Pain after Lat flap reconstruction

bleach1

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this forum. I have been dealing with chronic pain at the site of the twist in the lat flap at the side of the breast, and pain where the edge of the lat flap would have Sat in my body. I have had this pain everyday, 24/7 365 days a year, for eight years. 17 doctors have no clue. I'm hoping someone may have an answer.

Sue

Moderators

Dear bleach, We are so sorry that you have been in pain for so long. We hope you hear from others here on the boards. We hope you will stay connected in the community. The MOds

nash

Can you describe your pain? Burning? Sharp? Dull? Achey? Heavy? Tight? Has a pain clinic done a nerve block study on you to see if your pain is nerve based?

I had a unilateral lat flap done 17 months ago and have an unrelenting 24/7 iron bra/iron corset tightness. I have a lot of extra pulling and tightness in the area where the lat was harvested, mainly near the end of the back scar towards the side. Also extra tightness at the base of my scapula. And my foob always feels like having a rock duct taped to my chest, with the duct tape running down my side and across my back.

Most of my issue are muscular/skeletal, though, and I'm getting some relief from myofascial release, trigger point therapy and rib mobilizations. My intercostal muscles were really affected by this surgery as well.

But I don't have pain, per se. It's tightness, heaviness, pressure and restriction. I have some aching on the side of the breast, but it is in a spot where I have a previous lumpectomy and radiation (3 o'clock, near the chest wall), and I'd had the same aching for 8 years before I recurred and had the mx/lat flap. So I'm not sure if that's the same area as where you're experiencing pain in the "twist" of the lat flap. If it is, maybe my aching is now from the lat flap and it's coincidental about the previous radiation.

bleach1

Hi nash,I describe my pain as constantly being jabbed in the dude of the breast with a broom handle, a large sensitive bruise, an ache, a wolf biting me, just about anything that is excruciating. Thanks for the info. I am going to try to see a Dr. In San Francisco who specializes in post mastectomy syndrome and lat flap complications.

nash

bleach1, I sent you a PM to see about getting the name of the Dr in San Fransisco. I'd love to get up there to be seen.

mustlovepoodles

Now see, this is exactly what I am afraid of. I sought out a second opinion after my first PS decided that implants were the thing for me. Um, no thanks. I had a lot of issues with healing post-LX AND post-BMX. I have no desire to put foreign bodies under my skin. So I told the second PS NO IMPLANTS. He immediately led with Lap Flap w/implants. Seriuosly. I told him that I know of people who have had chronic pain and weakness following Lat Flap. Do you know what he said? He said he had NEVER HEARD OF THAT. No kidding. He said that not even ONE of his patients had ever complained of lasting pain or weakness. Sorry, Dr. HotShot. I don't believe you.

I'm really sorry to hear about your pain. At this point, I think I'd be looking for a pain clinic, since no one seems to be able to help you otherwise.

nash

It's so frustrating when the surgeons say they've never heard of these complications and act like we're nuts. Then I talk to other women whose surgeons say, "Oh, this tightness after LD flap is to be expected." One gal I know just saw a surgeon who told her to expect issues for two years post-op.

It's taken the pain clinic at a major teaching hospital almost a year and a half to finally get on what I think is the right track with trigger point injections in my case.

Jfsbrt1

These surgeons are disgusting mine said I shouldn't still be on anything for pain. I am 8 weeks out from surgery and having weekly expansion and he has me on IBUPROFEN and LYRICA. He said he has been doing these procedures for 30 years and he knows " this type of pain doesn't linger" I was shocked. I was like no sir until you have lost a part of your anatomy then had something taken from another part of your anatomy and had it twisted and resewn into a new place then stretched out to the breaking point you don't get to pretend you know anything. My sister is a heroin addict and gets free methadone, for the "pain of addiction " I'm a cancer survivor I have 100,000 dollars worth of medical debt and no one gives a damn how much pain I'm in outst

Texas357

I had a lat flap in 2010, and recall feeling tightness and pain, as well as that lump under my arm for what seemed like forever. but it DID eventually go away.

sb32

I am new to this site. However, in 2012 I was diagnosed and by Jan I was undergoing 4 rounds of chemo, March I had bilateral breast surgery with reconstruction. Summer began the 28 rounds of radiation. Aug. 2013 was the lat flap. I have the burning, stabbing as if a 10 penny nail is going into the lat. Under my arm is bigger now. My oncologist was afraid my cancer metastasized to my bones. I have managed to tear the lat away hence the knife cutting sensation under my breast. I am 47 and a Physical Education teacher in middle school. No one understands unless they go through it.

sb32

I totally relate to the pain 24/7 365

Gypsi

WTF is wrong with these doctors??? I am 2 weeks out from my double lat flap and having to fight like a badger for pain meds. My PS gave me 40 T3s when I left the hospital a week ago. Really?? They ripped my body apart then have a "suck it up" attitude??

What they don't seem to get is that their piece of my recovery is only a tiny part. I didn't come into this surgery all hale and hearty and top shape -- mentally or physically. I came into this after chemo, double BMX, 2 emergency surgeries for infection, 33 rounds of radiation... AND the mental work of dealing with little things like my own mortality and body image issues since my chest looked like smashed a$$holes. I'm depleted. I am one tough woman (my first PS said the strongest patient he's ever met) but damn, there's a limit.

Having cancer trumps all the "be careful with pain meds" b.s. Yeah no one one wants an addiction problem but if I don't have the strength to get through recovery without walking into the river with a pocketful of rocks, it won't really matter will it?

I'm 60 years old. I know myself better than any doctor. If I say I need meds, just give them to me. I'm walking around with my innards al rearranged and 6 drains flopping off me. Gimme a break if I want a little comfort.

Whew. End of rant. So glad to be here among people who I find to be the bravest and strongest ever. I don't post a lot but I spend a lot of hours reading here. It is an essential part of my healing and I appreciate you all! 💓