Expanders Causing Rib Cage to Ache

apfuentes

I just had my second fill today....only 50ccs, but it's more painful than the first.  I feel like there is pressure on my rib cage and every time I move it aches.  I feel it on the front, sides and back (especially on the back).  It feels like when you have a real bad cough and your whole core feels bruised....but worse!  Anyone else experience this?  I'm beginning to really hate these expanders!!!

ssyoung

Yes, unfortunately this was the feeling I had too.  It was usually the second day after the fill for me.  I felt like I couldn't breath.  But after a couple of days, it works itself out.  By the way on one of the fills, I was really uncomfortable through my back.  I called a local massage therapist and she was able to work out the spasms.  Just a thought.  It does get better, I assure you so hang in there.  I am looking now for the exchange at the end of December and can't wait.  Not that the expanders hurt anymore, I'm just sick of them.

Take care.  Gentle hugs.

Sandy

Texas357

I get my first fill tommorow but I've had tremendous shooting pains at one spot on my rib cage where the expander appears to be sitting. It's the only reason I'm still using prescription pain meds, and the reason I can't easily sit up in bed. It's nice to have a touch of cleavage but if I'd waited until after treatment, I wonder if it would have been a shorter, easier process.

gemsa

This is unfortunate, but very common. As the skin pushes back against the expander, it puts pressure on the ribs. I had a ton of back pain also. I tried to stretch a lot to help the skin stretch, and took a lot of long, hot baths and aspirin. Sorry you have to put up with that.

dk53

Is too just had my second fill and it was not as bad as the first, but night is the worst for me the sisters are as hard as rocks in the morning and getting comfortable enough to sleep is a challenge. Does anyone know how many fills you go threw before the implant are done. I am a patient person but was hoping to have at least the implants in by year end, Beside the size your stretching for what else do you PS'S tel you about the process. I have my back muscle covering the expansion now,

psalmist

I can feel my rib cage being pushed back with each fill and the discomfort lasts a day or two and then eases.  I'm almost finished, but my PS overexpands by 50% to give a "droop" after the permanent implants are inserted.  I feel your pain!  I too am tired of these...but I still have 175 cc to go and then a 3 month wait for exchange.  

catlover44

So glad to know I'm not overly weird....I just had my expanders put in yesterday, and I have a band of pain all around, front, sides and back.  And I HATE taking painkillers, but I'm going to have to give in pretty soon if it doesn't ease up.  (I took a nap when I got home from the hospital today, and not thinking, only propped up on two pillows.....it literally took me 20 minutes to get out of bed!  How embarrasing.  My abs are strong enough to pull me up, but I'm so sore even all along my sternum that I can't use those muscles without causing screaming pain. 

My PS had to work with one "freshly" done mast., and the other side was done back in May.  (My surgeon wouldn't let me do both sides at once.)  Hope that doesn't create problems with symmetry.  Have any of you had recon. done that way?  He told me that initially there would be some difference because the older wound wouldn't he able to stretch quite as much at first.  I'm so glad it's chilly weather and I can wear snuggly, thick tops that don't much!

anam262

When I had my exchange surgery my ps said my ribs were actually indented from the expander. It was uncomfortable, actually very painful at one point. I went very slow on the fills,very little at a time ,about 40 mls every 3 weeks. I ended up with a flap in the end because my skin would not heal from the radiation.

LiveForToday

Girls,

I actually had a rib cracked by my expanders!  But it could be my age.  I am

just thankful it is all over and a distant memory.

   huggs,  Sherry

CAZ

apfuentes,

My expanders felt like they were rubbing on my ribcage until the 3rd or 4th fill.  I was one who had a lot of pain with 60cc fills.  I was given valium for muscle relaxation in addition to pain medication, but dropping to 45 cc per fill was the only thing that kept me comfortable.

dk53,

Every patient and PS is different.  Some women can comfortably take 100cc per fill on a weekly basis, and some (myself included) couldn't stand more than 45cc.  Some PSs overfill by 20-50% and some underfill.  My expanders were filled to 480, and my PS said at the last appointment that she'd put in 500.  When I woke up I had 550.  That was yesterday.  I'm still not sure how I feel about that yet.  She initially told me she overfills by 20%, so I was planning on 400 implants.  I'm not unhappy with them, but I wouldn't be disappointed if they eventually "fluff" as people say.

On the bright side, the exchange surgery was less painful than my first 3 fills.  Good luck all.

Carol(AZ)

apfuentes

Thank you for all the responses.  I don't feel so alone anymore.  I noticed a lot of stretch marks yesterday and that made me wonder if maybe the nurse is trying to go too fast.  I'm definitely going to ask her to reduce the amount this next time.  I felt like my ribs were going to crack if I moved at all on Thursday.  I have a very small frame so I think somewhere in the 300s is my final goal on the expanders.  I'm at 200ccs now and they already stick way far out on me.  I'm going for a full B cup when it's all said and done...not sure how many ccs that equates to.  I'm not at that point of my research yet!  Thanks again ladies!

Angela

xntricj

I had double mastectomy with a back flap to support the right breast.  I have expanders, which the doc filled with 150 cc saline solution during surgery.  I feel like I have tight bands across my chest.  The incisions or tissues are starting to "come alive" - I felt worse this third week than I did the first two weeks, at least I felt more pain in the breast area because I was numb before.  I dread the first fill, which may be next week.  After reading the posts, I just dread it.  I'm already feeling so tight I can't imagine having more fluid inserted.  My ribs hurt a little, but wondering how much mort uncomfortable I'll be.  UGH.  Thanks to all who share here so we can learn together and provide support.  That's a blessing.  XNTRICJ (Janice)

CAZ

Hi Janice,

If you don't have to drive yourself to your fill appointment, take a prescribed pain reliever beforehand.  Your body will adjust on a daily basis, so don't be too worried about starting fills next week.  My PS started them 2.5 weeks after surgery.  You can do this.  If the first fill hurts too much, decrease the amount they put in the next time.  You do have some control.

Carol(AZ)

rubytuesday

Slow and steady wins the race.  Filling too fast or too much at a time causes your expander to travel to unnatural places (read as:  your muscle doesn't have time to stretch so it fights the process causing the expander to go into your armpit or up toward your collarbone).  My fills were usually 60 cc every two weeks and I had no discomfort from them.  I had some spasms before my first fill but the first fill alleviated them. Wearing a light support sports bra helps too.  I liked the FOL skinny strapped sports bras from Wally World (they come 3 or 4 in a pack).   Do your stretching exercises and if all else fails, ask for a referral to PT.  Best wishes

tracirn41

I've had ne te's for a month and I wish I could rip then right outa my body...my ribs ache...my bach aches I get pinching burning where drains were and I haven't even had a fill yet!!! In fact I had some taken out as he filled ne qith 400ml per side at time of surgery...skin was so tight I thought I'd split apart!!...did your ever get any better?

..any tips on sleeping?? Mine roll right into my armpits and cause spasms all night .