Still Uncomfortable with Implants

cookie2009

Hi I had my imPlants placed 2years Ago. I had to have the imPlant sew to my ribs 5 weeks ago.

What pain. And I feel like I have a load on my chest . Does anyone feel like this? Also I need additional surgery because I am not even.

Help I think I am going crazy.



Hugs

Cookie

Anonymous

Cookie- I think most of us on this thread feel this way and you're not crazy though it makes you feel that way.  I think it's more that our PS's make us feel like we're crazy.  They act like we're the only women in the world to feel this way.  Not sure any of us have advice but we can empathize with what you're feeling.

Tina- Glad to hear your LE is doing a little better.  I do think relieving all that pressure on the chest would do it.  I just constantly feel like there's this weight on my chest and the pec distortion has gotten so much worse for some reason.  My fibromyalgia symptoms have been through the roof ever since getting implants, too.  Every PS I talked to won't acknowledge that implants can cause any kind of auto immune response, though.   

sas-schatzi

Kate-you are superlative in whippetmoms sense and care. Have not checked in a long while b/c I'm tired of foob talk and pain. It's been since July 2009 and I am now near reduced pain. Not no pain. Reduced pain. I had a BMX with implants.  A seroma on slnd side that took a year to resolve. But if I do too much with both arms, I feel like I have rolled newspaper under the arms.

The biggest problem is the damn doc made the implants too BIG.. I asked for small --he maxed me out at 850cc's. As always since then I have said it should be on the consent form as to agreed size. Therefore, the PS can't decide what they think is appropriate. UCK them. I have to work with the foobs on a daily basis ----comfort>>>wear a bra >> don't wear a bra>> wear an underwire bra, don't wear anything. I spend so much time thinking about my foobs. Always in the back of my mind is >>>if the damn doc had listened to me versus what he perceived I needed. UCK him.

Things are a bit better now. I have an electric bed(for years).... One night --Duh I slept with the head up---arms on pillows. Great. -----now do it with changing of bras or sports bras or nothing , depending on the feeling. But can't tell if I had found this out earlier. if it would have helped. Went through hell until then. Hate foobs.----------Always wonder if the doc had paid attention to what I said the first day, then pre-op interview, then the day of surgery, and then when I was being wheeled into the operating room. WTF----how did I not make it clear----------he chose-----made my life hell- Uck him. I have said on this thread and other threads that we should be able to inject into the labia or scrotum of the PS that overdid our foobs-----so they could feel the discomfort that we feel-----------uck them

PinkHeart

SAS~

Thanks for your post -- I'm still laughing my head off at how you clearly speaking out the way thousands of BC implant patients should.  I'm so sorry for the h--- that your PS has put you through!  What what are you thinking -- 800cc to each testi?

Tina & Kate ~

I have had one PT tell me I have truncal LE, but several others say it's chest wall lymphedema.  Is there really a difference?  My right breast is cancer breast with ALND.  The swelling is on and off under my breast and on the side of it, like puffy under armpit.  I just had a "conservative" revision surgery which I consider about 25% successful.  I still have the feeling that pocket was sewn into chest wall and can't move it when I turn a certain way, and also still have the feeling of wanting to rip the implant off.  I do look a little better (but who really gives a damn about that anymore when there's pain.)  The axillary cording came back worse.    

Have you considered a consult with any of the PSs at NOLA?

I don't know what is next for me:  1) have implants removed and sent to bio-haz dump & have nothing, 2) fat grafting, or 3) some sort of free flap/own tissue recon. 

I also have the f-ing axillary cord tugging under arm and pulling under implant.

  

Anonymous

SAS- I think you pretty much summed up what most of us have been feeling!  

I think if my first PS had listened and made me the size I asked for I wouldn't have needed to have a revision.  If I hadn't had the revsion that PS couldn't have screwed up and given me LE.  So, you're right, UCK them.

Since my dx of LE I've been researching a lot about it.  Just wanted to advise anyone having pain and discomfort with their implants to also get an evaluation for lymphedema.  Since SNB has become so prevalent there has been an increase in breast LE.  Most people only think of LE in the arms after node removal and may not recognize the signs in breast or truncal LE.  Of course, it's a bit like the chicken and the egg.  Are the implants causing the LE by disrupting the flow of lymph nodes in the chest or is it LE causing the implants to feel tighter from the swelling?  I would definitely try to rule out LE, though, if you are having issues.  During your eval they'll do baseline measurements and educate you on LE prevention (something we should all get anyone but have to ask for) so it won't be a waste of your time and insurance covers it. 

Faithroad

Tina,

I had scar revision done to tidy things.  And everything still feelt quite tight. The PS said it felt that way because the skin had adhered to the muscle.  He thought he could loosen it as well as mininize the scars.  But as it turns out, the largest scars did not have enough blood flow to the area to allow him to work on them. Oh well.  (He made the skin so tight when he removed the implants last July, that the skin pulled apart the day he took the stitches out...then I had to dress the incisions for a couple weeks on my own until they healed over.  So they are about 3/4 inch wide in some areas. He couldn't fix that.  We have to take what we can get I guess.

Glad you are well and things are still improving. 

 It does take a long time to heal from all of this.

Take Care. 

11BC

JannelleG: Sorry to hear your news. You're sure to find support on this forum. I had breast cancer, a bilateral mastectomy, reconstruction (tissue expanders swapped out w/ silicone implants), chemo and then radiation on my right/cancer side.

Three to four years later, my right/irradiated side breast has capsular contracture. It feels stuck to my chest wall and the scarring is pulling my right shoulder forward.

My plastic surgeon says if I remove the implant, do not add another and if she then repairs the chest muscle wall, I'm at risk of the chest muscle wall not being able to expand again enough to insert another insert -- if I wanted to get implants again later down the line.

She says in her experience, once the chest muscle wall has undergone radiation, it becomes much less flexible.

As you're considering your options and what to do, I'd ask your plastic surgeon about radiation and your chest muscle wall. Good luck.

PS: I haven't made up my mind what to do. I will most likely have my implants removed and not do any further reconstruction. But I'm so busy w/ a new job now that I don't have time to do surgery. 

PinkHeart

11BC-

Did you surgeon suggest that since an implant again under chest wall muscle no longer an option, to then try recon using your own tissue such as DIEP, or some other type of free flap?

Anonymous

11BC- I would also look into fat grafting.  Using the BRAVA system I know they've been able to create breasts using just a patient's own fat years after MX.  The BRAVA helps gradually expand the skin allowing room for the fat.  Even if you take your implants out and do nothing I think this procedure will become even more perfected so will be an option in the future should you decide you want to do something.

11BC

PinkHeart and Kate33:

Yes, my surgeon did suggest flap procedures. I just don't know if I want to have surgery on another part of my body to make the flap.

I talked w/ my surgeon about BRAVA. She was familiar w/ it. She said often the results are not as good a year later, as they are when first. I don't think I'd like to use the contraption.

Fat grafting is something I'm considering. I'm still most likely going to have my implants removed and not do further reconstruction. I was very flat before reconstruction. I am not averse to being flat-chested again. 

11BC

PinkHeart and Kate33:

Yes, my surgeon did suggest flap procedures. I just don't know if I want to have surgery on another part of my body to make the flap.

I talked w/ my surgeon about BRAVA. She was familiar w/ it. She said often the results are not as good a year later, as they are when first. I don't think I'd like to use the contraption.

Fat grafting is something I'm considering. I'm still most likely going to have my implants removed and not do further reconstruction. I was very flat before reconstruction. I am not averse to being flat-chested again. 

Hindsfeet

I have an appointment with my plastic surgeon tomorrow morning. Thus far he plans a finishing surgery to do a little fat grafting around the implant. He made my breast one size bigger than I asked. Of late the scar under at the bottom of the breast hurts. It also hurts along the right side, and some rib pain. I feel the pull of the breast on my pec muscle. It's uncomfortable. I'm wondering if I'm beginning to have a trunk pain issues. Can they start a few months after the reconstruction surgery?

I hate asking my plastic surgeon to take out the implant for at least a smaller size with the fat grafting. I'm seriously considering going in for a second opinion as I don't think he will take too well doing over the breast. I also wonder if my insurance (Blue Cross) will pay for a redo. I would be ok with what I have if it wasn't so uncomfortable and at times painful...and too wonder if my right arm pain is due to the implant?

Anonymous

Evebarry- if you're not up for another surgery right now you might want to try some PT. you may have some scar tissue that needs to be broken up or just some therapy to loosen the pecs. From my own experience, I encourage anyone having pain issues particularly in the arms to get evaluated by a certified Lymphedema therapist, too. My LE presented as just upper arm pain. I had very little swelling. If it is LE the sooner you treat the less chance it will advance.) If you do want to have a revision insurance has to cover it. That's the law- particularly if you're having pain and discomfort. Some insurance companies may not cover the fat grafting, though, so make sure yours does. I've heard that some have started denying coverage. (Probably afraid everyone will want re-dos when they hear how great the fat grafting is!)

sas-schatzi

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sas-schatzi

Kate--caught up on last few posts. You do such a great job. We are all lucky to have you be so dedicated. Bless you.

ronqt1

I am back after a while off site. Went to PS a few weeks ago still complaining about my implant. I had gone to BS for routine visit and he said that there was capsular contracture (sp) there. Now I seem to be having problems raising my arm fully.

PS said to come back after the summer. The gal in the office said any revision to do with breast surgery is covered under insurance. PS did notice the indents or ruffling of breast. I keep harping about the tram, he said his concerns are that I do not heal well, which is true, severe scars from augmentation of good breast (lifted) and my age (63). He said to me, you do realize that this is a lengthy surgery and you will lose stomach muscle and your scarring.  I give him credit for that. I told him  my "football" feeling is gone, now we are down to the spaldine ball.

Ths is the first time I have been away from his office more than 6 weeks. Again, when I attempt to lift my arm straight arm it feels like I am bring the breast with me. Yes, I am still going crazy and can't stand it. I decided I do not want to remove the implants, just fix them. My feelings are 24/7 so I understand everyone's concens on thsi site.

Oh well, just wanted to read the posts and add my insane thoughts.

Hugs, Kate, thank you for keeping this site going.

ronqt1

Cookie2009

My husband does business in UC. He is in Hudson County every day. Perhaps we can meet some day.  Did you ever go on site for the NJ gals get together. Would love to meet you.

Hugs, (I sent you a pm)

Anonymous

SAS- Thank you!

Ronna- I can relate to a lot of what you're going through.  Just recently at my GP's office her nurse said in so many ways the recon is more difficult than the BC itself.  So true!  The frustrating part is trying to figure out what exactly is wrong when so many of us have issues with the implants- is it capsular contracture, scar tissue, LE, tight pecs, post mastectomy pain syndrome or are the implants just too big and too heavy?  I know I have scar tissue on one side that causes the implant to be tugged on when I move my arm a certain way (which I do like a 100 times a day so it can be quite annoying and painful).  That may be what's going on with you.

I'm not sure I want to remove the implants either unless it would be to do some more fat grafting.  I had considered DIEP but have talked myself out of it for all the reasons your PS listed.  I'm just afraid I would be trading one set of problems for a whole new set.

My pecs continue to feel tighter and tighter but not sure if I'm developing CC again.  I was just dx with hypothyroidism and have had a lot of swelling from that so not sure if it's related or if it's my LE.  I've never been more uncomfortable in my own skin as I am right now, though, so have great empathy for all of you struggling with this.  Recon with implants is always presented as such an easy breezy thing, there never seems to be any mention of the possibility of long term pain and discomfort and when you do present with it to your PS you're made to feel like you're the ONLY woman in the entire world who has ever done so.  I hear over and over again that women are told to "give it more time", "come back in 6 months" or worst of all- "there's nothing I can do for you".  

geewhiz

Hi Kate and others!!

Kate, you are right!! It's a long recovery road sometimes. My mx was in 2009!! I am still a bit tight feeling. The rads side is definitely not dropping and fluffing and I am about 9 months post fatgraft. I have now gotten 2 second opinions. With the fda approval of Sientra Cohesive Gels, both docs feel that results with rads girls are improved. So at minimum, no matter whether I continue down the Dr K path, or go with one of the other 2 ( both who have attended Dr K training)...to really be complete I am looking at a few more surgeries. With gummies, you have to go through te's again!!! As always, I worry about the effect of all this on my immune system. Thats a lot of recovery. I am in a great workout routine and I hate to lose the downtime, so it's been tough to decide what path to continue on.

ronqt1

Kate and all sisters here:

 My PS insists that I go to the gym and exercise. I do, free weight machines, go to 2 zumba classes a week and then there is more pain after the pain that I have with the everyday issues. You so so right, even though it is been said before, the recovery is worse than having the cancer. I never felt anything with it.  From 2009 and to this time, it is ridiculous. As usual I love your posts and your last post first paragraph hit it right on the head.

Since he told me to "enjoy my summer", I am thinking too, do I want to trade one problem for another. Just don't know.

Again, everyone and Kate, thanks for listening. 

Hugs,

ronqt1

Well went to PS again.  I give up. Made app't with pain management dr.

Hugs

kriserts

Ronna, I'm a few weeks out from fat grafting over my implant (in anticipation of eventually removing implant altogether). My pain has lessened a lot. I still don't like the feeling of the implant, but before this, I was on vicodin for pain, and since surgery I've reached for it just once. I had a number of things going on: my implant slid into my arm pit when I lay down, which I hated; there was a balled-up nerve in my axillary that always throbbed and burned-the doc covered it with fat and it hasn't bothered me at all; and I always had a burning feeling in my chest, which has gone away about 90%. I'd seen a pain doc, too; he had me on licodin patches and creme. Warned me that fat grafting might not do away with my issues. But I'd say it's helped quite a bit, although of course time will tell.

PinkHeart

A few weeks ago when I posted on here I still had implants.

Now I am sans a boob.  I recently travelled afar to have a "revision" surgery to try to fix my pain, excise the axillary cording that was webbing my arm down, and to work on scarring.  Surgeon performed capsulectomy, capsulotomy, and capsulorrhaphy.  Most of the work was done on my radiated right breast that has been screwed up since the moment it was put in last July.  (I had immediate recon with direct full implant (D cup when I wanted C) -- then told I had to have radiation not long after getting out of recovery!)

Five weeks post op of "revision" surgery, my incision on the radiated side split open, and the implant extruded.  Thank God for oxycodone and xanax.  Went to ER, then had surgery with a local plastic surgeon (blind faith, but at least they take insurance when most don't).  Local plastic surgeon said my radiated breast skin could not support an implant, let alone the size I had.  Said I should have gone straight to free flap surgery instead of a "revision" (can't have LD flap because of mess in my armpit/axilla).  During surgery, he simply removed the implant, irrigated, put in a drain, and sewed me back up.

I am in pain and feel mutilated.  It is very ugly now with what's left of my radiated skin collapsed against chest wall.  Very disfiguring.  Not smooth and nice stitching if just had a mastectomy.   Wish I had asked him to take out the other damn implant while he was at it - it feels awkward and lopsided, and yes I started feeling sorry and POd this morning when I couldn't find an outfit for work to "hide" my new look. 

I went to mastectomy boutique to get apparel and forms to tide me over until when ever, where ever, I have recon surgery.  I can't wear prothesis yet - to painful to put over chest wall and need time to heal.  Can't swim or take a bath for 6 weeks.

Next up -- NOLA doctors.  I need a PS that works on breast cancer patients only, and has mega experience and skill.   

lalove55

Oh man, Pinkheart.  What a frustrating disaster!  I'm terribly sorry.  I so hope that as the new incision heals you can be relieved of the pain.  Then you can make new plans for what to do next.  I am trying to get something lined up somewhere to get my implant removed, and the nerve cut in my Lat Flap.  But you can bet your booties I will only be using a PS that does mostly breast cancer reconstruction.  NOLA sounds like a great option for you.

Anonymous

Ronna- I'm sorry your PS wasn't any help.  I understand your frustration.  I hope you find a pain management doctor who has some answers for you.

geewhiz- It's so hard to choose a path when there's no guarantees of anything.  I thought I was fixing things but just made other things worse.  Guess I'm a little gun shy now to contemplate another surgery but there are days I want to claw these implants right out of my chest.

PinkHeart- I am so sorry for all you are going through right now.  It should not have happened yet I know no one will likely take responsibility for it.  Since my LE dx I understand the frustration of knowing your life has been irrevocably changed by something more than likely preventable.  It's maddening and painful.  I know you're in a dark place right now but try to focus on your healing and gain your strength for whatever you decide to do in the future.  I have heard so many wonderful things about NOLA and I know they will be able to help you if you choose to move forward with more recon.  I'm just sorry that NOLA isn't the standard of care everywhere because we all deserve that.  We're all here for you anytime.   (((gentle hugs))) 

jessicav

Pinkheart-

I recently had my implants removed due to pain. I still have pain but it's different. Pain can remain due to scar tissue, adhesions neuromas and the capsule.

Please be gentle with yourself and kind. Feeling mutilated is horrible and traumatic and you have every right to feel this way. Just remember your breasts are not you. You are still "in" there and your spirit makes you the person you are. You are not alone. You are doing the best you know given the information you were given. It's so hard to do this when you are in such pain.

Remember, it can get better. Breast cancer is the ultimate call to self love. 

ronqt1

Kriserts: thank you for your input. However, I went to pain management before saw arthritis in that area and gave me lyrica???  Since I will be going again, he will hear more from me on complaining.

Plus my ps says to me, I don't want to keep doing resurgery on you now. I just don't understand.

Pinkheart, please take it easy and I am so sorry for you. Since I have abnormal scarring, I get sick when I look at myself. Just want you to get some relief and peace of mind.

Kate - you are right, no guarantees on anything. Who expected any of this????

Sorry again if I am rambling, there is no other way to describe this bulls  t.  So sorry, that is what it is. Enough already.

1openheart

Pinkheart, ronqt1, lalove, evanberry....I'm so sad to hear that you all are suffering so much.  Pinkheart, what a horrible experience for you to have to live through.  I am so sorry to hear that you are in such pain, both physically and emotionally.  From all that I have read and heard from others, NOLA is the way to go.  I am confident that they well be able to give you guidance and help you move beyond the problems you find yourself facing now.  Like others have said, we all are more than our breasts.  I know it is hard to remember that at times when they are right there, front and center, or when they are not.....  

I am having more days in a row pain free now...as much as 3 weeks.  I still have weird, out of the blue days when I hurt just like before, but  I am so relieved and grateful for the reprieve from 24/7 discomfort.   I think the combination of Pt and that hand held laser device that I am using on my breast is working.  And of course, it could be time and healing as well.  Tomorrow is 1 year from my direct to implant with alloderm UMX.

Take care everyone.  Sending thoughts of healing, peace and ease to you all. 

ronqt1

I went to pain management today. He actually pinponted where scar tissue is around breast area and causing slight arm problems. They are affecting my nerves. He injected me with 3 steroid shots, all I heard was kelog and will go back in 3 weeks.  He was actually very concerned, knows my PS, and said if I am still in discomfort, I may need a phoenal injection. (I believe something with nerves). He also prescribed a cream, which I am expecting through the mail. This is the 2nd time I went to this dr, the first time he gave me pills and we did some mris. I did not go back to him b/c I was to impatient. Anyway,  he said the numbness wear wear off in 2-3 hours and will take between 2-4 days to take effect. I did not say a word to him about PS, wanted to see what he would do. I am praying I get some relief from these shots. 

I hope all of your girls are having (hopefully) a feel good day. I know, it is hard.

Hugs

Hugs. 

Anonymous

Ronna- Glad your doctor is being more pro-active about your pain.  I hope it brings you some much needed relief!