Expanders Causing Rib Cage to Ache

Yes, unfortunately this was the feeling I had too.  It was usually the second day after the fill for me.  I felt like I couldn't breath.  But after a couple of days, it works itself out.  By the way on one of the fills, I was really uncomfortable through my back.  I called a local massage therapist and she was able to work out the spasms.  Just a thought.  It does get better, I assure you so hang in there.  I am looking now for the exchange at the end of December and can't wait.  Not that the expanders hurt anymore, I'm just sick of them.

Take care.  Gentle hugs.

Sandy

This is unfortunate, but very common. As the skin pushes back against the expander, it puts pressure on the ribs. I had a ton of back pain also. I tried to stretch a lot to help the skin stretch, and took a lot of long, hot baths and aspirin. Sorry you have to put up with that.

I can feel my rib cage being pushed back with each fill and the discomfort lasts a day or two and then eases.  I'm almost finished, but my PS overexpands by 50% to give a "droop" after the permanent implants are inserted.  I feel your pain!  I too am tired of these...but I still have 175 cc to go and then a 3 month wait for exchange.  

When I had my exchange surgery my ps said my ribs were actually indented from the expander. It was uncomfortable, actually very painful at one point. I went very slow on the fills,very little at a time ,about 40 mls every 3 weeks. I ended up with a flap in the end because my skin would not heal from the radiation.

apfuentes,

My expanders felt like they were rubbing on my ribcage until the 3rd or 4th fill.  I was one who had a lot of pain with 60cc fills.  I was given valium for muscle relaxation in addition to pain medication, but dropping to 45 cc per fill was the only thing that kept me comfortable.

dk53,

Every patient and PS is different.  Some women can comfortably take 100cc per fill on a weekly basis, and some (myself included) couldn't stand more than 45cc.  Some PSs overfill by 20-50% and some underfill.  My expanders were filled to 480, and my PS said at the last appointment that she'd put in 500.  When I woke up I had 550.  That was yesterday.  I'm still not sure how I feel about that yet.  She initially told me she overfills by 20%, so I was planning on 400 implants.  I'm not unhappy with them, but I wouldn't be disappointed if they eventually "fluff" as people say.

On the bright side, the exchange surgery was less painful than my first 3 fills.  Good luck all.

Carol(AZ)

I had double mastectomy with a back flap to support the right breast.  I have expanders, which the doc filled with 150 cc saline solution during surgery.  I feel like I have tight bands across my chest.  The incisions or tissues are starting to "come alive" - I felt worse this third week than I did the first two weeks, at least I felt more pain in the breast area because I was numb before.  I dread the first fill, which may be next week.  After reading the posts, I just dread it.  I'm already feeling so tight I can't imagine having more fluid inserted.  My ribs hurt a little, but wondering how much mort uncomfortable I'll be.  UGH.  Thanks to all who share here so we can learn together and provide support.  That's a blessing.  XNTRICJ (Janice)

Slow and steady wins the race.  Filling too fast or too much at a time causes your expander to travel to unnatural places (read as:  your muscle doesn't have time to stretch so it fights the process causing the expander to go into your armpit or up toward your collarbone).  My fills were usually 60 cc every two weeks and I had no discomfort from them.  I had some spasms before my first fill but the first fill alleviated them. Wearing a light support sports bra helps too.  I liked the FOL skinny strapped sports bras from Wally World (they come 3 or 4 in a pack).   Do your stretching exercises and if all else fails, ask for a referral to PT.  Best wishes