continued Tissue expander pain!!

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  • traceyz
    traceyz Member Posts: 745
    edited March 2009

    Dani,

    Yes you are correct I am so excited about tomorrow. My exchange is at 12 est. So say a little prayer for me.

    Luv ya girls!

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  • Hood1980
    Hood1980 Member Posts: 537
    edited March 2009

    Good luck tomorrow traceyz!!!

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

    ((((((((((((((  TRACEY)))))))))))))))

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  • traceyz
    traceyz Member Posts: 745
    edited March 2009

    Thanks Ladies!! Less than 2 hours to go! I will get back on ASAP and fill you in on things!!

    Luv Ya!!!!!

    Tracey

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  • Vinogal
    Vinogal Member Posts: 439
    edited March 2009

    Fingers crossed for you Tracey.......wishing for little pain and nice soft boobies!

    Cheers

    Jax

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  • traceyz
    traceyz Member Posts: 745
    edited March 2009

    Hey Jax and Laura and everyone else! Im home and doing good. I am REALLY sore but im sure that the pain killer I just took will help. Yes Jax....nice soft boobs indeed!! The difference is AMAZING!!!! I now have 600cc Allergen implants and the cleavage looks good!! Thanks so much for the crossed fingers and well wishes. You girls are AWESOME!! Im gonna nap for a few but I will be back on later!

    Luv ya ladies!

    Tracey

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  • sam1991
    sam1991 Member Posts: 331
    edited March 2009

    Welcome home traceyz.....Glad things went well for you and you are going to get some rest!!!

    xxoo Kathie 

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

    ((((((((( Tracey))))))))))))))).. I will leave you a hug on every thread!

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  • Georganne
    Georganne Member Posts: 75
    edited March 2009

    Ladies,

    I'm new to this, and thank all of you for your candid advice.  On March 3rd, I had a bilateral mastectomy and had chest expanders inserted under the pec muscles.  During surgery, I had 300 cc put in and last Wed. I had 100 cc put in during the expansion.  I am feeling tightness, and soreness, but am dealing with it with ibuprofen, but has anyone ever had hives appear on your breast area? I've been wearing mostly my surgical bra, with 5" x9" pads because the sports bras I've tried seem to feel uncomfortable in very short time.  This happened today and I tried benadryl and a bit of cortisone cream, but I am concerned.  Georganne

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

    Tracey - Congratulations!

    Georganne- Sorry, I don't believe I have read about anyone w/ hives. But I would be concerned as well. Did you talk to your PS? It may be a medication you are taking! Hopefully someone will post that knows something about it! Best wishes. -Jean

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  • CAZ
    CAZ Member Posts: 678
    edited March 2009

    Great news Tracey.  Isn't it such a relief physically and emotionally?

    Georganne, I agree with Jean.  Talk to your PS about the hives.  Have you changed detergents or anything else that comes in contact?  I got a couple of pimple-like lesions during the filling process, but they were not hives.  BTW I found a camisole from Target to be the most comfortable after surgery, but we're all different.  I hope you solve the hive problem and are more comfortable soon.

    Carol(AZ)

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  • Georganne
    Georganne Member Posts: 75
    edited March 2009

    Thanks Carol and Jean. I did not change detergents or anything, but I have been told by the PS to stay in the surgical bra.  I've noticed if I am "all bound up," my hives return with a vengance, but if I am in a tee shirt + cooler, I clear up within some time. Tomorrow I go for the 2nd expansion, so may the PS will give me a RX???? Thanks for your support + kind advice!!! Georganne

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  • traceyz
    traceyz Member Posts: 745
    edited March 2009

    Hey ladies, just wanted to let cha know Im doing good! Pain pills do get the job done. My new girls look good from the view above and they feel nice and soft. I have not gotten a good look at em because I am still in the garment they sent me home in. I have been in and out of sleep all day. The pills make me really sleepy. I will catch up with whats going on with you all as soon as I can keep my eyes open for more than 3 minutes at a time. Hope you are all well!

    Luv ya ladies!!

    Tracey

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  • dee1961
    dee1961 Member Posts: 1,672
    edited March 2009

    Georgann,

    Just a thought that maybe its the pad material making you break out? Try something else next to your skin and see if it helps.

    Dee 

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  • sam1991
    sam1991 Member Posts: 331
    edited March 2009

    Georganne....True hives are caused by an allergic reaction to something ingested. A contact dermatitis is what is caused from detergents or something the body comes in contact with topically. Hives are relieved by antihistamines....sometimes steroids if they are chronic, idiopathic or cause throat constriction. Be sure to ask your PS when you see him.

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  • Georganne
    Georganne Member Posts: 75
    edited March 2009

    Traceyz, I'll be praying for you.  I hope you'll feel great + ,love your results. 

    Dee + Sam1991, Thanks for the good suggestions.  I think based upon your description sam, the problem is a hive-like contact dermatitis.  I see the PS tomorrow so, I'm sure he'll help.  Ladies, I'm a huge advocate of prayer + I'll remember you in mine. We can all support one another.  Let me know if there's anything I can do for you! Georganne

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  • dani42
    dani42 Member Posts: 423
    edited March 2009

    Tracey,

    I am so glad you have the exchange behind you and can get back to "normal'.

    Georganne,

    I was taking herbal supplements and at night I would have a glass of wine.  I would wake up beat red and very itchy.  I thought, oh no, can I be allergic to wine all of a sudden?  It seems it was the combination of the supplements and the wine, so I gave up the supplements!!!

    Is there something that you are combining or maybe it is the fabric from the surgical bra.  I couldn't stand the touch of fabric on me until this week, 5 weeks out.  It was like my nerves were on high alert.  

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  • Cherine
    Cherine Member Posts: 6
    edited March 2009

    Thank you, so much for all of the great advice it has really helped me...thank you.

    I am feeling a bit better now.  I sleep basically sitting and that helps at night...so does a heating pad.  The ty-3's are still creating havoc with my bowels, so that is an on going battle.  I am only taking one at night now to help sleep. 

    It feels like there and large rocks in my chest rubbing on bone against my chest.  There is also quite a bit of nerve pain.  Does this rock hard pressure last the entire time??

    I am dreading my first fill - I will have only a small amount put in as suggested...thanx

    You all seem so upbeat and strong.

    I do have lots of support - awesome husband & mom (who is staying with us as long as I need).

    I am feeling much more optimistic and think I just need to strap in and find my way through this process ...with everyone's help:)

    Thank you all... so very very much!!!!

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  • smmr
    smmr Member Posts: 103
    edited April 2009

    Cherine,

    The pain does subside as you go on, but yet sometimes it's unpredictable.  After my last fill, I was expecting to just coast until the exchange and then something flared up and I was having horrible pain for a few days.  Then as fast as it came, it left!!  Makes you wonder what's all going on in there sometimes!!  But truly for the most part, it just keeps getting better the more fills you have.  I can't remember when you had your surgery but if you're sleeping sitting up, I'm guessing you're less than 8 weeks out.  That's about how long it took for me to be able to sleep in a bed again!! Thank God for recliners!!

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  • Georganne
    Georganne Member Posts: 75
    edited April 2009

    Diane,

    IThanks for the advice. I do take supplements every day that could contribute to the hives, but I think like you, I'm sensitive to the fabric of my surgical bra that is 100% nylon.  I put a cotton tee shirt on next to my skin and took benadryl and put cortisone cream on the hives. It's definitely not a good fashion statement. Looks like I'm working on a red neck boob job - hahha!!!!!Today the hives are clearing up. I just got back from my PS now.  I got 100cc today so I'm up to 450 in size 600 expanders. The PS actually said I may be done in 1 - 2 more fills.  What a blessing!  Considering I had my mastectomy March 3, 2009, I am happy.  Ladies, I appreciate your help and am saying prayers for you all to get through this and feel great again!!!! Georganne

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

    Georganne - Like you, my surgical bras are all nylon. I have found some comfortable 100% cotton sports bras at WalMart. They are sports bras w/ hooks in the front. I use these at night because they are softer than the surgical bras. You may find that they are less irrating for your skin. Best wishes. - Jean

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  • Cherine
    Cherine Member Posts: 6
    edited April 2009

    OMG I am in crazy pain today!! 

    My mastectomy scars have had over 5yrs to heal, and there is a large keloid on the right side that is excruciating, and feels like it will never stretch out...does anyone else have crazy scars like this giving them trouble??

    Tracey, I hope you are feeling well.

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  • Jeansbeans
    Jeansbeans Member Posts: 175
    edited April 2009

    Cherine, You shouldn'd be in such pain after all this time!  Don't put off calling your Dr.  I hope you feel better soon, Please keep us posted, Gentle Hugs, Jeanie

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  • Cherine
    Cherine Member Posts: 6
    edited April 2009

    Sorry Jeanie...I meant that my initial mastectomy was 5 yrs ago and healed with a large keloid on the right side, but the tissue expanders were put in two weeks ago.  The left side is fairing better, but the right -especially in the keloid area- is so painful.  I just can't imagine it stretching out they way they want?

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2009

    Sue,

    This is my first post... ever, but I totally agree about the pain being unpredictable!  I had bilateral mastectomy on 02-04-09 and had expanders with 250 cc put in during surgery.  I recovered very quickly with only a few days of severe pain and thought I was through the worst of it.  The first 2 fills were less than a week apart with 100 cc each and I thought (very smugly, I might add) that I've got it made and am sailing through this thing.  Well, I just had my 3rd fill with 100 cc, and it feels like I have charlie horses in both breasts all night long when I lie flat.  Valium, Darvoset, and Ibuprofen have not touched the pain, so I'd love to hear alternative treatments for the muscle spasms.  Anybody?  They want to do one more fill next week of 50 - 100 cc, and then schedule the exchange for late May. I'm going to need a different strategy or I'm not going to make it!

     Lisa 

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  • smmr
    smmr Member Posts: 103
    edited April 2009

    Lisa -

    Wow, you've had fills very fast!! I can see why you're feeling the pain!  My fills were two weeks apart and towards the end I was just getting 45 cc at a time.  That helped IMMENSELY!!!  (If you're not on a timeline, I would ask for maybe two smaller fills to finish up.)  I just took Valium for the muscle spasms, and that seemed to get me by,  but I didn't have near the size of fills that you have had.  Hopefully someone can help you with a better remedy for your spasms.  Kathie (sam1991) is a nurse on here and she is great at helping with medications.  Good luck and welcome aboard!!!

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

    Lisa - I am w/ Sue. Your fills have been very fast - no wonder it hurts. I would ask the PS to give you some time to relaxt the muscle for a while and then go slower. Best wishes my dear! - Jean

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  • YvonneB
    YvonneB Member Posts: 302
    edited April 2009

    Hi Lisa- My fills were done very quickly too (4 days apart for the first 2) but I only had 60cc after the initial 250cc at my surgery.  I  doubted I'd be able to deal with anymore but it is surprising how you manage.  Lots of us have found great relief from anything warm, such as a heating pad, bean bag or even a warm bath.  Try to stay away from anything cold as that seems to put the muscle into insta-spasms....and take drugs!  And...a glass of wine doesn't hurt either!! LOL  Good luck and hang in there. I agree with Sue and Jean that it is way easier to deal with smaller fills.  100cc is a huge amount at one time.  It seems that 60cc is more the standard and that is more than enough by the last few fills.

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  • Missymac
    Missymac Member Posts: 8
    edited April 2009

    Hi gals.  I agree that as time goes on the fills become easier.  I am still having a little problem with my right breast being harder and the last 2 fills I only went 45cc and 50cc  on that side.  That helped a lot, but still considerable pain the first couple days.  I have been going once a week for fills.  My expanders are 400cc and to date I have 420cc in the left and 335 in the right.  I think my PS has a goal of 500 cc.  Does anyone know what size this is?  Also, has anyone had upper arm lipo and tummy tuck done at time of exchange?  One other thing, how do I get to the pictures and to Exchange City??     This site has been a life saver for me in knowing the pain is normal and there is light at the end of the tunnel.  Prayers for all of you.

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  • sam1991
    sam1991 Member Posts: 331
    edited April 2009

    Lisa...if you want to PM me I can try to help. I may not have all the answers but I can help you organize your thoughts and symptoms enough to present them to your doctor who could prescribe something different if needed. I'm sorry you are going through this pain, but you're in the right place. My specialty at work may be pain management but these women here are specialists at supporting each other.

    Click on my pic and it should take you to my profile where you can PM me. I'd be happy to try and help you. 

    Sue...thanks for your vote of confidence. Funny...I keep my patients pain (physical and psychological) so well controlled but took 6 weeks to figure my own out!!! 

    Kathie 

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