breast reconstruction redo

birdet

Hi

I was hoping that someone could offer me some advice. I had a mastectomy on my right side and at the same time as that surgery I had a reduction on my left and an expander put in on my right. then 8 rounds of Chemo and 6 weeks ( everyday) of radiation all the while getting my expander injections to stretch the skin. Then 2 weeks after Radiation ended I had an Implant put in.

That was November of 2014 after being in pain and uncomfortable all the time not sleeping not having range of motion of my right arm I started physical therapy and was given a tens unit to help. It really has not helped at all! Also my implant in very high due to the expander being placed too high, and I am lopsided, and have puckering folds on my right side.

I am really at the end of my rope I am so tired of not only being in pain, but having no self confidence, and having to hide with bulky shirts and scarves. I would love some information or advice on any other surgeries woman have had. Like DIEP, Tram, Lattissimus . I did go to a new surgeon , but the Lattissimus surgery scares me. I am scheduled to have it January 7th, but am now changing my mind. I have so much pain on that side that I am afraid that surgery will not only make my breast uglier but add more pain.

Thank you anyone who can lend an ear or offer advice.

Moderators

Dear birdet,

We are so sorry for what you are going through. It sounds as though you may need to do something to help the pain if nothing else. Are we understanding correctly that you currently have the latissimus surgery planned for January? Does the surgeon think they can reduce your pain, and improve your breast appearance? We are truly sorry to hear the ordeal that you are having. You are not alone. We'll wait to see who chimes in...

Thinking of you!

The Mods

lessharp

Birdet, so sorry you are going thru all that. I had a BMX and immediate reconstruction with DIEP flap. I chose this option as I wanted to wake up with 'breasts' and didn't want to worry about replacing implants later. The DIEP is a long surgery (abt 8-10 hours), but in my opinion well worth the outcome. I have soft, warm 'breasts' and nipples after one surgery. I am doing a stage two revision to add additional fat (liposuction/fat grafting) to add to some hollow areas as well as one dog ear revision. If you are a candidate for such, I would recommend finding a surgeon that specializes in the DIEP procedure. My PS told me all the possible complications, how often she had patients that experienced them and how many DIEP's she had performed.

Suggest you visit the DIEP 2015 thread and read through all our experiences. The surgery is big and recovery can be arduous...however, most people seem pleased with the results, including myself!

TRINEG

Dear birdet, sorry about your trouble. You will find a lot on the DIEP 2015 thread as lessharp mentioned. I'm laying here at 2 something in the morning battling lat flap pain and muscle spasms. Lat flap didn't solve problems but caused more. DIEP has been a very good thing for me. It was my last resort, but seriously wish it had been my first resort. That's my experience. Best wishes to you.

birdet

thank you all who replied I live in Humboldt county don't have the money or time to travel to San Fran soI'm stuck feeling so scared going under the knife for latissimus surgery god I hope it's not a mistake thanks again.