continued Tissue expander pain!!

Options
1…6162646667…105

Comments

  • sam1991
    sam1991 Member Posts: 331
    edited February 2009

    Ta Ta..hee hee...love calling you that....I use Demerol for my fills too and I get 100 cc at a time. It works so I just take it and know I'll be a little bit in pain free la la land. What the heck...better than the pain from the TE's. Never say you're stupid. You're not. You're brave and strong and a beautiful woman. Remember...you don't have to be in pain. Don't choose it...it's not worth it. Choose comfort.

    Small fill this Friday just to get rid of the fold/crease. Then 100 more demerol land cc's on the 24th and I'm done. Woo hoo. I'll have 700 total and 4-5 weeks later my PS will do an "even exchange" And believe me...I deserve every cubic centimeter of soft foob land......oh I can't wait.

    Hand in there ta ta Laura.....stay positive....we got a reunion to plan!!!!!!

    Kiss 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cathee
    Cathee Member Posts: 98
    edited February 2009

    Please tell me again!! Will the pain be gone after my exchange? I am schedule for surgery on Feb 17th. Yeaaa!  I had my bilateral mastectomy on Oct 13th.  I had my last fill today and now have 760cc.  Whew.  I am on the couch tonight with a heating pad.  I am hoping I will be a full C cup.  I am looking forward to sleeping on my tummy!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 6,416
    edited February 2009

    Poor Cathee.. I  JUST myself started the pain... eekkkkkkkkkkkkkkk.. all the girls tell me that the pain is gone after exchange... they will tell you more I'm sure...

    I am sorry you hurt..

    Thanks gals for feeling my pain too..

    Linda and anyone else following my new Radiation change of plans... I am 90% sure now I will be doing rads. I will make a final this weekend. ( Kris.. if you need to know more PM me... I will tell you why)

    This all sux for us all.....

    Thank God we have eachother!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cathee
    Cathee Member Posts: 98
    edited February 2009

    Estepp,

    I didn't know you were having pain.  Hugs to you.  I don't post here very much but I do read this page when I am feeling down and I don't have anything to complain about.  Everyone here is soooo strong.  It's amazing!!  I am also concerned that most of the women here are so young.   Why are women getting this at such a young age.  I am older and my kids are well established.  I feel lucky.

    Cathie

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 6,416
    edited February 2009

    My youngest is 18 Cathie... I know what you mean.. WHY are we getting younger getting this cancer? :(

    I was strong getting all my fills.. they really were no big deal... but this one.. I AM NOT STRONGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG and that is just fine.. you too sister... " it's your party so cry, whine, bitch if you want to"...  ~wink~... 'cause I am now... I am upset I have this kind of pain now.. it is NUTS! I am mad at myself for not taking the pain meds... my fault!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jan1
    Jan1 Member Posts: 326
    edited February 2009

    Oh thank you ladies, your stories are carrying me through all of this!  I keep thinking I am a wimp because I caved in a took 1/2 of a percocet and 3 Advils.  Sam1991, Cathee and Estepp!  You guys are explaining what I am feeling.  I had 200cc after right mastectomy,  100cc more on 1-14-09.  I postponed my second fill to 2-3-09 because of the spasms.  I received another 100cc last Tuesday 2-3  and am going though the rock in the chest and arm pit pain and spasms.  At 5'6'' and 150 lbs, I just want a nice shape, a small C or B +.  I hope that the prosthesis doens't hurt like this TE, and that this is the storm before the calm.  I will try the ice and heat, haven't tried the icing, only a heating pad after surgery. Right now I have only been using the bath tub, I now look like a prune!   I thank God for the microbead U shaped neck pillow.  It is the only thing that allows me to sleep on my side, it makes a nice hole for the Foob to rest in without pressure while lying down.  Thanks for letting me know that taking pain pills doesn't make me weak, I keep thinking I need to be superwoman.  Since Monday was my first day back to work, I can't take anything but Advil until I get home.  Thankfully I have a mandated unpaid day off today as I work for the State of California........It came at a good time.  Thanks  Jan

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • CAZ
    CAZ Member Posts: 678
    edited February 2009

    Cathee, Laura, Jan et al.,

    The exchange surgery was cake compared to the fills for me.  I never considered myself a wimp and rarely took so much as an Advil, but even 60cc fills left me feeling like I was having a heart attack.  I was grateful for the narcotics for two days afterwords.  I told my PS that I was certain they made the TEs out of blowfish.

    Anyway, the implants are soft, mobile and heavenly immediately after exchange surgery.  Hang in there.  It gets better.

    Carol(AZ)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cathee
    Cathee Member Posts: 98
    edited February 2009

    Thank you Carol.  I have what I think is called frozen shoulder.  I can't raise my right arm.  The left is OK.  It's been like that since my bilateral mastectomy.  Does it get better after the exchange.  I have been doing exercises but the spasms are terrible.  I thought I would wait until after the exchange to start up the stretching again.  Anyone having the same trouble??

    Cathee

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • abinneb
    abinneb Member Posts: 550
    edited February 2009

    Hi Cathee

    So sorry you're having the shoulder problem. I too had the same.  I think you will probably require professional help - I obtained a referral to physical therapy and it helped.  It was hard to get through at first, but it can be done.  See if your local healthcare center has a Physical Therapist who is a specialist in LE - has certification.  If they don't, perhaps you could check around for stand-alone pt places that may have one. 

    Did you have an SNB with the bilat mx? 

    Amyy

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cathee
    Cathee Member Posts: 98
    edited February 2009

    Sorry.  I don't know what a SNB is.  I will check out the specialist.  But, again, I don't know what LE cerification.  Thank you so much.  I was thinking it might be hopeless.  My PS said I might need a orthopedic surgeon.  Yikes!! I would first like to try some stretching exercises.

    All the ladies here are so supportive.

    Thank you...Thank you

    Cathee

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 6,416
    edited February 2009

    Cathee.. if you think your shoulder is froze... call and get set up right now with LE... ( Lymphedema ) certified physical therapist.. your issues may be greater than mine.. you my need some therapy... your Breast Surgeon should be able to turn you on to a good one!

    Good Luck Sister!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2009

    Popping in again to support all of you having expander pain.  This thread helped me so much even when I wasn't up to posting.  I had my bilateral mast with expanders last April.  I had horrible pain throughout the expansion process -- had to postpone fills twice, waited a month after final fill for exchange surgery at the end of Sept.  I was out of my mind without the drugs -- take them and do not feel weak, guilty, or negative at all about needing some help to get through the process.  I believe our bodies can heal and adapt better when it's not in crisis mode having to deal with pain on top of all the emotional/physical healing it has to do.  

    Just want to reassure those waiting for exchange, that YES, my pain was gone once I had the permanent implants.  Your pain will be over soon!!

    Cathee, SNB = sentinel node biopsy, and LE certification is lymphedema certification.  I cannot say enough about the positive experience I had with a physical therapist who has lymphedema certification.  I had therapy during the expansion process, which was helpful in relieving some of the pain.  I am going again now for therapy to get back into shape after being inactive for all those months.  I lost my arm/back/stomach strength because those darn expanders made it impossible to train during those months.  Ah, well, it feels good to finally get back into shape, and I like having someone guide me so I don't have to worry about damaging my new boobs.  I'll be finished in a couple of weeks and have made a lot of progress.

    Hugs to all, and hang in there!!

    Tina 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • abinneb
    abinneb Member Posts: 550
    edited February 2009

    Thanks for the explanation Tina - I was away from the computer and didn't see Cathee's response.

    I agree with everything Tina said - absolutely you should seek a specialist in Lymphedema and physical therapy.  I was very fortunate to also have one who had experience and interest in BC patients. 

    While I don't disagree with your doc saying you should see an ortho - I have learned that many docs are just plain not aware (or in denial) about lymphedema post breast surgery and that Physical Therapists can be specialized in it.   They are sometimes just clueless about it.  So if you do have a chance, get a referral to Phys Therapy and seek out a LE certified PT.  Mine even sent info to my PS who had actually never seen a case of cording like I had.

    I really hope that you can get some help!

    Let us know how you are doing -

    Amy

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 1,637
    edited February 2009

    All the notes above are helpful and reflect what I have experienced to this point. One thing I may add. I had frozen shoulder due to bursitis a few years ago. It was treated by an ortho and PT. Perhaps that is why your PS is sending you to an ortho, because they have experience w/ PT and are often associated w/ a particular PT group. From all that I hear the implants are MUCH better than the TE's. We will make it ladies! - Jean

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sam1991
    sam1991 Member Posts: 331
    edited February 2009

    Cathee...I had a frozen shoulder treated before my BM. It's very common in women if you read about it. I found a great therapist who does amazing body work. I went twice a week for about 4 weeks and then once a week up until my BM. So lo and behold...my shoulder froze up again after the BM due to inactivity. I just started back to my therapist once a week. It's helpful but once I settle down after my exchange....I'm going to be more aggressive with the treatment. Unfortunately it's a long road for the shoulder. There's a lot of info on the web about it but ultimately I think it just comes down to time and a good therapist. I actually had a nice treatment today. I also use arnica gel on it for pain.

    Daisy6.....you most certainly can come to Vegas.....we're taking the town over!!!! I use a heating pad....but on my back. It helps my chest feel better tho.

    Girls.....strong women take their drugs when they need them!!!!!!! Long live demerol, percocet, tylenol with codeine, advil, valium...and anything other chemical that helps relieve our pain!!!! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • abinneb
    abinneb Member Posts: 550
    edited February 2009

    Better life through pharmaceuticals....

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cathee
    Cathee Member Posts: 98
    edited February 2009

    I did have a SNB before my mastectomy but that was on my left side.  My frozen shoulder is on my right side and no lymph glands were taken.  I think I will wait until after my exchange surgery (Feb 17) then ask for a PT.  I thought I had such an odd symptom.  It helps to know others have gone thru it with good results.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • abinneb
    abinneb Member Posts: 550
    edited February 2009

    Cathee - just my own opinion - but - I would seek the opinion of the therapist as soon as you can.  Seriously - you don't want to leave it.  I know the 17th doesn't seem to far away, but if you can at least see the therapist for a consult - may not start therapy now, but at least get a baseline she can work with from there.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cathee
    Cathee Member Posts: 98
    edited February 2009

    You are right. Thank you for your concern.  I'm think I might be avoiding it & making excuses.  I need to at least get the ball rolling.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • warrior
    warrior Member Posts: 86
    edited February 2009

    Well, I'm no longer a fill virgin.  I had my first fill this week since I had surgery.  It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be except for quite a bit of pressure.  I hope it continues to go well, I'm so afraid of pain.  But, I'm starting out pretty small so I have a long road ahead I'm sure, right?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cathee
    Cathee Member Posts: 98
    edited February 2009

    Warrior,

    I was very lucky also and never had any real pain with any of the fills.  Just a lot of pressure.  I had 100cc every two to three weeks.  Once I had 200cc.  I just finished my last fill and I have 760cc.  You might not have much pain either.  The anticipation does seem to be the worst....at least for me.  Good luck.  This is such a good place to get all your questions answered.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • psalmist
    psalmist Member Posts: 214
    edited February 2009

    Laura, sorry about the pain!  I remember it, and can tell you that it will all be a distant memory one day!  I've been expanded for 3 months now and the pain is gone, and my boobies have really softened up a lot even though I still have expanders in.  Exchange is just around the corner!

    I did use some cold packs on my foobs when I was in pain - but what worked for me best was a small ziploc bag of frozen peas.  No more than 15 minutes at a time.  Feel better!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 6,416
    edited February 2009

    Thank you ! It feels like my skin is ripping..I keep putting on Vaseline to keep stretch marks away.. PS said I would not get them... but if I was worried I could use the Vaseline or cocoa butter.. I use both!!!!!  :)

    This was my last fill and the only one where my demerol did not help...eeeeeekkkkkkk

    I wonder how long the pain will last? I will probably have these TE in now until October, even though I am full... ( thanks to rads)...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 1,637
    edited February 2009

    Laura - How much are you filled in total? I can tell you that my pain dulled significantly over time after my last fill. It has been a couple of weeks and I don't have many problems, just a general tightness. I am doing stretches every day, especially in the shower. Another thing that helped me was a hot water bottle placed over my clothes so as not to risk a burn. I would hope and assume that the pain will now settle since you are done w/ your fills.

    BTW: After all the information from ladies here, I called my PS to go back in and discuss one more fill. I don't know what we will decide, but I at least wanted to talk it over w/ her.

    Best wihes!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mom_of_2
    mom_of_2 Member Posts: 347
    edited February 2009

    Mykidsmom...

    Me too...I scheduled one more fill after reading all the entries. I figure I am going through this once and don't want to make a mistake because I am over the expanders! I'm at 420 and will get another 60 cc on Thurs...4 weeks before swap. My PS wants at least a month for muscles to settle down before surgery. He is in for quite the office visit when I rattle off the list of questions I have gotten from this site regarding replacement size!

     Have a good weekend!

    Kris 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • traceyz
    traceyz Member Posts: 745
    edited February 2009

    Hey Ladies,

    I hope you are all doing great! Okay I got my exchange date, its scheduled for 3/31. I wanted the new gummy bear implants but if I get those I have o opt for a B cup because the larger ones are too wide for my chest!Cry So I am gonna get the high profile silicone?? I think thats what they are called. Anyhow I will be looking forward to that exchange! I tried to get one more fill to take me to 600, I am at 575. When I asked my PS looked at me like I had a 3rd eye and so NO!! I love him so I am staying put at 575. Take care girls!!

    Tracey

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Hood1980
    Hood1980 Member Posts: 537
    edited February 2009

    3rd eye!  LOL!  Thanks Tracey!  I needed a good laugh!  :)  I had a similar experience.  I go into to DC which is quite a drive for me to get my fills & scheduled my 6 month follow up with my BS after my last fill.  (I was over come by boob greed & hoping for one more fill!  He He!)  But my BS's eyes pooped out of his head and he quickly recovered saying,  "That's a nice looking flap you have there."  Yep, I was done with fills then too.  My exchange is 2/26.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • warrior
    warrior Member Posts: 86
    edited February 2009

    This might be a silly question but here goes...does everyone wear some type of bra while going through the expander process?  I wear a sports bra, of course the cup size is too big right now, anyone else?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cathee
    Cathee Member Posts: 98
    edited February 2009

    I don't wear a bra at all.  My ribs are sore like I have  an underwire bra on that is too small. So a bra is out of the question. And there are no nipples to show thru my t-shirt.  I was wondering if after the surgery exchange does anyone wear a bra??

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • abinneb
    abinneb Member Posts: 550
    edited February 2009

    Hi Cathee

    I was only allowed to wear the tube top, just like after the mast.  But I was wearing a sports bra not long after - once I started to heal up.  Edited to add:  I wear a bra now but not all the time.  Nice to go without!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories