Dr. Martinez did breast surgery on me last year while I was battling stage 2 triple negative breast cancer. Dr. Martinez has a very cold/serious bedside manner, which is fine, but not generally my preference. This is just my personality; I was happy to work with her as my surgeon since she had been referred by my OBGYN. Dr. Martinez performed a lumpectomy, breast reduction, breast lift, sentinel node biopsy (removed three lymph nodes from my armpit) and removed my port. My surgery went fine, although I heard afterwards from my husband, not the doctor, that I'd had some hemorrhaging so it took a little longer than expected. Post surgery, Dr. Martinez noted I had a higher level of bruising, swelling, and pain than your average patient. I was given 3 days worth of tramadol for my surgical recovery, and requested more after those three days, since I was in great pain still, and the doctor balked but gave it to me. I was not given any more prescription pain medication after that first week,… despite facing 6 weeks of recovery for a huge amount of surgery. Two weeks after surgery, I had a sudden onset high fever (104.5) in the middle of the night, along with tachycardia and a massive headache and high blood pressure. I went to the ER and was eventually admitted because the problem couldn't be identified. Also, my IV was place on the arm where the lymph nodes had been removed, which the nurses corrected, horrified, when they realized. Meanwhile, the armpit that had surgery was hurting more than ever and started swelling. I developed a seroma (fluid collection) in the armpit, which was horribly painful and swelling bigger. Dr Martinez would not agree that the IV in my "wrong" arm caused a seroma, telling me that every one who has nodes removed gets a seroma (doctors/oncologists and other medical professionals since have told me this is very incorrect). She finally came to the hospital and drained the spot, and I felt much better and was discharged. Since the surgery, my cancerous breast has developed a large hard 'ball' internally, of fat necrosis, and it is extremely painful. Dr Martinez has told me that those are not supposed to hurt, which again, many medical professionals and other doctors and oncologists have said is not true. At my very last visit with Dr. Martinez, I went to her concerned about potential lumps I felt in my previously cancerous areas (not pain, although they are painful areas). While reviewing my patient record, she questioned why I am currently taking norco. I told her it was for the lymphedema (which I have as a result of node removal). She told me I don't have lymphedema. ......Despite the doctor and oncologist who diagnosed it, the OT I see once a week for treatment for it. That was a bit mind-blowing to see her outright deny a diagnosed condition. After brushing off my concerns with a very quick ultrasound and exam, I asked her why I have so much pain in those places. She told me pain was normal (other doctors have said this too) at this stage 6 months out, but that I likely just have a low pain threshold. She then proceeded to tell me that I had required more pain medication than "any other patient in her ENTIRE career," in a voice just dripping with... I don't know, accusation? Annoyance? Definitely disrespectful. She made it clear that I was THE ONLY ONE, disdainfully. I took the opportunity to tell her that none of the people I knew who went through breast surgery and reconstruction had been given "only three days of tramadol" and that most people were shocked that I received that. She got very offended and reminded me that she does the most breast surgery of any surgeon in Austin, and that those people 'arent doctors' (yes but.. they go to doctors.) I am grateful for what Dr. Martinez has done for my health. But she is a person who cannot take criticism, and cannot take anyone questioning her opinions and choices. That is not the kind of person I want in charge of my mortality, and I do not recommend that anyone reading this take that risk either. If she does the most breast surgery of anyone in Austin, I'm sure she won't miss my money or yours.
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