I just had my 6 month follow-up with Dr. Rumer. Everything is going well, so I think I'm going to retire this thread and post my final review.
SUMMARY
I'm very happy with the results. I have full sensation, like the aesthetics, and have had no complications to speak of. Throughout the process Dr. Rumer and her staff were completely professional, accessible when I needed them, and helpful whenever we interacted. She was prompt for her appointments, answered ALL my questions with patience and understanding, and had a comfortable easygoing manner that made her approachable and easy to get along with. There were a few minor issues with the recovery facility (detailed below) and the hospital.
HIGH POINTS
* Every time I needed to contact her office, they got back to me promptly with a helpful answer to whatever question I had.
* The estimate she gave me was detailed, easy to read, and completely accurate. It included ALL the money I needed to spend, except things like prescriptions and supplies.
* The process worked exactly as she said it would. There was not a single broken promise, inaccurate prediction, or point of confusion.
* She and her staff were obviously putting a priority on making sure the entire experience was as pleasant as possible.
* Based on what I've heard about other surgeons, she took all the state-of-the-art precautions and followed all the best practices to ensure the best outcome possible.
* My level of pain post-op was manageable and my mobility was good only a few days after surgery.
* The recovery facility was easy to afford. Dr. Rumer put a lot of effort into making it as inexpensive as possible. I will say, though, that the TV there was state-of-the-art and had a wide selection of channels.
* At one point, in the recovery facility, the dressing got caught on my clothes, as I was trying to use the bathroom. I called and a staff member came within minutes and quickly fixed the problem (despite the fact that it was a tad gross).
* After the surgery, Dr. Rumer came to see me every day for the next week to make sure the site was healing and to ask if I had any concerns.
* Miraculously, I did not find my stitches in any way uncomfortable. I couldn't say when they dissolved because I honestly didn't feel them.
* The pre- and post- operative instructions were easy to understand and follow.
* From the start, dilation was comfortable and her schedule was manageable.
* My healing was steady. I was back at work with no problems 8 weeks post-op and exercising strenuously 6 weeks after.
* If there are scars at all, they are hard to find. I don't see them.
* I LOVE my new VJ.
ISSUES AND CAUTIONS
* The recovery facility was convenient (located upstairs from her office), but basic. There was no care at the facility - if we needed help we called down to the office or beeped Dr. Rumer after hours. I would HIGHLY recommend having someone there with you.
* The furniture in the recovery facility was also basic. The couch and the bed were both low - not optimal for someone recovering from surgery. I would also recommend bringing extra pillows. There was no shower mat in the recovery facility shower (which was shared by all patients). Again, not optimal for post-surgery patients whose footing is not sure.
* Delaware County Memorial Hospital was inconsistent. Some of the nurses were diligent and attentive, while others clearly wanted to be somewhere else. The procedures were chaotic. I was mistakenly served a hamburger a few minutes after waking up post-op. When I couldn't swallow it, I was putting on liquid food for days until I rebelled. I had to fight with a nurse to get her to look at my chart, after which she noticed that I could be given solid food as soon as I could tolerate it. TV access required physically reaching into my purse and handing them a credit card, something that was prohibitive while required to stay on my back.
* The billing department at DCMH was a nightmare, and several times gave me wrong information just to get me off the phone. They insisted on writing on my bill that they expected insurance to cover my stay, despite the fact that they knew it wouldn't. This complicated tax stuff.
