Pain from tissue expanders?
Comments
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Wow this isn't a good thread to read for someone with upcoming surgery with TE's... I am terrified... seems it is some awful pain...
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Do these TE ever feel normal. I an four weeks post op bilateral masectomy. I feel like I have rocks on my chest. I have terrible pain between my shoulder blades. I start chemo on Friday and will have to have these TE in for another 5 months. I am ready to get rid of them. I go in for a fill today and I am not looking forward to it. Some say it gets easier with each fill.... I hope they are right! Cause with chemo starting and this pain I am at my wits end.
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Togetherness, unfortunately the TEs will always feel like rocks sitting in your chest! My biggest advice is to have your Dr send you for physical therapy for range of motion and muscle release! This helped me tremendously!! Good luck to you and I hope your fill and your first chemo went well last week!! God bless!
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I go Friday for modified radical both sides, TE at same time and now Im really nervous about the pain. I know the TE will be painful- but it seems like it is much much worse than the picture the PS and BS have painted.
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Everyone's experience is different - while TE are not comfortable, I never had pain bad enough to medicate, and I had them in place for quite a while. Remember that people tend to post about bad experiences, the people who had no issues probably don't post about it.
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I thought I'd post because I'm 11 days post op with TE's and I'm doing okay. Yes these aren't comfortable and at times it feels even tighter.. I still have my 2 drains in also... but all in all I can handle this and look forward to eventually getting the permanents which I know will be comfortable (or eventually comfortable). The only thing that really sucks is having to sleep on my back... cannot wait to lay on my side again.
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I had to post. As with all things, pain is different for everyone. I have had my third TE placement on my left side. The first was at my bmx in Dec 2011. All this time my right TE has been sitting there half filled at 500 ccs. I have been through chemo, renal failure, and two infections, and removal of two on my left while the right just Hung out. It feels ok, no pain. I had some pain at first, if course, but pain on my right was and has not been an issue for almost two years. On my left of course, its been rough. This third time, I am just four days out of surgery and what is bothering me is the darn drains. So far, just taking two pills a day instead of 6. So, if you are having pain, get PT, or help from your doc. If you are waiting for surgery, take a deep breath, and wait and see how you react. You may be ok. Much love.
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I am not considering reconstruction at all. I want this over. If I make it great. If I don't so be it. Reading about all of this pain, I don't understand why anyone would want breasts ever again. I understand it is an individual choice. I understand women would want to be "whole" again. I have never identified my body image with my breast. Ever. So I am very resentful of the fact that a "breast" is holding me hostage. A "breast" or "breasts" don't define who you are. Mine are 42 year old breasts--not perky 24 year old breasts. Believe me after my diagnosis--Inflammatory Breast --cancer, I am more than happy to see them gone for good. I am not a model I don't need them to make a living. I am very confused as to why anyone would ever want them back. -
idalia - the pain of TE is only temporary. However, seeing breasts in the mirror after a shower have done wonders to heal my soul. This "healing" will last much longer than my pain. This is why I wanted reconstruction. To each her own. -
Ialia - Just a kittle confused as you appear to have had pretty strong chemo (same as me ) but you listed Inflammatory BC as your Dx . Did you mean "invasive" as in IDC?
I hope all you newby surgical ladies get past this initial pain real quick . Once the drain comes out that helps for sure. I turned out to have a Latex allergy as well as having to leave drain in for two weeks. The TE felt more like a stretching feeling more than pain . Sure have a hard time figuring why girls woud subject themselves to a cosmetic BI , same goes for tatoos. Just had mine for RADS.
Remember too that as you get older your weight will likely change as will your non surgical side. If they would just come up w/better mastectomy bras it would help a lot. I wore camisole and shirts to work as a bra was too uncomfortable. -
I'm 3 and a half weeks out from bilateral skin/nip-sparing mastectomies and just want to tell you all how much it's helped me to read your posts, since I'm still in a lot of pain and my plastic surgeon isn't returning calls or emails about it. I was wondering if perhaps he thinks I'm being a big baby, but after reading about how long and how much pain you've all had, I'm guessing he's just a poor communicator. Lucky me--I get a handsome, charming plastic surgeon who's also hard to get hold of and doesn't seem to want to hear about my "iron bra" pain.
What's worked for me has been to wrap a long, soft knitted winter scarf around my chest twice and pin it in place. That's cut way down on the chills/spasms I was getting. But I'm still on half a vicodin plus 600 mg of ibuprofen every 6 hours and the pain is so bad that if I go even 20 minutes over that 6 hour mark, I find myself running for the meds. That's worrying me--how long can I go on taking that combination before I get addicted or wreck my stomach lining? -
Widdershins, it should start getting better soon. I know the difference between weeks 3 and 4 was the turning point for me. But its all individual. I took the whole pill for 3 weeks straight. On week 4 I started expanding the time between pills by an hour. When I got to two hours over, I cut back then. Took my normal pain pill (Tramodol))- Ultram) and took my Hydrocodone at night or only if I did too much. Again everyone is different. Some only need it for a very short time. You are aware of addiction possiblities so I think thats a good sign. Less pain means faster healing. Good luck. -
So.. I had a bilateral mastectomy August 29. I took Percocet for 6 weeks. I actually did try to wean off of it at 3 and 5 weeks and ended up going back on it, I was in so much pain. I also took Gabapentin and Lorazapam 2x a day, and am just now starting to wean off those. Yes it's hard to wean yourself off these drugs after you take them so long, but IMHO it's harder to be sore all the time. I have young kids and a busy household and without the drugs, I was a completely miserable in-pain grump in the evenings, the only time I got to see my family. Plus this is hard enough as it is without being miserable all the time. So if you feel you need the drugs, and are aware of the dangers of addiction and willing to face those, then go ahead and take them. You're already a rockstar for going through this, be gentle with yourself regarding pain. -
Just a note about pain meds for those recovering from surgery: many years ago (pre-BC), I went through a ten-week Pain Management Program at Kaiser. I had been referred for severe fibromyalgia and chronic severe back pain.
It was a wonderful program, but here is what the doctor said about using pain medication, especially narcotics...
If you are taking drugs like Vicodin or Oxycontin on a regular, daily basis just to eliminate your pain completely, then you are abusing the drug.
If you are taking these drugs in order to be able to FUNCTION throughout the day, or SLEEP through the night, then yes, you are taking them appropriately.
Many of us can never completely eliminate pain, but we can make it manageable, and other drugs may accomplish this.
However, after major breast cancer surgery, the pain meds do more than just alleviate pain. A body that is in pain is stressed, and a body that is stressed will not heal.
Now is not the time to be a martyr.
Just a thought... -
To all of you ladies who recently had a bilateral mastectomy (or other surgery) and are still in pain, please know that controlling pain right after surgery is very important. The likelihood of long-term pain is higher in those of us who experience a lot of uncontrolled pain after surgery. I was not lucky enough to benefit from narcotics, as they only constipated me, made me depressed, and they made it hard to think clearly. If you are concerned about long-term use try to wean gradually. You can start by introducing an over-the-counter pain reliever (if approved by your MD) between narcotic doses to lessen the narcotic frequency. Many might think this is crazy, but relaxation techniques made a huge difference in my situation. Remember Lamaze breathing? It helps because lowering tension can lower muscular pain. Progressive muscular relaxation, such as starting at the toes and working your way up also helps. I send healing vibes to all. I know how you are feeling, even though my surgery was over 4 1/2 yrs ago. Some things are never forgotten... -
I have been quite lucky that I havent had much pain from my TEs until last fill. This week I only got 50. And I am uncomfortable. But not in pain much. If tomorrow is not worse itll be fine. But he had a hard time putting in the fluid today. So im almost there! Exchange date is 12-18 -
Jenny - how right you are!!! Deep breathing and progressive relaxation... two more incredibly necessary techniques to reduce pain!
Yay, Moonflwr912! Exchange will be here before you know it!!! -
I had a double mastectomy in 2008 with immediate reconstruction. I was 34 at the time. I couldn't wait to have the evil t.e.s removed. Implants felt like heaven. I was diagnosed Oct. 6 2013 with recurrence. They want me to do radiation which will mean taking both implants out because the other would be in the way of the rad., replacing them with t.e. Filling the rad side and semi filling the other side. I don't know what to do. I can't imagine going through that whole process again. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad because I'm already stretched out. I am worried that the rads will harm the skin so much that I won't heal. I'm only 40. I can't imagine not having breast and I can't imagine going through reconstruction again. I am beside myself. Feel like I'm going crazy agonizing over this. My husband says he doesn't care what I choose, but I think deep down, it will change things between us. I am horrified that I have to make this decision. BTW I found that Advil, with Tylenol used together helped the pain of t.e. better than any prescription. It does get better. -
Mikesgirl17. first of all I am SO sorry you are going through this again. have you consulted more than one plastic surgeon? It is true that radiation can harm the skin and muscles for future expansion, but the fact that you are already expanded might make a difference, and if that does not work out there are other options . There is one silver lining in all of this, as far as I can see. Since you chose aggressive surgery without radiation the first time around, you now have that valuable tool at your disposal to treat your recurrence. Do you have access to a major cancer center? Can you get a second opinion? Recurrences are more common than you think and most are effectively treated, but where you get your care can make a difference. The stress that you are experiencing can also be lessened with relaxation techniques, although a prescription of some sort is very appropriate; insist if you do not have one. You might want to check out some of the newly diagnosed threads. Your husband sounds very supportive; things might change in some way, but if he has been there throughout your treatment he is obviously committed; much has been written on the topic of sexuality after breast cancer and there are therapist that can help in that area. For now, try to focus on treating the cancer, there will be time for other things later. I will be praying for a positive outcome for you.
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Mikesgirl. Sucks. I hate cancer. I am sorry you have to go through this again. I dont get why they would take out the implant and put in TEs before rads? I thought TEs were bigger and tougher, I would have guessed they would just leave in the implants. But then I am not a doc. Maybe its because the Rads might tighten you up so you have to be expanded again after? Ug. I dont blame you for being upset. But I think if your DH has been there all along then he means to stand with you again..Marriage is always changing so add one more change to it but keep on trying because it dounds like he is! Much love, and may your Rads cause little damage. -
I have a question for those of you who have completed this process and now have your implants. I had my BMX 3 weeks ago and have TE's in place. I am experiencing all of the same miserable discomfort and pain that everyone else is. When I last went in to my PS, I just cried. I said that I just want to feel 'normal' again. He gave me a hug and said that I will never feel 'normal' the way that I define normal....but there would be a new normal. SO, my question is...what does that mean? What does it feel like to have the implants? Absolutely no pain? You can wear whatever you want? Freedom? What about the loss of feeling in your chest/breasts? Do you get used to that? Right now, I can't even touch my 'breasts' because it is so bizarre.....I feel like I've been injected with novacaine and I cannot stand what it feels like to try to touch the area. Does that get better? I would love to hear what it feels like to be on the other side. I need to prepare myself for what is to come, good or bad. -
Im about 12 weeks in- I just finished my last fills in te this week, so will go for exchange in about 8 weeks. The new normal changes daily, as you heal, get fills, work on your range of motion, go thru other treatments, etc. You are early days, so get thru healing from the surgery to start with! I was terrified of tes but turns out it has been pretty ok (was going to say good, but guess not). I generally havent had pain from having them in. Have had 50cc fills once a week, which was a good amount for me. Try not to allow much more than that- yes might be done sooner, but probably will be more painful. Alot of the time I dont even think about them in there. My chest is weird, yes, alot of skin with no sensation, and the scars healing. And the expanding te's , they are funny looking...Im now in a waiting mode til exchange, which is supposed to be much less painful a process and surgery.
So take a breath, work on healing from bmx, you are still you! -
I agree with aviva5675. Limiting the amount of saline per fill cal make the process more tolerable. I had a lot of discomfort for a while, but mine was due to nerve pain on my chest. Once that passed my new normal is pretty good. Four years later I can wear almost anything I want, although I find that very binding tops are not comfortable. Daily movements that stretch the pectoral muscles in every direction makes a difference in my comfort level. I do these things automatically. Most days I don't focus on the cancer and I am pain free. I regained a little skin sensation on my chest but it is not the same. This has not been problematic for me, I refuse to focus on that, although some women find it very upsetting. -
Oh, yeah..... that ol' "New Normal" reference... I hated it when any of my docs mentioned it. I said the Old Normal wasn't all that bad... but then I guess it was, considering it meant having BC.
I am almost two years out from BMX and TEs, and 15 months out from Exchange to saline implants.
Honestly, I do feel my implants every single day, if I think about them.
That, however, is the key. While we are in the midst of the storm, our breasts are all we think about (aside from all the other considerations that our diagnoses cause us to worry about.)
What happens is that after exchange, one of two things will happen: you will be extremely satisfied with the result, and will feel MUCH better (and you probably won't ever post about it here on BCO) or you may have some challenges, and it will take a while to find a place of acceptance.
Sometimes that's a mental and emotional change that needs to take place; other times it involves multiple physical procedures, or an actual surgical revision. These are the stories that newbies fear the most.
Back to feeling my implants - I do think about them because they are located under my pectoral muscles, which I use for just about everything. But it's just a feeling, not pain, not discomfort. It's a bit of an internal bra feeling, which really isn't so bad after having huge, droopy, painful fibrocystic breasts prior to BC.
I do have perky New Girls that I consider my breasts, not my Foobs. They are a part of me now. DH says they feel normal to him. I have way more feeling in them than I thought I would. I have full range of motion, but I do have regular myofascial release massages to keep the fascia supple.
Life is good. -
Im suppose to receive 5 more injections then I can supposedly have my expanders removed and my implants put in. I had my double mastectomy done august 1st 2013. Today is January 22nd 2014. I have to say for me this has to be the worst experience I have ever had. The first few injections were just an uncomfortable tightness. Now I am in a lot of pain at night and in the morning. It is really hard to lay on my sides. Usually after I take a warm shower for the rest of the day I just feel like I have a million rubber bands wraped around my chest. I have let my dr know this and he claims I am the first patient ever to complain of such pain. I have had 4 children with no meds at all. I always thought of myself as a pretty tough cookie. Honestly this is physically and mentally draining! I just want it over and I am ready to throw in the towel and just get this process over!
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Golden1, many people experience expansion discomfort, how big are your saline injections? Not everyone can tolerate large ones, I could only handle 25 cc's. Perhaps you could request smaller ones or aim for smaller implants. I used to take a Motrin ( and 1/2 of a Xanax!) before each injection. Have you tried water mobility? Stretching in a pool lessened my chest tightness during the expansion process. This too shall pass...even though it seems interminable.
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Hi Golden1- I am so sorry to hear you are suffering at the moment. I shuddered with sympathy when I read your post as I experienced similar pain and discomfort. It makes me sooooo angry when I read that another Dr has told his patient he has never experienced this before. It makes you feel like the biggest whining baby!! They must have come across it, as there are so many woman on here who complain about similar pain. You are not alone- hang in there!!!
It is worth it in the end, as the foobs are so heavy, and seem to cause back and neck problems. I think one's level of pain depends on nerve involvement, and how the surgical site is healing underneath. Are you on chemo? I figured out the first week of chemo made it worse. The skin over the area would literally become very shiny and then peel off. I sat every chemo with that terrific tight feeling over my chest. There were 2 distinct areas of pain. It felt like the TE's were pressing on an open wound.
Now for the good news! The silicone implants felt much better instantly. They will always feel slightly peculiar, because they lie under your chest muscle, shivering is another strange experience. Golden - my biggest tip is -don't go too big - stick with smaller implants. Every one of the ladies on the painful implant thread emphasis this. Smaller is better!!!
As I said - hang in there Golden, it will get better. Please feel free to PM me if you have any questions. Thinking of you and sending you big careful hugs!
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Hi All,
I'm new here, pls. bear w me. My surgery was on 01/27/14 (BM). These TEs are killing me!!! OMG!!! My chest burns all the time. It hurts all the time. It is so hard to do anything. When I drink water, juice, etc...my chest and arms freeeeeze. So, I have been an iceberg. Does this pain ever cease? Will I ever warm up? I am really sensitive to a lot of meds, so it is hard to find something to take. I just want them removed. I think I will be fine now with no breasts (even though I was always made fun of for being small). I'm actually afraid to ask my PS if he would do this. He would probably think I had lost my mind. Who knows, maybe I have. LOL. Between crying and moving around like a robot and oh yes, trying to sleep on my back, Ugggggggg. Will I make it? I really need some positive feedback. Thx for all the feedback.
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Chartruese. Hugs! It does get better. But i had a LOT of pain for 3 weeks. After that it started to improve a lot faster. But i stayed on narcotics til then. Others don't have that much pain but a lot do. It's all individual. When the pain gets better I would make sure they don't fill you a lot at one time. Take it easy. Do you still have drains? I slept in my recliner for weeks. So sounds like you are normal. A sucky normal, but one that should get better soon. If you are at all red or run a fever, call your Doctor! Much love.
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Chartruse - Hi and welcome! Like Moon says, it gets easier, but the beginning is the worst. I had about two weeks of intense pain and then it started to taper off. Everyone's experience is different, but as different as we are, we all get it and know what you're going through. My skin was stretched so tight from the TEs that I had a hard time wearing anything (silk, cotton, flannel, it didn't matter) for about a month. I finally got my PS to give me a prescription for 3% lidocaine cream (which is topical) and that numbed me up enough that I could get dressed if I needed to leave the house for a few hours. So be patient, it does get better, I promise. Sending you a big hug and a prayer!
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