continued Tissue expander pain!!

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  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 6,416
    edited February 2009

    Psalmist.. yes,, that is me...

    Yvonne... I am so sorry I missed your post.. so sorry.... your incision broke open.. OMGosh.... I would have just died.. passed out right there..... I hope all is right with you now too!!!!

    Thanks Tracey... I don't yet feel good about my choice.. all this time.. I have felt REALLY great about my choices.. this one... my final rads choice.. I still am not OK with... I hope that is not a sign.

    Everyone around  me is happy about my choice... whatever....

    Gods Love... L.

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  • sweets
    sweets Member Posts: 17
    edited February 2009

    Thanks so much for the support! All of you are great!

    I spoke with the nurse at my PS, asked for muscle relaxers, she said they did not use these, just take advil. I do have some xanax from when I was first dx with BC, I will take one of these with the advil before my appt and will talk to the PS myself. I really do not want to go slow with the fills, I live 2 1/2 hrs from PS and problems with getting off work. I just want to get this over with.

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  • sam1991
    sam1991 Member Posts: 331
    edited February 2009

    psalmist

    I am having a little lipo at my exchange. Hips and belly. I'm not a heavy person but it's that little skin that my child lovingly gave me 17 years ago that no amount of gym time has gotten rid of. He pulled my hips and belly down and back during and appointment and said....now that's a bikini body. He was right....it looked fabulous. So I decided to go for it. I He's using a little of my belly fat to fill in the "dimples" up top after the exchange. I'm thi up top so it's easy to see where the mastectomy ended. It will look more natural to create a slope with my own tissue. So because it's during the exchange, I don't have to pay for anesthesia or the facility fee. I just pay for the lipo procedure.

    Sweets

    I went fast too. It's just how my PS does it. I get my meds from my primary md not my PS. I had 360cc at birth.....then 100 at 1 month, 3 weeks and then at a little under 2 weeks...the last one was my request because my expanders had a uncomfortable crease in it that the fill helped. I'm at 660 and will have 700 implants. It's funny.. the bigger I got...the better I felt. But everyone is different and I seem to be not the norm...but hey whatever works for you. Do you have any pain meds left over from your surgery? You could try using them if the pain is bad. I think alot of us do that. I use my demerol for my fills but it's originally from my BM. Good luck to you honey.

    Kathie 

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  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 1,637
    edited February 2009

    Yvonne - Yikes. I cannot imagine what you went through.

    Sue - I also have no sensation in my breast area. My PS told me to make sure to touch and massage and otherwise manipulate the area - perhaps I will get more sensation over time. I sure hope so, since that is the oddest part of this whole thing for me. I had skin sparing, but not nipple sparing surgery. 

    Laura - It is interesting that you have so much sensation. That is probably why you have been in so much pain for these last few fills.

    Sweets - My PS also does not prescriber muscle relaxers. But I have been okay so far w/ the extra strength tylenol before the fills and sometimes a narcotic at night after the fills. I still have a few lortabs left for this purpose.

    Kathleen - I can't say for sure whether your initial fill had anything to w/ your issues, but boy oh boy, your PS certainly did a big fill. I don't know of anyone else w/ so much after surgery. That must have been SO painful!

    Take care ladies. And, as Laura said, feel free to post in Exchange City.  - Jean

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  • Cathee
    Cathee Member Posts: 98
    edited February 2009

    Katheen,

    I think the numbness is just the skin on top.  Down underneath the muscle is sore and achy.  In the beginning of the fills it was painful when the saline sloshed across the muscles.  It is much better now that it is tighter.  They don't hurt just very tight with pressure.

    So sorry for all your pain.  That was scarey.

    Hugs to all of you Ladies

    Cathie

    Countdown is Feb. 17th exchange

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  • YvonneB
    YvonneB Member Posts: 302
    edited February 2009

    Hi Laura,

    Hope you are having a better day today.  I feel your angst over making the right decision re: rads.  It is hard becase the choice is so personal and you get so many varying opinions.  One of the first things a friend told me was to make my choice about treatment and surgery based on what my heart told me.  Initially I had no clue what my heart was saying because my brain was so out of control!!  Hopefully your heart will "speak up" in time!  My thoughts and prayers are certainly with you.

    Hi Sam, You go for it girl!  A friend of mine just had a similar procedure (she is 50) and she looks amazing.  It is the first time since she had her daughter (28 years ago!) that she feels good in a bathing suit.  Well worth it.   God knows we could all use a little "feel good"!

    Morning Sweets, My GS doesn't prescribe muscle relaxers either.  Thanks goodness for Mom's with a little stash of the good stuff! 

    More on my incision...I went back to my PS for a dressing change and he said it was healing but would take awhile for it to mend again...then...last night I must have rolled over and somehow slept on my foob...how I could sleep through it I don't know, but this morning it is open again!!! GRRRRR...This last couple of weeks feels like a step forward and two back! 

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  • kmccraw423
    kmccraw423 Member Posts: 3,596
    edited February 2009

    Thanks ladies!  It was too full I think because when they said they wanted me to get up and walk the hospital halls I thought they were nuts.  All I wanted to do was get into the fetal position and stay there indefinitely.  When they removed the expanders I didn't have a smidgen of pain from the surgery.

    YvonneB - yikes!  I know what you mean.  Having to wait for 9-12 months before trying reconstruction again is like forever.  Is it a seroma you have?

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  • 2cancersurvivor
    2cancersurvivor Member Posts: 5
    edited February 2009

    I too am having lipo with my exchange. I plan to look hot this summer in Hawaii!Cool My exhange is on Feb. 25 and I can't wait to get rid of these hard blocks. I'm a high school PE teacher and every time one of my students accidentally bumps into me they seem to look at me with an expression of "what was that, an iron boob?" I guess I'm overly sensitive!

    Good luck all. I know the pain can be bad, but I know it will be worth it! After nursing 3 kids my old boobs were very sad and I was happy to see them go. Not that I was happy to have cancer again, never that, but I'm looking for the bright side.

     Joani

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  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 1,637
    edited February 2009

    Cathee - Feb 17? That's practically tomorrow! Congratulations! I bet you are psyched!

    Yvonne - My goodness, can't your PS do something that will hold the area closed. I don't know how to can make yourself not sleep in a certain position. I am so sorry you are having to deal w. this!

    Kathleen - Did your PS ever explain why he/she wanted to put in so many cc's right away. Did you have your BM at the same time? If so, I cannot imagine what you went through!!!!

    Joani - You sound like a totally optimistic lady! What a wonder you are! Enjoy your lipo and your soft foobs! Feb 25 is almost here!

    Actually, I feel like April 9 is almost here as well. Take care everyone!

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  • kmccraw423
    kmccraw423 Member Posts: 3,596
    edited February 2009

    I had the double mastectomy and the expander inserted at the same time.  My breast surgeon did one mastectomy and then the PS came in to insert and fill the expander while the breast surgeon did the other mastectomy.  They had to reverse the anesthesia because I wasn't waking up and then the bleed occurred so it was back to surgery. 

    He never did explain why just seemed pleased that we only had a little ways to go to finish (700 or 750 cc).  I had two surgeries that day and while I remember absolutely nothing my sister said I kept repeating in a tiny little voice "ow."

    When I woke up enough to feel and remember the pain I kept asking everyone for a gun.  At that point I wasn't sure whether I wanted to shoot myself or everyone else.

    But you know, you do what you have to do.  Family have told me how brave they thought I was - but I didn't have any options.  Anyone can be brave if you don't have any other options.  I am looking forward when I can try reconstruction again.

    Thanks everyone and best of luck to each of you.

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  • sbmolee
    sbmolee Member Posts: 1,085
    edited February 2009

    TIna - you describe it perfect!...It was like a suction thing...maybe air that needed to disappate

    Jeanie - hope you are enjoying your exchange!!

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  • psalmist
    psalmist Member Posts: 214
    edited February 2009

    Hi all,

    I went to my PS today for a pre-exchange consult and got to pick out my new foobs (Mentor high-profile silicone 460 cc).  Yay!  

    Joanie and Kathie, you both got my interest up, so I asked my PS today about lipo, and he said it would be no problem at all to do a little contouring on my outer thighs.  I'm slim, but can't get rid of the saddlebags no matter what I do.  So I'm going to get that done while I'm under the anesthesia.  I can't believe I'm doing it!!  The price difference for the lipo wasn't that much at all.  My PS's assistant said now is the best time b/c I'll have to wear a compression garment for about 4-6 weeks, and that would be a bummer in the summertime (when I get the nipples done).  

    I never thought I would have plastic surgery.  It's amazing how comfortable I am with all this.  On to  March 3rd...

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  • smmr
    smmr Member Posts: 103
    edited February 2009

    Hi ladies - this has turned out to be the highlight of my day - reading everyone's posts!!  When I'm feeling pain at work, I look around and know that noone can understand what I'm going through, but that when I get home I can logon to this site and feel like we're all on the same path!!  I truly can't thank everyone enough for sharing their personal triumphs and disappointments.

    Sherry - I had to laugh when I read about you running into the car door or person next to you and not realizing it.  This is exactly what happens to me!!  It's not that I don't feel it at all, it's just such a foreign feeling it takes a while for me to realize what's happening!

    Sweets - I feel your pain with being 2 1/2 hours from your PS.  That's exactly what I am too, and I haven't officially told my boss what my surgery was for back in December (since I didn't have cancer).  I'm sure he is wondering why I keep putting in leave requests every two weeks.  

    Jean - Thanks for the advice to massage the breast area.  I've heard other women talk about that too.  My PS had never mentioned that.  Well, that will be a challenge because it is such a weird sensation when I do touch them that I try to avoid it !!  Probably not helping matters any! 

    Yvonne - So sorry about your incision opening back up.  Grrrrr...is right!!!   Did your doctor use steri strips on your incision?  I had so many steri strips on for about 3 weeks after surgery that I don't think I would have even needed stitches!!!

    Joani - Loved your comment on the iron boob!!  I just met my daughter's boyfriend's parents for the first time a couple weeks ago.  My daughter warned me that his family were "huggers".  She was concerned that it would hurt me.  I said no it wouldn't hurt but they might wonder why I have rocks in my chest.  I told her to hug me and see if it was noticeable, which she did, and then she cracked up laughing!!  She was like - Oh my gosh, Mom!!!  Just keep your coat on when you meet them and maybe that will give you a little cush!

    Joani and Kathie - Way to go on the lipo!!  Now is definitely the time to do it.  It's like a reward for everything else we have to go through.

    Oops, this turned out to be a little longer than I was planning!  Thanks for listening! 

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  • CAZ
    CAZ Member Posts: 678
    edited February 2009

    Kathleen,

    I can't imagine filling the expanders so much at the time of BM.  My PS was happy to be able to get 60cc in each implant right away.  I know we're all individuals, but EEE GADS!

    Maybe you could get a 2nd opinion before you retry reconstruction.  I'm so sorry you've had to go through all this.

    Carol(AZ)

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  • Cathee
    Cathee Member Posts: 98
    edited February 2009

    I need a little pep talk.  I am having my exchange on Feb 17 Tuesday and I'm getting a little nervous.  My PS said it's a breeze and I will be feeling better in 3 days. Is this true? I would like to hear from someone who has had this done.  I was all up for this surgery but I'm getting a bit panicky.

    Countdown to Feb 17th

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  • warrior
    warrior Member Posts: 86
    edited February 2009

    Cathee...you will be just fine.  Good luck to you, we will all be thinking about you.  Hang in there and keep your head up!!

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  • CAZ
    CAZ Member Posts: 678
    edited February 2009

    Cathee,

    The exchange is MUCH easier than the mastectomy.  I took a week off from work but felt good enough in a couple of days to fly out and visit family.  I was a little tired if I overdid it, but I only needed pain meds for 2 days after surgery (even though I required a little pocket adjustment).  Don't worry.  Tolerating expanders was much more uncomfortable and debilitating than the exchange surgery.

    Carol(AZ)

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  • abinneb
    abinneb Member Posts: 550
    edited February 2009

    Cathee - I'm right there with Carol.  Significantly easier than the mast.   I sent you a PM.

    Amy

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  • sam1991
    sam1991 Member Posts: 331
    edited February 2009

    Cathee

    You will do great. I'm so excited for you. You'll soon be on this thread supporting all of us gals who are getting our exchanges. I cant' wait to get my date. It'll be March sometime. I"m so sick of these tupperware lids I could scream. So you go in there strong and come out soft and even more beautifulKiss

    Kathie  

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  • sbmolee
    sbmolee Member Posts: 1,085
    edited February 2009

    Oh Goodness Yvonne!  Can the PS take some cc's out so you heal faster? 

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  • Cathee
    Cathee Member Posts: 98
    edited February 2009

    Thank you Ladies for all your kind words!!!  What would we do without each other.  I just viewed the pics of the before and after and I will try and post my befores & afters.  I have 760 cc so I haven't seen any that big.  I am just a full C.  So maybe it will help others.

    Again, thank you everyone for a soft spot to land on.

    countdown Feb 17th

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  • suedap
    suedap Member Posts: 11
    edited February 2009

    Had exchange done 2 days ago..what a difference to have that miserable expander gone! I also had the nipple done at the same time and had my left boob reduced...that hurts more than the implant! I am doing very well but still do not want to look at the result. Took a quick look today at the drs when the bandages came off...Like he said its still gonna take some time for swelling to go down etc. Its still all too new to deal with mentally but every day gets a little better. Physically I feel really good but still a bit emotional...thanks to everyone for sharing...it makes things so much easier...Sue

    ert kant.not have that

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  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 1,637
    edited February 2009

    Sue - Congratulations on the exchange and nips!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  • Cathee
    Cathee Member Posts: 98
    edited February 2009

    Sue,

    So glad to hear you doing so well.  I needed to hear that. I too am one that doesn't want to look too soon.  I barely touch them.  Thank you for sharing.

    Hugs

    countdown February 17th Tuesday!!

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  • warrior
    warrior Member Posts: 86
    edited February 2009

    Can someone tell me how to get to the pictures site?  I'm sure it's right in front of me, but I can't seem to find it!  Thanks.

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  • Cathee
    Cathee Member Posts: 98
    edited February 2009

    You have to send a PM to TimTom and she will give you a password.

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  • warrior
    warrior Member Posts: 86
    edited February 2009

    I had my SECOND fill everyone!  Woohoo!  I know I'm far behind everyone else it seems.  I'm definitely feeling the pain and discomfort that everyone talks about.  I think I will wait at least 2 weeks for my next fill.  My left side hurts more than my right.  It kind of looks like two large softballs under my skin!  I sure hope the implants look better than this!Cry

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  • warrior
    warrior Member Posts: 86
    edited February 2009

    Is her name somewhere in the Forum Index?  Sorry, I'm not too smart about these things!  Thanks!!

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  • fairy49
    fairy49 Member Posts: 1,245
    edited February 2009

    hi ladies! well the red is back on the right foob! just finished the IV antibiotics last week jeez!!!!! so rushed to PS this morning and am on oral antibiotics as of today.  They are not sure if its infected OR it just got irritated by something.....my exchange is March 3rd, I am holding on and praying that we get there! All prayers and finger crossing welcome!!

    Lorraine

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  • Cathee
    Cathee Member Posts: 98
    edited February 2009

    Sorry, It's TimTam.  Just go to members list and send her a personal message.

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