continued Tissue expander pain!!

Karen,

       Sometimes it just helps to vent to others who have been there. Everyone is different, but I can tell you some things that helped me. My PS gave me scripts for pain pills and muscle relaxers. In the beginning I was just using the pain pills to get me through the expander pain. Since the PS office was skimpy on refills, I talked to one of the nurses about it and she suggested I try to rely on the muscle relaxers more. When you stop and think about the process it makes sense that the expander is under the muscle, you need to rely on muscle relaxers to help with the discomfort and spams.

         When I started using muscle relaxers more and pain pills less it did help. I also didn't have to deal with all the side effects from pain pills. I tried to use more Extra Strength Tylenol. Don't get me wrong............I still used Norco especially just before fills.

          I agree mornings seemed to be the worst, I got a body pillow and used it to get more comfortable at night so I could sleep more toward my side. I still use the body pillow, it has become a good friend.

Hang in there and remember you are loved,

Paula

Hey Sandy.

It wasn't as bad as last time but he only put in half the amount.  I feel the tightness starting to build though, LOL.  Kind of like a pressure cooker!

I have to say though, Pamela Anderson and Dolly Parton better look out, LOL.  I will try and post some pictures in the next few days. 

Thanks 4greatkids,

I'm all about the long hot showers.

xo

Karen,

       I also had an under construction t-shirt, but my favorite t-shirt is the one I got after my exchange. It says : No they're not Real, the real ones tried to kill me ! Sometimes you just have to laugh at it !

       So glad you did better today, be good to yourself. I'm happy that you got a break from your job, it will make this alot easier to deal with. I was lucky because I am a triage nurse a casual float. I work for other nurses when they want time off. My clinic was so supportive, I was gone from work from end of June '08 until end of Dec. '08.

         One day at a time, as corny as it sounds that is it. Sometimes a morning at a time, but this to shall pass. I used to think about getting back to normal, but I think of it as my "new" normal.

Relax, take care !

Blessings to you

Paula

       

Hey Nebraska I love the sayings on your tshirt.  Did you have them printed like that or did you buy them already done?  I would love to have some like that.  

Paula, thanks I went to the site and already ordered a shirt.  Autism?   We had a dear granddaughter that was diagnosed with autism shortly after she took her 1 yr vaccination.  She was perfectly normal until then.  Needless to say life was a whirlwind after that.  Unfortunately she turned into a runner and ran in front of a semi when she escaped from her other grandmother's home.   It could have very easily happened while on our watch.  She was only 6 and the love of my life.  That was almost four years ago.  I sure do miss her.   Sorry to get off track. 

Sandy,

        Glad you found the web site, they have so much to choose from. Yes autism, I have a Grandson that will be 8 in Sept. He was diagnosed before age 2 with Asbergers. He has been getting treatment since then. He has done so well he went to 1st grade with no IPP in place. He will be starting 2nd grade soon. We have been very lucky to get the help he needed as quickly as we did.

           Enjoy the web site...........sometimes we just have to laugh so we don't cry.

Have a great day,

Paula

Nebraska, there are so many autistic children any more.  More and more progress is being made for treatment.  

Thanks for kind words Karen.  I guess I was just pretty down last night.  Not looking forward to my surgery and getting drains reinserted tomorrow.  One of my favorite saysings is " And this too shall pass".   

I know what you mean Sandy, the drains were the worst part for me.  How are you feeling?  Why did the drains have to go back in?

xo

That's wonderful Denise, I'm so glad this is behind you. Take it easy, don't rush yourself. Thanks for the update, I am so, so, happy for you !

Paula

YAHOOOOOOOOO DENISE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  That is great to hear!  I am looking forward to mine on the 26th!  Can't come fast enough!!!  I hope you continue to heal pain free!

It took longer than I thought it would, I guess I am a product of the instant gratification age. I had unilateral mx July 3rd 2008, with TE placed & 100 cc's to start. I had regular fills every week or so and then had to wait I think it was 4weeks. I filled to 550 -600 cc's and had my exchange surgery on Nov. 3rd. I thought that I could finish up by years end thinking I wouldn't have to spend another out of pocket deductible................wrong. My PS wants the exchange to have at least 4+ months to settle in.

My next step was a lift to the right with nipple recon on the left with tissue from the right. I could have had this in May sometime, but I had my mammo scheduled for May, and follow-up with my Oncology Surgeon. I also had alot of plans with my Kids and Grandkids so I didn't want to be back on restricions during May-July.

So on Aug 10th, I had my lift and nipple recon. Everything seems to be going well, if so this should be my last surgery Yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh !!

I know this seems to take so long............... I can remember how impatient I was, I just wanted to get that stupid TE OUT !! It will all be worth it soon. Hang in there !!

Blessings,

Paula

Very Good advice Judy,

Your wait makes mine seem like nothing. I love your picture, that smile is priceless.....

I have a very good friend that had bilat mx last Oct '08 had expanders, fills, radiation, study drug X 8 months and should have her exchange this Oct-Nov.

I thought I had just had my last surgery. BUT not so fast this am I have some tissue that doesn't look the best on my lift side. I have small blisters, and color not as good as rest of the area.

One step forward maybe two back ? I sent a picture to my son in San Antonio that is a Dr. Since I couldn't get through to the answering service line for my PS. (We had storms this am) My son said it could wait until Monday am but I should call them then. Now EVERTHING goes through my mind. Curses.............

Blessings everyone,

Paula

Thanks Judy,

me too............

Paula

Well, I'm home from the hospital again.  Had my left breast TE removed yesterday and cleansed and the area drained and cleaned with an antibiotic solution and then two drains were inserted.  I did have some unusual pain actually more so than with the original MXS.   I was home 2 hours when I noticed blood and when I opened my blouse my breast area had swollen to the size of a soccer ball.  This was so frightening.  We called the PS answering service and told them we were off to the ER.  PS had to do surgery on me again at 2:30 AM.  He drained over a pint of blood from my breast.  I evidently had a vein that bled.  Don't get me wrong- I have a wonderful PS.  He is outstanding and it is just one of those freak things that happen.  I got home around 5 PM tonight and actually feel pretty good.  My husband is exhausted and has been in bed for a couple of hours.  I do get pretty down and discouraged at times but I am determined to finish this.  I have to learn patience as I have never really been a patient person.  Thanks for all the support.