers a range of cooking classes that will teach you how to make a whole meal from scratch. Classes cover everything from vegetarian cuisine to “Charleston Sunday Brunch,” so check their class schedule and sign your crew up today!

Afternoon Tea at Charleston Place

Get your best friends together and make a reservation for Afternoon Tea at Charleston Place. During Afternoon tea, you will be treated to an assortment of scones, cakes, crumpets, and sandwiches, and of course, a delicious pot of freshly brewed tea. This would make a delightfully unexpected location for your Galentine’s Day celebration.

Drinks at The Gin Joint

The Gin Joint is the perfect Galentine’s Day location for those of you with an adventurous palate. The Gin Joint specializes in handcrafted cocktails and upscale bar food. You can choose from a tempting selection of signature drinks, or if you’re feeling daring, pick two adjectives from the list on the menu (like sweet and refreshing) and let the bartender surprise you. Stop by for Cocktail Hour Monday through Thursday from 5-7, or make a reservation for a great Girl’s Night Out.

Have a Spa Day

Before you go out on the town, spend the day pampering yourself at the spa—you deserve it! Treat yourself to a deep tissue massage at The Spa at Charleston Place, a cocoa shea butter wrap at Urban Nirvana, or a cleansing facial at Stella Nova. There’s nothing better than looking and feeling your best, so take the time out for some serious me time!

Any one of these amazing locations would be a great place to spend this Valentine’s Day or Galentine’s Day.

The most important part is whom you spend it with. Make your reservations today, and ensure that this V-Day will be a memorable one.

Filed Under: All Things Charleston, Health and Wellness Tagged With: , , , ,

Ask The Doctor- Can a diabetic have reconstructive surgery?

February 5, 2016 by

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This week, James E. Craigie, MD, of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.

Question: Can a diabetic have reconstructive surgery?

Answer: Thank you for your question. Yes, a diabetic can have breast reconstruction. They need to have their blood sugars well controlled and not be too overweight. If there are no other medical problems to address, then diabetics can have breast reconstruction.

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

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5 Ways to Stay on Track with Your New Year’s Resolution

February 2, 2016 by

The start of a New Year is a great time to think about what you would like to accomplish over the next 12 months.

But often, we make New Year’s Resolutions with the best of intentions, but forget about them by mid-February.

This year, let’s break that pattern! Follow these 5 steps to keep your New Year’s Resolutions, and you’ll be well on your way to a new you.

Remember Why You Set the Goal

A good place to start is remembering why you set your goal in the first place. If you resolved to get into better shape, for example, try writing down exactly why. Maybe you want to be able to get around more easily, or maybe you want to be ready to take that hiking trip this summer. Focusing on the reasons behind your goal is a great source of motivation. For a daily reminder, try keeping sticky notes around the house, or set an inspirational photo as the background on your phone.

Assess Where You Could Improve

After setting your goals, identify ways in which you can improve. Where have you stumbled or given up in the past? What modifications can you make to your schedule or lifestyle that will make your journey easier? When you come up with your list, take proactive steps to make the needed changes. Vary your workout routine so you don’t get bored. Cut back on your unnecessary spending. Set aside one day a week to catch up with friends. If you are conscious about making improvements every day, you’ll reach your goal in no time.

Define What Makes You Want to Quit

When making life changes, it’s normal to feel like quitting from time to time. Don’t ignore these feelings—identify what’s causing them. Are you working yourself too hard? Are you completely depriving yourself of something you enjoy? Are you trying to achieve your goals in an unhealthy way? Make adjustments to your plan when necessary, and reward your progress. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks!

Identify the Stressors That Distract You

Living a busy life and juggling work and family schedules can make it hard to always stay on track of your goals. Pinpoint the major stressors that prevent you from keeping your resolutions. Then, find realistic ways of dealing with them. This can be as easy as finding a way to unwind during your lunch break, or as drastic as cutting back on the responsibilities you choose to take on. Every small change makes it easier to focus on bettering yourself.

Accept That You’re Not Perfect

Finally, you have to accept the fact that you’re not perfect… and that’s OK! Making positive changes and sticking to your goals takes time and dedication. Don’t be too hard on yourself when you fall short. Congratulate yourself for making the effort, and keep on trying.

This New Year, add one more resolution to your list: to actually follow through with your New Year’s Resolutions for 2016. Just focus on why you set your goals, find ways to improve, deal with distractions, and forgive yourself when you fall short. With a little patience, you will be able to achieve your goals.

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