continued Tissue expander pain!!

Lynh

Ladies,

I've noticed that some complain of pain in the the rib area. I've read almost this entire thread but if there was a suggestion about dealing with rib pain , I must have missed it.   I have severe pain under the rt breast in the rib area.  It's so bad that I can't even get out of bed.  I'm not a whimp and usually handle pain ok.  My surgery was Jan 7th (bmx with immediate expanders), so I'm exactly four weeks out today.  The rib pain started about two weeks ago.  I mentioned it to my PS at my visit about 10 days ago.  He said that he didn't know what could be causing it.  As I was leaving I happened to mention that on top of everything else, my nose was breaking out in fever blisters.  He had an ahhh moment and said that I must have the herpes virus in my incision area on the rt side. He said that happens frequently to his facelift patients and he always precribes valtrex before surgery if the patient has the herpes virus. The valtrex helped almost immeditely and I was starting to feel almost good again.  Not great, but good.  I had my first fill yesterday and the rib pain started again and it's worse than before, if that's even possible.  Pain meds and valum don't touch it.  Does anyone have any suggestions?  I'm not a baby, but the pain is almost unbearable.  Putting pressure ,holding the area with my hand and pressing in seems to help some.  I'm just miserable. 

Thanks,

Lyn   

Angel10

Lyn,

I am so sorry...I have no idea how to help you but you sound so miserable!!

There are quite a few gals on the EXCHANGE CITY thread...perhaps some one there might be able to help??

I hope you get relief soon....

Good luck and God Bless!

Kristinka

Lyn,  I'm sorry you are in such pain.  I had a lot of rib pain too.  I went to physical therapy twice a weekfor 3 mos after the mastectomy, and she did massages around the TEs to help calm down the streched muscles.  She said the pain is due to the stretched muscles, which are attached to our ribs under the TEs.  Do you have a prescription for physical therapy from your surgeon?  If so, make sure that your therapist knows how to work with mastectomy patients.

You might ask for stronger pain meds like valium or percoset and try a different muscle relaxant like Flexeril.  LOTS of women with TES have intense rib pain - you are not alone.

Another good thread is "just got my first fill today - ouch!"

best wishes,

Kristen

Kristinka

The thread is actually called:

Got my 1st expander fill yesterday - Ouch!

Lynh

Thank you...today is actually a much better day ...what a relief.  I really think my PS must be right about the herpes virus.  I refilled my perscription yesterday and started back on the valtrex.  Today the pain is greatly reduced and I haven't even needed a pain pill. I feel almost normal again.  I really don't know that much about the herpes virus.  All I know, is that I've had it for years and when I'm stressed or in the sun too much my lip breaks out.  I can usually keep it under control with Lysine.  This is completely different and according to the  PS it's in the incision area attacking the nerves.   I do wonder about the coincidence of it coming back with my first fill on Wednesday.   

I started PT this week and that has definitely helped my mobility.  I've been doing lymphatic massage since my lumpectomy in June.  I've been going every week since my BMX a month ago.  My therapist uses very gentle strokes and a machine that uses light and sound pulses.  I know it's working, but I'm wondering if I need  a stronger massage. 

Thanks so much for your thoughts and suggestions...it helps to know I'm not alone in this, although I wish none of us had to be here. 

Lyn 

Kristinka

Lyn - that is good news.  I'm glad you are more comfortable now.  That is also great that you go for regular massages - I find I have such strange aches and pains with the TEs in, and the massages really smooth out the pain.  Your MX is so recent - you will be feeling so much stronger each month. 

Denali - yes, I've heard of women having their TEs moved if they have fallen out of position.  You might want to contact Whippetmom - she often posts on "Exchange City" and she has a lot of knowledge about the proper placement of TEs and implants.  Good luck!

I go in for my exchange on 2/19 - am a little nervous but am also eager to bo done with all of this.

 Kristen

Suze

bump

MiachelJ2009

Hi Lyhn,  I've been reading this thread so I'll know what fun I'm in for.  I had a BMX, LSNB, LatFlap w/TEs on Friday, Feb 12th.  UGH!!!  I go for my first post op visit Tuesday.  I will be seeing the PS.  I am so hoping my drains will be coming out so I'm not to the point where you ladies are now.  Looking forward though, I think, LOL!  I'm only draining about 10 ccs a day in my front two drains & about 24 - 30 in my back drains (these are totals for both sides).  The reason I chimed in is that I can feel my drains through my skin.  I asked if my husband would rub my back the other night & it hurt in one spot...it was the end or some part of my drain.  The left side is touching a rib....OUCH.  Rib pain!!!  I'm hoping this goes away once the drains are removed.  Just wanted to see if your rib pain was there at all before all of the TE filling started?  Didn't know if maybe the drains could cause irritation that would come & go when other steps began to take place.  I hope this made any sense...I'm still in a little bit of a drug induced haze, LOL! 

Hugs to all of you warriors out there!!!

Mia

MiachelJ2009

Uh oh.....went back & read your post again....I got a nice fever blister about two days after surgery...hope that's all it ends up being.  Geez   hee hee

Lynh

Mia,

 I don't remember the rib pain being there with the drains.   I was lucky because I only had my drains for about 10 days.  When the surgeon removed them, she said that the left side was very angry and sore.  I already knew that.    The rt side looked good, but that was the side that ended up being so painful .  Since your drains are still in that's probably what's causing your pain, but  I would definitely mention the fever blister to your PS.  I wrote my "feel good" post on Feb 5th and thought the pain was all behind me.  A couple days later, it came back and I was miserable and once again  couldn't even get out of bed.  My PS sent me for acupuncture and thankfully, I  think it's finally gone!   He also told me to take 1500mg of vitamin c three time per day and to also add vitamin b .  It's still tender but not painful.  I had another fill on Wednesday and it was fine. NO PAIN!!!   Hopefully, your drains will come out on Tuesday and  you'll be feeling much better.  

Lyn

   

boromom

Hi Everyone, This is my first post on this thread. I have loved this website as it has carried me through my journey. On Nov. 19 I was diagnosed with DCIS. I had my first lumpectomy on Dec. 9 - no clear margins. Reexcision on Dec. 21 - still no clear margins. I had my bilateral mx on Jan 22 with immediate reconstruction/TE. I had talked to a couple of my friends who had TE's and they said it wasn't bad. The fills just made your muscles ache the next day and advil worked. I had my first fill last Tuesday and I am miserable. I can't believe how tight and uncomfortable it is. My right side right where the armpit is feels like it keeps getting caught. Then the nerve gets pinched in my shoulder blade. I can't tell you how happy I was to find this thread because I thought I was being such a wimp. This is absolutely the worst part of the whole process so far. I only had 50cc's put in last week and I'm due to have 50 more tomorrow. I don't know if I'm going to make it through this.  I am supposed to go back to work in 2 weeks. I'm a teacher's aide and it is very physical as I'm upstairs/downstairs a lot. Sometimes I'm with a little girl who uses a wheelchair or crutches. I usually carry her bookbag but can't imagine doing that. I carry the insurance for my family so I have to get back. I'm thinking I will have to go very slow with this process and only get filled every 3 weeks or so while school's still in. I am going to ask for pain meds. 4 advil on a regular basis are not helping. I'm doing exercises every day to stretch and hot showers. I just can't believe how hard this is. I was definitely not prepared. My chest also feels like it is on fire. I take it from reading that it is the nerves. i literally would like to walk around all day with nothing on. I'm sorry I'm rambling but this just sucks. Not sure if I'm going to get those bigger perky boobs that I'd hoped for. Thank you to all of you. Reading your post have literally saved me. It helps so much to know that I'm not the only one going through this.

pppinaz

Someone help ... I think I am going crazy.  I had a double mastectomy on December 1, 2008.  I then had 30 rounds of radiation from August thru part of June 2009.  Finally on December 16th I had my tissue expanders put in for reconstruction.  The left side is doing fine.  The right side (radiated side) is not being very cooperative.  I now have the expander trying to make space almost all the way under my arm (the path of least resistence.  (the whole 'tits under pits' look was supposed to be gone after I got rid of the breasts).

Everytime I take a deep breath it hurts all the way through to myback.  it hurts to pull the car door shut,  snap my seatbelt...and the past couple daysI have sneezed a few times and it hurt so bad it made me want to cry.... Is this normal or am I crazy.

I have 690 CC in the left and it looks to be a full C.  which is fine.  I have 680 in theleft and it looks like I have half a breast.   

HELP

Angel10

pppinaz,

I was not radiated so I can help you much,  but I have read enough to know that the radiated side normally has a mind of it's own.

Look, this is a painful process for MOST of us....but get help with valium or some type of muscle relaxant, and a sleeping aide so that you are not exhausted all day long. Forego the book bag boromom...it won't be forever, but I couldn't even use a handbag, let alone a book bag.

Hydrpmorphone pain killers were my best friend...when I no longer needed pharmaceutical help, I was off of everything.  But never would have made it with out.

Talk to your PS's!  Get help/relief!

And burning?? Make sure you are not red.  You must be diligent about infection....Whe I was burning up, it ended up being an infection, but my foobs were quite red, too.

Good luck ladies....get meds!

God Bless!

Nedeza

pppinaz~

First of all welcome!  I wish I could share with you more but I did not have rads...the reason I am posting back to you is that I want to tell you about another thread on this forum that could be more helpful.  It is called Exchange City under the Breast Reconstruction forum.  It is a fabulous thread with many who have undergone radiation & issues with reconstructing radiated breasts.  Maybe this thread could help you...it is not just for radiated breast though...this thread discusses issues with breast reconst. in general.  It has been very helpful to me...emotionally as well.  Hope to see you there!!!

boromom~

Welcome to you too!  You may want to go "lurking" on the thread I mentioned above to Lisa.  It is a fabulous site with awesome women who have been there & also those who are still going through it. 

Blessings to all who have joined us!

NAE

Nedeza

Angel10~

Hi Angel10!!!  How are you?  You're always right there...helping us ladies!  Hope all is well with you!  I've been lurking mostly...even at the Exchange City.  I am still waiting for the next step...to do a lift on my healthy side & eventually have the nipple reconst. on my MX.  Things are slowing down these days but that 's ok.  I am feeling wonderful & comfy in my new skin!  I haven't forgotten that "light at the end of the tunnel" you so said to me when I first came on board!  Sending you hugs Angel!!

NAE

Kristinka

Just a note to those of you with TEs who are in pain.  You are probably eligibile for a family and medical act leave from your employer and are also eligible for state disability payments to make up for a portion of your missed salary.  Federal law protects your job for 90 days while the state pays you, if you are not able to work.  Taking a medical leave between my MX and my exchange surgery (just last Friday) absolutely saved me.  The TEs were quite painful much of the time, and it will take me a while to recover from my exchange surgery.

Helpful hints: darvocet and percoset for pain, valium and flexeril for muscle spasms and physical therapy to help your pectoral muscles deal with all of the stretching from the TEs.

best wishes to you all,

Kristen

Angel10

Hugs to you Nedeza!  I lurk alot, too!  Went back to work in January, so can't spend nearly as much time as I did when I was unemployed....but don't know how I would have gotten through this past year without this site!

I only have my tatoos left to do.  I developed more rippling than I had hoped even after my adjustment surgery...so I guess I just have to live with it.

Still not comfortable in a regular bra for more than an hour or two.  Thought I would have gotten used to the new foobs by now...but no such luck.  But it sure beats the TE's or real boobs with CA!!

It is always good to see you and see how often you help out others!  You have a special place in the heart of God!

Good luck with the lift!!!

God Bless!

Nedeza

You're a SWEETHEART Angel10!!!

NAE

ronqt1

Hi all, After 5 months with T/E on right breast side, and not being able to go through fills but only 1, I had my exchange this past Monday. I cannot believe I made it. I came home from hospital completely wrapped up due to augmentation on left breast with implant put in as well. T/E is out and I already feel the difference. I have only peeked at my new girls briefly. I guess I have to get to know them.

Please everyone with t/e. Hang in there.  The site was a blessing for me. Answered many questions and provided support. I have no clue when the nipple is coming. I am not in a hurry. My first postop visit with PS is this coming Tues. I am going with sports bra which I will put on first time when I go.

Words for thought:  If you are not a b/c sister, you just don't get it. Yes, we are a special group, and it is a privilege and honor to be part of this group. I actually had someone tell me the other day I was getting impossible. I was stunned. Maybe this person would have like to have switched places with me.

 Thanks everyone and have a great day!

Faythnme

ronqt1 - is this just recent?  I'm curious because I am going in this month april 2010 for a 2nd attempt at reconstruction.  If I read this right it took 5 months before the exchange? 

 Does anyone know what the typical time frame is from TE to exchange?

Thanks.

FACECRAFTER

The exchange can take anywhere from 2-3months to a year, depending on whether you've had radiation or not and whether you've had any complications.  Hang in.  It took me almost a year. but I had my exhange on Tues, and it is so much better..JUDY

Faythnme

Thanks Facecrafter - great photo!  Well after the failure last year no radiation, no chemo, no tamoxefin, I've lost some weight, did physical therapy for 3.5 months and a chiropractor to get the joints back in line.  I had a dream that everything went well and there was NO PAIN.  Now that was dilusional uh? lol.  I'm hoping that they exchange will take place by Sept/Oct.  The aerolas and nipples are no big deal right now.  Thanks for your response.  I'm trying to find one post that talks about a certain sports bra from REI that they bought and wore during the TE process and afterwards.

Cindy

ronqt1

Hi Faythnme, Yes it was 5 months.  I did not need chemo or rads.

I had mastectomy October 30, 2009 and exchange March 29, 2010. Every single day, I would sit by my calendars and mark off days like a crazy person. I had a problem with t/e, PS could only do 1 fill, plus my insurance was due to lapse on March 31, 2010. It had to be done. I am in no hurry for nips or tatooing. I need some time to adjust with this new procedure.

I was on Cobra for 18 months. Now have policy from same company, that covered pre condition with same team of doctors, but now need referrals and office visits are higher. Timing worked out. I wore Champion bras during T'/E time and removed the underwires. Now, the PS asked that I bring with me for post-op visit (as I still am in surgical bra) a bra with opening in front. I also found that at Dick's and it is a Champion with no underwire either.

My best wishes to you.

Faythnme

Hi Ronqt1 - 1 fill that had to have been painful.  Thank you for all of the information.  I've been writing all suggestions down just so I can get through this.  I like the idea of the calendar though.  Shows an end to a means. 

deborah48

For those of you ladies who are going through tissue expansion, you can visit my blog spot at

http//deborahbreastcancer.blogspot.com/

Anonymous

So nice to know I am not the big cry baby I thought I was and the only one who REALLY hurts from the TE fills.  My PS said that we may not be able to fill me to my desired size which is only a full B because my skin is too thin.  At this point I don't even think I care, though, I just want these frickin' things out of my chest!

Thanks for letting me, and everyone else, know that we are not alone.   Just wish doctors had to prepare us better for what was about to come.

 Deborah-  Thanks for being so brave and posting your blog.  It does help to see the progression.   

sweapea99

OK.  Just had last fill.  I HURT SO BAD!  Didn't have any problems in the past.  Last one though hurts like someone kicked me in the boob and poked it with a needle.  A BIG FAT NEEDLE! Oh but my wonderful work is giving me a hard time about being off the whole day of the fills.  I am not having to take off another day for this one! It isn't so much my work as my supervisor.  IT IS A WOMAN! Bad Karma to wish bad but is it bad karma to wish karma back on someone?

Anyway, the breast looks great, hurts like mad.  Feels like someone is ripping my nipple off and I don't have one!!!!!!!!!! So I really hope it isn't infected.  Have a little fluid in it for the past month. 

Susie123

Hi Ladies,

I had about 3 days of pain after each expansion. I too had to work through it and it was hard. But I'm here to tell you there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I had my exchange surgery last week and it was a piece of cake. Surgery at 7:30am, gone by lunch, stopped on the way home to get something to eat. No pain meds after the first day, no real pain. I had more pain following an expander fill than I did with the exchange surgery. No loss in range of motion with my arms. Hang in there,  Susie

m-star

Hi!

I'm new on here.I had prophylactic bilateral mx on 16th Feb.with tissue expanders. I was only a size 36AA pre-surgery and they have only put 300ml expanders in place. I have had 3 expansions so far.The first was 90ml then two at 60ml each one. I had already had 60ml put in during surgery so my grand total stands at 270ml. Now my first 2 top-ups were not too bad.A sleepness night cus of pain and tightness and sore for maybe 2-3 days. This last one however has been MURDER!!!!!! My PS always says to tell him if it hurts and he'll stop.The thing is,it doesn't hurt until about half hour after expansion! Then it really kicked in this time! I had 2 nights of no sleep,awful tightnessin both sides and alot of pain in the top,inside 'corner' of the right expander. Its almost like when id had the mx!

Im due another top up on 13th May and im a little worried in case i cant get it done.I also worry that my PS will say enough is enough and wont do any more top ups. With being so flat chested before,i was really looking fwd to having boobs for the 1st time in my life! Does that sound vain???? It was the silver lining to my cloud!

Are these expansions going to increase in pain each time i get one?? I must say,i love my new foobs so far! But im not sure how much more pain i can endure. Will the pain go after the implant exchange?

Anonymous

m-star-

You are I are almost in the same place.  I was a A cup before all this started and I, too, thought having boobs would be the pay back for all this s**t!  I feel like my TE is pushing so hard on my ribs I can't breathe!  I don't have another appointment with my PS until May 19th and she told me to stop doing the fills for now because I am having so much pain.  (My husband has been doing my fills at home because we live 2 hours from the PS's office.)  So I haven't had a fill in almost 3 weeks yet feel no better each day.  

I have say that each fill did get more painful for me.  I don't know if it will be the case for you.  I would decrease the amount of each fill every time if I were you.  I think I am ready to call it quits.  I am at least as big as I was when this all started and I still have my skin and nipples so I guess I shouldn't complain too much.  

Good luck to you!