continued Tissue expander pain!!

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  • Nebraskagrandma
    Nebraskagrandma Member Posts: 263
    edited August 2009

    Sandy,

         I am so sorry for all your agony the past 24 hours + You have got to be exhusted ! My heart is so sad to hear of what you have been through. It makes my trials seems so trivial. Please know that I will be keeping you in my prayers for a complete turn around in this situation and that you get a renewed strength through the positive thoughts from your sisters here .

    Many Blessings sent your way,

    Paula

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  • Celine
    Celine Member Posts: 82
    edited August 2009

    (((((((Paula)))))))), I hope you feel better the second time around and hope you can rest today. I am so sorry to hear what you have gone through. Sending you lots of love and kisses.

    Celine

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  • Nebraskagrandma
    Nebraskagrandma Member Posts: 263
    edited August 2009

    Celine,

         You are so right, in hindsight I feel that I was not told how long the process was either. I was told what was involved, but not that the entire process could take over a year. For some of our sister's it's even longer. The closer I get to the end of the process the less patient I am. Like you I am going to start getting back to one day at a time, and muster up the patients to see this through. Good thing we have Judy on board to remind us.

    Here's to a relaxing Sunday,

    Paula

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  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Member Posts: 1,092
    edited August 2009

    Sandy1964:  Soooo sorry that you had to go through all that. And so glad it is over.  Just goes to show we never know what is going to happen on this journey. Heal up girl!

    Celine:  You are so very welcome.  Patience has been the hardest thing for me too, but I got it... and now, although I advocate strongly for myself,  I do go with the flow.It is one year since I was diagnosed, and I still have nearly a year to go (maybe) but I live my life in the meantime.  Take care,  JUDY

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  • Angel10
    Angel10 Member Posts: 682
    edited August 2009

    Sandy,

    Sending you gentle hugs....sorry you had to go through this, but you sound like you are handling this with the right amount of pragmatism and perspective.  Many of us have setbacks, but it is just something to be worked through.

    And patience is something most of us get to work on during this process...even though many of us didn't know it was an issue!  Ha!

    Hang in there....

    God Bless!

    Angel

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  • swest
    swest Member Posts: 680
    edited August 2009

    ((((((Sandy))))))  I am so sorry!  Get some rest!  You are in my prayers!

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  • LizziesNuNu
    LizziesNuNu Member Posts: 56
    edited August 2009

    You ladies just made my day. I had posted on a different discussion board concerning the expander pain, wish I had just searched a bit more.

    Thank God there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I was beginning to think I'd made the wrong decision concerning reconstruction, but it sounds like my expander experience is fairly normal.

    God Bless you all

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  • Angel10
    Angel10 Member Posts: 682
    edited August 2009

    LizziesNuNu....a lot of good info here....although every one is different in terms of recovery....pain, complications, etc., it is a process that is unique, disconcerting yet "normal" at the same time.

    Have you gone onto the the Exchange City thread?  You can read alot of what happens as you get closer to the exchange on that thread.  It  does get better....I have my exchange tomorrow AM but what a ride up until now! :)

     Hang in!

    God Bless!

    Angel

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

    Yeah Denise,

    I am so glad to hear that you are doing great and the new foobs look good too Laughing

    Great news is a definite welcome here on this site. Still not sure when I will have my exchange, I have 3-4 more fills to go. Maybe Thanksgiving foobs...LOL

    Take care,

    Dee~ 

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  • LizziesNuNu
    LizziesNuNu Member Posts: 56
    edited August 2009

    Angel10,

    I'll be thinking good thoughts for you tomorrow.

    Hope to hear from you in a few days.

    God Bless and goodnight all.

    LizziesNuNu

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  • ohiogal
    ohiogal Member Posts: 3
    edited August 2009

    Dee,

    I am new to this site, and must say it has been a godsend.  Had my surgery in June 09 and the pain from the tissue expanders is unbearable at times.  Since it is hard to describe it to anyone that hasn't experienced it, I love hearing from others who are going through the same as me, that I am not crazy.  I hope to have only 3-4 more fill-ups and surgery in late October or early November.  I see you are from Columbus, and was just wondering if we were going to the same PS?  Mine is in Upper Arlington.  How about yours?

    Lori 

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  • Nebraskagrandma
    Nebraskagrandma Member Posts: 263
    edited August 2009

    Sandy1964,

    You've been on my mind alot the past 24 plus hours.  Hope you are healing from your week-end experience. I'm hoping that this can be a fresh start going forward. If the power of positive thinking and prayers sent your way help ......... it's the least I can do.

    My own issue this past Saturday with my tissue and the blisters on my lift side has amazingly improved each day. I know this may sound corny or weird but when we changed the dressing each day it almost seemed like answered prayers in action. All we have done is change the gauze, nothing put on the skin as directed after the surgery.

    I'm a nurse so I have training in these things, but I have to admit I thought by this am I would have to be back at the PS office. Instead I will just be keeping my appt. in the morning. Maybe somethings we aren't meant to understand..........

    Blessings,

    Paula

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  • sandy1964
    sandy1964 Member Posts: 14
    edited August 2009

    Nebraskagrandma, thanks for thinking of me.  I am doing much better and the redness seems to be about gone.  We were all pretty happy this afternoon at the PS office.  I am glad to hear your blisters are better.  Hope your appointment goes well and I will be sending prayers and positive thoughts your way.  

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  • Nebraskagrandma
    Nebraskagrandma Member Posts: 263
    edited August 2009

    Thanks Sandy,

    It's going to be a good week for us all, I just feel it. We're due........................

    Blessings all around,

    Paula

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

    Hi Lori,

    Yes, the pain has been the worst I have experienced in my life. You are not crazy, it's the darn aliens in your chest :) I had my bilateral masts in March. So these puppies have been expanding along time. I will be around 925cc - 950cc when done. My guy is in UA. (Dr. Heck)

    Love his name it cracks me up..lol Is he your PS?

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  • ohiogal
    ohiogal Member Posts: 3
    edited August 2009

    Dee,

    Dr. Heck is my PS.  I was wondering if maybe we were at the same guy.  I do like him a lot.  He came all the way to my town to do the surgery and has been wonderful.  I am at 450cc and am wondering how big (cup size) he thinks I am now.  I go back on Monday to see him.  I figure two more times of 100cc on each side, then how ever much he puts in extra on each side.  I guess as long as I have an idea of how much longer or how big he thinks I need to be, then I can take it.  I just can't go on if I don't see an end in sight.  Maybe I will see you in his office some time....

    Take care,

    Lori 

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

    Hey Lori,

    Where are you in Ohio? In the begining I was doing the 100cc fills. But as you get closer to the end may I suggest going down to 50cc fills, LESS PAIN! Slower is definately better (for me anyway) Small world too, I have met a few ladies that go to Dr. Heck. I have an appt on Monday too..lol Monday is the only day he does fills, so maybe we will see each other some day :) Good luck on your fills and all I can say is we better get some awesome tatas outta the deal!

    Take care,

    Dee~

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  • ohiogal
    ohiogal Member Posts: 3
    edited August 2009

    Dee

    I live in New Concord, which is about 70 mile east of Columbus.  I had a friend tell me about Dr. Heck, so that I why I chose him.  He came down to Zanesville and did my surgery, since there aren't any plastic surgeons there.  My appointment with him on Monday is at 1:30, so I can at least get a 1/2 day of work in.  I am going to try 100cc again on Monday.  I am just so ready to get these out, that I am about willing to go through any pain.  I am sure that I will have to slow down towards the end, but we will see how it goes.  See you maybe on Monday.

     Lori 

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  • nealeann
    nealeann Member Posts: 36
    edited August 2009

    Good Morning all,

    I had my TE out on Friday and the implants put in.  Mine seems to have gone a little faster then most my double was June 5, another surgery July 4 because of infection and then My left side was leaking, my PS said it was time to get the TE's out.  I had about 880cc in both sides at the time of exchange.  My only draw back is because I produce so much fluid I have a drain back in my side.  Take heart though the exchange is not as tight or is it hard and heavy.  You should feel much better.

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  • 4greatkids
    4greatkids Member Posts: 204
    edited August 2009

    Nealeann, Wow! That's thet quickest I have ever heard of anyone getting through this. And, you were filled so much in just a very short period.I hope all turns out well for you. Good luck.

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  • nealeann
    nealeann Member Posts: 36
    edited August 2009

    It was quick but I think my body wasn't going to put up with long recovery, infections, skin bruising and swelling etc etc. 

    Thank you for the well wishes.

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  • Wink
    Wink Member Posts: 722
    edited August 2009

    I don't remember who asked the question about timeline for TEs to exchange.  I had TE's installed July 6th; I've had 3 fills and believe that I'm ~ 600mLs.  My exchange is scheduled for Sept 28th - that's almost 3 month.

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  • sandy1964
    sandy1964 Member Posts: 14
    edited August 2009

    Angel 10,

    I was thinking of you and wondering how you did for the exchange.  I certainly hope all went well.   

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  • Angel10
    Angel10 Member Posts: 682
    edited August 2009

    Thanks Sandy for checking in...

    My surgery took almost 3 hours...I think he must have done some nipping and tucking of my breast so I was pretty uncomfortable both Monday and Tuesday, and had not slept well. I took a sleeping pill last night and that seemed to help with sleep so that is a good thing.  I ended up with textured implants after going back and forth on the issue because my PS said the smooth when put in, were moving around too much.  What do I know?

    I don't have that "My gosh, this is sooo much better than the TE's" feeling that I had heard about from so many others, but I am double wrapped....big gauze pads covered by tape that is pulling my skin every which way, and a surgical bra on top of that...and 2 drains. I go back Friday for the drain removal and I am hopeful that I will be feeling better then.  I know I can't tell for sure all wrapped up, but I sense I look bigger than I was than with the TE...so we shall see.  I really don't want to be too big...

    But today is better than yesterday and I am confident that tomorrow will be better than today so just taking it one day at a time!  I do know it is better and it will continue to do so....so from where I am right now....life is good!  Getting anxious to see what the "near" finals results will look like, but I still need to be more patient!  Will let you know after the unveiling! :)

    Thanks for asking!

    God Bless!

    Angel

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  • baileysgirl22
    baileysgirl22 Member Posts: 8
    edited August 2009

    I had a double mastectomy in May and it took about a good month for the serious pain to go away. My chest was still very tender and sore but after the month it started easing up a bit thankfully. My doctor was able to fill my expanders 4 times before I started my chemo. So at least now I have a little bit of a chest while Im going through chemo. While I was getting my weekly expansions I didnt experience any pain. I also couldnt feel my chest so him inserting the needle was painless!

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  • pammers
    pammers Member Posts: 6
    edited August 2009

    Hello Ladies

    I think I was last on this site after my TE was put in. That was a rough couple weeks. I'm near the end I think getting 60 cc's each time with my PS wanting me at 600 cc's. I haven't slept well and REALLY miss sleeping on my right side! When I try to turn I do feel that pull and think the TE will come out but the doc says it's normal...Ha normal....but to all of you gals who have had a rough time you are in my thoughts and prayers. I too am going thru this pretty much solo and just do what they tell me to do since not much prepping for something like this. I'm hoping to get the implants in Sep or Oct to make the end of the year deadline also for insurance. So hoping to get this 16" hardball out soon and I keep the humor to help me thru. The girls at work have been great and I have to show them with each new pump up as they say. Never had big foobs before my bc and surgery in 05 but looking forward to matching set soon.

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  • nealeann
    nealeann Member Posts: 36
    edited August 2009

    Pammers,

     I laughed at the "normal" statement and showing yourself after your fills, I would send my sister pictures but husband said no to posting on facebook for my neice.  (I wouldn't have anyway)  Good luck with your implants. 

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  • MissyKWVURN
    MissyKWVURN Member Posts: 10
    edited August 2009

    I had a bilateral mastectomy on 7/31. I'm doing very well, except for, ya'll guessed it-the discomfort of these darn tissue expanders!! I won't get my first fill for a couple of weeks. My PS starts at 6 weeks post-op, fills slowly, and after the last fill, waits 3 months until the exchange surgery. I slept on my recliner for the last 3 and a half weeks because my mom was with me for 2 and a half of those weeks taking care of me, and I could not let my 67 y/o mom sleep on the couch or a blow-up bed. I slept in my bed last night for the first time since surgery, and I came to find, I actually sleep better in my recliner. From what I'm reading, I know this gets better, but right now, I'm ready to tell my PS when I see him today at 3p to take these things out!!! Seriously, I am going to address my discomfort issues with him. Any tips other than medication??? Thanks ladies!

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  • swest
    swest Member Posts: 680
    edited August 2009

    Missy - I found that after I got the first 100 cc's I started to feel better.  It made the edges of the TE not poke me so bad.  Also, try stretching some.  That will help with the iron bra feeling.  I'm sorry you are in pain.  Please let us know what the PS says today.

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  • MissyKWVURN
    MissyKWVURN Member Posts: 10
    edited August 2009

    Thanks swest!!

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