TE's and chest is cramping up

ps0705

I had a BMX on 12/21.

Everything is getting easier and less painful each day. My family came over for Christmas yesterday and although I was initially dreading it, it turned out to be absolutely what I needed. It was so fun and 'normal' to see everyone.

Now about the TE's - my chest is cramping up like my uterus did when I was having contractions for birth- years ago. It's the immediate thing that comes to mind every time my chest contracts. It isn't painful like birth (yay, right?) but they are taking on a mind of their own and just cramping/tightening up randomly and often. It feels so weird.

I did a search on this website but didn't see anything about the cramping.

SpecialK

Were you given a muscle relaxer for post-surgery? Flexiril, Soma, Skelaxin or Valium? Valium is supposed to work particularly well for the type of cramping and muscle spasm you are experiencing. Ask your PS for whatever he/she normally prescribes. You may continue to need it for the duration of expansion if you are someone who is prone to spasms. Also, try eating foods high in helpful minerals that prevent cramping muscles - bananas, potatoes, leafy greens, nuts, yogurt, oatmeal, beans and celery.

ksusan

I didn't reconstruct, but my surgeon had me take lorazepam (another benzodiazepam) for awhile to decrease muscle spasms in my chest.

ps0705

Thank you susan and specialk I do have valium for the muscle cramping but it says not to take it with the hydrocodone which I need for pain management so I have been opting for the pain med.

Can't wait until I can add that in. It feels like they are going to up and take a stroll. lol.

SpecialK

Try the diet additions in the meantime, that may help until you can switch to an OTC for pain mgmt. TE's are not fun, but it does get better, I found a big improvement at about the 6 week point. Has your PS discussed fills yet? I would not fill until you are off Rx pain meds and can use the muscle relaxer - fills are likely to cause the spasms to continue so you need a plan to address that. Good luck!

ps0705

SpecialK Thank you for the diet additions suggestions. I'm having hubby pick up some key foods today. No talk of fills yet by my PS. He is focused on drain output so I can get those removed. Original fill was 200 per side. He said his plan is to go slow so it could take 3-4 months to complete. I was a C cup before so that is the plan.... Or maybe a B since they won't be droopy😉