Expanders Are Painful

1040law

I am almost 6 weeks post surgery and find my expanders terribly uncomfortable. They feel like a vise on my upper rib and seem to stick out on the sides. The Dr. just said they are fine and to take a small about of the prescription drugs I have if I need it. However, I am trying to work and being high is not an option. Over the counter does help a bit, but not enough to make me want to stay the course. Ideas? Suggestions?

Kdell63

Hi 1040law,

I just had an exchange surgery yesterday, so I feel qualified to commiserate. I don't know that I have any advise, but I can tell you that it got a little better by the 3rd month. I'm glad to have it finished.

I'm not sorry for choosing reconstruction - I'm glad it was available, but it did suck, frankly! I always hurt 4 days after a fill, which was a mystery. It was probably a very good lesson in patience.

I sure hope you get through this phase really easily. Take care and do something nice for yourself after a fill!

K

anotherNYCGirl

I think we all know how you feel, - those expanders are no fun. That 'iron bra' feeling is miserable. The expanders' shape does not 'fit', as the final implants will.

I relied on tylenol, but I was also offered valium since it is a muscle relaxer. I broke the tablets in 1/2 and took once in a while to help sleep.

As long as the surgeon said it looks fine, try to hang in there. I think you will be glad that you did!

Meow13

is it anything like having braces on your teeth and getting them tightened? I did the DIEP, amazing had little discomfort.

SanFranKitty

my doctor had me taking a combo of ibuprofen and Tylenol. It worked pretty well. I also had pain for quite some time during the expansion process. Now it's been 4 months and I feel better. But I'm about to make the switch to implants next week

rozem

they are miserable...truly miserable. I felt like a boa constrictor had a grip on me...I'm not gonna lie I regretted them every day for months

BUT it did slowly get better, I was probably worst case as it took much longer than most but I have implants and don't even know they are there. Hang in there it does get better

OrcaPorkka

For me neither the Advil nor the Vicodin was as helpful as the muscle relaxant Flexeril. When my TE's seemed super sore I took one (and I take one to sleep) and it helps me immensely. My PS said some women find those more effective, and I am one of them. Maybe ask your PS for a Rx. In addition, I find that if I do the ROM stretches once an hour, I have less pain as it keeps the skin and muscle looser. Good luck. :