Still Uncomfortable with Implants

i guess im the only one still having pain?

its beacher, in the  "under construction" area

beacher,

I'm sorry you in pain.  My implants were also two different sizes (C and D) and I found them very uncomfortable. My PS wouldn't do anything and didn't want to even address the two different sizes. I had them removed July 5, 2011.  I'm getting used to the new feel and look, but overall I feel much, much better.  Very comfortable physically.  I'm not saying you should get yours removed too.  I just want to let you know, you are not alone.  There are many of us who have not had good luck with implants.  I'm sorry to hear about your experience.  I hope things will resolve in a way that you are comfortable with.  Hang in there.

Hugs to you.

 Faithroad,im in total agreement with leaving it in the hands of God. I try to stay strong while uncmfortable knowing he has a plan and i just gotta keep on doing what im doing.

glad you made your decision to deconstruct and are happy now.no more pain that is wonderful :)thankyou for your input it mean alot to me!!!

Beacher- I found your thread and absolutely agree that you have reasons to want to move forward.  I'd address the pain issues first, too, like you're thinking but you also deserve to get the results you want.  Here's what the Cancer Act states:

The Federal Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998

The Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) contains important protections for women with breast cancer who choose to have breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. It was signed into law on October 21, 1998. The US Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services have oversight of this law. WHCRA: applies to group health plans for plan years starting on or after October 1, 1998 applies to group health plans, health insurance companies and HMOs, if the plans or coverage provide medical and surgical benefits for a mastectomy

Under WHCRA, mastectomy benefits must include coverage for:

Reconstruction of the breast on which the mastectomy was performed.

Surgery and reconstruction of the other breast to produce a symmetrical or balanced appearance.

The prostheses (or breast implant).

Any physical complications at all stages of mastectomy, including lymphedema.

I hardly think your PS could describe your appearance as symmetrical or balanced.  They should be doing everything possible to correct this.  Sorry you are having to deal with this and pain on top of it all.  I think far too many women are having to do revisions. 

Wow Kate, that would be so awesome!!!  Keeping my fingers crossed - way to go! 

Kate,

This would be perfect for Pink-October and you have so much knowledge, so go for it.  I want to see you interviewed on TV!

As a RN, I never knew all I know now about BC, mastectomies and reconstruction.  People I have talked to know if you have breast cancer you get part of you chopped off, have chemo and radiation and they think that's it.

I thought I asked all the right questions before my DMX, yet right before surgery I was told it was not a good idea to try and save my nipples.  It would of been a horrible shock but I understood only due to my medical background.  I never thought I would need a revision surgery, which is coming up next month, and then another surgery for fipples after that.

Women need to know the most important thing is a self-exam every month! Mammograms every 2 years, or sooner with family history.  Testing if someone in your family has had BC>

This is such a good idea you have had.

As you said, I've learned more here than from the general internet or my PS or BS.

no do not! not unless its lifesaving.... foobs suck , maybe if u did not have radiation BUT radiation is a whole different situation for implants, REALLY look into it!!!

CRR - Been there, done that!  Please do more research into ALL forms of reconstruction.  Kate and I had the same revision surgery, replacing larger implants with smaller ones plus fat grafting.  What I wouldn't give to go back in time and never have TEs and implants placed.  The fat grafting has made a huge difference, but wish I would have known about it sooner.

Kate - I had sent emails to Dr. Oz, the Today Show, my local newspaper and more.  Since we are close to Pinktober, I will try again.  Glad you got a response from 20/20.  Hope they do the story.  I agree, ALL forms of breast reconstruction should be shown and analyzed in detail.  We need to know what our options are and what the pros and cons of each are. 

CRR,

Did the people you know who love their implants have radiation like you? Implants and radiation often don't mix. The failure rate is high and some plastic surgeons won't even do implants if you've had radiation.

I considered various forms of reconstruction (I had radiation on one side, so I didn't consider implants an option), but ultimately decided against reconstruction. However, I do think Dr. Khouri's technique may be the wave of the future (I actually met with him and even tried out the Brava). One thing to consider is what size reconstructed breasts you want. It's my understanding that attaining a larger size with micro fat grafting alone may be difficult, though perhaps it's a question of how much extra fat you have to be lipo-suctioned. Lee, Kate and the other experts here can probably answer that better than me.

Barbara

I had an SGAP flap in July 2008, and it is still great!  Dr. Marga Massey did the surgery in Charleston, SC.  I have been so happy with my decision to proceed in that direction.  And Dr. Massey is an amazing woman....  Just a suggestion as an alternative to implants....

CRR - totally agree - really do your homework and research implants! This is my biggest regret but as I've said before, when you get that dreaded diagnosis, I think we tend to surround ourselves with people who have had positive outcomes, take the words of plastic surgeons (this IS their business) and think that this is just how it has to be for us. I have a friend who has also had a BMX with reconstruction and doesn't even know she implants, I think most on this forum agree that we are just not informed of all the options and definitely not about what complications we may encounter,

Good luck with your decision!

tina 337 .... nothing but an Amen!

Beacher- I've just done the fat transfer. The PS took fat from my stomach, hips and thighs. I had pretty severe bruising that lasted about 2-3 weeks with some mild pain. I had my surgery mid May and have scarring from the lipo. Each scar is about the size of a freckle. The deepest ones seem to be on the thighs so am guessing those will take the longest to fade. I have a small amount of numbness on the inner thighs but that is fading more every day.