Latissimus Flap Surgery

I am considering latissimus flap surgery followed by an implant.  I'd love to know how it is for you....  I'm a yoga practitioner and teacher, and would love to know the impact on my ability to stretch and bear weight -  Any input from you or anyone else,would be greatly appreciated.

Dear Yogini, I had a bilateral mastectomy followed by LD flap surgery with expanders (and will be changing to silicone implants in 3 months time) With regards to stretching I actually gained full motion quite easily with the help of a physio in a very short time. And I was very stiff to begin with as I  had 3 surgerys and lymphnode clearance, all  within 8 weeks. However, my physio visited me on day 2 after surgery and got me started on very easy stretching exercises and then I started visiting her about 2 weeks after I left hospital for more stretching and massage on the scars.Im sure this all helped with getting back to full range of movement. However, one problem I do have is when I try and put any weight on my arms my whole chest area goes into a tight spasm. Im told this was because there is a nerve that wasnt cut during surgery that can cause this problem as they couldnt find it due to scar tissue from my previous ops. Im going in in a couple of months so they can try again. It may be worth asking your surgeon about this as this problem could affect your ability to do weightbaring exercises comfortably. The other problem I have is a feeling of a very tight band around my chest. Again im told it could be because of the nerve thing  or expanders so hopefully this will all go after my next surgery. The other thing to bear in mind is you are only having surgery on one side and again I have met ladies who have sailed through this op with no problems whatsoever. I think definately ask your surgeon about the nerve thing as I can imagine this would be the thing that could make certain exercises feel strange for you.

Good luck, let me know how you get on,

Love, Sandyb x