Hi, Syd,

My husband had/has similar issues. He also had the plate break through the skin 2 years ago with recurrent infection in the same spot. His plate was eventually removed as he did not really need it anymore and his body was rejecting it. The surgeon used a flap from his back to cover the defect. The new flap was quite large and since then he has had 2 more surgeries to debulk it. But the infection was persistent. Last Monday, he had what we thought would be his last procedure to finally get rid of the infection. Well, it turns out he has a fistula. The PS reamed out the fistula to encourage it to close. What we realize is the fistulas are difficult to control and manage. We are hoping this will resolve, but until it does, it is maddening for my husband. Like your Dad, he is frustrated and tired of dealing with a weeping hole in his face.

It is important to have a surgeon who is willing to talk with you and your Dad and address your Dad's fears and concerns. I would find someone else if he continues to blow you off. We have been very happy with the PS we have and the relationship is open and honest. We feel very comfortable expressing our fears and worries to him. A good surgeon will never get defensive and will take the time needed to explain everything. He even gave us his email address and his cell phone number. That says a lot about his commitment to my husband's care and his willingness to be available. And we do not abuse this by contacting him off hours for things that can wait. But just this past Saturday night we had an emergency and I was in contact with him during the event. It was reassuring to both of us to be able to get him on the phone.

He told us that the exposure of the plate was not uncommon in radiated patients. And that the body can eventually treat the plate as a foreign body and try to reject it, ie the presence of infection. Your Dad's surgeon may not be equipped to handle his case any longer and instead of admitting that, he blows you off. FIND ANOTHER SURGEON FAST!

This is fixable. And your Dad needs someone who is competent, confident, and experienced. Most of the cutting edge treatments are at the large CCCs in research based settings. Don't give up. There is always hope.

My best to you and your Dad--