Latismus Dorsi Flap Phantom Back Pain??

SandraASurvivor

ok so I just started reconstruction 3wks ago. I had a tissue expander placed on the right side. The left required a LDF due to the damage from radiation.

I haven't really had very much pain or even discomfort. My dr is amazing so no complaints there.

But yesterday I noticed that my back started to seriously hurt right where the incision is. It's not the incision itself but the place where the muscle USED to be. I have heard of soldiers having phantom pain when they have lost a limb but I swear the "muscle" in my back is killing me. I just took 3x the amount of pain medicine I am prescribed in hopes of making this pain stop.

Has anyone else had this? If so, what helped. I have tried a heating pad and different positioning but am finding no relief.

Moderators

Hi Sandra! Welcome to our community. We're so sorry for what brings you here but we're very glad you found us!

We're sure you'll get real answers soon from members going through similar experiences than yours. In the meantime, if you haven't already, we recommend you to take a look at the section about Latissimus Dorsi Flap, from our main site, for more information on what to expect, risks, etc on this type of surgery.

We hope this helps!

The Mods

Moderators

Hi Sandra -- just checking in to see if the pain has gotten better or if you were able to talk with your doctor about it?

Keep us posted!

--The Mods

fitzdc

Hi - I hope your are feeling better.  I recall that I did suffer from that  phantom muscle pain, but that it did go away.  My doctor told me it was 'normal'.