continued Tissue expander pain!!

We can get through this! I am not looking forward to the remaining fills (have quite a few still to go) but I will take this over the alternative. I hope those of us experiencing pain and discomfort will get relief soon.

Denise

Sonia,

I had 120ml when the TEs were placed and an additional 50ml last Friday for a total of 170ml.  Right now it seems like the TEs are moving around more easily and each time they move it hurts.  I am scheduled for my next fill this Friday and after that the PS said we would wait two weeks between fills.  I don't know if I should be looking forward to the fill since it may stop the TEs from moving or scared that I will just be in more pain afterwards.  My DH is very supportive but he doesn't understand what I am going through.  I am just holding on to the assurance of so many of the women here who say how much better they felt after their exchange surgery.

Julie

swest,

I agree with you the whole thing is kind of freaky.  LOL I didn't know anyone else felt that way.  I also can not watch, in fact I try to imagine he isnt doing it.  Im not sure why the thought of him inject the saline creeps me out but it does.

Teresa

Just had to share this with my sisters.

A friend went with me to one of my fills and she stood beside the table watching.  She almost passed out and had to sit down...LOL poor thing

There's no way I would watch.......

I had no trouble watching after the first time.

I am so over fear now.. BC changed me that way.

I am one to never watch when the needle goes in but didn't mind watching it after that.  My hubby and I again it was fun watching my boobs grow right in front of my eyes.  Like I was going through puberty all over again but in fast speed lol

4greatkids - I can relate - in a way.  I teach aerobics, so in workout clothes everything's "right out there."  One of my students said "it will be fun watching you go through puberty!"  

stingbw99 - I'll bet your ps will check you first and if you're not ready then he'll wait for the fill.  My first fill was put off twice because he said I still had swelling from surgery.  When was your surgery?

This is my second go around with recon. I had the Uni Mast in October and had the expander placed at that time. The thing was agonizing  the whole time. I can only describe it as a coconut cut in half placed on my raw flesh and scraping with every breath.

As devistating as it was having it removed in December because of the infection, I felt the relief of that pain the minute I woke up.

The horrors of the TE was what scared me so much about trying reconstruction again. But, I have to say, this time is nothing like the first time. I don't know if it's because of the Alloderm or a combination of also not having to deal with the mastectomy this time around. I can feel it, but I am so much more comfortable than the first time. It has been a real pleasant surprise.

I had 200cc's put in at time of surgery and have had two 60cc fills. I have another one next week. I'm not sure how far he will go, this may be it. I was fully expanded to 480cc's the first time, but he doesn't want to go that much this time.

I haven't looked while being expander either, but you have peaked my curiosity. I don't remember being able to see them expand at time of injection. It felt more like it expanded over the next couple days, I guess that's when I would notice the change. I'll have to watch when I go next week.

It sure isn't fun, but hang in there ladies. I totally understand what you are feeling.

Candi

Just found this thread thanks to Linda54 bumping it! 

I too have the dreaded TE pain!!!!!!!!  Right now I only have the left TE.  The right one was removed due to a staph infection.  It will be replaced 6/11. 

I hate the pain & constant discomfort from the TE.  I am filled to 700cc's.  I have been getting 50cc's almost weekly since Feb.  I do not like needles & I turn my head while she does the fill.  I do not look at it until I get home.  DH & I look together!  Even though I am in so much pain after the fills, it is worth it when DH & I look at my foobie and we can see that it is coming along nicely!

How long before you could lift?  I have a 2 yr old neice that doesn't understand that I can't pick her up.

Had my 4th fill today, now up to 200 cc.  Yea!  I finally have small mounds!

Celine,

Do you a physical therapist?  If not I suggest you get one.  I had a bi-lateral mastectomy on 2/6/09 with immediate reconstruction.  I did the exercises that the physical therapist wanted me to do and with the stretching it really help!!

Good luck and God bless you all,

Carolyn

I am going for a final fill today (I hope since I only need 50ml more)!  I will be so glad to be done and schedule my exchange.  Having these TEs has been sooooo uncomfortable and downright painful at times.  I leaned over DH over the Memorial Day weekend to put the remote on his nightstand and I was in pain for two days afterwards.  I am still taking vicodin and muscle relaxants when I don't have to drive but I am worried the PS might cut me off.  I absolutely HATE the way they make me feel but I don't want to be in pain either. 

Any prayers or postive thoughts that anyone can send my way would be greatly appreciated.

Julie

4greatkids,

First of all I am so sorry that your fill caused you so much pain!  I was so bummed that my PS did not do the entire fill today (he only did 30ml) but after reading your post maybe I'm not so bummed afterall.  My PS said he could have done the full amount but because I have had so many issues with pain and have a substancial cord under my right arm he thought the 50mls would make me quite miserable.

I am going back in a week to get the final 20mls and then I will be scheduling surgery 4 weeks later.  The end is in sight!  I am so happy that it will all be over soon.  I am not even going to think about the nipple reconstruction or tattoos yet. 

I wish I could take your pain away 4greatkids.  I also have 4 great kids, two I gave birth to and two who came with my second husband.  Funny thing is I feel like I gave birth to all of them.

Julie