Regaining range of motion

katykids

Hi. I had a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders in July upon BS recommendation due to family history, several abnormal (non-cancerous) biopsies, dense breasts, fibrocystic, ongoing breast discharge and other assorted issues. Generally, she just said they were unhealthy and it should be a relatively easy surgery. Pathology showed LCIS. Prior to the surgery, I was very active. Weight lifting, yoga, pilates. I have lost my range of motion and get burning pain across my chest and tingling down my left arm. The PS is not concerned. I started myofascial release and acupuncture in early October. I have my exchange on 11/2. I have difficulty buttoning my pants, putting on shirts with sleeves. Honestly, my quality of life is worse since this surgery. And my mom has cancer again and I feel like I can't even offer her the support she needs because I am such a mess.

I am BRACA- but awaiting the results of a PTEN on my mom. I am 45. I also emailed the BS to ask if my pecs were cut during surgery and she told me to ask the PS.

eta. and I hope I posted this in the right place.

muska

Hi Katy, have you seen a physical therapist sepcializing in post-mastectomy issues? I saw one very soon after my BMX and she showed very good exercises that I did on my own through chemo and radiation.  Range of motion is mostly restored and I now do weight lifting, yoga and anything I want. I recommend you ask for referral to see a PT - maybe a few weeks after your exchange surgery.

Good luck on your exchange next week! 

 

katykids

thank you! I wasn't seeing someone that specialized in post mastectomy but I just called our local hospital breast centerand someone is calling back. Why didn't I think of that?! Thank you!!

mdg

I am so bothered by PS's that don't seem to understand the ramifications of BMX for women. I am a fitness instructor and I was given some PT exercises to do in the days following my surgery. I did them faithfully every day and they were painful! I also opted for PT because I did not want to lose range of motion. I started PT about 3 weeks after my BMX and worked with at therapist that had experience with BMX patients. She did all kinds of exercises, stretches and massage on my upper body and I got all my range of motion back. I use to have the pains you speak of initially, but have not had them at all in the past several years. I am almost 5 years out from surgery. I would push for PT if your insurance will cover it. If your PS says no, talk to your internist or another doctor. You don't need to suffer like that.

Tesla

Hi, I'm post op week 4 for bilateral mastectomy with direct implants. I assumed I will be more sore/tight than others. But in general, how many weeks til u gain your range of motion back? I'm just curious.

I can wear loose t-shirt. I can tight a low pony tail. Can't wear jacket without help yet. Can't drive yet.

Thanks

katykids

I got a script for PT with someone that specializes in post mastectomy from my internist. I have to wait a bit after the exchange but I feel encouraged. Thank you.

katykids

Hi. I don't have a good answer as my ROM is not back 3.5 months post surgery. I hope you can find a more helpful answer.

I did drive as soon as the drains were out. 2 weeks post op.

katykids

Hi Maria. I meant to hit reply to but was on my phone. I have my exchange tomorrow. My husband is going with me. I have asked him to help me advocate for some answers with the PS.

Your post is encouraging and I look forward to getting back to the gym. It does wonders for my peace of mind! Thank you!

muska

If I recall correctly, I first saw a knowledgeable PT at 5 or six weeks post-BMX (I had drains for 5 weeks.) She showed me exercised to do daily on my own - for 10 -15 min. Then I had a follow-up with her a month or two later. She checked how I was doing and showed me more difficult exercises. At my third appointment a month or two later she said ROM was fully restored and I could go to regular gym but should be careful. I was warned that I would have to go through the same process all over again after rads, but this did not happen. I just continued my daily exercise routine through chemo and radiation and there was no need for any special help post-rads. i have to mention that my attempts to get some guidance from plastic surgeon and breast surgeon on what I can/should/should not do were not successful. The only recommendation I got, was do what feels right. Looking back i think post-mastectomy exercises under some PT guidance should be part of treatment and are no less important than any other recommendations they give.

katykids

I just had my exchange surgery 4 days ago. And PS was not in favor of me starting PT (with a therapist that works with BMX) a week after surgery. But wait till at least our post-op visit. My ROM feels worse since the exchange.

I completely agree with you though that PT guidance should be part of the follow up care.

katykids

Just a quick vent. I started PT with a mastectomy PT specialist. She says she is seeing improvement but it's only been 4 sessions. (I want to be the old me, have to accept the new me.) I did myofascial before this 4 or 5 times. What is so frustrating is my darn insurance ONLY covers 20 sessions a year. How can that be? And it only covers it if it will get you back to where you were before, not get you to better than you were before. Okay, fine. I am lucky it is so near the end of the year but if this were mid year it would be a completely different situation. All sorts of capital lets with NO EXCEPTIONS.